Thursday, August 2, 2007

** Security expert hired to protect battered UK EMS crews

** New Orleans medics looking to acquire hospital tents

UNITED KINGDOM NEWS

** South East Coast Ambulance workers are likely resting a little easier, now that the service has hired a security expert to help protect them from patient and bystander assaults. The BBC (August 1) said Bill Chilcott will assist in investigating incidents, at the same time as providing pointers to keep staff safe. During 2006, Kent, Surrey and Sussex practitioners saw 99 assaults against them.

UNITED STATES NEWS

** New Orleans paramedics have applied to the city to fund rapidly deployed hospital tents. That is the word from Eyewitness News (Bill Capo/July 30) which said the 1,200 square foot structures can house as many as 25 medical beds at one time. EMS Logistics Director Carl Flores said the $600,000 requested would pay for two tents, as well as a command tent that could house computer and communications equipment. Employed during crises or for standing use, the makeshift buildings could also supplement current facilities. As a result of Hurricane Katrina and a February tornado, EMS operates out of FEMA supplied trailers.