Monday, May 30, 2011

** Pennsylvania senior fires on medics he thought were burglars

** Georgia EMT arrested on drug charges

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania EMS brass continue to investigate a last Thursday incident that saw paramedics dispatched to the address of a frightened senior who shot at them when they entered his premises without permission. That is the word from CBS Pittsburgh (May 26) which said the mix-up occurred around 4 a.m. at an area apartment block. According to the news service, medics wrongly entered the first floor instead of third floor suite at the behest of an anxious caretaker. Once inside, a startled 85-year-old man fired a shot into the ceiling to warn off what he thought were burglars. While one medic fled during the melee, it was soon found that the patient was two floors up in the building. He was later transported to hospital without incident.

** Gold Cross Ambulance in Augusta, Georgia is undertaking an extensive investigation after one of its own was arrested and charged last week with drug possession and intent to distribute. WJBF (Navideh Forghani/May 26) said John Rangel, 47, was taken into custody after police were tipped off. According to the news site, Rangel had 10 Valium pills on him at the time he was arrested. Currently on administrative leave, his apprehension has prompted the ambulance service to do a complete inventory to determine exactly what supplies were stolen.