The Charlottetown Guardian
CHARLOTTETOWN, Prince Edward Island — Paramedics in P-E-I want changes to the rules that govern how hard they can put the pedal to the metal.
Health Minister Carolyn Bertram has agreed to meet with their union tomorrow to discuss their concerns.
CUPE argues that a policy that restricts how fast paramedics can drive is putting Island lives at risk.
The province has always cited patient safety, but the union counters that no ambulance has ever been involved in a motor vehicle accident on the Island as a result of excessive speed.
Ambulances with lights and sirens on can’t travel more than 10 kilometres over the posted speed limit, where the limit is 60 kilometres or less.
They can only go 20 kilometres over on highways.
Bertram says she worries that if the province overrides the restrictions it would have to assume the liability if somebody is hurt.
Copyright 2010 Press News Limited