1/29/12

Features

Rethinking the ambulance

An 18-month-long project has led to a full-scale mock-up of an ambulance fit for the 21st century.

Jan 29, 2012, 7:17:00 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Vehicle Collides With Ambulance - New York

An elderly driver lost consciousness while driving, striking the ambulance head on.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:53:27 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance, Car Collide in Waite Park - Minnesota

James Hanson of Hanover was making a left turn at that intersection with a green light when the ambulance hit his car.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:49:59 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance crashes in north St. Louis on way to call - Missoui

The driver of the pick-up truck had minor injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:48:38 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Semi crashes into ambulance along I-75 - Ohio

Police say an SUV heading north on I-75 lost control under the Alexis overpass and slammed into the median. The impact caused the car to catch on fire.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:47:04 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance hits car on way to hospital - New Jersey

An ambulance on the way to the hospital was involved in an accident on Jan. 18.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:46:08 PM

Legal

Ambulance driver ticketed for running red light - North Carolina

Don Comer is upset because he doesn't think the ticket should be his responsibility.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:40:44 PM

Legal

Woman To Sue City Of Carlsbad Over Firefighting Job - California

A former San Diego State University student who was supposed to make history with the Carlsbad Fire Department said her chance to be the city's first female firefighter ended in controversy.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:38:10 PM

Legal

Appeals court upholds dismissal of ambulance industry lawsuit - Pennsylvania

The numerous arguments the ambulance industry offered for why it should ignore the "plain language" of a state law dealing with health insurance payments only resulted in a federal appeals court quoting William Shakespeare`s "The Merchant of Venice" today.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:36:26 PM

Legal

EMS investigates ambulance crew's treatment of injured skier - Msaine

A formal investigation into an ambulance crews treatment of an injured skier, who later died, is being done at the request of the skier's widow.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:35:24 PM

Legal

Fired pilot claims flights to CHCC were dangerous - California

Med-Trans is now facing a lawsuit from a pilot it fired, and the lawsuit makes some frightening claims about what happens behind the scenes.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:34:57 PM

Criminal

Former Lane County EMS Director Guilty Of Sex Crimes - Kansas

A former Lane County Emergency Medical Service Director was found guilty of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and aggravated solicitation of a child.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:33:41 PM

Criminal

Stolen ambulance, frozen foods, arrest in El Paso - Texas

An El Paso man accused of swiping an ambulance, driving to a grocery store and stealing frozen foods has landed in a different kind of cooler.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:33:32 PM

Bodily Assault Log

Madisonburg woman convicted in EMT attack - Pennsylvania

A Madisonburg woman was convicted Friday of simple assault for biting an EMT on the arm.

Read more here: http://www.centredaily.com/2012/01/28/3069698/police-report.html#storylink=cpy

Jan 29, 2012, 6:32:12 PM

Criminal

Metro 911 (Kan) Supervisor Accused of Sexual Abuse - West Virginia

A Metro 911 supervisor was arrested and charged Thursday morning with sexual abuse by a parent, guardian or custodian. Reportedly, the victim was a 15-year-old girl.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:30:58 PM

Criminal

Staten Island man convicted of attacking cops over ambulance ride - New York

Prosecutors said Derrick Franks, 42, became incensed on Nov. 8, 2010, when he wasn’t allowed to board an ambulance that was taking an emotionally disturbed friend to the hospital.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:25:04 PM

Canada

Air ambulance had to stand by after chopper crash - Canada

An Ontario air ambulance delayed taking off from Toronto when called to a helicopter crash at the regional airport, frustrating paramedics who struggled to get to the scene.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:22:38 PM

Military

Debate on arming medevacs spills into Congress

A contentious debate over arming Army medevac helicopters sparked by the death of a soldier whose wounding in Afghanistan was videotaped by an embedded blogger is spilling into the halls of Congress.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:21:45 PM

Military

Army responds to medevac criticism

Recent news items about the use of Army medical evacuation, or medevac, helicopters in Afghanistan contain troubling information. The reporting suggests that putting red crosses on medevacs, and not arming them somehow, is putting injured Soldiers’ lives at risk. The facts do not support these assertions for several reasons.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:21:40 PM

Military

Thoughts from a Dustoff Pilot

I am a Dustoff pilot (Instructor pilot) with over 1000 hours of combat time, and over 300+ combat medevac missions under my belt. In 2004 (Iraq) we flew single ship, responding to thousands of medevac 9-line calls. Not one helo shot down, but we sure got shot at a lot.


Jan 29, 2012, 6:20:55 PM

America

Fire Truck Involved In Crash In Robertson County - Tennessee

Officials with the Greenbrier Fire Department confirmed that the fire truck crashed on Kelly Willis Road near Gideon Road around 5:30 p.m. It belonged to the White House Community Volunteer Fire Department.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:19:44 PM

America

Going Green: Austin ambulances go solar-powered - Texas

In an interview with EMS Chief of Staff James Shamard, he explains this feature will save more than 500 gallons of fuel per vehicle per year.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:19:19 PM

America

Family: EMS Does Not Respond After Man Collapses - Michigan

Victim died, family wants answers

Jan 29, 2012, 6:18:10 PM

America

Overwhelmed Philadelphia Medics Are Among Busiest In America - Pennsylvania

Medic 7, at 21st and Market, did 7,200 runs. Medic 8 did 8,548 runs in 2011.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:15:04 PM

America

Internal feud stalls Rensselaer ambulances - New Y ork

Mayor Daniel J. Dwyer said the city's Board of Public Safety felt it had no choice, with accusations being flung back and forth between two factions.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:13:35 PM

Obits/Services

Sarah Nodurft - West Virginia

She and her partner were returning from a routine interfacilty transfer when she suddenly and unexpectedly died.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:10:36 PM

1/19/12

Public Affairs: Matt Zavadsky, Senior Editor

Adding Clinical Oomph to the C-Suite's Supporting Cast

Has applicability to EMS as our industry leadership wrestles with the balance between operations and clinical while we find our true home in the health care world...

Jan 19, 2012, 3:54:24 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

Car Crashes with Ambulance in Lansing Township - Michigan

On Monday afternoon, a Meridian Township ambulance travelling west on Grand River Avenue in Lansing Township toward Sparrow Hospital collided with a car coming off of south bound 127.

Jan 20, 2012, 7:12:12 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Filipiak: City Left Holding Bill After Ambulance Crash - Ohio

The woman who caused the ambulance crash on the Center Street bridge in November had insurance -- just not enough to cover the damage done, Mentor City Manager Kenneth Filipiak said

Jan 20, 2012, 7:11:04 PM

Medevac

Helicopter air ambulance base to move from McClellan - California

California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR), a not-for-profit air ambulance company serving northern and central California, will relocate the helicopter base operations

Jan 20, 2012, 7:08:23 PM

Criminal

No jail time for ex-Rosemont paramedic who said Ambien made him drink and drive - Illinois

A Will County judge gave a former Rosemont paramedic two years of conditional discharge Wednesday, two months after he argued a prescription sleep aid made him drink and drive.

Jan 20, 2012, 7:06:39 PM

Criminal

Former EMT worker found not guilty on all assault charges - New Hampshire

A jury found a former emergency medical technician not guilty on all charges that he inappropriately touched an 18-year-old patient while she was being driven to Hampstead Hospital.

Jan 20, 2012, 7:05:26 PM

Criminal

Court Date Set for Ambulance Worker Accused of Sex Assault - Connecticut

Mark Powell's defense attorney asked that the charges be dropped, but the judge denied it.

Jan 20, 2012, 7:04:39 PM

Criminal

Judge says EMT jury can consider evidence - New Hampshire

A judge ruled on Tuesday that prosecutors have shown enough evidence for a jury to consider whether a former Emergency Medical Technician with Rockingham Regional Ambulance committed misdemeanor sexual assault against an 18-year-old patient.

Jan 20, 2012, 7:04:06 PM

Legal

Montclair Ambulance Unit laments defeat of EMS Redesign Bill - New Jersey

The EMS Redesign Bill aimed to standardize paid and volunteer squads, but the mandates in the bill — including required background checks and the installation of global-positioning systems in each rescue vehicle — concerned some volunteer units and the governor.

Jan 20, 2012, 7:03:20 PM

Job Listings

Alaska: EMS Certification

The EMS Unit of the Section of Emergency Programs, Division of Public Health, is recruiting for an EMS Certification Specialist in our Juneau office.

Jan 20, 2012, 7:01:16 PM

America

Paramedic Tax Question Closer - California

The issue? Should the fire board ask voters to approve a new annual $59 per parcel tax to pay for the current paramedic and ambulance service that has been running in the red for years.

Jan 20, 2012, 6:58:46 PM

America

Teton Fire & Ambulance Districts To Combine - Idaho

Now that the fire district has the facility and staff to combine the services, Campbell said they believe it would save taxpayer money and provide better service.

Jan 20, 2012, 6:54:09 PM

America

County OKs new ambulance provider, Abbott EMS - Illinois

The packed county board room included emergency responders and Abbott EMS representatives who listened as board vice chairman Danny Melvin reported the findings of the request for proposal that resulted in a decision among three applicants.

Jan 20, 2012, 6:53:11 PM

America

Allentown EMS chief retires after guiding plans for change - Pennsylvania

Van Allen led the charge to integrate emergency medical technicians into the city's all-paramedic force

Jan 20, 2012, 6:51:51 PM

America

Supervisors approve ambulance agreement - Tennessee

An agreement approved by the Adams County Board of Supervisors Tuesday means county residents will receive service when the city of Hastings takes over ambulance services March 1.

Jan 20, 2012, 6:50:46 PM

America

Potential ambulance deal might save Brown County some money - South Dakota

The way Brown County pays for ambulance service to rural areas could change under a pending agreement with Aberdeen officials.

Jan 20, 2012, 6:47:22 PM

America

Ambulance company moving to Wilmington - North Carolina

First Med Inc. operates in eight states and has 2,400 employees, CEO Michael Franks said Tuesday.

Jan 20, 2012, 6:45:42 PM

America

York selectmen consider ambulance pact - Maine

There's nothing new about the town appropriating $40,000 annually to the volunteer ambulance association, according to Yandow.

Jan 20, 2012, 6:44:44 PM

America

Roving ambulance launches in Fox Valley - Wisconsin

For the past week, Gold Cross, which provides ambulance service throughout Outagamie, Winnebago and Calumet counties, has had a 24 hour roving ambulance to get a head start on an emergency.

Jan 20, 2012, 6:35:40 PM

Canada

Regina paramedics alongside SWAT - Canada

Regina TEMS went live late last year, with the standoff in Regina on Dec. 13 the team’s first crack at a real-life scenario.

Human Interest

Paramedics to drive 22 hours to bring Salisbury teen in coma home - North Carolina

A horrible accident left a Salisbury teen in a coma hundreds of miles away from home, and now a local EMS crew is stepping up to help.

Jan 20, 2012, 5:45:59 PM

1/17/12

Ambulance Crash Log

Officials Investigate Ambulance Vs. Vehicle Accident - Michigan

Meridian Township is currently investigating a car crash involving an ambulance taking a patient to the hospital.


Jan 18, 2012, 12:53:11 AM

Human Interest

Maryland senior trooper paramedic recounts his battle with melanoma

Part of local medevac helicopter team, Bobby Harsh has undergone surgery, experimental treatments

Jan 18, 2012, 12:51:54 AM

America

Firefighters aren't happy with the city's proposed cuts - Iowa

To help reduce costs, city leaders want to eliminate one of the fire department's medic units.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:43:16 AM

America

Southeast Texas EMS to end service to Jeff Co - Texas

A spokesperson for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office tells 12News HD, Southeast Texas EMS plans to cease its operations in Jefferson County by midnight Tuesday morning.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:42:07 AM

America

Exclusive watchdog report: City fire cuts straining surrounding townships - Ohio

Township fire departments made 41 mutual aid runs into Lancaster in the final two months of 2011, more than double the number they made in all of 2010, an Eagle-Gazette review of fire department data showed.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:39:21 AM

America

Thompson Valley EMS investigating viability of community paramedicine program - Colorado

The local agency is awaiting grant approval to establish a community paramedic program, what those involved with the project are calling the "next phase of health care." Under this model, primary care physicians refer patients to emergency medical services personnel to receive in-home services -- blood draws, medication and mental health checks, hospital discharge follow-ups and more.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:38:01 AM

America

Low morale is spreading among Deroit EMS with the city's financial crisis - Michigan

Detroit is in severe financial distress, and Detroit Fire and EMS are running into cash flow problems themselves. The department will be facing a $1.6 million dollar budget deficit by April.


Jan 18, 2012, 12:36:39 AM

America

Collier EMS overtime costs top $4 million yearly, $6 million in Lee - Florida

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) officials in Southwest Florida said the staggering overtime costs are largely due to federal laws that cap a normal work week at 40 hours. The law states that anyone who works more than 40 hours a week must be paid time and a half.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:35:34 AM

America

Ambulance supervisor placed on leave - California

He said he could not elaborate on the details because of the confidentiality of personnel issues, but said the closed session discussion started with a report on a separate personnel matter.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:32:25 AM

Legal

Victim's wife claims ambulance staff incompetent - Maine

The Nova Scotia woman whose husband died after a skiing accident at Sugarloaf last week is telling a shocking story about the care he received from the ambulance who came to pick him up.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:31:24 AM

Legal

Rural/Metro faces accusations of overbilling - USA

Rural/Metro has charged a higher basic rate for advanced calls - around $1,000 - and then thrown on extra charges for oxygen and cardiac monitoring, according to patient bills obtained by The Buffalo News.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:27:44 AM

Legal

State auditors probe launch of Orchard Park ambulance company - New York

Now, the State Comptroller’s Office is in the process of completing an audit to determine if transactions, including a loan of public funds, were done legally to get the company up and running and keep it operational.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:24:21 AM

Legal

Mt. Pleasant Medic 10 ambulance service cleared of wrongdoing - Pennsylvania

County prosecutors have cleared Medic 10 ambulance service in Mt. Pleasant of wrongdoing after borough officials asked for an investigation into possible misappropriation of funds.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:22:23 AM

Military

Medevac policy is costing lives

The U.S. Army has a policy that is killing our wounded troops

Jan 17, 2012, 11:55:45 PM

Medevac

Air Ambulance has engine failure, lands safely at Timmins airport - Canada

No serious damage, no injuries as Air Ambulance rolls to a stop 1500 past the end of the runway.

Jan 17, 2012, 11:50:54 PM

World

‘Totally drug-resistant’ tuberculosis reported in India; 12 patients have not responded to TB medication

Three dead from illness; poverty and caste system seen as contributing to bacteria's mutation

Jan 17, 2012, 11:40:51 PM

Obits/Services

Betty Black - New York

Mrs. Black worked for 23 years at Northern Westchester Hospital as a physical therapy technician. She was an active member of the North Salem Ambulance Corps, serving as an EMT.

Jan 17, 2012, 10:29:57 PM

1/14/12

Ambulance Crash Log

EMS Medic Seriously Injured in Clawson Street Ambulance Crash - New York

An EMS medic was seriously injured during an ambulance crash in Oakwood Heights Wednedsay afternoon, authorities said.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:55:21 AM

Criminal

Philadelphia man pleads guilty in ambulance scheme with Bucks ties - Pennsylvania

Over six years, prosecutors said, Ivan Tkach scammed Medicare out of $1.26 million.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:21:56 AM

Criminal

Ambulance Chase in Rockingham County - Virginia

One man in Elkton allegedly took police on an ambulance chase Friday afternoon.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:21:08 AM

Criminal

EMS worker accused of sexually assaulting female in ambulance - South Carolina

Authorities charged Anthony Louis Green of Goose Creek with third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:19:00 AM

Criminal

Gilmer paramedic arrested on drug charge - West Virginia

Chapman was arrested in Lewis County on a warrant from Gilmer County. A spokeswoman for Lewis County Magistrate Sharon Hull said Chapman was arrested and appeared in court on Jan. 7. He was released on a $25,000 personal recognizance bond.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:17:50 AM

Criminal

Stolen drugs prompt ambulance changes - Florida

Investigation continues after pain medications in rescue units comprimised

Jan 14, 2012, 12:16:35 AM

Criminal

Reno man sentenced for groping paramedic on flight to Minnesota - Nevada

An 84-year-old man from Reno, Nevada, has been ordered to pay a fine and apologize to a paramedic he was convicted of groping during a flight.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:15:40 AM

Legal

Controversial EMS Bill Vetoed by Christie - New Jersey

Proposed legislation that pitted professional emergency medical service (EMS) units against volunteer ones was passed by the state legislature but conditionally vetoed by Gov. Chris Christie on January 9. At stake was whether volunteer EMS units could handle the burdens of new regulation and who would pay for the $1.4 million of new initiatives in the bill.



Jan 14, 2012, 12:15:03 AM

America

Cleveland's laid-off firefighters shut out of EMS test - Ohio

And test is sort of a misnomer because the Civil Service Commission will exercise an option to substitute "experience evaluation" rather than give a written exam.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:15:00 AM

America

Paramedic program set to launch wellness checks - Colorado

Southwest Memorial Hospital is launching its community paramedic program Feb. 1. The program utilizes paramedics to perform wellness checks on locals in their homes and at a new location downtown.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:12:00 AM

America

New ambulance scheme puts help on the way - California

A new group of emergency medical technicians began responding to ailing residents this week as part of the Glendale Fire Department’s efforts to expand advanced life support coverage throughout the city.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:10:53 AM

Military

Ranger Named USASOC Medic of the Year

Courage, bravery, and compassion are all characteristics of an Army combat medic. This year’s U.S. Army Special Operations Command Medic of the Year takes these traits to a whole new level.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:10:20 AM

Military

Sgt. Pernell Herrera, 33, laid to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery - New Mexico

He played a vital role in MedEvac operations in southern Afghanistan.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:09:20 AM

Canada

Sweeping changes at air ambulance agency ORNGE - Canada

After months of reports about high salaries and financial questions at Ontario's air ambulance system, the Liberal government has cleaned house at the provincial agency.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:07:02 AM

Medevac

- PHI Air Medical and St. Joseph Hospital Bring Helicopter to Bryan Texas

St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan is changing the way its medical helicopters respond to accidents. The changes could help save more lives.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:06:10 AM

Medevac

Patient Attempts Leap From Air Ambulance - South Carolina

Air ambulance work involves difficult missions, but a crew taking an injured man to a South Carolina hospital had an unusual added issue when the patient reportedly tried to jump from their helicopter in flight.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:05:28 AM

Medevac

Fire Department welcomes State Police Medevac Unit - New Jersey

The Ho-Ho-Kus Fire Department hosted a drill with the New Jersey State Police's Medevac helicopter last Thursday night

Jan 14, 2012, 12:04:26 AM

Human Interest

EMS, SAR host Lifesavers Ball - Colorado

They might be the best part of your worst day in town, giving you an ambulance ride after an accident, or they might rip you from the jaws of death on a rugged mountainside in the middle of nowhere.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:00:28 AM

Human Interest

Female firefighter/paramedic pushes gender boundaries - Ohio

"I had no idea what I was getting into," said the Independence native and daughter of two teachers. "It just seemed like a good thing to do."



Jan 14, 2012, 12:00:24 AM