Monday, October 1, 2007

** Calgary medics laid flat by wage decision

** Pretoria, South Africa paramedic in serious condition following smash

** Australian air ambulance targeted by ground laser

CANADA NEWS

** Calgary medics continue to smart over the announcement of their arbitrated settlement, with the practitioners’ union saying workers could quite en masse over the decision. The Calgary Sun (Shawn Logan/September 29) quoted Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3421 president Bruce Robb as saying the 12 per cent wage hike over three years has stunned providers who were hoping for 30 per cent. Robb, who called the decision a nightmare, said an illegal walkout could also be in the offing. The settlement announced last week comes after 425 EMS workers voted to strike in July. At that time, the city had offered a 12 per cent wage hike, the amount the independent arbitrator awarded.

SOUTH AFRICA NEWS

** A Pretoria paramedic continues to recover in hospital after a Saturday accident in which his EMS unit collided with a truck. SAPA (September 30) said the evening smash on the N1 occurred as the ambulance was responding to an MVA. Eyewitness accounts indicate the unit hit the dark 22-wheeler while it sat parked in the highway’s slow lane. The paramedic, who remains in serious condition, was ejected from the vehicle on impact.

AUSTRALIA NEWS

** A ground based laser beam is being blamed for delaying an in-flight air ambulance Friday. The AAP (Andrew Drummond/September 29) said the light, which targeted the aircraft around 11 p.m., emanated from Sydney’s inner west section. Set to land at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, the chopper hesitated when the pilot was forced to redo his pre-landing check. The helicopter was transferring a brain surgery patient from the Nepean Hospital at the time. The incident is the second in two weeks. Both police and Air Traffic Control are investigating.