Author Archives : admin

** Australian state of Tasmania enacts tougher paramedic laws

** Nova Scotia man arrested, charged after chasing medics with knife

** Tasmania now has new laws in place aimed at preventing people from attacking or resisting EMS personnel. That is the word from The Advocate (Doug Dingwall/July 3) which said the statutes, which came into effect July 1, will pertain to anyone who assaults, impedes, resists, or fails to comply with a paramedic’s direction. In addition, it is now illegal to claim paramedic status with Commissioner of Ambulance Services credentials. Similarly, vehicles can not sport the word “paramedic” unless carrying a legally recognized practitioner. False help hail penalties and new rules for emergency forced entries are also part of the legislation. Health and Community Service Union Tasmania state secretary Tim Jacobson said the changes are positive in a number of ways. Along with clearly allowing medics to take charge of call scenes, they also prevent fake or unregistered providers from attempting to treat patients.

** Halifax police in Nova Scotia have charged an area man with assault with a weapon after he chased paramedics with a knife Saturday. The Chronicle Herald (Ian Fairclough/July 6) said the 6 p.m. incident played out after EMS was hailed to attend an unconscious man. According to the newspaper, the man, 31, became aggressive upon waking, brandishing the knife in the air, and forcing medics out of his apartment. No one was injured in the incident. Along with the above mentioned tags, the unidentified male has also been charged with uttering threats and breaching a court order. He is expected to appear in court today.