12/29/11

Public Affairs: Matt Zavadsky, Senior Editor

AAA Government Affairs E-Update 12-28-11

Dec 29, 2011, 6:12:28 AM

Special Report

2011 National EMS Assessment Report Released

The Federal Interagency Committee for Emergency Medical Services (FICEMS) has released the 2011 National EMS Assessment. Sponsored by FICEMS and funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the report provides the first ever comprehensive description of emergency medical services, EMS emergency preparedness and 911 systems at state and national levels using existing data sources.

Dec 28, 2011, 12:40:58 PM

World

Wife pays tribute to hero paramedic killed after winch line was cut - Australia

Mick Wilson, 41, died when a helicopter winch line he was attached to was cut during the rescue of two canyoners at Carrington Falls, southwest of Wollongong, on Christmas Day.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:55:43 PM

World

HSE 'ignored door warnings for years' before paramedic's death - Ireland

WARNINGS about dangerous ambulance doors were ignored for three years before the death of a paramedic who fell from a moving emergency vehicle.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:55:05 PM

Medevac

Medical Helicopter Makes Unexpected Landing - Ohio

The crew, based in East Liverpool, was flying back from St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown, where they had taken the driver of a crashed propane tanker truck in Lisbon.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:55:02 PM

Military

Army medic from Marshfield killed in Afghanistan on Christmas Day - Wisconsin

After he finished his second tour of duty in Iraq, Joe Altmann could have switched careers and found a safer job. But the Army medic from Marshfield never gave it a thought; he just couldn't bring himself to leave his fellow soldiers.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:46:29 PM

Bodily Assault Log

EMT Worker Assault While Responding To A Call - North Carolina

As he provided medical assistance to the injured person and waited for the EMS crew to arrive, Watson says, the family became upset with Rosene's service and started hitting and kicking him.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:44:56 PM

Bodily Assault Log

Dickson City man attacked officers, EMT responding to medical call - Pennsylvania

A borough man overdosed on drugs Christmas morning then fought with police and medical personnel responding to his home to treat him, according to a criminal complaint.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:43:46 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance crash in North Hollywood injures four people - California

Four people were hurt Monday when a Los Angeles Fire Department ambulance collided with another vehicle in North Hollywood.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:42:48 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Investigation under way after helicopter crash - Florida

Federal investigators were in Florida on Tuesday examining the wreckage of a helicopter crash that killed three people on a medical flight, officials said.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:36:56 PM

America

Update on Lewis County, Ky. Ambulance Response Times - Kentucky

Family said he was freezing and shaking. They also said Mosley laid there for over two hours before the ambulance showed up to help.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:36:21 PM

America

EMS bill would raise costs, threaten volunteer network - New Jersey

The volunteer EMS community is urging all New Jerseyans to contact the governor’s office to request he veto the bill, as it would spell disaster for the state’s EMS system.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:33:14 PM

America

Preston ambulance cited for low staffing - Minnesota

A southeastern Minnesota ambulance service that failed to always keep two workers on duty must undergo an assessment and make sure it is fully staffed, according to an order by the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board in November.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:32:25 PM

America

Salem County freeholders take key step toward establishing countywide ambulance service - New Jersey

The Countywide Emergency Medical Services Plan would ensure faster responses to emergency medical situations, officials say. It would not, however, replace current paid and volunteer ambulance squads operating in Salem County.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:31:23 PM

America

Ambulance Workers and Pension Reform - Hawaii

In the course of examining whether Honolulu’s ambulance fleet adequately meets the island’s needs, the audit uncovered excessive overtime use by employees. In some cases, workers earned between 200 percent and 350 percent of their regular salaries in overtime.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:30:17 PM

America

EMS director calls 1st year success - Ohio

The county was forced to start its own EMS after the three-decades-long Southeast Ohio Emergency Medical Service was disbanded.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:28:32 PM

America

Computer systems restored at Aspirus - Wisconsin

Fire departments were alerted at about 8:20 a.m. to send their ambulances with patients to other hospitals. Ambulances were allowed to bring patients to the Aspirus emergency room at 1 p.m. The emergency room remained open during the down time to walk-in complaints, Aune said.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:27:10 PM

America

Peoria company declines purchase of Clinton Ambulance - Illinois

Peoria-based Advanced Medical Transport will not buy Clinton Ambulance Service, Dr. John Warner Hospital CEO Earl Sheehy told the hospital board Tuesday. The hospital plans to terminate its ambulance service in December 2012.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:26:07 PM

America

City of Sturgis renews ambulance contract - Michigan

The committee, which oversees a contract for ambulatory services with LifeCare, includes about a dozen area governmental entities.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:24:29 PM

America

Controversial EMS bill awaits governor's nod - New Jersey

The Assembly passed bill A-2095, which is designed to introduce legislation that will lead to major overhauls in the current EMS system

Dec 29, 2011, 8:23:20 PM

America

Quick actions by family, emergency responders save Arlington man - Texas

Pace nearly died while putting up Christmas decorations along the gutter of his Arlington home.

Dec 29, 2011, 1:40:37 AM

America

Ambulance Service Providers denounce Medi-Cal reimbursement cuts - California

The California Ambulance Association (CAA), which represents the state’s emergency ambulance service providers, is denouncing the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) decision to cut Medi-Cal reimbursement rates, and calls into question DHCS’ continued practice of increasing costs on insured patients and diminishing the quality of emergency 9-1-1 care for all Californians in order to subsidize the Medi-Cal program.

Dec 27, 2011, 2:43:06 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

3 dead in medical helicopter crash - Florida

Three people -- a surgeon, a medical technician and a pilot -- were killed Monday when a medical helicopter crashed in Florida, the Mayo Clinic said.

Dec 26, 2011, 2:51:18 PM

America

Arlington paramedic/firefighter saves man at graduation ceremony - Texas

The paramedic/firefighter was at the ceremony watching her own daughter graduate. Peña was there with her other child, who also is a trained paramedic, and together they helped bring Campbell back to life.

Dec 25, 2011, 3:15:02 PM

12/24/11

Ambulance Crash Log

One wild ambulance ride - Indiana

Police and paramedic crews inspect an ambulance Thursday after it flipped over in an accident with a truck on Veteran's Memorial Parkway East close to Indiana 38 in Lafayette.

Dec 24, 2011, 6:14:45 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

EMSA driver charged with negligent homicide after fatal ambulance wreck - Oklahoma

An EMSA emergency medical technician has been charged with negligent homicide after investigators said his reckless driving of an ambulance caused a wreck that killed a man on NW 10 near May Avenue.

Dec 24, 2011, 6:10:49 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Deadly Ambulance Crash Could Spur Change - Oklahoma

Widow Doesn't Want Tragedy To Happen To Anyone Else

Dec 24, 2011, 6:10:02 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Erie woman cited in crash - Pennsylvania

Erie police have cited a woman with failing to yield to an emergency vehicle and for driving without insurance in a Tuesday afternoon traffic accident involving an EmergyCare ambulance.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:40:31 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance driver charged in death, fired - Oklahoma

We are learning more about the ambulance driver who is facing charges in connection with a deadly crash. Benjamin Samples, 36, was charged with negligent homicide Monday.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:39:42 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

DPS Officials: Ambulance hit while on scene of wreck - Arizona

Officials say an ambulance responding to the first collision was struck while on scene.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:38:59 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Wreck Includes Ambulance, Pregnant Woman - Mississippi

A portion of 14th street in Meridian was closed Saturday morning because of a two car crash involving a Metro ambulance.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:37:22 PM

Military

Advances in battlefield medicine

In wars gone by, amputation was often the only cure

Dec 24, 2011, 5:34:53 PM

Military

Combat Medic Writes Memoir About War, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and What It Takes to be a Modern Day Combat Medic

Combat Medics are the unsung heroes of war. Hollywood prefers to focus on the glamour of Special Operations units or the spectacle of major battles. Combat Medics seldom make the headlines. Yet without them, hundreds of thousands of soldiers and innocent civilians alike would die on the battlefield, never again to see their friends and families and country.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:34:44 PM

Military

Army flight medic, Senior grad awarded by German government

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Peter Woken’s HH-60L Black Hawk helicopter only touched down for about a minute amid heavy enemy fire near the city of Kunduz in northern Afghanistan.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:34:36 PM

Military

Pararescueman Receives Bronze Star Medal with Valor

While engaged in operations against enemy forces near Arghandab Province July 12, 2010, an Airman risked his life to medevac three U.S. Soldiers injured by improvised explosive devices, saving their lives.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:34:35 PM

Military

Applicants Sought for Scholarship Honoring Fallen U.S. Army Medic

Michael A. DiRaimondo Foundation offers $10,000 to aspiring paramedics

Dec 24, 2011, 5:34:02 PM

America

Naked man jumps from ambulance, killed on freeway ramp - California

The fatal accident occurred after a man sheriff's deputies had picked up for a mental evaluation escaped from an ambulance on the northbound I-5 just south of the 55, authorities said.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:32:21 PM

America

Fire engine crashes on way to call in Las Cruces - New Mexico

Engine 5 was responding to a weather related motor vehicle accident on Del Rey Blvd. in east Las Cruces when it drove onto an icy section of road.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:31:04 PM

America

Volusia paramedics fired for smoking - Florida

But the three fired county employees say they believe they should be offered a second chance.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:28:27 PM

America

Sen. Jack Latvala schedules EMS committee meeting - Florida

State Sen. Jack Latvala has scheduled the first meeting of a committee to appoint an accountant to study proposed changes to Pinellas County's emergency medical services system.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:27:22 PM

America

Into the wild with the real-life heroes of Search and Rescue - Nevada

The majority of injuries happened to hikers, followed by ATV riders, climbers and mountain bikers. The causes of fatalities included drowning, impact from a fall, ATV accident, helicopter crash and suicide.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:26:15 PM

America

Hasidic Women Want Separate EMT Unit - New York

Hasidic female EMTs wants to create a women's division within Hatzolah, to help deliver babies in emergencies.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:24:01 PM

America

Study: Problems with Medicare contractors persist

Private contractors that are supposed to guard against Medicare fraud paid claims submitted in the names of dead providers or for unnecessary medical treatments, which were among problems estimated to cost more than $1 billion in 2009, according to an inspector general report released Friday.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:23:16 PM

America

Paramedic Hit By Car At Crash Scene - Ohio

A paramedic was hit by a car while responding to another crash Wednesday afternoon in Youngstown.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:21:21 PM

Military

Opinion: Army MEDEVAC Choppers Travesty

Why are MEDEVAC Why are MEDEVAC helicopters (commonly called "Dustoffs"), carrying our wounded troops to safety in Afghanistan, being put at enormous risk by the U.S. Army? Why is the Geneva Convention cited by them for their actions? With every second precious when soldiers are wounded, it is a travesty that the Army will not change its policy concerning these choppers.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:17:34 PM

Criminal

Mom, son get prison in all-in-family scam in NYC - New York

Judy and Joseph Del Galdo were sentenced Tuesday. They pleaded guilty last month to charges including grand larceny.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:15:51 PM

Criminal

24-year term for ex-Bemidji EMT who drugged, raped 13-year-old girl - Minnesota

A decertified Bemidji ambulance EMT has been sentenced to prison and was recommended for indefinite civil commitment for stealing narcotics from his employer and drugging a young teenager before raping her in her home.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:14:04 PM

Criminal

Foley guilty in Emt case - Massachusetts

For more than two years since he was charged in an EMT recertification scandal that rocked the town of Hamilton, the question has lingered: Why would James W. Foley, retired from his job as a police lieutenant in neighboring Wenham, take part?


Dec 24, 2011, 5:12:29 PM

Criminal

Nurses fired for taping patient's mouth shut - Utah

Two nurses in a Utah hospital's intensive care unit were fired this week for taping a patient's mouth shut and laughing about it, hospital officials said Friday.

Dec 24, 2011, 4:58:06 PM

Military

Combat medic demonstrates resiliency

U.S. Army Spc. Ashley Jones sat in her bed late Monday night at Craig Joint Theatre Hospital on Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, waiting to join the solemn group of soldiers who were being awarded the Purple Heart.

Dec 24, 2011, 4:54:23 PM

Legal

Sweeney legislation to revamp EMS clears Senate - New Jersey

The bill, A-2095/S-818, would require that, under the direction of the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, the Office of Emergency Medical Services in the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) would serve as the lead state agency for oversight of emergency medical services delivery in New Jersey.

Dec 24, 2011, 4:41:52 PM

Human Interest

Antique Military Ambulance Makes pit stop in Richmond - Virginia

It is being driven by two veterans and one active duty member of the military.


Dec 24, 2011, 4:40:29 PM

Medevac

$16,786 bill for 1 mile medical helicopter flight - Missouri

The total bill from Air Methods, the parent company of ARCH Medical, totaled $25,031.94. Even now, more than 3 months later, it stuns him.

Dec 24, 2011, 4:38:46 PM

Obits/Services

Edward R. Garrison - Pennsylvania

Ed was a long time EMT for the Independent Fire Co. 1 in Burlington Township.

Dec 24, 2011, 3:51:49 PM

Obits/Services

Zachery Shultz - Tennessee

McMinn EMT and firefighter Zachery Shultz died after ATV crash

Dec 24, 2011, 3:35:39 PM

Obits/Services

Bill Rose - Michigan

The Star EMS worker, Bill Rose of Highland Township, was moving a patient when he collapsed about 10 a.m., a co-worker said. Efforts to revive him at Doctors' Hospital in Pontiac were unsuccessful, deputies said.

Dec 24, 2011, 3:08:15 PM

EMSN Notices

No News Is Not Good News

As to the many inquires about where the heck we have been.


Dec 24, 2011, 1:51:11 PM

No News Is Not Good News

As to the many inquires about where the heck *we have been.

Due to a series of Alaskan storms, since December 10 *we had been without electricity, telephone (landline and cell) and internet. The nearest "juice outlet" 90 minutes away via dangerous roads.

We have had all the luxuries of life now restored and will be back to posting the news soon.

Happy Holidays!

Valerie DeFrance, John McMaster, and Matt Zavadsky; EMSNetwork News.

*okay, just Valerie the Editor

12/10/11

Features

FDA Advisory Panel Recommends Banning Vicodin and Percocet

Dec 11, 2011, 2:24:57 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

Man killed in Oklahoma City crash involving ambulance - Oklahoma

The ambulance was responding to a call about 10:30 a.m. when it hit the car near NW 10 and May.

Dec 11, 2011, 2:20:28 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance Crash Sends 3 To Hospital - Pennsylvania

The crash happened on Route 21/McClellandtown Road in German Township shortly after 9:15 a.m. across from the Big Banana Fruit Market.

Dec 11, 2011, 2:19:14 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance and car collide in Exchange District - Canada

A car and ambulance collided in Winnipeg's Exchange District on Thursday night, seriously damaging the car as a result.

Dec 11, 2011, 2:18:17 AM

Criminal

2 EMTs charged with theft of more than $20K - New Jersey

Morrison and Hinshaw were taken into police custody Thursday afternoon at the Pemberton Township Police Department and were released after posting bail.

Dec 11, 2011, 2:16:15 AM

Criminal

Patient steals ambulance from Sumner Regional - Tennessee

A patient at Sumner Regional Medical Center stole an ambulance that was left unlocked with the keys inside at the hospital

Dec 11, 2011, 2:15:18 AM

Criminal

Ex-fireman accused of arson denied EMT re-certification appeal - South Carolina

A former Bluffton Township Fire District captain accused of burning down his Okatie home in 2008 will not receive his EMT certification after he failed to show at his appeal hearing Thursday.

Dec 11, 2011, 2:13:02 AM

America

Gene therapy proves effective for hemophilia B

A single treatment with gene therapy, an experimental technique for fixing faulty genes, has been shown to boost output of a vital blood clotting factor, possibly offering a long-term solution for people with hemophilia B.

Dec 11, 2011, 2:08:41 AM

America

Metamora voters will be asked about tax for ambulance service - Illinois

The village of Metamora and the Metamora Rural Fire Protection District will request authority to implement a tax of no more than 25 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The referendum is set for March 20.

Dec 11, 2011, 2:07:48 AM

America

Panel hears challenges faced by EMS personnel - Illinois

This was the fifteenth hearing in the state by the task force, with two more scheduled.

Dec 11, 2011, 2:04:05 AM

America

Acadian Ambulance Service eyes Houston through key acquisition - Texas

One of the largest employee-owned ambulance services in the country is now running its sirens on Houston streets

Dec 11, 2011, 2:03:09 AM

America

City audit reveals EMS overtime spending - Hawaii

Only a handful of ambulances met response time guidelines, and emergency responders made as much as $200,000 each a year due to overtime.

Dec 11, 2011, 2:02:07 AM

America

Ambulances turned away as computer virus infects Gwinnett Medical Center computers - Georgia

Gwinnett Medical Center on Friday confirmed it has instructed ambulances to take patients to other area hospitals when possible after discovering a system-wide computer virus that slowed patient registration and other operations at its campuses in Lawrenceville and Duluth.

Dec 11, 2011, 2:00:43 AM

America

Emergency? Collier grapples with saving money vs. safest response for emergency calls - Florida

What happens next is a study in contrast in how two EMS systems respond so differently to routine medical emergencies – a subject that’s central to the debate over a public safety overhaul in Collier County.

Dec 11, 2011, 1:56:30 AM

America

Four Mile EMS temporarily out of service - Colorado

With the resignation Dec. 4 of Dawn Carrica, medical chief of Four Mile Emergency Services, the board of directors is now practicing some serious damage control.

Dec 11, 2011, 1:53:53 AM

ER /Hospital

Blake fights to keep its trauma center - Florida

Blake Medical Center‘s trauma care program — open for barely two weeks — already has treated dozens of critically injured patients from Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Dec 11, 2011, 1:51:19 AM

Human Interest

Pittsburgh paramedic competing on 'Next Great Baker' - Pennsylvania

Hart, 38, a city of Pittsburgh paramedic who had baked cakes and other treats on the side for about a year, was ecstatic when TLC notified her in July she would be competing

Dec 11, 2011, 1:30:07 AM

World

Paramedics set to be given bulletproof vests to deal with terror call outs - UK

Specialist paramedic units are to get bulletproof vests so they can deal with terror attacks, it was revealed yesterday.

Dec 11, 2011, 1:05:23 AM

12/8/11

Features

"FIRESTORM" (w/ trailer)

Eleven hospitals have closed in the last five years, and the wait time in some ERs is as long as 48 hours.

Dec 8, 2011, 9:57:31 PM

Military

War's horror still haunts Sacramento region's wounded warriors

It has been more than two years since Emmett Spraktes last stanched the blood of wounded and dying soldiers as a flight paramedic in Afghanistan.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:57:56 PM

Military

Slippery Stuff: CASEVAC vs. MEDEVAC

The working definitions of CASEVAC and MEDEVAC are so misleading that you must ask the person using the terms exactly what is meant. For instance, US Air Force “Pedro” performs CASEVACs. If you ask a Pedro pilot with hundreds of combat missions behind him, his definitions are likely to be simple:

1) CASEVAC is armed.
2) MEDEVAC is unarmed.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:57:50 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Car driver seriously hurt in collision with ambulance - Indiana

The collision of a car and an Indianapolis EMS ambulance this evening on the Eastside caused serious injury to the sedan's driver, police said.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:53:02 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

3 injured after ambulance crashes in Cambridge - Minnesota

Three people were injured early Monday afternoon when an Allina Ambulance was involved in a crash with a garbage truck in the town of Cambridge.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:49:07 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance Carrying Passenger Involved in Three Vehicle Crash - Nebraska

An Allina ambulance transporting a patient between hospitals was involved in an accident with a garbage truck and a car in Cambridge Monday afternoon.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:45:52 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance involved in Canton head-on collision, three injured - Massachusetts

An ambulance crashed head-on into another vehicle on Route 138 near Industrial Drive in Canton earlier tonight, sending both drivers to the hospital by MedFlight.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:45:13 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance Flips Over In Corbin - Kentucky

A scary situation in Corbin Sunday evening as an ambulance got t-boned while transporting a patient.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:44:26 PM

Criminal

EMT hostage case continued to Dec. 19 - Nebraska

The court case against a North Platte man charged with trapping two EMTs in a home in August has been continued to Dec. 19.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:42:02 PM

Criminal

Company targeted by Feds for health care fraud - Tennessee

A federal agent, parked nearby, watched through his windshield as someone climbed from the passenger side. Moments later, the passenger returned with a bag of food. Murfreesboro Ambulance Service later billed the ride to Medicare as two separate trips to a dialysis clinic, according to documents filed in federal court, with two different patients laid up on stretchers, at more than $2,000 altogether.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:35:32 PM

Bodily Assault Log

Trainer tries to help EMTs, paramedics combat attacks, stay safe on their jobs - Missouri

A national group says medics get attacked on average on 1 out of every 20 calls.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:34:07 PM

Bodily Assault Log

Injured woman punches paramedic in face - Oklahoma

Police arrested a woman who they say attacked a paramedic. Investigators say Tess Owen, 21, now faces a charge of assault and battery. She was taken into custody early Tuesday morning.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:32:37 PM

Human Interest

More drivers texting at wheel, despite state bans

A national survey, the first government study of its kind on distracted driving, and other data released Thursday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration underscore the difficulty authorities face in discouraging texting and cellphone talking while driving.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:31:07 PM

America

Paramedic reassignments cause stir in Philadelphia - Pennsylvania

Firefighters Union head William Gault says transferring 200 paramedics to other firehouses is nothing more than retribution for lawsuits the paramedics filed in order to receive more overtime.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:30:06 PM

America

Lake ambulance to return to 24-hour service - Florida

Lake County emergency officials decided this week to return having an ambulance stationed all the time at a Clermont fire station, following a barrage of complaints from city leaders and residents

Dec 8, 2011, 8:30:05 PM

America

South Central EMS responds to perceived criticism from Lower Paxton Township supervisors - Pennsylvania

Supervisor William Hornung said he never got any inkling that South Central was not doing its job

Dec 8, 2011, 8:29:01 PM

America

City seeking fire/EMS proposals - California

The city's goal is to save money on its current contract with the Santa Clara County Central Fire District, while ensuring the level of service remains the same as it is now and that all the services in the city limits are provided by just one contractor.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:27:21 PM

America

Louisville EMS still awaiting contract - Kentucky

Todd Thomason, the Secretary of Teamsters Local 783, tells WDRB that Louisville EMS has been without a contract for 18 months


Dec 8, 2011, 8:25:57 PM

America

Allentown EMS faces $400,000 deficit due to city council vote, bureau manager says - Pennsylvania

Allentown Emergency Medical Services is facing a more than $400,000 deficit due to a rejection last week of their plans to reorganize

Dec 8, 2011, 8:18:37 PM

America

Moline residents tell city council to avoid layoffs for firefighter-paramedics - Iowa

Michele Stanley stood before the Moline City Council and Mayor Don Welvaert on Tuesday and related how, seven years ago, her 3-year-old son became ill, and how three Moline Fire Department paramedics made the difference between him living and dying.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:14:27 PM

America

Hoffman Estates reduces ambulance service to cut overtime cost - Illinois

The number of Hoffman Estates Fire Department ambulances operating daily dropped from four to three Tuesday, bringing service levels back to where they were more than four years ago.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:13:20 PM

America

Patient's wait for ambulance, death leads to Marco health center audits - Florida

The Marco Island Healthcare Center will be audited until early next year to make sure patients who need emergency medical care are being transferred to the nearest hospital, according to state inspection reports.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:11:30 PM

America

Lee County EMS supervisors' salaries frozen - Florida

Lee County commissioners locked in salaries and benefits for emergency medical services supervisors Tuesday with virtually no discussion.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:10:09 PM

America

Charleston City Council Votes on Sick Day Issue With Firefighters/EMT's - West Virginia

The hits keep coming for the Charleston Fire Department. Last month council voted to take administrative action on overtime pay to correct an on-going problem. Monday night, city council voted to change the sick day policy

Dec 8, 2011, 8:08:16 PM

America

FIRE CUTS: Department To Lose One Ambulance - Iowa

The City of Des Moines is considering cutting ambulance service at one of its 10 stations

Dec 8, 2011, 8:07:07 PM

America

At least 44 from Lehigh U. rave party taken to hospitals for drugs and alcohol - Pennsylvania

Incident is being called 'mass casualty' event that burdened emergency responders.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:04:12 PM

America

EMSA's travel spending draws scrutiny - Oklahoma

Oklahoma City officials who serve as Emergency Medical Services Authority trustees say EMSA travel and meeting expenses of more than $405,000 since July 2008, including first-class air travel, $500-per-night hotel rooms and a $2,800 retirement party, show its spending deserves more scrutiny and oversight.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:00:05 PM

Canada

Ambulances ‘held hostage’ by hospitals slowing emergency response - Canada

The number of times one or no ambulances were available to respond to emergencies in Hamilton has more than quadrupled in the past four years.

Dec 8, 2011, 7:50:20 PM

Medevac

Air ambulance REACH merges with Cal-Ore Life Flight

A Santa Rosa air ambulance company that provides service at Sacramento Executive Airport has merged with an Oregon-based company to create a comprehensive network of medical air and ground transportation in California, Oregon and Texas.

Dec 8, 2011, 7:17:35 PM

World

Gunmen attack ambulance in Mexico, kill 4 people - Mexico

Gunmen attacked an ambulance in this border city Wednesday, killing the driver, two patients and a fourth person in the vehicle, officials said

Dec 8, 2011, 11:39:36 AM