Monday, July 23, 2007

** Driver in fatal ambulance crash faulted in accident

** Senior BC Ambulance management reviewing inquest recommendations

UNITED STATES NEWS

** The preliminary investigation into the death of three EMTs in a July 19th accident near Paulding, Ohio has found the driver of the ambulance failed to properly enter an intersection. The Associated Press (WTOL/July 20) said practitioner Sammy Smith, 64, slowed down, but did not adequately handle the cross section. He then broadsided a semitrailer. Five people perished in the crash, including two patients. Funeral services for the three Antwerp EMS providers are pending.

CANADA NEWS

** Along with the installation of oxygen sensors in every ambulance, a coroner’s inquest into the deaths of two BC paramedics has recommended mandatory breaks for EMS dispatchers. Kamloops This Week (Marck Macdonald/July 22) said the report is currently being vetted by senior BC Ambulance management. In addition to the aforementioned, Service spokesman Bob Gallaher said the tome’s final recommendation would be actioned immediately. Under the suggestion, families will be given the name of a contact person who will update them on which parts of the report have been implemented. The inquest, which closed earlier this month, looked into the May 2006 deaths of Kimberley paramedics Kim Weitzel and Shawn Currier at the Sullivan Mine.