Thursday, February 24, 2011
** New York EMT, accused of ignoring dying patient, arrested for shoplifting
** New Zealand medics stretched to breaking point by quake’s aftermath
UNITED STATES NEWS
** A Brooklyn EMT, already in trouble with police for allegedly ignoring a dying patient, has been arrested again, this time for shoplifting. That is the word from the New York Daily News (Kieran Crowley/February 23) which said Melissa Jackson, 25, has been charged with petit larceny for the alleged Monday heist at a Westbury, Long Island Walmart. According to the newspaper, Jackson was taken into custody by police for apparently pocketing $49 in cosmetics. Along with the incident earlier this week, Jackson is facing criminal charges in relation to the death of pregnant asthmatic patient Eutisha Rennix in December 2009. Jackson and her then partner were in the Au Bon Pan cafe when Rennix went into distress. Witnesses said the duo declined to help her. Jackson’s partner in the incident, Jason Green, died July 18 after being shot outside a city nightclub.
NEW ZEALAND NEWS
** Christchurch paramedics attempting to deal with Tuesday’s earthquake aftermath are being stretched to the breaking point. The New Zealand Herald (February 24) said medics are being kept hopping dealing with cardiac and respiratory patients, as well as those suffering crushing injuries to the chest and extremities. Toiling non-stop, practitioners got some relief yesterday when 150 St. John Ambulance paramedics journeyed to the city to help out. In addition, Radio New Zealand (February 23) said Wellington Free Ambulance has also sent in its paramedic rescue squad. By Wednesday morning, the official death toll from the temblor had reached 71 people, but authorities are estimating it could reach into the hundreds as more access is gained to those trapped beneath buildings and in crushed cars. Initially concentrating on the inner city, S & R personnel have now fanned out into the suburbs to search for survivors. Australian, British, and US rescue teams are assisting in efforts as are groups from Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and Bahrain.
