** Florida paramedic investigated for allegedly working Legoland job while on paid leave
** Australian paramedics in Victoria having to warn parents away from leaving kids in hot cars
UNITED STATES NEWS
** A soon to be retiring Orange County, Florida paramedic is on the hot sheet after being accused of theft and fraud in relation to working a second job. WFTV (January 21) said Ken Flanders, who is also a firefighter, is under internal investigation for the toil because he allegedly undertook the work while on paid leave covered by the Family Medical Leave Act. According to the news service, Flanders has not been suspended, though he is on vacation at the moment. A 25 year employee with Orange County Fire Rescue, his record is apparently unblemished. He was also recommended for a promotion. Details on the specifics of the allegation have not yet been released.
AUSTRALIA NEWS
** Sweltering temperatures in Victoria have seen paramedics run off their feet in the last three weeks responding to young children left in sealed cars. That is the word from 9 News (January 22) which said practitioners have responded to 111 such help hails since the beginning of the year. According to the newspaper, EMS providers are baffled as to why parents are choosing to leave kids in the hot vehicles. Ambulance service tests show a 29’C day can see car interiors heat to 44’C within ten minutes. Within 20 minutes, the temperature skyrockets to 60’C. The Herald Sun (Tom Minear/January 22) said most of the incidents take place in grocery store parking lots and have involved children under the age of 10. If successfully prosecuted, culrpits can face hefty fines or even jail.
