Canadian Paramedics Recommend Mine Rescue Changes

One year after two paramedics died tragically in an attempt to rescue two mine employees overcome by lack of oxygen at the decommissioned Sullivan Mine, the safety of paramedics is still at risk due to lack of significant regulatory changes to protect lives, say the Ambulance Paramedics of BC, CUPE Local 873.

And that is leading the union to recommend that a Coroner's Inquest starting Monday into how paramedics Kim Weitzel and Shawn Currier died in May 2006 when responding to an emergency call make recommendations that will lead to increased safety for paramedics.

Ambulance Paramedics of BC President John Strohmaier said it is disturbing that on the eve of the Coroner's Inquest that the BC Ambulance Service has suddenly suggested changes to the way paramedics should deal with mine accidents.

"It is concerning to us that it has taken over one year after the loss of two paramedics for the BC Ambulance Service to start dealing with dangerous mine accidents, just days before a Coroner's Inquest begins," said Strohmaier. "This is an unacceptable lack of concern for the safety of not only our members but also those who they are attempting to assist with medical services."

Strohmaier says that the safety of paramedics should always be the first priority, but it was not until yesterday - just days before the inquest begins - that a policy was made public changing how paramedics respond to mine site accidents - and that policy does not go into effect until July 20, 2007.

"We are looking forward to a public, transparent, and thorough process to bring light what happened and dispel some myths of that unthinkable day one year ago. We will also be working closely with the families of the two fallen paramedics to ensure any recommendations brought forward are acted on in a timely fashion," says Strohmaier. "I truly hope that this inquest will bring some closure and that the loss of our two members will leave a legacy for improved safety provincially"

Although paramedics receive basic safety awareness training, it is outdated at best, said Strohmaier.

"Our goal is to ensure that a tragedy such as this can never happen again, but that is only going to happen if there is some positive change for paramedic safety, something that can only happen through this inquest," Strohmaier said.

The Coroner's Inquest into the tragic deaths of paramedics Kim Weitzel and Shawn Currier will run from July 9, 2007 until July 20, 2007.

Kim Weitzel and Shawn Currier were killed in the line of duty while responding to an emergency call at the decommissioned Sullivan Mine owned by Teck-Cominco in Kimberley, BC on May 17, 2006. Mine employee Bob Newcombe and contractor Doug Erickson were also found deceased at the site.

The inquest is open to all members of the public and will be held at Centennial Hall at 47 Howard Street, Kimberley, BC.

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