10/30/11

Canada

Ambulance bursts into flames after hitting hydro pole in Oshawa - Canada

The two ambulance attendants, who were the only ones in the vehicle, were taken to a hospital with minor injuries and have been released.

Oct 30, 2011, 7:15:04 PM

America

Fire Department wonders why it wasn’t asked about ambulance corps takeover - New York

Fireman Ron Jernick, who is also a Fire District commissioner, inquired from the audience late in the session if any Town Board members, when first approached by ambulance corps officials about a town takeover months ago, had asked them why they had come to the board “and not the Fire Department.”

Oct 30, 2011, 7:12:15 PM

America

Chipola Paramedic program shortened to an 11-month course - Florida

The paramedic program at Chipola College has now been shortened to an 11-month, three-semester course.

Oct 30, 2011, 7:10:11 PM

America

With money tight, fire departments closing or looking to merge Read more: With money tight, fire departments closing or looking to merge - Pennsylvania

A lack of volunteers forced Edgeworth to decertify its 106-year-old volunteer fire department. More Pennsylvania towns are discussing merging or closing volunteer fire departments as the number of firefighters declines and money gets tighter.


Oct 30, 2011, 7:08:23 PM

America

Canton Fire Department ambulance math - Ohio

he city administration and the union representing Canton firefighters have been at odds over the staffing of the department. When daily staffing drops too low, up to three of the city’s fire stations are closed, and ambulance service is sometimes temporarily stopped.

Oct 30, 2011, 7:07:43 PM

America

Canton ambulance debate boils down to budget, OT - Ohio

For more than a year, a debate has raged involving the city’s ambulance service.
The argument has continued during the current mayoral campaign, pitting the union representing city firefighters against Mayor William J. Healy II and Safety Director Thomas Ream.

Oct 30, 2011, 7:06:18 PM

America

Firefighters get parking tickets while getting flu shots - Pennsylvania

The trucks were parked for about 5 minutes Wednesday in permit-only spaces reserved for City Council members. But council President Darlene Harris denies any involvement.

Oct 30, 2011, 7:03:45 PM

America

Toddler's death sparks HFD response system probe - Texas

Three months after the Houston Fire Department implemented a new policy, there is an investigation into whether the changes may have slowed down response time when a toddler's life was on the line.

Oct 30, 2011, 7:02:51 PM

America

Staten Island EMS chief to retire after clash with FDNY bosses, sources say - New York

The borough's EMS chief has put in his retirement papers rather than accept a transfer and a possible demotion, just days after he clashed with his FDNY superiors over how to handle a union dispute

Oct 30, 2011, 7:01:13 PM

Criminal

Man Tries To Steal Fire Truck - California

The suspect wasn't able to drive the fire engine and tried to flee on foot.

Oct 30, 2011, 6:58:56 PM

10/29/11

Public Affairs: Matt Zavadsky, Senior Editor

HHS Releases Final Regulations For ACOs

Oct 27, 2011, 3:15:44 PM

Public Affairs: Matt Zavadsky, Senior Editor

AAA Government Affairs E-Update 10-26-2011

Oct 26, 2011, 11:38:16 AM

Obits/Services

Gregory Geer - Ohio

Gregory Geer, a retired funeral home director and longtime volunteer firefighter who was known for a patriotic tribute to the U.S. flag that he recited at community events, died Saturday in Toledo Hospital. He was 65.

Oct 30, 2011, 6:57:06 PM

Obits/Services

Off-duty volunteer firefighter/EMT killed at scene - Ohio

Charlotte R. Adair, 45, of Swanton, was on her way to work when she stopped to assist motorists that were involved in a crash

Oct 30, 2011, 6:54:21 PM

Criminal

Houston nightclub investor accused of Medicare fraud - Texas

A Houston nightclub investor and self-described millionaire with a trail of failed business deals has been charged with bilking Medicare of at least $4.6 million in a scheme involving his private ambulance business, money laundering and tax evasion, records obtained by the Chronicle show.

Oct 30, 2011, 6:52:34 PM

America

Former Fire-Rescue battalion chief to appeal demotion before Town Council committee - Florida

Weeks, who has been with Fire-Rescue since 1994, lost his supervisory post last week and saw his salary slashed from $104,093 to $82,043 after an internal investigation determined he worked on a private, union-backed website while on duty, using work equipment.

Oct 30, 2011, 6:51:34 PM

America

27 Investigates: Life or death traffic - Kentucky

Lexington paramedics say they often face a challenge responding to emergency calls because other drivers won't get out of the way.

Oct 30, 2011, 6:50:09 PM

America

Ethics opinion clears former N.O. EMS director - Louisiana

Thirteen months after New Orleans former EMS director Dr. Jullette Saussy was forced to resign amid controversy, the state ethics board has cleared her of any wrongdoing.

Oct 30, 2011, 6:46:56 PM

America

SF commission seeks answers in ambulance deal - Tennessee

It was recently revealed that the ambulance service had reached a critical point in its financial condition. TCAS revenues are derived from EMS billing and membership fees, but participation in a voluntary subscription membership program has steadily declined.

Oct 30, 2011, 6:43:42 PM

America

Several of Oklahoma's rural ambulance services are suffering financially - Oklahoma

A county property tax to raise money for rural ambulance districts authorized by an Oklahoma law passed two years ago is insufficient to raise enough money to pay costs, several ambulance operators said. About 60 ambulance services have gone out of business in the past 10 years.

Oct 29, 2011, 6:31:06 PM

Legal

Girlfriend Of Man Who Died Waiting For Ambulance Now Part Of Lawsuit Read more: http://www.wtae.com/news/29618161/detail.html#ixzz1cK70Nlph - Pennsylvania

Curtis Mitchell’s girlfriend called 911 multiple times on the day when over 20 inches of snow fell across the city of Pittsburgh. Paramedics were unable to get to his home in Hazelwood because of the heavy snow – and Mitchell died in his home.

Oct 29, 2011, 6:25:51 PM

Legal

California gets OK for large cuts to Medi-Cal

The Obama administration will allow California to cut hundreds of millions of dollars from Medi-Cal, a move doctors and experts say will make it harder for the poor to get medical treatment.

Oct 29, 2011, 6:25:20 PM

Legal

Erie judge rules against Millcreek in ambulance dispute - Pennsylvania

An Erie County judge has struck down an ordinance that would have required Millcreek residents to dial only 911 when calling for an ambulance in an emergency.

Oct 29, 2011, 6:25:19 PM

Legal

$10M For Girl's Amputations After ER Delay - California

The family of a California girl whose arms and legs were amputated because of a lengthy emergency room delay has agreed to a $10 million malpractice settlement.

Oct 29, 2011, 6:25:18 PM

Human Interest

Dozens of professionals saved life of Snohomish girl - Washington

April was stabbed multiple times Monday while she and her childhood friend, Bekah Staudacher, were getting ready for class.

Oct 29, 2011, 6:16:24 PM

Human Interest

Jet ski survivor reunites with men who saved her life - Utah

A young woman from Utah almost died last year in a jet skiiing accident at Jordanelle Resevoir. On Thursday she was reunited with the EMT and AirMed crew who helped save her life.

Oct 29, 2011, 6:16:16 PM

10/25 & 26/11

Public Affairs: Matt Zavadsky, Senior Editor

AAA Government Affairs E-Update 10-26-2011

Oct 26, 2011, 11:38:16 AM

America

Vote Now, Vote Often

Don't forget members: Vote in NAEMT Elections through October 28
more at http://tinyurl.com/644ldo7

Oct 25, 2011, 12:46:41 PM

Public Affairs: Matt Zavadsky, Senior Editor

NAEMT Endorsements 2011 Elections

EMSN Public Affairs Editor Endorsement for NAEMT Board Seats:

Director-at-Large: Chuck Kearns

Region II Director: Jim Judge

Oct 12, 2011, 3:27:06 AM

World

Video Footage Of Simoncelli's Trackside 'Care' Shows Dubious Standards

I'm no medical expert but find the idea that a handful of marshalls manhandling a downed rider, dropping the stretcher, then having to pass him over a safety fence surely isn't the best, most professional care that rider could have been afforded.

Oct 26, 2011, 9:51:50 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Drunk dad crashes car into ambulance twice - Massachusetts

Police said on Friday night Curran crashed into the back of an ambulance that was responding to a call with its lights on. According to the police report, Curran struck the ambulance twice -- the second time his car was left attached to the back of the ambulance.

Oct 26, 2011, 9:45:58 PM

Human Interest

Former UW lineman now an EMT at age 70 - Washington

"My only claim to fame is I'm finally able to take some time to give back to the community," said Bullard, who was an offensive/defensive lineman at Oregon when the Huskies stirred up the nation's football conscious with two surprising back-to-back Rose Bowl victories in 1960 and 1961.

Oct 26, 2011, 9:44:04 PM

Criminal

W.Va. EMS agency will pay federal government $1M to settle charges of fraudulent billing

A Hardy County ambulance service will pay the federal government more than $1 million to settle charges it submitted false claims to Medicaid and Medicare.

Oct 26, 2011, 9:38:13 PM

Criminal

Former ambulance company exec pleads guilty to embezzling from firm - Illinois

Teresa Wolande earned more than $200,000 annually working as chief financial officer for an Elmhurst-based ambulance service, but still stole money from the company to pay for vacations, repairs on her Mercedes and even her $15,000 tax bill.

Oct 26, 2011, 9:35:42 PM

Criminal

Treasurer charged with stealing - New York

A woman was arrested for allegedly stealing over $3,000 from the Town of Wallkill Volunteer Ambulance Corps while she was treasurer said state police.

Oct 26, 2011, 9:33:20 PM

Criminal

Break-in at new Tabernacle EMS building - New Jersey

The construction site of the new Emergency Services Building was burglarized two weekends ago, according to Rich Bushby, site superintendent from Newport Construction of Pennsauken.


Oct 26, 2011, 9:30:40 PM

America

EMS, county, hospital to discuss contract - Illinois

Representatives at the meeting are Ada Bair and Florine Dixon from Memorial Hospital, Asbury and David Walker from the county board, and Perry Cameron and Eli Shirey from the EMS board.

Oct 26, 2011, 9:29:40 PM

America

EMT endures a shocking experience - Texas

A Cleveland EMT got quite a shock when he tried to attend an injured man before firefighters secured the scene of a one-vehicle rollover accident on FM 1010

Oct 26, 2011, 9:29:33 PM

America

Dade Awards Ambulance Contract To Puckett EMS - Georgia

After three years of service by Lifeguard Emergency Medical Services, Dade County announced at a special called meeting on Thursday its intention to award its ambulance coverage contract to Puckett EMS, the same provider that services Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga.

Oct 26, 2011, 9:28:18 PM

America

EMSA's Tulsa fees subsidize OKC shortfall - Oklahoma

Kent Torrence, chief financial officer for the Emergency Medical Services Authority, told the World that Tulsa's eastern division has been subsidizing operations shortfalls for the western division, which includes Oklahoma City.


Oct 26, 2011, 9:26:16 PM

America

Little Falls adding paid ambulance squad to ease stress on volunteer staff - New Jersey

The Township Council approved the measure in a vote on Monday after hearing pleas from Fire Chief Jack Sweezy about the need for paid staff during daytime hours, when call volume is highest and volunteer staffing is lowest.

Oct 26, 2011, 9:25:03 PM

America

County Update on EMS Privatization - Georgia

"If we do this" Mr. Patton continued "It's got to save the taxpayers money, our employees can't get hurt by the process, and the services will remain at least what they are or better."

Oct 26, 2011, 9:23:09 PM

America

The Great Ambulance War - California

Alameda County is about to get new paramedic services as the national fight between two ambulance companies heads to court.

Oct 26, 2011, 9:21:57 PM

America

Clock ticking for Pinellas EMS funding - Florida

The final clock is now ticking for Pinellas County commissioners making what could be a life-or-death decision: maintaining super-fast emergency medical response times.

Oct 26, 2011, 9:21:08 PM

America

Reduce ambulance service? Maybe in Delray Beach - Florida

The city would save more than $300,000 a year if half of its six fire stations shut down ambulance service at night and on weekends, the International City/County Management Association said in its report, released Friday.

Oct 26, 2011, 9:20:12 PM

America

Ambulance services privatized in Collier County - Florida

County Commissioners gave approval to Ambitrans, a Port-Charlotte based ambulance service, to allow such transports.

Oct 26, 2011, 9:19:24 PM

America

Lee commissioners seek third party recommendation on EMS split - Florida

The wildly differing numbers in response times and costs for operating ambulance transport service provided by Bonita Springs Fire Rescue and Lee County EMS were too much for Lee County Commissioners to get their heads around.

Oct 26, 2011, 9:18:33 PM

America

Ambulance employees, Pike County Board still at odds over contract - Illinois

The paramedics wanted the board to go into closed session to discuss their latest contract offer and, hopefully, finalize an agreement.

Oct 26, 2011, 9:17:09 PM

America

Burst money bag causes highway free-for-all in Oklahoma City - Oklahoma

Shawn Altebaumer thought a wreck Monday had people slamming on brakes, getting out of cars and scattering across an interstate highway in Oklahoma City
But the Emergency Medical Services Authority paramedic quickly realized what was causing the commotion — an open bank bag spewing money.

Oct 26, 2011, 9:14:02 PM

America

FCMH board to review EMS -Ohio

Despite recent rumors, the Fayette County Memorial Hospital is not selling the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) at this time.

Oct 26, 2011, 9:13:02 PM

10/23/11

Ambulance Crash Log

10 injured after cars, ambulance, fire truck collide - Mississippi

At about 8:30 p.m. Saturday, a four-vehicle pile-up on Watkins Drive at Beasely involving a fire truck, a taxi cab and an ambulance sent 10 people to the hospital.

Oct 23, 2011, 7:32:19 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Minor Injury Traffic Crash Involving Ambulance and Passenger Car - Oregon

Assisting agencies were Toledo Fire and Rescue, ODOT, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Pacific West Ambulance and REACH Air Ambulance.

Oct 23, 2011, 7:30:38 PM

Criminal

Man steals ambulance and evades arrest - Texas

According to the Potter County Sheriff's Department, the ambulance became suspicious to the Deputy because it was driving about 10 to 15 mph lower than the posted speed limit. Additionally, it was not driving in the direction of a medical facility.

Oct 23, 2011, 7:27:09 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

New York taxi hits North Bergen ambulance, parked car in Hoboken hit-and-run - New Jersey

A North Bergen ambulance and a parked vehicle were stuck during a hit and run yesterday in Hoboken, police said.

Oct 23, 2011, 7:26:47 PM

Bodily Assault Log

Erie paramedic punched in face during medical call - Pennsylvania

Someone knocked on the back door of the ambulance and said a person needed treatment. The paramedic, whose name was not released, left the vehicle and approached the would-be patient, who punched him in the face, police said.

Oct 23, 2011, 7:24:21 PM

Human Interest

Queens man is a knockout EMT in the medical field - and a professional fighter in the boxing ring - New York

"It's two ends of the spectrum," Rosinsky said of his dual life. "In boxing, you're trying to hurt the guy. As an EMT, you're trying to help them."

Oct 23, 2011, 7:21:23 PM

America

Milwaukee firefighters propose fee on ambulance firms - Wisconsin

Mayor Tom Barrett has proposed sidelining four firefighting companies, up from two this year, but adding two emergency medical units, for a net cut of 12 firefighters' jobs through attrition.

Oct 23, 2011, 7:19:46 PM

America

Floyd opening ambulance station in Lindale - Georgia

Renovations have begun at the station, located 3126 Maple Road. Until those renovations are complete, an ambulance and crew will be stationed at the site between calls during daytime hours.


Oct 23, 2011, 7:18:16 PM

America

Ambulance records dumped - Pennsylvania

Boxes and file folders containing hundreds of sheets with personal information of employees and former patients of the Hazleton Community Ambulance Association were tossed in a city dumpster at the South Side Fire Station on Saturday.

Oct 23, 2011, 7:15:22 PM

America

Questions arise about EMSA spending - Oklahoma

The Emergency Medical Services Authority Trust, which depends on subsidies from Oklahoma City and Tulsa to provide paramedic service, spent some of its money on lobbyists, two $3,200 cookout grills and a well-furnished apartment, an analysis of spending figures shows.

Oct 23, 2011, 7:11:17 PM

America

St. Pete threatens to pull out of EMS if funding cuts okayed - Florida

The city's departure could take one of two forms. If the county grants the city permission to transport patients, then St. Petersburg could form its own EMS system. If the county won't grant transport, the city could leave it up to the county to run EMS calls.

Oct 23, 2011, 7:10:18 PM

America

EMS, volunteer factions at odds - Virginia

Warren Wisneski, president of Cape Charles Rescue Service and a firefighter with Eastville Fire Company, spoke about the problems that exists between the volunteer system and Northampton County EMS, the county's career ambulance technicians.

Oct 23, 2011, 7:07:08 PM

America

NCH ends ambulance service after patient's death - Florida

Naples Community Hospital has fired its transport paramedics and given up its ability to move patients between facilities after a man died after waiting 54 minutes to be taken to the hospital.

Oct 23, 2011, 7:06:18 PM

America

Pridemark appeals rejection of Boulder's ambulance contract, citing scoring errors - Colorado

Pridemark/Rural Metro has submitted a letter of appeal to Boulder officials, saying there were mathematical errors and inconsistencies when the city reviewed its proposal to provide ambulance service.

Oct 23, 2011, 7:04:11 PM

America

Fire chief wants investigation into ambulance delay - Florida

The Marco Island Fire Chief is calling for a state investigation following the death of a Marco Island man who waited 54 minutes to be taken to the hospital.

Oct 23, 2011, 7:03:02 PM

10/19/11

Ambulance Crash Log

Woman Charged In Decatur Wreck Involving Ambulance, SUV - Alabama

Decatur Police say an ambulance was headed west on Highway 20 in front of Engle's Harbor around 7 a.m. when Campbell's GMC Yukon, headed east on Highway 20, turned in front of the emergency vehicle at Neher Road.

Oct 19, 2011, 10:25:52 PM

Criminal

Nashua man claims self-defense in EMT's stabbing death - New Hampshire

During a probable cause hearing on Wednesday at Nashua District Court, the head detective in the murder case told a judge that Paul Frontiero III, 27, died after allegedly being stabbed by Packer 16 times, including one puncture to the heart.

Oct 19, 2011, 10:24:45 PM

Criminal

Ambulance Units Targeted In Alleged Arson - Ohio

A company that is trying to establish emergency services in London became the target of a firebomb.

Oct 19, 2011, 10:24:02 PM

Criminal

Former EMSA paramedic charged with rape - Oklahoma

Chad McDaniel, 38, was arrested and charged in July and released on a $25,000 bond, according to court records. McDaniel entered a plea of not guilty in September.

Oct 19, 2011, 10:22:39 PM

Human Interest

California Casualty Launches Harley-Davidson Contest for Firefighter, EMT And Law Enforcement Professionals

The lucky winner of the California Casualty prize will take home a Forty-eight in the classic Harley orange color.

Oct 19, 2011, 10:18:01 PM

Awards-Honors

Fort Greene EMTs Honored for Courageous Act - New York

Paramedics Rheinhold Danglade and Delano Williams were honored by Council Member Letitia James at last night’s 88th Precinct Community Council meeting for helping the victim of a robbery in Fort Greene.

Oct 19, 2011, 10:13:14 PM

America

Fire board calls for Fire Service & EMS Master Plan proposals - Oregon

How many fire/EMS stations should South Lane County Fire & Rescue have, and where should the stations be located, or relocated, for the most cost-effective and efficient service?

Oct 19, 2011, 10:09:18 PM

America

Firefighters union head suggests fee for private ambulances - Wisconsin

A Milwaukee firefighters union leader called Wednesday for levying a fee on private ambulance companies to ease planned reductions in fire service.

Oct 19, 2011, 10:07:35 PM

America

Future of Warsaw ambulance service uncertain - Iowa

Hancock County Ambulance Service is looking for a way to be sure there is prompt ambulance service in the western part of the county. To do this, Warsaw and Hamilton area residents are needed to train and volunteer for the service.


Oct 19, 2011, 10:06:30 PM

America

Liberty buys CARE Ambulance - California

Liberty Chief Operations Officer Fred Hawkins said the sale will not affect local services, and the county is expected to be approved the same day.

Oct 19, 2011, 10:05:09 PM

America

County Down to One Ambulance at Night - Alkabama

The area's ambulance provider, Northstar EMS, has made some adjustments to it's fleet schedule that will leave the county with one ambulance working throughout the evening and another crew on-call.

Oct 19, 2011, 10:04:15 PM

America

Moline Cuts 12 Firefighters; Fire Chief Resigns - Iowa

The Moline City Council has decided to privatize EMS service, which means 12 firefighters will be let go. After the decision was announced Tuesday night, Moline Fire Chief Ron Miller resigned.

Oct 19, 2011, 10:02:00 PM

America

WAVES takes over Minoa ambulance service operations - New York

The debate of who should run the Minoa ambulance service has been settled. Monday night, village trustees entered into a partnership with WAVES, the Western Area Volunteer Emergency Services, to run operations in the village.

Oct 19, 2011, 9:54:20 PM

America

Bradley County Fire Rescue growth plan OK’d - Tennessee

Making the decision now gives the department time to have new stations up and running before the current contract expires.

Oct 19, 2011, 9:50:23 PM

America

Ambulance-transport issue turns into public records battle - Arizona

After a temporary retreat, the Nogales Fire Department continues its fight to win a piece of the inter-facility (ITF) ambulance-transport pie in Santa Cruz County. The Rio Rico Fire District is intent on holding its ground as well in regard to call-log records it maintains are not public information.

Oct 19, 2011, 9:47:41 PM

America

Norfolk paramedics to use ultrasound in ambulances - Virginia

About 90 Norfolk paramedics will use ultrasound machines on patients to search for health hazards, such as blood in the belly, that they currently have no way to detect, said Dr. Barry Knapp, the medical director for Norfolk Fire-Rescue and an emergency room physician.

Oct 19, 2011, 9:46:12 PM

America

Tight budget could mean delays with ambulance service - Tennessee

Listening to just three hours of dispatch recordings from one recent day of service, Action News 5 heard dispatchers run out of ambulances twice.

Oct 19, 2011, 9:44:01 PM

America

County says change in EMS transport could cost taxpayers millions - Florida

Now, firefighters in Pinellas County are putting forward a plan they say will make those services more efficient and save taxpayers money.

Oct 19, 2011, 9:42:47 PM

America

Ambulance companies set to merge - California

Two of Kern County's five ambulance companies, CARE Ambulance and Liberty Ambulance, will merge in a deal announced Monday.

Oct 19, 2011, 9:41:30 PM

America

DeSoto Schools Turn Buses Into Ambulances - Tennessee

Police and other rescue workers will have an easier time evacuating the most vulnerable victims from major disasters with new equipment that can turn a school bus into an ambulance.

Oct 19, 2011, 9:39:24 PM

America

Bonita EMS proposes own ambulance service- Florida

It's your money and the Bonita Springs fire department says it has a proposal that could save people money on medical calls. Instead of using Lee County E.M.S., the department wants to take over ambulance services for the city.

Oct 19, 2011, 9:33:19 PM


Modern Healthcare: Emergency room use reaches a record high
May be useful in EMS Colloborations with health care organizations and payors.

Oct 18, 2011, 6:36:14 AM

Public Affairs: Matt Zavadsky, Senior Editor

Houston (TX) Chronical Series on Ambulance Use

Companies make millions off the poor, vulnerable - whether passengers need services or not

Private ambulances take Medicare, taxpayers for a ride

Canada

Councillor wants Toronto EMS deemed truly ‘essential’ - Canada

Two right-leaning councillors want the city to ask the province to deny paramedics and ambulance dispatchers the right to reduce service during municipal strikes.

Oct 19, 2011, 9:15:34 PM

Medevac

New Air Ambulance Set to Open in McAllen - Texas

This comes as the Valley's existing air ambulance service, Valley Air Care in Harlingen, is winding down operations.

Oct 19, 2011, 9:08:23 PM

Medevac

Sanford Health adding wings to its fleet - South Dakota

Two of the helicopters will be based in the Fargo region and the third will be in Sioux Falls

Oct 19, 2011, 9:08:05 PM