** New South Wales ambulance union in Australia says cash infusion for EMS is mere drop in the bucket for what is actually needed
** Man threatens four South African paramedics with knife
AUSTRALIA NEWS
** A $150 million funding boost announced Wednesday for EMS in New South Wales still falls far short of what is needed, union reps say. That is the word from 9 News (June 9) which quoted Health Services Union Secretary Gerard Hayes as saying the money is too little to make a positive impact on medic fatigue and stresses caused by a growing Sydney population. Hayes said his organization has long lobbied for 250 more paramedics in urban areas, as well as 800 more throughout the state. According to the news service, the announced cash injection will see only 85 new EMS responders in metropolitan and regional zones. A further $5 million will be spent on recruiting 35 advanced paramedics. Australian Paramedics Association President Steve Pearce concurred with Hayes, saying response times in New South Wales are so poor only 85 new prehospital practitioners will make little difference.
SOUTH AFRICA NEWS
** A Roodepoort man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly pulling a knife on four paramedics who had stopped to help him. The Roodepoort Northsider (June 9) said the 11 a.m. incident played out after the ambulance the medics were riding in was hit by a car going the wrong way down the road. According to the newspaper, when two of the providers approached the car to see if the man required aid, he became menacing and pulled the blade. He then pursued them with the brandished knife as the duo attempted to leave the scene. Police arrived a short time later. No one was injured in the incident.There is no word yet on the man’s next court date.
