** Drunken UK patient produces lock knife while refusing EMS treatment
** Retired paramedic, former interim head of Ontario EMS service seeking to jump into provincial politics
UNITED KINGDOM NEWS
** A Martock man who pleaded guilty to pulling a knife on paramedics has gotten off easy, with a judge sentencing him to pay mere fines for the offence. That is the word from SomersetLive (October 24) which said Jonathan Thornley, 46, who entered his plea October 3rd, will have to pay 190 pounds in total. Only 30 pounds is a victim surcharge. According to the newspaper, EMS was originally hailed to treat a drunk Thornley when he fell and hit his head. After becoming aggressive, he warned the medics off, at the same time as producing a lock knife. Thornley’s lawyer said his client did not threaten the medics with the blade. He said mitigating circumstances surrounding the crime include a bike accident when Thornley was 11 and a tractor crash in 1989 that saw him lose an arm.
CANADA NEWS
** The former interim head of Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services in Ontario is now vying to become a politician for the provincial Conservatives in 2018. The Quinte News (John Spitters/October 24) said John O’Donnell is looking to gain the nomination to represent the Hastings-Lennox and Addington riding. Prior to this, O’Donnell had worked nearly 40 years as a paramedic. He retired from his acting chief position this past July. Two other contenders are also in the race to become the selected candidate.
