Month: October 2013

Thursday 31st October 2013 – 6.15pm – Murray MacGregor.

For one member of staff at West Midlands Ambulance Service, taking part in ‘Wear It Pink’ day last Friday was particularly important. Susan Partridge, who works at Headquarters was diagnosed with breast cancer in February after a pain appeared following a chest infection.

Five weeks later she had a mastectomy and underwent six lots of chemotherapy and is now on Tamoxifen Tablets for the next five years. Her last chemo was in August.

Susan was determined to garner the support of other staff at the Trust and raise money for this very worthy cause.

For staff based at Headquarters, there were games, a raffle, a cake sale and most non-operational staff dressed in pink – even some of the blokes!

Susan’s drive and determination motivated many people to get involved and raise over £600 for the Breast Cancer Campaign.

In addition, a number of Patient Transport Service staff who work in the Non-Emergency Operations Centre staff within University Hospital Birmingham also did their bit managing to raise almost £120.

This isn’t the first event Susan has organised since returning to work. Earlier this month she joined two colleagues in the ‘Race for Life’ which took place at Himley Hall during twilight hours. Together with Claire Foran and Fiona Limacher, they walked the 5km in a very respectable time of 41 minutes and 22 seconds. The total amount raised was just over £700

Susan said: “The walk was an emotional one, but an enjoyable one too as the money raised will all be going to a very good cause. I cannot thank Claire and Fiona enough for their support during the walk and also while I was undergoing my treatment.

“To say that I am thrilled to complete the course in the time when it has only been two months since my last chemotherapy session is an understatement.

“Thank you also to all those who took part in ‘Wear It Pink Day’. To see so many friends and colleagues taking part was really heart-warming.”

Note to Editors
Picture 1
Staff at WMAS Headquarters on Wear It Pink day

Picture 2
Susan with Claire (middle) and Fiona (right)

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Thursday 31st October 2013 –  3pm – Steve Parry.

Two patients have been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision on the B4361 at Nordan, north of Leominster, this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the scene just after 11.30am.

One ambulance, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle; a doctor from the Mercia Accident Rescue Service (MARS) ; a paramedic officer, together with the Midlands Air Ambulance based at Cosford and the Welsh Air Ambulance, were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Ambulance crews responded to a road traffic collision involving two cars.

“An elderly woman was trapped in her car for nearly two hours. She was released and treated for chest injuries. The patient was anesthetised by a doctor and immobilised with a neck collar and placed on a spinal board before being airlifted to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

“In the second car involved, medics treated a 2-year old child initially unconscious and with serious head injuries.

“The child was airlifted to the Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“A woman travelling with the child was also assessed at the scene by ambulance staff but was later released.”

Ends

Wednesday 30^th October 2013 – 10.30pm – Suzie Fothergill.

A woman has been rescued by ambulance crews following an incident in a heavily wooded area in Lickey today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to a wood near to Monument Lane in Lickey shortly before 2pm this afternoon.

An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team were dispatched to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews were called to reports of a woman who had fallen in a steep heavily wooded area. Crews arrived at the scene to find a woman, believed to be her 50’s, who had sustained an ankle injury.

“Due to the location of the incident, the Hazardous Area Response Team deployed their specialist six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle to help assist in transporting the woman to an awaiting ambulance. On reaching the ambulance, the woman was conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

Ends

 

 

 

Tuesday 29^th October 2013 – 4.40pm – John Hawker.

A pedestrian has been seriously injured following an RTC in Birmingham this afternoon.

The incident occurred on Kyotts Lake Road, Sparkbrook, at around 2.25pm.  Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a Doctor on board attended the team.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a man who had been in collision with a van.

“The man had suffered serious head injuries and had a reduced level of consciousness.  He received emergency treatment and was also anaesthetised by the Doctor at the scene.

“The man, believed to be in his late 50’s, was transferred by land ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Major Trauma unit for further emergency treatment.

“The Doctor travelled on board the ambulance continuing with treatment en-route to hospital who had been pre alerted to the patients arrival and a trauma team were on standby.”

Ends.

Tuesday 29th October 2013 – 6.46am – Murray MacGregor.

A man has undergone surgery after a crash that saw a car roll over on the A50 in Stoke on Trent.

The crash happened at about 11.10pm on Monday night by the by the Normacott sliproad on the Uttoxeter bound carriageway

Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, two BASICS Emergency doctors and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The small Peugeot had collided with the central reservation causing significant front end damage.

“The driver, a man in his 20s or 30s was initially trapped by his legs. Working with the fire service, ambulance staff extracted the man after the roof was removed.

“The man was immobilised before being taken to the Major Trauma Centre at University Hospital of North Staffordshire with a broken left leg and internal injuries.

“After initial assessment he was taken to theatre for surgery.”

Ends

Monday 28th October 2013 – 7.30pm – Chris Kowalik.

A man has died after the van he was driving collided with a lorry in Staffordshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called shortly after 2.50pm to the A38 southbound carriageway between the north and south exits for Burton upon Trent

An advanced community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a senior paramedic officer, an ambulance crew and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Unfortunately nothing could be done to save the van driver and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The lorry driver, a man believed to be in his forties or fifties, had back pain. He was immobilised with the use of a spinal board and neck collar and was taken to Queen’s Hospital in Burton.

“Due to the investigation into the crash, there have been long delays in the area.”

Ends

Monday 28th October 2013 – 12.05pm – Murray MacGregor.

After all the fears of the overnight storm, it is easy to forget that the clocks went back over the weekend and today is the first day commuters will experience the darker evenings.

Dusk arriving ever earlier brings with it an increase in calls and a number of challenges for the ambulance service. However, the public can do their bit to help.

Are you visible?
We would urge people who are out and about in the dark to make sure that they are visible to other road users.

While most school children will be on their half term holiday, drivers need to be aware that there could be many more pedestrians out and about in the dark than previously.

Whether you are walking home from school in the dark or even out out walking the dog, have you got anything reflective on?

Equally, people riding bicycles should ensure that they have working bike lights – it is the law. Reflectors on your clothing and bike can only help. We would also strongly recommend that you wear a cycle helmet too.

Can we find you?
Are we able to find your house at night? It might sound like a simple question, but each year West Midlands Ambulance Service gets called to a large number of incidents where it is almost impossible for ambulance staff to find the property where the patient is, because they can’t identify the house from the road. The situation always gets worse with the longer hours of darkness.

Our crews regularly find house numbers and even road signs obscured by hedges that have overgrown over the summer or paint work that has faded.

In cases where every second counts, being able to find a property quickly really can make the difference between life and death. Spending a few moments making sure we can identify your house really could make a massive difference if the worst happens.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “This advice may sound like the nanny state, but our experience tells us that each year our crews are called out to incidents where both of these scenarios are a reality. It may sound like common sense, because it is.

“Please help us to help you and make sure that everyone stays safe.”

Ends

Please see this press release from ‘Herefordshire Heartstart’, a charity supported by West Midlands Ambulance Service:
http://herefordshireheartstart.org/news/skipping-for-heartstart/

Sunday 27^th October 2013 – 9.15am – John Hawker.

A pedestrian has died following an incident in Stoke on Trent in the early hours of this morning.

The incident occurred on the High Street, Tunstall, at around 4.30am.  An ambulance and a paramedic officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a man and a car that had been in a collision.

“The pedestrian, a man, had suffered serious injuries and was in traumatic cardiac arrest.

“Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

Ends.

Sunday 27^th October 2013 – 9.00am – John Hawker.

A man has been seriously injured following an RTC in Coventry in the early hours of this morning.

The incident occurred near the junction of Bruce Road and Beake Avenue at around 1.00am.  An ambulance and a rapid response vehicle attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a man on the floor with head and leg injuries. It is believed he had been in collision with a car.

“The man, believed to be in his late teens, received emergency treatment at the scene and his condition was stabilised.

“He was transferred to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further emergency treatment.  The hospital had been pre alerted to the mans arrival and his serious injuries.”

Ends.

Saturday 26^th October 2013 – 5.00pm – John Hawker.

A man has died following an RTC in Staffordshire this morning.

The crash occurred on the A5, Norton Cannes at around 11.20am.  An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find two cars that had been in a significant collision and suffered substantial damage.  A third car had suffered minor damage.

“A man had been ejected from the vehicle he was driving and was in traumatic cardiac arrest.  Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The man driving the second car, believed to be in his 70’s, suffered a laceration to his head and was also suffering from shock.  He received treatment at the scene and was transferred by ambulance to New Cross Hospital for further treatment.  The man was fortunate not to have suffered more serious injuries.

 “A family of four, two adults and two children, travelling in the third car were not injured in the crash.  They were spoken to by ambulance crews but did not require treatment.”

 Ends.

Saturday 26^th October 2013 – 4.45pm – John Hawker.

A child has suffered serious leg injuries following an RTC in Walsall this morning.

The incident occurred near to The Broadway Medical Centre, Broadway, at around 11.30am.  An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a child that had been in collision with a car.  The boy is believed to be nine years old.

“The boy had suffered serious leg injuries and received emergency treatment including pain relief from the medics at the scene.

“The boys injuries were stabilised and he was transferred by land ambulance to Birmingham Childrens Hospital for further treatment.  A Doctor travelled on board the ambulance to hospital who had been alerted to the child’s arrival and injuries.”

Ends.

Saturday 26^th October 2013 – 4.30pm – John Hawker.

A motorcyclist has been seriously injured following an RTC in Oldbury this morning.

The crash occurred in Unity Place at around 11am.  An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Trusts CARE team attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car and a motorcycle that had been in a significant collision.

“The man riding the motorcycle, believed to be in his mid 20’s, suffered a serious leg injury.  He received emergency treatment at the scene including receiving pain relief and being immobilised using a spinal board and neck collar.

“The man was transferred by land ambulance to Sandwell Hospital for further emergency treatment.”

“The occupants of the car were uninjured in the crash.”

 Ends.

Friday 25th October 2013 – 4.45pm – Steve Parry.

Two people have died following a road traffic collision near Tong in Shropshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of the A41 and Newport Road at approximately 2.10pm

An ambulance, a paramedic officer, a paramedic in a rapid response car and the Medical Emergency Response Incident team (MERIT) were sent to the scene from their Cosford Air Ambulance base.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to a collision between a car and lorry.

“Sadly, it quickly became apparent to crews that despite their efforts nothing could be done to save two patients travelling in the car. They were confirmed dead at the scene.

“The driver of the lorry was assessed at the scene and later released.”

-End-

Thursday 22nd October 2013 – 5.10pm – Steve Parry

A motorcyclist has been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after colliding with a deer near Tredington, Shipston on Stour, this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident on the A3400 at approximately 2.30pm.

An ambulance, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, together with the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to a collision between a motorcycle and deer.

“A man in his seventies was treated for a fractured leg, chest and shoulder injuries.

“The patient was immobilised using a neck collar, spinal board and pelvic splint. He was also given pain relief and anaesthetised by a doctor aboard the air ambulance before being airlifted to the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire.

“It is understood the Deer died in the collision”.

 

End

 

 

Wednesday 23^rd October 2013 – 5.20pm – Suzie Fothergill.

A child has been airlifted to hospital following a road traffic collision in Herefordshire today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident on Perseverance Road in Hereford at approximately 3.25pm this afternoon.

Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham were dispatched to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews were called to reports of a car and a pedestrian that had been in collision.

“The pedestrian, a child, was treated at the scene for chest and head injuries. The boy was fully immobilised and conveyed to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further assessment and specialist treatment.”

Ends

Wednesday 23^rd October 2013 – 1.00pm – Suzie Fothergill.

A man has died following an incident in the Black Country today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a road traffic collision on Kitchen Lane in Wolverhampton shortly before 9.30am this morning.

An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived on scene to find a single vehicle that had been in collision with a lamp post.

“The driver, a man, was found to be in cardiac arrest. Crews commenced advanced life support at the scene but unfortunately nothing could be done to save the man who was confirmed deceased at the scene.”

Ends

Wednesday 23^rd October 2013 – 12.00pm – Suzie Fothergill.

A woman has died following an incident in Staffordshire today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a road traffic collision near to the junction of Bangley Lane and the A453 in Drayton Bassett shortly before 7.20am this morning.

An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford were dispatched to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived on scene to find a single vehicle that had left the carriageway and was found in the small ditch.

“Whilst being treated at the scene, the condition of the driver rapidly deteriorated. Crews immediately commenced full resuscitation attempts on the woman. Sadly, despite best efforts of ambulance personnel nothing could be done to save the woman and she was confirmed deceased at the scene.”

Ends

Tuesday 22^nd October 2013 – 8pm – Chris Kowalik.

A man has died after the car he was driving collided with a lorry in Herefordshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A438 at Willersley shortly after 2.55pm today.

 

Two ambulance crews, a BASICS emergency doctor from MARS (Mercia Accident Rescue Service) in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended.

 

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The driver of the car was freed from his vehicle and there were prolonged attempts to resuscitate him.

 

“Sadly, despite these best efforts, he was confirmed dead at the scene by the attending doctor. The lorry driver was uninjured.”

 

Ends

 Note to Editors:

Mercia Accident Rescue Service (MARS) is a group of highly trained and experienced pre-hospital practitioners who provide enhanced immediate medical care to the people of Herefordshire and Worcestershire on a voluntary basis in support of West Midlands Ambulance Service. It currently comprises 15 doctors and two advanced nurse practitioners. The scheme is a registered charity supported by local fundraising and affiliated with the British Association for Immediate Care (BASICS). For more information go to www.marsbasics.org.uk

Saturday 19^th October 2013 – 5.45pm – Chris Kowalik.

The pilot of a light aircraft that ended-up upside down in a field near Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport has escaped without serious injury.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called shortly after 11.50am today.

An advanced community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford and an ambulance crew attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find the single-seater light aircraft upside down in a ploughed field not far from the airport runway. Fire crews at the scene righted the aircraft and the pilot, a man in his sixties, got out.

“He was assessed at the scene and found to have just minor injuries. He was discharged at the scene.”

Ends

Saturday 19^th October 2013 – 2.25pm – Chris Kowalik.

A motorcyclist has been seriously injured in a collision with a car in Worcestershire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of the A38 and Church Lane in Wychbold, shortly before 8.10am today.

A paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance crew and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “A Community First Responder who was in the area stopped to help as did a passing firefighter on his way to work. They helped the ambulance crew in giving CPR to the motorcyclist, a man believed to be in his thirties or forties and who had suffered a cardiac arrest.

“He was taken on blue lights by land ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.”

Ends

Friday 18^th October 2013 – 10.20pm – Chris Kowalik.

A woman has been taken to hospital after the car she was driving left the road and overturned in a field.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A53 at Quarnford shortly before 5.45pm today.

A Community First Responder, a paramedic Area Support Officer in a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance crew attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found the woman out of the car, having made it back to the main road. She had head, neck, chest and suspected pelvic injuries. Among the treatments at the scene was the application of a pelvic splint and she was taken to the major trauma centre at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.”

Ends

Thursday 17^th October 2013 – 4.50pm – Suzie Fothergill.

A man has been airlifted to hospital following a road traffic collision in Shropshire today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of the A49 and the B4365 in Bromfield, Ludlow shortly before 2.40pm this afternoon.

An ambulance, a community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford were dispatched to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival at the scene crews found a cyclist and a small van that had been in collision.

“The cyclist, a man, was found lying in the carriageway and had sustained serious multiple injuries. The man was fully immobilised and given pain relief at the scene before being airlifted to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“The hospital was pre-alerted and medics were on standby awaiting the arrival of the man.

“No one else was injured in the incident.”

Ends

Thursday 17^th October 2013 – 10.30pm – Chris Kowalik.

46 people in Telford have been taught how to help save the life of someone who suffers a cardiac arrest.

On Wednesday, October 16^th, the inaugural ‘European Restart a Heart Day’ was marked at the headquarters of SP Services where trainers from West Midlands Ambulance Service gave free public courses in CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation).

The European Resuscitation Council believes with more people learning the techniques, 100,000 lives could be saved each year across Europe.

Antoinette Cox (pictured below) was one of the visitors to SP Services. She explained her husband has had heart problems in the past.

She said: “I roughly knew what to do although I’ve never had somebody supervising me. I wanted to make sure that I could do it. I feel very secure now. I know if somebody else needs my help, I know exactly what to do. I would have the confidence now to get their heart started.”

Above: Antoinette Cox pictured with her training certificate.

Malcolm Price, West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Commercial Services Development Manager said: “Everyone really enjoyed it. We trained them in a light-hearted and engaging way to improve their confidence to carry out CPR should they have to. Thank-you to SP Services for providing the training venue.”

Above: Jane Wilson, of SP Customer Services is taught CPR

By performing CPR you can do nothing wrong, the only thing that can be wrong is doing nothing.

Ends

Note to Editors:

Pictures are available for download from www.officialwmas.wordpress.com

More information is available from Paul Watts at SP Services (UK) on 07818592999 paul.watts@spservices.co.uk

Ian Perry of BBC Radio Shropshire spoke to Paul Watts of SP Services. Listen here:

For more information on the Restart A Heart campaign visit www.restartaheart.eu

Ends

Thursday 17^th October 2013 – 8.40am – Chris Kowalik.

Two people have been injured, one seriously, in a collision involving three vehicles in Warwickshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A46 at Stoneleigh shortly after 8pm last night (Wednesday).

An advanced community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle, a BASICS Emergency doctor, two ambulance crews and the MERIT trauma team consisting of a trauma doctor and critical care practitioner attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “A woman driver in her forties was trapped in her car. She was freed by the fire service. She had numerous serious injuries, was fully immobilised and was taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire which had been put on alert.

“A male driver was already out of his vehicle. He had minor injuries and was taken to Warwick Hospital.

“The third driver was uninjured.”

Ends

Wednesday 16th October 2013 – 2.30pm – Steve Parry.

Two lorry drivers have been treated by ambulance crews following a road traffic collision in Crudgington near High Ercall, this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident in Cotwall Lane, off the B5062, just before midday.

An ambulance, together with the Medical Emergency Response Incident Team (MERIT) was sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to a road traffic collision involving two HGVs.

“A man, believed to be in his thirties, was trapped in his lorry for over an hour. He was treated for back and head injuries.

“The patient was later released and taken by land ambulance to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“The driver of the second lorry involved was assessed at the scene before being released.”

Wednesday 16th October – 11.50am – Steve Parry.

A motorcyclist has been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision in Ettington, near Stratford upon Avon, earlier today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to an incident on Warwick Road just before 10.15am.

An ambulance, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, together with a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to a collision between a vehicle towing a horsebox and motorcycle.

“Crews treated a male in his twenties for shoulder, foot and pelvic injuries.

“The patient was immobilised using a neck collar, spinal board and splint. He was given pain relief before being conveyed to the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further assessment and treatment.”

 End

Tuesday 15^th October 2013 – 2.00pm – Murray MacGregor.

Contracts have now been signed for West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) to step-in and lead on the NHS111 service from NHS Direct the West Midlands with effect from 11^th November 2013. This follows contract negotiations and the joint development of clear improvement plans for the service.

WMAS is being asked to deliver the 111 service in Birmingham, Solihull, the Black Country, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Coventry and Warwickshire only.

Andy Williams, Lead Commissioner for the NHS111 Project Team said: “We have been working towards this step-in arrangement since NHS Direct announced its withdrawal from the contract.  We are confident that West Midlands Ambulance Service will deliver an improved service for our patients and public.

“WMAS has already implemented an upgraded training programme for call handling staff which will improve the clinical governance process and this will continue for the next few months.   In addition, as new staff are recruited into the call handling team, they will undergo this enhanced training package before becoming operational.

“We are pleased that West Midlands Ambulance Service is stepping-in to provide this service as we believe it’s a natural fit for the service and will strengthen the service as we come into the winter season.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “We are delighted to be able to provide the NHS 111 service going forward.  We believe our expertise in running complex clinical call handling operations will allow us to bring real improvements to the 111 service.  We have already seen how well the NHS 111 and 999 service can integrate in other parts of the country.”

The NHS Direct 0845 46 47 telephone number will be switched off at the end of November in the West Midlands region and callers will be advised to hang up and re-dial NHS111 which is a free service.

Ends

Very quick update on this appalling case and it is good news; the member of staff who suffered a fractured skull has been discharged from hospital and is said to be recovering well.

Thank you for all of the many good will messages that you have been sending through. We will ensure that we pass them on to our colleagues at North West Ambulance Service.

Tuesday 15^th October 2013 – 10am – Chris Kowalik.

Ash O’Malley is 34, works as a mechanical design engineer and lives in Hereford.

He was trained in First Aid at work but wanted to take it to an advanced level and that is why he became a Community First Responder (CFR); one of a number of people who volunteer their free time to respond to medical emergencies near them while an emergency ambulance vehicle is en-route. He is also currently training to become an instructor for the Herefordshire Heartstart charity.

After seeing an appeal on the internet, Ash applied for a position, underwent the training provided by West Midlands Ambulance Service, accompanied ambulance crews during their shifts and, after successfully qualifying as a CFR he began responding himself. Ash “books-on” with the ambulance service’s control room on weeknights and occasional weekends while he is at home in the centre of Hereford

He said: “My first job was to an unconscious person at a residential home. It taught me the golden rule – never to assume, because I assumed it would be a resident, but it was in fact a member of staff who was taken ill.”

Ash has been a CFR for two years and recently attended his one-hundredth incident: “I’ve responded to care homes, a coffee shop, car parks and a football club amongst calls to domestic addresses.

“The most notable incident was on a train. It stood out because it was still full of people. I arrived on scene the same time as the paramedic. We were directed by rail staff across the platform and onto the train to find a man critically ill on board. Fortunately there was a doctor travelling in the same carriage who was maintaining his airway. I assisted the paramedic by carrying and fetching equipment, preparing kit and taking down the patient’s observations as he was assessed. The railway staff were very prepared; they halted the trains so we could carry the patient across the lines and into the ambulance. I remember thinking it surreal to be working on board a train – not something they taught us in the classroom!”

The training provided by West Midlands Ambulance Service for Community First Responders is on-going and continuous. Ash explained: “We receive monthly training. Every year we have an update of new procedures and we have to re-qualify every three years. Last year I was very fortunate to be invited to the control room where I listened to emergency calls coming in, and then watched the dispatchers sending vehicles out to the cases.

“A friend of mine who is a paramedic roped me into playing a ‘live’ casualty in an exercise to simulate a large incident earlier in the year. I was an injured front-seat passenger of a car wedged under a 52-seater bus on a cold January evening. It was a good insight into how to deal with patients and the importance of communicating well with them.

“For me, being a Community First Responder costs me nothing more than my time and I find it very rewarding. It’s good to be in a position to help people when their worst nightmares are unfolding. It’s not always like that, but it can be sometimes. Everyone is very thankful for your help.”

For more information about the work of Community First Responders or to become one yourself:

visit www.wmas.nhs.uk and find the ‘CFR’ page under ‘About us’

visit www.hwcfr.org.uk

call Noel Orbell, Community Response Manager on 07980 094 808

or call the CFR admin office on 01384 215 855 or email CFRAdmin@wmas.nhs.uk

Ends

Tuesday 15th October 2013 – 6.35am – Murray MacGregor.

One man has been treated for minor injuries after a massive fire at a dairy in Worcestershire.

Fire and ambulance services were called to Robert Wiseman Dairies in Wassage Way, Hampton Lovett near Droitwich at around 10.40pm last night (Monday).

An ambulance, two ambulance officers and the Hazardous Area Response Team were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Initial reports suggested that there was a large electrical fire and that explosions had been heard at the scene.

“Ambulance staff stood by at the entry point being used by firefighters to go into the blaze.

“Staff from the HART team were kitted up in breathing apparatus to support their fire colleagues if required.

“Thankfully, there was only one casualty, an engineer, who had a minor head injury and was treated at the scene.

“All Ambulance resources were stood down at around 2.40am on Tuesday morning once the fire was out.”

Ends

We were shocked to hear about a vicious attack on a colleague from North West Ambulance Service who has been left with a fractured skull after being attacked while trying to help a patient.

Like NWAS, we will not tolerate violence against our staff. We will always ask the Courts to hand down the toughest possible sentences in cases such as this. Thankfully, attacks are still relatively rare, but even one attack is one too many.

You can find out more about this appalling incident at:

http://www.nwas.nhs.uk/news/press-releases-statements/14-october/#.Ulv961NqNQU

The good news is that there was an update this afternoon that Lancashire Police have arrested a 19 year old man in connection with the incident.

Sunday 13^th October 2013 – 6.00pm – Claire Brown.

An elderly man has been injured in a road traffic collision in Wolverhampton this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Stafford Road near to Bee Lane, Fordhouses, shortly after 10.15am today (Sunday). An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer, a responder paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival crews found a pedestrian who had been in collision with a car.

“The elderly man, believed to be in his 70s, sustained a head injury, shoulder and knee pain. Crews and the medic stabilised his condition on scene with pre hospital treatment and administered pain relief to the man before he was taken by land ambulance on blue lights to New Cross Hospital.

“No one else was injured in the crash.”

 

ENDS

Saturday 12^th October 2013 – 6.15pm – Claire Brown.

One man has died and a second has been seriously injured in a two car crash in Worcester earlier today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A4538 Pershore Lane near to the Sixways Stadium in Worcester shortly after 2.15pm this afternoon (Saturday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board and a second Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find two cars which had been involved in a significant collision.

“One man was trapped in the wreckage in one car and was in a serious condition. Whilst ambulance crews began treating the man his condition deteriorated and he went into cardiac arrest.

“Ambulance staff worked as a team to administer advanced life support in an attempt to resuscitate the man. Sadly, despite the best efforts of ambulance crews and the medic, nothing could be done to save man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“A 59 year old man from the second car was also trapped and had sustained fractures to his ankles as well as injuries to his hip, wrist and pelvis. Once the man had been stabilised with pain relief, ambulance staff worked with the fire service to carefully extricate him from the car.

“After around 30 minutes, the man was released from the wreckage. He was immobilised with a neck collar, spinal board and leg splints before being taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.”

 

ENDS

http://www.philipdunne.com/content/ludlow-mp-trains-community-defibrillator

Thursday 10^th October 2013 – 4.30pm – Claire Brown.

A motorcyclist has been taken to hospital after being injured in a road traffic collision in South Staffordshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A460 just before the M54 junction shortly before 10.45am this morning (Thursday). An ambulance, two responder paramedics and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The road traffic collision involved a car and a motorcycle. The motorcyclist, a man believed to be in his 40s, sustained a nasty fracture to his leg as well as injuries to his arm.

“Crews and the medic worked to stabilise his condition on scene by administering pain relief and drugs before he was immobilised with a neck collar, spinal board and traction leg splint. The man was then taken by land ambulance to New Cross Hospital.

“No one else was injured in the collision.”

 

ENDS

 

Thursday 10^th October 2013 – 2.30pm – Chris Kowalik.

October 16^th, 2013 = European restart a heart day.

Let’s save more than 100,000 lives!

The very first ‘European Restart a Heart Day’ to teach members of the public how to help restart the heart of someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest will be held this autumn, organised by the European Resuscitation Council (ERC).

The initiative, which takes place on October 16^th, targeting particularly Europe’s younger people, aims to improve the very low numbers of people surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

On the day, West Midlands Ambulance Service will join medical supply firm SP Services at the company’s HQ in Telford to give members of the public a free course in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); procedures which everyone can learn and which, one day, may save someone’s life.

Malcolm Price, West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Commercial Services Development Manager said: “Bystander CPR is incredibly important because having people on hand who know what to do is crucial. These skills really do save lives. The earlier someone suffering a cardiac arrest gets help the greater their chance of survival. We teach people very simple, basic procedures – they are simple, effective – and they work.”

The European Resuscitation Council believes with more people learning the techniques, 100,000 lives could be saved each year across Europe.

Professor Maaret Castrén of the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, and chairwoman of the ERC said: “CPR is easier than most people think and saves lives. People are understandably nervous about doing CPR but our campaign will show that it is a straightforward procedure that can be performed by most people. Members of the general public really have the power and ability to save lives in these circumstances. Even a modest increase in the proportion of the public doing CPR in this scenario could save many lives.”

Paul Watts, SP Services’ Sales Manager and former instructor with London Ambulance Service said: “There can be nothing worse than standing around unable to help when someone collapses in front of you. Taking the time to learn a few basic steps may one day save the life of a family member or a stranger in the street.

“You don’t have to book. If you live or work nearby or are passing our head office on Wednesday, October 16, just call in to our first aid showroom which is open to the public. You will be made very welcome and the course will only take a maximum of one hour. You can’t miss us on Hortonwood 30 as there is a tank parked outside.”

By performing CPR you can do nothing wrong, the only thing that can be wrong is doing nothing.

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For more information on the Restart A Heart campaign visit www.restartaheart.eu

Thursday 10^th October 2013 – 1.30pm – Claire Brown.

A man has been seriously injured after the moped he was riding collided with a car in a Warwickshire village.

The incident happened on Snitterfield Lane in Snitterfield shortly before 9.45am this morning (Thursday). An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The moped rider, a man in his 30s, had sustained multiple injuries and was being cared for by locals when the emergency services arrived.

“Upon assessment, ambulance crews found he had sustained a head injury together with suspected fractures to his shoulder, pelvis and ankle. The man was given pain relief and intravenous drugs before being fully immobilised to stabilise his suspected fractures.

“The man was then airlifted to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, a regional trauma centre, for further treatment.

“The driver of the car, a woman, was uninjured in the crash.”

 

ENDS

Thursday 10^th October 2013 – 12.20pm – Claire Brown.

A man has been airlifted to hospital following a collision involving two cars and a lorry in Shrewsbury this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Olden Lane, in Ruyton XI Towns shortly before 9.00am today (Thursday). An ambulance, a paramedic officer, an area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival crews found two cars and a lorry which had been involved in a collision. The driver of one car, a man believed to be in his 30s, was trapped in the wreckage.

“Ambulance staff worked to assess the man and found he had suffered suspected fractures to his leg and pelvis. The team stabilised his condition with various drugs and administered pain relief to make him more comfortable before working with the fire service to carefully extricate the man from the car.

“The man was fully immobilised with a neck collar, spinal board, pelvic and leg splints before being airlifted to University Hospital of North Staffordshire, a regional trauma centre, for further emergency treatment.

“No one else was injured in the collision.”

 

ENDS

Please see this article from the Bromsgrove Standard about Community First Responder Adam Joyce:

http://www.bromsgrovestandard.co.uk/2013/10/09/news-Bromsgrove-man-who-battled-Leukaemia-to-do-Great-Brum-Run-86328.html

Wednesday 9th October 2013 – 3.00pm – Suzie Fothergill.

Four men have been treated by ambulance crews following a road traffic collision in Coventry today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Fivefield Road and Tamworth Road in Keresley End shortly before 10.20am this morning.

Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance were dispatched to the scene.

West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews were called to reports of a motorcyclist and a car that had been in collision.

“The motorcyclist, a man believed to be in his 50’s, had sustained multiple injuries. The man was fully immobilised and given pain relief at the scene before being conveyed, via land ambulance, to University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire.

“The doctor from the air ambulance travelled aboard the land ambulance continuing to provide emergency medical treatment, alongside the crew whilst en route to hospital. Hospital medics had been pre-alerted to the arrival of the man and of his injuries.

“Three occupants had been travelling in the car at the time of the incident. All three men were treated by crews at the scene for minor injuries before being conveyed to the same hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

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Wednesday 9th October 2013 – 3.00pm – Suzie Fothergill.

Two men have been injured following a road traffic collision in Warwickshire today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Ardens Grafton in Alcester shortly after midday.

An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer, a medical first responder and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham were dispatched to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews were called to reports of two cyclists that had fallen from their bicycles.

“The first cyclist, a man believed to be in his 60’s, was treated for head and facial injuries. The man was fully immobilised before being airlifted to Alexandra Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“A second man, believed to be in his 70’s, was also treated at the scene for head, facial and chest injuries. The man was fully immobilised and conveyed to the same hospital via land ambulance.”

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Wednesday 9th October 2013 – 10.35am – Chris Kowalik.

An appeal has been made for Community First Responders (CFRs) in south Worcestershire.

Volunteers are particularly needed in Broadway and surrounding villages.

CFRs are everyday members of the public who are trained in lifesaving techniques including the use of a defibrillator, a device used to restart the heart of someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest. Their availability, close proximity and local knowledge of the area are among their many assets.

CFRs will be called by the ambulance service’s control room to medical emergencies in their area while an ambulance is en route. They are vital in life-threatening situations, particularly in the case of a cardiac arrest, stroke and trauma when every minute counts.

Volunteers responding in and around Broadway would be part of the Vale of Evesham Community First Responder scheme. Scheme co-ordinator Mark Heesom said: “We are appealing for enough volunteers to join us so there is someone available to respond twenty-four hours a day across the whole of the Vale of Evesham.”

Community Response Manager Noel Orbell said: “Volunteers come from all walks of life. When they make themselves available to respond they can continue to go about their daily lives, but if an emergency call is received by the ambulance service within a five or six mile radius, they are sent and always backed-up by an emergency ambulance service vehicle.

“To volunteer, you must be aged 18 or over, have a full driving licence and lots of enthusiasm.

“Help will be provided in obtaining the necessary equipment and no previous experience is necessary as West Midlands Ambulance Service will provide the training.

“Applicants will attend a nationally recognised training course covering Basic Life Support and Defibrillation, Medical Emergencies, Traumatic Emergencies and Preparing for Active Duty. They will then train alongside ambulance crews before going ‘live’”.

Michelle Brotherton, West Midlands Ambulance Service General Manager for the West Mercia area said: “We really support Community First Responders and call upon them to help their local community. Community First Responders are an integral part of the ambulance service. The work they do is outstanding and is greatly valued. It’s about giving something back to their local community. In a life-threatening case every minute makes a difference.”

For more information about the work of Community First Responders or to become one yourself, contact West Midlands Ambulance Service Community Response Manager Noel Orbell on 07980 094808, or the CFR Admin office on 01384 215855 or CFRAdmin@wmas.nhs.uk

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Monday 7th October 2013 – 9.10pm – Chris Kowalik.

A motorcyclist has died following a collision with a lorry in the Black Country.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Watling Street, Brownhills shortly after 4.20pm today.

An advanced community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance crew and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews at the scene performed advanced life support techniques to the motorcyclist and tried to resuscitate him. Sadly, despite those best efforts, he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

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Sunday 6^th October 2013 – 9.05pm – John Hawker.

A man has died following a microlight aircraft crash near Stourbridge this evening.

The crash occurred in a field near Bridgnorth Road, Stourton at around 5.55pm.  An ambulance, the Trusts Hazardous Area Response Team and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene. 

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a microlight aircraft that is believed to have been in collision with pylons and crashed into a field.

“Advanced life support was carried out on the man who was piloting the microlight, but unfortunately despite the best efforts of medics, nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

 Ends.

We have no further details on this incident.

Sunday 6^th October 2013 – 6.00pm – John Hawker.

A cyclist has been injured following an RTC in Shropshire this afternoon.

The crash occurred on a country lane in Chatwall, north east of Church Stretton at around 1.00pm.  An ambulance, a community first responder and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a cyclist that had left the road and been in collision with a hedgerow and stone wall.

“The man, believed to be in his late 30’s, suffered head, shoulder and knee injuries and had been unconscious following the crash.

“He received emergency treatment at the scene and his condition was stabilised.

“The man was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Major Trauma Unit for further emergency treatment.  The hospital had been pre alerted to the mans arrival and his injuries.”

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Saturday 5^th October 2013 – 10.45am – John Hawker.

A woman has been cut from the car she was driving following a crash in Telford this morning.

The crash occurred on Brockton Way, Queensway, Telford at around 7.40am.  An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car that had left the road and been in collision with a lamppost and a hedgerow.

“The woman driving the car, a 27 year old woman suffered suspected back and pelvic injuries.  She was also disorientated and had been unconscious. 

“She received emergency treatment whilst still in the car and her condition was stabilised.  She was then carefully extricated from the vehicle with the assistance of the fire service.

“Once safely removed, the woman was airlifted to University Hospital North Staffordshire for further emergency treatment.  The hospital had been pre alerted to the womans injuries and her arrival.”

Ends.

Saturday 5^th October 2013 – 10.45am – John Hawker.

A woman has been cut from the car she was driving following a crash in Telford this morning.

The crash occurred on Brockton Way, Queensway, Telford at around 7.40am.  An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car that had left the road and been in collision with a lamppost and a hedgerow.

“The woman driving the car, a 27 year old woman suffered suspected back and pelvic injuries.  She was also disorientated and had been unconscious.  

“She received emergency treatment whilst still in the car and her condition was stabilised.  She was then carefully extricated from the vehicle with the assistance of the fire service.

“Once safely removed, the woman was airlifted to University Hospital North Staffordshire for further emergency treatment.  The hospital had been pre alerted to the womans injuries and her arrival.”

Ends.