Wednesday, September 5, 2007

** Ontario paramedics move towards self regulation

** Pressure mounts on Queensland Ambulance Service

CANADA NEWS

** Ontario paramedics could be one step closer to self-regulation. That, at least, is the possibility being dangled by a press release put out by the Canada Newswire (September 4). According to the tome, Minister of Health George Smitherman has requested EMS workers be included in the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). Supported by the Paramedic Association of Canada (PAC), as well as the EMS Chiefs, the move could see Ontario workers join those in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia. Practitioners in these provinces are overseen by members of their own profession. Ontario Paramedic Association (OPA) Director of Public & Media Relations Glen Gillies said the organization has been seeking self regulation since 1995.

AUSTRALIA NEWS

** Queensland’s beleagured ambulance service is taking it on the chin once again, after it was revealed a paramedic who stole drugs for his girlfriend remains in the organization’s employ. The Brisbane Times (September 5) said the revelation comes just one day after an Opposition party member called for a public inquiry into the service. According to the newspaper, Opposition emergency services spokesman Ted Malone blew the whistle on the situation yesterday duirng a parliamentary session. Malone questioned whether retaining the ambulance officer was a misguided response to the current staffing crisis. Admitting the medic remains on the QAS payroll, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said the ethical standards unit is now reviewing the case. Demoted to transfers following the stripping of his paramedic duties, the practitioner was reinstated after being given permission from the ambulance commissioner.