** Ohio considering legislation that would allow EMS responders to treat pets
** Kentucky paramedic pleads guilty to drug charges
UNITED STATES NEWS
** The Ohio legislature is apparently pondering passing legislation that would allow EMS responders to render medical treatment to pets. That is the word from the Twinsburg Bulletin (Mark Kovac/May 20) which said, if passed, HB 187 would see medics rendering care to cats, dogs, and other animals. Drug administration would not, however, be part of their scope nor would responding to 911 pet calls. Rep Tim Ginter (R-Salem) said the proposed bill essentially allows first responders to stabilize hurt animals through such things as stopping bleeding and immobilizing injured limbs. The pet would then be transported to a veterinarian. The bill received its first hearing Wednesday.
** A former Kentucky paramedic could face up to a decade behind bars after pleading guilty Tuesday to tampering with Fentanyl and morphine vials. The Independent (Mike James/May 20) said Ashland County practitioner Ashley Sturgill copped under a plea deal to removing the drugs from vials and replacing them with saline. According to the newspaper, the jig was up for Sturgill in 2013 when police began investigating missing drug ampoules at her service. Once authorities zeroed in on her, she was eventually fired and had her state licence pulled. Along with jail time, she could be tagged with $250,000 in fines. Sentencing has been set for September 9th.
