Monday, November 5, 2012

** BC medics and dispatchers vote to strike

** Missouri researchers advocate heavy handed order mandating medics get annual flu shots

CANADA NEWS

** An EMS strike could soon be in the offing in British Columbia, with some 95 per cent of paramedics and dispatchers voting in favor of industrial action. That is the word from the Times Colonist (November 2) which quoted CUPE 873 president Bronwyn Barter as saying the vote gives union negotiators a clear idea of what to look for at the bargaining table. The union’s move comes only three years after a 7 month ongoing strike resulted in the government legislating medics back to work.

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Some 25 per cent of St. Louis paramedics in Missouri are not getting annual flu shots. A press release put out by Saint Louis University (Riya V. Anadwala/November 2) said the number is well below the 90 per cent compliance rate recommended by the US Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2020 program. Study co-investigator Terri Rebmann, PhD, said the vaccinations protect both responders and patients from infection and even death. Medics, however, are not as convinced. Sixty per cent of the non vaccinated EMTs said they don’t believe the shot is safe and that many of the side effects are unappealing. Rebmann disagreed, advocating the heavy handed tactic of forcing flu vaccination among EMS personnel. In a related story, InfoWars.com (Felice Freyer/Providence Journal/October 5) said the state of Rhode Island took a similar approach last month, mandating, but not legally requiring, flu shots for all health care workers. Those who refuse can sign a form indicating their choice, but must wear surgical masks when dealing with flu patients.