** Issue of in-ambulance cameras heading to arbitration in Essex-Windsor, Ontario
** Pennsylvania medic, accused of raping mentally challenged woman, released on bail
CANADA NEWS
** Arbitration dates for October and November of this year have been set for an Ontario service and
EMS union battling over the issue of cameras in ambulances. That is the word from Blackburn News
(Jason Viau/March 1) which said the dispute over recording happenings inside Essex-Windsor
EMS units has been brewing since last summer. According to the news site, union reps say the
cameras are invasive and a violation of both the collective agreement and employee rights. Along
with patient treatment, the cameras would also be able to record private conversations between
EMS crews. CUPE Local 2974 President Ian Nash said ideally he wants the devices removed.
However, if an arbitrator rules they must stay, he said signs should be placed in ambulances alerting
patients they are being recorded. A spokesman for the service, meanwhile, has declined comment
pending the outcome of the arbitration.
UNITED STATES NEWS
** A Pennsylvania EMT accused of sexually assaulting a mentally challenged woman has been
granted bail. CBS Pittsburgh (Harold Hayes/February 29) said Penn Hills resident Parker Foster,
50, was released Monday on an unsecured bond. According to the news service, Foster stands
accused of attacking the wife of a mechanic after the woman indicated she had never been inside
an ambulance. Prior to his release, Foster waived his right to a preliminary hearing on the matter.
The case will now go to trial. A date has not yet been set. Foster’s lawyer, however, said he expects
an acquittal.
