** Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service looking to app to help save lives
** UK medic dies suddenly while at home; cause of death pending
CANADA NEWS
** Winnipeg’s Fire Paramedic Service is hoping to implement use of an app that would bring nearby citizens trained in CPR to the aid of cardiac arrest patients. The CBC (Marianne Klowak/October 17) said Pulse Point would allow those in distress to receive CPR before an ambulance could arrive on-scene. According to the news site, the app, which would activate simultaneously with 911, would maintain a database of those trained in CPR as well as in AED use. Off-duty medics, police officers, doctors, nurses, and lifeguards, for example, might be some of those called upon to offer assistance. Service medical director Dr. Rob Grierson said the approach would increase patient survival as it would lessen the interval between the cardiac arrest and life saving care. With a start-up cost of $82,500, implementation of the idea also involves about $12,600 annually. If approved by city council, Pulse Point could be online next year.
UNITED KINGDOM NEWS
** Funeral services are pending for a former North West Ambulance Service paramedic who died unexpectedly at home Saturday. The Accrington Observer (Bianca Murray/October 19) said Steven Garratty, 55, who had also served 13 years in the army prior to his EMS career, passed away at his home in Clayton-le-Moors. According to the newspaper, Garratty’s sister said he was not suffering from any known illness at the time of his death. He leaves a wife and young daughter behind. Autopsy results are pending.
