» Protect

Posts tagged "Protect"

Legislation Aims to Protect Off-Duty Responders from Lawsuits

The Massachusetts State Senate has unanimously approved a “Good Samaritan Bill” aimed at protecting off-duty first responders from lawsuits if they provide assistance at an emergency scene. The issue of protecting first responders and others from lawsuits has come up at various times in recent years, but quickly regained traction in the aftermath of the recent Boston Marathon bombings. “While the many off-duty firefighters and EMTs who rushed to help in the aftermath of the Marathon bombings brought this into sharp focus, the fact is we are lucky to have brave men and women who come to the aid of their fellow citizens every day in emergencies from car accidents to heart attacks,” said State Senator Katherine Clark, who chairs the Judiciary Committee. “They shouldn’t have to worry that doing the right thing could result in legal action.” According to an announcement from Clark’s office, this legislation would specifically place off-duty first responders under the state’s existing Good Samaritan Law, which protects average citizens from frivolous lawsuits if they provide assistance to somebody during an emergency. “On Marathon Monday, many off-duty firefighters and emergency medical technicians came to the immediate aid of the hundreds of people impacted by the blasts and, as good Samaritans, they should be provided with the same legal protections,” said State Senate President Therese Murray. State Senator James Timilty, a Walpole Democrat, is the lead sponsor of the bill. “This legislation not only seeks to protect those who risked their lives to help on Marathon Monday, but the everyday occurrences of an accident on the side of the road or a child injured on the ball field. We should do everything in our power to ensure that those with the adequate training to help do not hesitate out of fear of a lawsuit,” said Timilty. SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch

Bus Attack Leads to Call to Better Protect MBTA Drivers

The president of the MBTA operator’s union is calling for increased efforts on part of police, prosecutors and lawmakers in the wake of a 15-person attack on a bus driver in Dorchester Saturday. Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589 John Lee said in a statement published on the union’s website March 10 that such attacks deserve immediate attention by state lawmakers. “The Boston Carmen’s Union ATU Local 589 is relieved and thankful that the Bus Driver, attacked in the early morning hours, was not more seriously injured,” the statement said. “However this assault by a reported mob on an isolated Local 589 member simply doing his job illustrates the need for public safety officials and the legislature to act quickly before a transit worker is killed.” The Boston Globe reported Sunday that there have been 22 reported cases of MBTA drivers who have been assaulted or threatened in 2013 and 18 cases during the same period in 2012. Lee calls for new recognition by lawmakers on House Bill 1508/Senate Bill 718 “An Act to Authorize the Arrest for Assault and Battery on a Public Employee,” which would make it possible for police to arrest a suspect without a warrant should there be sufficient probable cause, according to the language of the bill. The bill was referred to the joint committee on the judiciary Jan. 23 by both the house and senate, though there are no hearings immediately scheduled. “MBTA and RTA workers, male and female, are on the job in the early morning hours and late into the night,” Lee’s post continued. “They are often isolated while working in buses, trolleys and transit stations and are increasing becoming the target of violence. It is well passed time for a crackdown on the thugs that target working women and men on any public transit job.” SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch

How to Protect Your Electronics on the T

According to MBTA Transit Police iPhones are the most widely thieved item on the T. Police also offered tips on how to keep your stuff safe while riding public transportation (from the blog post): If possible, avoid using your phone while on the MBTA except in cases of emergency/reporting via SeeSay or 911 Conceal expensive electronic equipment Change the color of the device’s ear buds, would be thieves look for the distinctive white ear plugs of Apple Refrain from listening to music or wearing headphones while riding the system Be aware of your surroundings at all times especially if you are using your electronic device Be aware that most robberies of electronic devices occur near the train doors Be alert for staged distractions Police also pointed to a public service announcement video on how to keep your stuff safe produced by New York’s Metro Transit Authority. South End Patch