Wednesday, October 17, 2007

** Welsh medics train for dealing with bariatric patients

** Jury finds against Missouri ambulance service in wrongful death suit

WALES NEWS

** In anticipation of an expected obesity epidemic, Welsh Ambulance Service medics are apparently being trained in how to lift morbidly overweight patients. That is the word from the Western Mail (Madeleine Brindley/October 16) which said practitioners are using a 28-stone (392 lbs.) mannequin to practice technique. Specially designed by Corwen-based firm Ruth Lee Fire and Rescue Equipment, the doll is believed to be the largest and heaviest employed in any country. The training comes at a time when the nation’s chief medical officer, Dr. Tony Jewell, intends to make obesity a top five concern in his annual report. Predictions postulate 50 per cent of UK residents will be obese by 2032.

UNITED STATES NEWS

** A Missouri ambulance service is on the hook for $100,000 after a wrongful death suit resulted in a a finding againt it. The New Democrat Journal (Sarah AuBuchon/October 9) said DeSoto’s Valle Ambulance and paramedic Darren Scott Meador were found at fault in the deaths of 18-year-olds Paul Phillips and Brittany Warren. The duo died in January of 2005 after colliding with a unit driven by Meador. The families of the deceased contended Meador failed to follow proper emergency driving protocols. Both families will receive $50,000 each in compensation.