Wednesday, April 13, 2011

** STARS air ambulance in Manitoba being kept busy while on loan

** Bahamas emergency ambulance attacked by yobs lobbing beer bottles;medic injured

CANADA NEWS

** Manitoba’s decision to use a STARS air ambulance to help in rural rescues was apparently a necessary one, as the chopper has handled over 12 calls since April 1. CTV Winnipeg (April 11) said the helicopter, which is being loaned by Alberta for two months, has dealt with a variety of emergencies, including heart attacks, strokes, and patient transfers. An April 10th call involved rendering treatment and transport to a female equestrian who had been thrown from her ride. The chopper is manned by a flight paramedic, flight nurse, and two pilots.

BAHAMAS NEWS

** A Stella Maris medic behind the wheel of an ambulance on a emergency run was injured Monday after vandals lobbing beer bottles broke his unit’s windshield while in transit. The Tribune (Ava Turnquest/April 11) said the incident, which occurred around 1 a.m., played out as the rig was lit up with sirens blaring. According to the newspaper, the culprits were in a truck which pulled alongside the ambulance. Although the unidentified medic was injured by the flying glass, he managed to maintain control of the vehicle. Police continue to investigate.