Friday, July 20, 2007

** Calgary votes to strike

** Michigan EMT killed in crash

** Pennsylvania medics indicted on drug charges

CANADA NEWS

** Only four of the 440 Calgary paramedics casting ballots on the issue of strike voted against the measure. That is the word from the CBC (July 19) which said overwhelming support for industrial action has led union officials to set today as the date to consider what next step must be taken. The province has already said it will not allow medics to walk off the job. Health Minister Iris Evans said an emergency tribunal or disputes inquiry board would be immediately instituted to keep practitioners off the picket lines. Providers, who are seeking an 18 per cent salary increase over three years, have taken umbrage with the city’s offer of 12 per cent. The latest contract expired in June.

UNITED STATES NEWS

** A West Michigan EMT is dead after a car accident in Kalamazoo County Tuesday night. News Channel 3 (July 19) said Paul Dickens, who worked for an EMS service in Hillsdale County, also taught at a Kalamazoo’s Borgess Medical Center. According to police, Dickens was travelling down the I-94 when a tire came off a vehicle in front of him. The tire hit Dickens’ truck, causing him to lose control and strike another vehicle.

** A Greenfield, Ohio married paramedic pair have been indicted on charges of felony drug trafficking. 10TV (July 19) said Dustin and Dustina Davis appeared in Highland County Court Wednesday. According to the news site, both Davis’ allegedly tried to peddle Oxycontin to undercover cops. The meds were obtained through Dustina who was on a workers compensation leave from her job in Circleville. Along with the above charges, the pair could see more severe penalties wrack up due to having their children accompany them on drug deals. Both the Bureau of Workers Compensation and child welfare services are investigating.