March 28, 2024

** Pennsylvania introduces legislation to allow paramedics to collect blood samples from DUI suspects

** New Mexico paramedic, accused of stealing, using dead patient’s credit card, leaves EMS job

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Pennsylvania politicians are angling to have paramedics assist police in drawing blood from DUI suspects. That is the word from Levittown Now (Amanda Kuehnle/May 11) which said two state representatives have now introduced related legislation. According to the newspaper, the proposed bill known as The Officer Brian Gregg Act, would see medics permitted to take the blood sample in the ambulance rather than having to transport a drunken suspect to hospital. The legislation’s sponsors say not only will eliminating a hospital trip for the procedure return police to service faster, it will also help remove inebriated drivers from the road. Currently, paramedics can only conduct blood draws as part of their medical treatment for a patient.

** A Santa Fe, New Mexico paramedic either quit or was sacked after allegedly stealing and using the credit card of a deceased patient. The Santa Fe New Mexican (May 10) said Michael Harcharik, 31, was let go Friday after his April 11th arrest. According to the newspaper, Harcharik allegedly ran up $11,200 on the man’s card. He conducted 49 transactions in total. Among these was a $1,624 riding lawnmower purchase. He has been charged with theft of a credit card and fraudulent use of a credit card. The day after his arrest, Harcharik was allowed to return to work on alternate duty. A union spokesman said his organization supports the city’s effort to fire Harcharik.

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