Tuesday, October 9, 2007
** Fatal Colorado air ambulance crash pilot had clean flying record
** Queensland ambulance officers to consider new rostering system
UNITED STATES NEWS
** National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators continue to look into the cause of a Colorado air ambulance crash last Friday. The Associated Press (October 8) said officials have already determined the pilot’s flying record over 22 years was clean. According to the news service, Wenatchee, Washington resident Ric Miller, 46, also did not issue a distress call prior to the twin-engine Beech King Air C-90A going down. Along with Miller, paramedic Dana Dedman, 32, and flight nurse Ronnie Helton, 25, also died in the mishap. Dedman hailed from Chinle, Arizona. The crash was the first fatal accident for Eagle Air Med.
AUSTRALIAÂ NEWS
** In an effort to alleviate pressure on Queensland ambulance staff, the state’s EMS service could move to a four on, four off system. That is the word from News.com.au (October 7) which said the 12 hour daily work schedule would see an increase in medics toiling during peak periods. Announced by Premier Anna Bligh Saturday, the approach is also being touted as a way to ease fatigue caused by overwork. If accepted by the ambulance union, the new roster could be in place by January 2008. Along with the schedule, the service is also expected to augment staff complements by 250 in the near future.
