Wednesday 12th March 2014 – 5.30pm – Suzie Fothergill.
A woman has been treated for burn injuries following a house fire in Staffordshire this afternoon.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the fire at a private property in Wedges Mills in Cannock at approximately 1.40pm today.
An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer and a rapid response vehicle from the Midlands Air Ambulance based in Cosford, carrying a critical care paramedic and a trauma doctor attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find the house well ablaze. Firefighters entered the house and retrieved a woman from the property.
“The woman was in a semi-conscious state and was covered in soot from the fire. Ambulance crews gave the casualty oxygen and treated her for burns to her arm and airway. Due to the nature of her injuries, the doctor gave the woman an aesthetic at the scene and she was conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further assessment and specialist treatment.
“The doctor travelled on board the ambulance along with the crew continuing to provide emergency medical treatment whilst en route to hospital.
“The hospital had been pre-alerted and medics were on standby awaiting the woman’s arrival.”
Wednesday 12th March 2014 – 4.15pm – Suzie Fothergill.
Two people have been taken to hospital following a significant road traffic collision in Birmingham today.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident on Lincoln Road North in Acocks Green at approximately 1.20pm this afternoon.
Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance were dispatched to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival at the scene, crews found two cars that had been involved in a significant collision.
“The driver of the first vehicle had managed to get himself out of the car and was found lying on the floor. The man, believed to be in his 30’s, was treated for serious multiple injuries to his legs, abdomen and pelvis. He was given pain relief and fully immobilised at the scene before being airlifted to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
“The driver of the second vehicle, a woman believed to be in her 60’s, was extricated from the car with the assistance of the fire service. The woman was treated at the scene for a fractured leg. She was given pain relief and immobilised before being transferred to Heartlands Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”
Wednesday 12th March 2014 – 3.30pm – Claire Brown.
A Kidderminster man and his family will be “eternally grateful” to the ambulance staff who helped save his life.
John Wilkinson, 71, and his wife Kate Wilkinson, 65, visited Trust Headquarters yesterday (Tuesday) to be reunited with the call assessor, responder paramedic and ambulance crew that came to their aid in December last year.
Kate called 999 from their home in Caunsall, Kidderminster, at about 9am on Tuesday 17th December when John collapsed in their living room after coming down the stairs. During the 999 call, John stopped breathing. With help from Brierley Hill based 999 call assessor Claire Ballyn, Kate remembered her first aid training that she’d had some years ago and started chest compressions.
The ambulance crew arrived, just seven minutes after the 999 call, to find Kate doing excellent CPR on her husband. The crew, backed up by a responder paramedic, took over from Kate and used a defibrillator five times to restart John’s heart back into a rhythm. John, who had been resuscitated on scene, was rushed to Russell’s Hall Hospital by ambulance. He spent five days in hospital where he was fitted with an internal defibrillator.
Kate, who retired from her administrative role at a college at the end of the last academic year, said: “If I’d still been working I would have already left the house when John collapsed so the outcome would have been very different. When asked by the call taker if I was willing to do CPR, of course there was no hesitation. I thank God that I was able to keep a level head and not panic; it had been some 20 years since taking a first aid course but I am so grateful that I did and recognise the importance of the skills I had learnt. I would urge anyone to do the same as one day you may help to save a life.”
John, who is recovering well from his ordeal, said: “I have to joke about it at times as I’m still coming to terms with what happened. It’s frightening to think about it really. I don’t remember anything until later that day when I woke up in hospital, but from hearing accounts about how well Kate coped that day and how much the ambulance service did to save my life, it’s humbling and I am eternally grateful to everyone because without them I wouldn’t be here. Nobody appreciates what the NHS is until something like this happens and you experience it first-hand. They proved why the NHS is Britain’s most treasured institution.”
Responder Paramedic Rebecca Amos said: “After about two minutes of CPR you start to tire so for Kate to do seven minutes non-stop is a remarkable achievement which resulted in her husband surviving.
“We do our bit on scene, take patients to hospital and that’s it, we don’t get to see the outcome very often. It’s lovely to meet a patient that’s survived because it’s so rare and often people don’t realise how few and far between success stories are.
“This case was just before Christmas so it was especially nice to walk away from and know it was a happy outcome. Working in the ambulance service front line can be a mentally and physically exhausting job but a lovely story like this makes it all worthwhile.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Please remember to credit West Midlands Ambulance Service if you use the photographs or audio of the 999 call.
Pictured (left to right): Call Assessor Claire Ballyn, John Wilkinson, Kate Wilkinson and Responder Paramedic Rebecca Amos.
Wednesday 12th March 2014 – 3.45pm – Suzie Fothergill.
A teenage horse rider has been treated by ambulance crews following an incident in Staffordshire today.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to an equestrian centre in Penkridge shortly before 12:05pm this afternoon.
An ambulance, a community paramedic officer and a rapid response vehicle, carrying a critical care paramedic and a trauma doctor, from the Midlands Air Ambulance base in Cosford were sent to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival at the scene crews found a teenage girl who was unconscious after falling from a horse.
“Whilst on scene the girl, believed to be approximately 16 years of age, regained consciousness and was treated for a head injury. The teenager was fully immobilised and conveyed to University Hospital of North Staffordshire for further assessment and treatment.
“The doctor travelled on board the ambulance with the crew continuing to provide emergency medical treatment whilst en route to hospital.”
Wednesday 12th March 2014 – 11.55am – Chris Kowalik.
West Midlands Ambulance Service has been to a Shropshire school’s inaugural careers fair speaking to potential future recruits.
Bridgnorth Endowed School held the event on Tuesday 11th March in which representatives from all the emergency services, the military and a variety of trades spoke to pupils and the visiting public.
The ambulance service was represented by paramedics, a paramedic area support officer, a student paramedic and recruitment advisors. An ambulance and rapid response vehicle were also on show.
Paramedic Edd Davis said: “The event went very well and there was a lot of interest in careers in the ambulance service or other areas of the health service. We were asked about the qualifications needed. We informed the GCSE students that they need five passes, the A Level students need to achieve grades D,D and E at the very least. The most common question we were asked by the students was about the most dramatic case we had been to!”
Recruitment/HR Advisor Louise Harris from West Midlands Ambulance Service added: “This is the best recruitment event we have been to, it has been really well organised. All the students were fully briefed beforehand, they were interested in seeing our vehicles and they asked questions about the various roles within the ambulance service, not just about paramedics. They asked about calltaking, NHS 111 and even the job I do.”
Sarah Nicklin, Learning Mentor at Bridgnorth Endowed School said: “We welcomed about 800 students of different ages and year groups through our doors. A lot of them had a lot of questions to ask. The ambulance and rapid response vehicle received a lot of interest from the students who have loved looking around them and seeing what the ambulance service does at first-hand.”
“This was our very first careers fair and we think it has been a real success. We will look to do it again in the future.”
If the answer is yes, we want your views on our vehicles. What type of vehicle do you usually travel in? What do you like about them? And what would like to change? Is there anything that you would like to see on the vehicles in the future?
Please email your views to adam.layland@wmas.nhs.uk
Despite the damage, there were only minor injuries resulting from a collision involving HGVs and a car on the M6 near Birmingham.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the M6 northbound carriageway shortly after 3.05pm today.
First on scene was a doctor with Midlands Air Ambulance who was on a training day with police. He was joined by a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle and two ambulance crews.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Three men, two of them drivers of HGVs, the other a car passenger and all of whom were ‘walking wounded’ casualties, were assessed at the scene and taken to hospital.
“The car passenger and one of the lorry drivers were taken to Sandwell Hospital, the other HGV driver went to Walsall Manor.”
Two brothers have been reunited professionally, with the elder being the boss of his younger sibling at an ambulance mechanical workshop in Shropshire.
Darren Brunt, 47, is Charge Hand at the hub in Shrewsbury. His brother John, 43, is the new recruit, who, despite being just three days into his new job, was dragged into work on Boxing Day by his big brother to help him clear the workload.
It’s not the first time they’ve worked together; Darren has been John’s boss before when the pair worked at a Ford dealer in Shrewsbury in the 1980s. John joined the dealership in 1986 as an apprentice before both moved to Ford’s new venture “Rapid Fit” in 1993. Their branch was so successful it was presented with an award and visited by Barbara Windsor.
“She really is diddy,” said Darren, “She is as tiny as people say she is. She was nice.” John added: “She was bubbly, yes” as the pair recalled being photographed with her. They were later to part, working for a number of companies, including initially the same Renault dealer, where they did the same job but at different sites. The co-incidences meant it was perhaps inevitable they would be working together again in the future.
In 2005, Darren joined the ambulance service in Shropshire as a mechanic. With the retirement of his Charge Hand in December 2013, Darren was promoted, his brother was to become his new member of staff.
John said: “We are both very like-minded, very work orientated; the quality of work is very important.” Darren added: “We’ve always had a good working relationship. I’m not saying there isn’t the odd moment, but we have a better relationship than most. I’ve always said it – nobody’s going to support me as much as John and vice versa. Considering he was a new recruit and we were so busy over Christmas, he hit the ground running in December.”
One of West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Medical Incident Officers has received his MBE from Her Majesty the Queen, for services to emergency medicine.
Dr. Malcolm Russell was formally invested as a Member of the Order of the British Empire at Windsor Castle on Friday 7th March after being named in the New Year’s Honours List.
The father-of-two was presented with his award at the castle’s Waterloo Chamber, watched by his proud wife and children.
Dr. Russell often responds for West Midlands Ambulance Service as a BASICS Emergency Doctor as part of the Mercia Accident Rescue Service (MARS). In addition he has been deployed to natural disasters such as the Japanese Tsunami and Christchurch earthquakes as part of emergency aid and support for those countries.
He said: “I felt honoured to have been presented with my MBE from Her Majesty the Queen at Windsor Castle.
“I was delighted that my family were able to attend as guests. It was an incredible day and I met some amazing people who were also being invested.
“I thought very much about all the good medical work carried out in the West Midlands and how, as many different organisations including the NHS and voluntary services, we manage to work very well together for the sake of our patients, who must always remain our focus.”
An ambulance preparation and maintenance hub in Birmingham has been presented with an award from West Midlands Police.
The “Secured by Design” accreditation was in recognition of its build and layout, designed to reduce the opportunity for crime and anti-social behaviour. It was presented to West Midlands Ambulance Service at its newly-built premises in Hollymoor Way in Rubery.
It is the first of four hubs to receive such accreditation; the other three will follow at the recently constructed premises in Erdington, Willenhall and Coventry at dates to be confirmed.
“Secured by Design” is the official UK Police flagship initiative developed by ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) and is based upon the principles of ‘designing out crime’. To achieve the award, West Midlands Ambulance Service worked in partnership with West Midlands Police to create a safe environment through effective design.
Presenting the award Chief Superintendent Jo Smallwood from West Midlands Police said: “I think the building is fantastic. The idea of purpose-built but also purpose-designed, not only for your business needs but also to work in collaboration with ourselves in the police service just shows how well we can operate together. The ambulance service has a purpose-built building but we in the police also know that you are in a secured location and also that the risk, in terms of criminality, is reduced to basically zero.”
Receiving the award on behalf of West Midlands Ambulance Service, Barry Thurston, Director of Service Delivery, said: “It’s a credit to the staff and the teams who have worked so hard on the ‘Make Ready’ scheme for the past two years. It is a validation of the efforts that are being recognised in this way.”
Pictured left to right:
Simon Lewis (West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Head of Estates), PC Tudor Roberts, Chief Superintendent Jo Smallwood, Barry Thurston (West Midlands Ambulance Service Director of Service Delivery, Euan Connell (West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Regional Purchasing and Contracts Manager) and Sgt. Andy Gregory (Crime Reduction Sergeant, West Midlands Police)
Tuesday, March 11th 2014 – 9am – Jamie Arrowsmith.
Two members of the public who were delighted with the service they received from NHS 111 (West Midlands) are to be reunited with the Health Advisors who took their call.
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS), who provide the 111 service to residents of Birmingham, the Black Country, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Herefordshire, welcomed two thankful callers to their Brierley Hill call centre on Tuesday (March 11) who had to use the non-emergency service for vastly differing reasons.
For Hilary Crump, calling 111 was an experience she will never forget as it was whilst on the line that she gave birth to her first child, Benjamin.
Throughout the duration of the call, Hilary, from Malvern, received excellent support and advice from NHS 111 Health Advisor, Christina Lees, for which she remains extremely grateful.
Hilary said: “Christina was incredibly helpful and supportive on the phone, gave me lots of good advice before and after the baby was born and made sure she talked me through what to do until the paramedics arrived.
“I am so grateful to her and the 111 service for the support I had whilst Benjamin was being born. I cannot thank Christina enough.”
Reflecting on the call, which was received in the early hours of the morning, Christina said: “Listening to someone have a baby was not necessarily what I was expecting at 4am but it was nice to be able to help Hilary in her moment of need.
“It will be really nice to be able to meet up with her today and meet baby Benjamin to see how he is getting on. On so many occasions at the end of a call you think it would be nice to be able to follow it up and check if the patient has recovered and I’m grateful this time that it will be possible.”
Geri Murray, from Wordsley, phoned 111 when suffering with hip pain and as a result of not currently being registered with a GP. After receiving advice on how to deal with the pain, Geri was given detailed advice from Health Advisor, Charlotte Vivash, on all of the GP surgeries close by that she may be able to register with.
Reflecting on the help and advice she was given by Charlotte, Geri said: “I am so thankful to Charlotte for the time she spent with me on the phone in order to try and help me sort out the pain I was in and a GP surgery I could register with.
“Too often we are quick enough to criticise people or organisations when we get bad service, but I will be pleased to be able to meet Charlotte to thank her for her fine work in person.”
Looking back on the call, Charlotte added: “I remember speaking to Geri well and offering the best advice I could in order to try and help her in a difficult situation.
“I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to meet her today as it is rare for us to be able to make a personal connection with callers to the 111 service.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
Hilary, Geraldine, Christina and Charlotte are all available to speak to over the phone between 10am and 11.30am today. Please call 07896 175362 for further information.
Pictures of the quartet will be available this afternoon on request.
Tuesday, March 11th 2014 – 9am – Jamie Arrowsmith.
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) continues to make great strides with the NHS 111 service since it stepped in to take over the running of the contract from NHS Direct in November, 2013.
WMAS was presented with a challenging set of circumstances in which to begin running the service following a considerable amount of negative media coverage surrounding 111 and with only weeks to prepare for the busy Christmas period.
However, thanks to the hard work and dedication of staff, performance levels have been consistently impressive with plans in place to ensure the progress continues.
The implementation of an upgraded training programme for call handling staff helped improve the clinical governance process whilst all new staff have to undergo this training package before becoming operational.
NHS 111 Director Daren Fradgley said: “A lot of time and hard work has been put into developing 111 since WMAS stepped in and we believe the results are reflecting this.
“We faced a number of obstacles when stepping in to take on the service, none more so than the busy Christmas period, but everybody worked incredibly hard to ensure a safe and secure service was provided to the public.
“We will now continue that hard work to ensure we keep moving NHS 111 forward in order to make it the best service it can possibly be.”
A significant milestone was reached for the service last week when the 250,000th call was answered since WMAS stepped in as provider. Impressively, 97 per cent of those calls have been answered within 60 seconds against a national target of 95 per cent. On an increasing number of occasions the staff answer 100 per cent of calls within 60 seconds.
Call Centre Manager Liz Parker said: “The Health Advisors and Clinicians who take the calls deserve special mention because it is their hard work which is resulting in the impressive figures and ensuring patients are getting the best service possible.
“In addition, it is pleasing to see that the improved training we have put in place since taking over NHS 111 is having a positive effect on performance levels”.
Call levels have continued to gradually increase in the four months since WMAS took over the running of the service, a pattern which is expected to continue moving forward. The highest amount of calls received in one day so far was 4,534 on Saturday, December 28.
Tuesday 11th March 2014 – 6.35am – Murray MacGregor.
A man has been taken to a major trauma centre after he was in collision with a car on a busy Coventry road.
The crash happened at about 8.10pm outside the cemetery on London Road
An ambulance and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews found the pedestrian in the middle of the carriageway and a build up of traffic in the area.
“The man, who was in his 30s had suffered a nasty break to his lower left leg and a fractured ankle as well as pain in his left hip. The man’s condition was stabilised and he was immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board.
“The crew then took him on blue lights to the major trauma centre at University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.”
Monday 10th March 2014 – 6.05pm – Murray MacGregor.
Ambulance bosses are appealing to all road users and pedestrians to be mindful of each other after a teenager escaped with relatively minor injuries after being in collision with a car in Birmingham.
The appeal comes after the incident close to Albert Bradbeer Primary School in Longbridge Lane, Longbridge at about 5.05pm on Monday afternoon.
An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene after no fewer than four 999 calls to the ambulance service about the incident.
A West Midlands Ambulance Servive spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found the teenager at the side of the road. Thankfully, he was the only patient and had suffered an ankle injury.
“Even though the evenings are getting lighter, it is still really important that all road users, whether pedestrians or motorised, look out for each other, especially at times when schoolchildren are about.
“Although it appears as though there have been no serious injuries on this occasion, we have previously seen much more tragic circumstances.”
Monday 10th March 2014 – 5.15pm – Murray MacGregor.
For 137 people across the West Midlands, there has been good news coming through their letterbox recently.
That is the number of student paramedic places that West Midlands Ambulance Service has offered to the 1,100 people who applied for the role, with another 90 candidates still completing final assessments.
And there is more good news to come. The Trust will be re-opening the chance to apply later this year when it recruits a further 70 student paramedics, to increase the total number to some 280 student paramedics.
Recruitment Advisor, Louise Harris, said: “We were overwhelmed by the amazing response to the original advert. What was really pleasing was that we had applications from right across the region and from every community within it.
“As a service that goes out to every community, it is really important that we get applicants who represent the people we serve.
“The first group of 33 successful applicants will start their career with the ambulance service on 22nd April.
“Over the next 30 months, they will develop their clinical skills, learn to drive using blue lights and sirens and gain invaluable experience learning ‘people skills’, so that they can treat patients in their hour of need.
“We are very proud that the pass rate for the student paramedics is about 95% which is down to a lot of hard work on the part of the students and paramedic tutors, but also an extensive support network provided by the Trust such as the mentors the individuals will be working with.
“Later on this year, we will be recruiting a further 70 student paramedics as part of the Trusts commitment to have a paramedic on every vehicle. Although this is a major financial commitment, it is absolutely the right thing to do from a patient care perspective.
“I am sure each of the successful candidates will be elated but also a bit nervous. We’re looking forward to welcoming them over the next few weeks and seeing them develop over the coming years.”
A pedestrian has been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision in Cannock this afternoon.
The incident occurred in Avon Road just before 1.50pm.
An ambulance, together with a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Ambulance crews arrived to find a pedestrian had been in collision with a car.
“A woman in her twenties was treated for facial injuries.
“The patient was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and placed on a spinal board before she was airlifted to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire for further assessment and treatment.
“The air ambulance landed at a nearby primary school.”
Three people have been taken to hospital following a road traffic incident in Bushbury, Wolverhampton this morning.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Cannock Road in Bushbury just after 8.30am.
Three ambulances; a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Ambulance crews responded to a road traffic collision involving three vehicles.
“A man, believed to be in his thirties, was treated for a neck injury and taken to New Cross Hospital. He was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board.
“A male and female travelling together were treated for minor injuries and taken to New Cross Hospital for further assessment and treatment.
“A further patient was assessed and later discharged from the scene.”
Monday 10th March 2014 – 10.30am – Suzie Fothergill.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service controller recently made his first musical television debut on BBC One’s ‘The Voice.’
Twenty-six year old Tom Barnwell from Leamington Spa took to the stage on Saturday 22nd February when he performed at the show’s blind audition to the four celebrity judges.
Tom, who works as an ambulance controller in the emergency operations centre in Tollgate, Staffordshire performed a version of Estelle’s 2008 hit American Boy. He wowed the judges and saw all four of them hitting their buttons and even jumping to their feet to dance along.
The tough decision then came when Tom had to decide which team to join. Tom opted to go with mentor Will.i.am, after the star put forward a great pitch, explaining how he had co-written the track for the original song!
Tom said: “It was all so surreal, I was over the moon when all four judges turned round; it was amazing!”
Just one week later and Tom was thrown into the show’s ‘Battle’ round. Tom had to compete against fellow team mate, Callam Crowley, singing Michael Jackson’s P.Y.T. The duo performed an amazing sing off, leaving team mentor, Will, with an extremely tough decision. Unfortunately for Tom, he didn’t make it through the round with Will commenting that he was worried that Tom was a little too shy; a comment which amused a number of Tom’s friends and colleagues.
Talking about his time on the show Tom said: “Approximately 47,000 people applied for the show and I’m so pleased to be able to say I got down to the last 48! I’m now working on furthering myself as an artist and enjoying every minute.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone for all their support throughout and after the show. It means a lot.”
This wasn’t the first time Tom has been in the limelight because of his musical talents, back in November 2011, the EOC singing sensation was voted in to Mercia FM’s boy band ‘Last Chance’ by members of the public. Although, the formation of the band was only meant for a short period of time they carried out a school tour and released a Charity Christmas Single in December 2011.
Tom who has always had a passion for singing has also won numerous local competitions and his experience on ‘The Voice’ has only spurred his ambitions on even more.
You can continue to follow Tom via twitter @TomBarnwell, facebook or visit his website http://www.TomBarnwell.com
Monday 10th March 2014 – 6.45am – Jamie Arrowsmith.
Three men appeared to escape serious injuries despite being involved in a two car road traffic collision in Bilston late last night (Sunday).
The crash took place on Price Street at approximately 10.10pm and West Midlands Ambulance Service sent three ambulances, two BASICS doctors, a paramedic support officer and two community paramedics to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews found two cars that had been in collision, one of which had suffered front end damage.
“The patient with the most serious injuries, a man believed to be in his late 40s, had managed to free himself from his vehicle.
“Following assessment from ambulance staff he was treated for abdominal pain and lower leg injuries before being conveyed to New Cross hospital.
“The two other patients, both men reported to be in their early 20s, had to be extricated from their vehicle with the help of the fire service. Once freed they were assessed by ambulance crews and whilst thankfully appearing uninjured, they were taken to New Cross and Walsall Manor hospitals respectively as precautions.
“All three patients were fully immobilised at the scene with the use of neck collars and spinal boards.”
Sunday 9th March 2014 – 2.15pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.
A cyclist was airlifted to hospital after suffering serious multiple injuries when in collision with a car in Longnor, Staffordshire this morning (Sunday).
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident near Brownlow Farm at 10.40am.
An ambulance, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford, a BASICS doctor and Community Paramedic attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews found a cyclist who had been in collision with a vehicle towing a horsebox near a bend in the road.
“Following assessment by ambulance crews it was determined that the cyclist, a man believed to be in his late 50s, required emergency treatment on scene for head and chest injuries as well as a broken right leg.
“Due to the serious nature of the man’s condition, the doctor decided to anaesthetise at scene.
“Once his condition was stabilised, his leg was placed in a splint before being airlifted to University Hospital North Staffordshire for further treatment.”
Sunday 9th March 2014 – 2.15pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.
Two people suffered serious injuries when the motorbike they were travelling on was involved in a collision with a car on the outskirts of Wolverhampton this morning (Sunday).
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident on the junction of the A454 and Rudge Heath Road in Upper Ludstone shortly before 10.40am.
Two ambulances, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham and a paramedic support officer attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews were called to reports of a collision between a car and a motorbike.
“Two people were treated at the scene, both of whom were travelling on the motorbike.
“The first patient, a man in his 60s, suffered fractures to his left arm and left leg as well as pelvic injuries. He was fully immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board and after being given pain relief he was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, a major trauma centre.
“The second patient, a lady in her 60s, suffered a suspected fracture to her left arm and knee injuries. She was also given pain relief and fully immobilised before being taken to New Cross Hospital by land ambulance.
“There were no other injuries sustained in the collision.”
Sunday 9th March 2014 – 8.00am – Suzie Fothergill.
A man has died following a road traffic collision in Staffordshire today.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Billington in Stafford at approximately 1.15am this morning.
An ambulance and a paramedic area support officer 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.
“On arrival at the scene crews found the pedestrian on the verge of the carriageway. The man was immediately assessed but unfortunately it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed deceased at the scene.”
Friday 7th March 2014 – 6.35pm – Suzie Fothergill.
Two people have been treated by ambulance crews following a road traffic collision in Stourbridge today.
An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford were dispatched to the incident on Bridgnorth Road in Enville at approximately 3.10pm this afternoon.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews were called to reports of a motorbike and a car that had been in collision.
“The motorcyclist, a man believed to be in his 50’s, was treated at the scene for multiple leg injuries and an abdominal injury. The man was fully immobilised and airlifted to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
“The driver of the car, a woman also in her 50’s, was assessed at the scene and conveyed to Princess Royal Hospital as a precaution.”
Friday 7th March 2014 – 6.15pm – Suzie Fothergill.
A teenager has been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision in Wombourne today.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Ounsdale Road at approximately 3.20pm this afternoon.
An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire were dispatched to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival at the scene crews found a pedestrian and a car that had been in collision.
“The pedestrian, a boy believed to be approximately 15 years of age, was treated for back pain and an arm injury. The boy was given pain relief at the scene and fully immobilised before being conveyed to New Cross Hospital by land ambulance.”
A woman has suffered multiple injuries after a reversing car mounted the pavement and collided with her before hitting a shop front wall in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter this morning.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Vyse Street in Hockley shortly after 11.30am (Friday). An ambulance, a responder paramedic and a paramedic area support officer were sent to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance crews arrived, they found a car which had struck the wall of a shop. Two pedestrians had also been in collision with the car.
“One pedestrian, a woman in her 40s, sustained arm fractures, a suspected pelvic fracture, a leg injury and facial injuries which resulted in several teeth being knocked out. Ambulance crews gave the woman pain relief before they assessed and cleaned her facial injuries and immobilised her arm into a support sling. Due to suspected pelvic injuries, the ambulance crews placed the woman onto a spinal board to prevent further movement. The woman was taken by land ambulance to City Hospital for further emergency treatment.
“A second pedestrian, a man believed to be the woman’s partner, was assessed by ambulance staff and was found to have suffered a knee injury. He accompanied the woman to hospital in the same ambulance.
“The driver of the car, an elderly man, was uninjured.”
Friday 7th March 2014 – 9.45am – Jamie Arrowsmith.
The NHS 111 (West Midlands) service reached a significant milestone in the early hours of this morning (Friday) when the 250,000th call was answered since West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) stepped in as providers.
WMAS took over the running of the service on November 11, 2013, after previous providers NHS Direct decided to step out of their contract. During the last three months WMAS has worked hard to make numerous improvements to the service with the training of staff being one of the key areas of focus.
The impressive level of performance being produced is highlighted by the fact that of the 250,000 calls answered, approximately 97 per cent have been answered within 60 seconds against a national target of 95 per cent. On an increasing number of occasions the staff answer 100 per cent of calls within 60 seconds.
NHS 111 Training Lead Teresa Beresford said: “Reaching 250,000 calls is an important landmark for us and we now look forward to successfully reaching further milestones as the service continues to progress.
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham spent the morning behind the scene at an ambulance hub to discover the inner workings of the emergency service.
Councillor Mike Leddy visited Hollymoor Hub in Rubery earlier today (Thursday). The ambulance preparation and maintenance Hub has been operational since July and is part of the Trust’s ‘Make Ready’ operating model.
During his visit, Councillor Leddy saw ambulances being cleaned, checked and re-stocked by Ambulance Fleet Assistants ready for operational staff to start their shift. Prior to ‘Make Ready’, this task had to be done by ambulance crews at the start of each shift meaning they couldn’t respond to 999 calls.
A morning cup of tea with the local Birmingham managers was a chance for the The Lord Mayor to learn of the benefits of moving from traditional ambulance stations to ‘Make Ready’ hubs, how the ambulance service deals with major incidents and why interoperability between the emergency services is so vital and better than ever.
As luck would have it, a paramedic training session was taking place at the Hub which gave The Lord Mayor the opportunity to test his CPR skills on a life-sized mannequin under the watchful eye of an Education Training Officer.
Talking about the visit, Councillor Leddy, said: “This morning has been a real eye opener for me as I was unaware of the intricate work that goes into getting ambulances out on the road and in the right places to respond to 999 calls.
“Fortunately, I’ve never been in the back of an ambulance so I was amazed to see how much life-saving kit is on board. I’m very impressed with the Hub and the staff I’ve met, which are of a very high standard. I’m confident that the ambulance service is providing a good service to the residents of Birmingham.”
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Notes to Editors
Photograph 1 (left to right): Paramedic Gemma Morris, Education Training Officer Alex Johnson, Lord Mayor of Birmingham Councillor Mike Leddy and Paramedic Kathryn Corlett practicing their CPR skills.
Photograph 2 (left to right): Birmingham South Area Manager Dax Morris, Lord Mayor of Birmingham Councillor Mike Leddy and Birmingham South Assistant Area Manager Tim Hughes outside Hollymoor Hub.
Photograph 3 (left to right): Education Training Officer Alex Johnson, Paramedic Gemma Morris, Paramedic Kathryn Corlett (wearing the Mayoral chains) and Lord Mayor of Birmingham Councillor Mike Leddy.
Thursday 6th March 2014 – 1.15pm – Suzie Fothergill.
A member of West Midlands Ambulance Service staff has been recognised at an awards ceremony this week.
On Tuesday, Brian Burden, a member of the Trust’s Health Care Referral Team was awarded with an Apprenticeship Recognition Award from Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Enterprise Partnership.
The awards provided an opportunity for employers to show how much they value apprentices and the contributions they make to an organisation.
Brian was nominated for the award not only for his outstanding educational achievements whilst working for the Trust but also for his dedication, professionalism and for the support he provides to other staff within the Service.
Brian first joined the ambulance service as part of the Patient Transport Service in May 2010. Whilst in the role Brian applied for an apprenticeship through the Trust and was signed up to the NVQ level 2 course in Support Care Services in July. Although the programme was supposed to last 12 months Brian worked incredibly hard and successfully completed his course within just seven months.
He didn’t stop there with his development and later applied for the next level of the qualification and commenced his QCF Diploma level 3 in April 2012, which again he successfully completed.
Now working as a member of Health Care Referral Team, Brian is looking to progress even further to become a Technician.
Talking about the Apprenticeship scheme Brian said: “The apprenticeship has given me a much better understanding and knowledge of the job I do, and the job I am aiming for. It has given me more qualifications to apply for the next step on the ladder, which is the role of Technician.
“My assessor informed me that I’d been nominated for this award but I never thought I would win, so it was a lovely surprise when I found out.”
Peter Howell, Assistant Area Manager for WMAS and Brian’s line manager said: “We are extremely proud of Brian for his achievements, and what better week for him to receive the award than on National Apprenticeship Week. What really impresses me about Brian is his professional enthusiasm and drive to achieve his goals.
“Brian is an excellent member of our team. He works extremely hard and is committed to providing the very best not only to patients but the whole of the West Midlands Ambulance Service and the wider NHS.
“Speaking on behalf of the service I would like to congratulate Brian on his award and wish him the best of luck as he commences his Technician course later this month, of which I am confident he will successfully complete.”
Vicki Vernon, Brian’s ‘Performance Through People’ Assessor said: “Brian was nominated because, he is always willing to support and help his colleagues. His kindness and professionalism is modelled to patients, families and others. He is very dedicated to his career and always strives to improve, using his knowledge to support others, and guide them to achieve higher standards of care. He worked his way from the role of PTS, to now being accepted on the ambulance technician course.”
Rob Colbourne the Managing Director of Performance Through People (PTP) who manage the apprenticeship programme for WMAS said: “PTP are proud to be associated with the West Midlands Ambulance Service and are grateful for the support and commitment from the Senior Managers to ensure quality time is given to their staff to work towards completing their Apprenticeship. Working with an organisation the size of WMAS also sends a strong message out to school leavers and their parents that an apprenticeship is a valid education and skills path to take and progress in the world of work – or indeed for more mature employees who wish to increase their skills through an apprenticeship to support their progression within the organisation.”
Notes to editors
Pictured: Brian Burden with Stoke Area Manager, Sean Coleman at the Awards presentation on Tuesday.
Thursday 6th March 2014 – 10.45am – Chris Kowalik.
There were major traffic delays today after one of the main roads into Wolverhampton was blocked by a collision involving a car and a coach.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A41 at Perton shortly after 8.05am today.
Three ambulance crews, an advanced community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle attended.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “A woman who is in her fifties and driver of the Mercedes was trapped by the damage and was cut free by the fire service. She had an ankle injury. Crews immobilised her with the use of a spinal board and neck collar as a precaution and took her to New Cross Hospital.
“There were eighteen children on the coach, seventeen of whom were checked over and discharged at the scene. The eighteenth, a boy, later developed neck pain and he was taken to New Cross Hospital for that to be checked over.
“The coach driver had arm and leg pain and he was taken to the same hospital for checks.
Wednesday 5th March 2014 – 8.15am – Suzie Fothergill.
Ambulance crews have treated three men following a road traffic collision in Staffordshire today.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called the incident on Wellington Road in Branston, Burton on Trent shortly after 5.40am this morning.
Two ambulances and a rapid response vehicle attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews were called to reports of two cars that had been in collision.
“Crews treated three men at the scene. The first casualty had sustained facial injuries and was suffering from back and abdominal pain. The man was immobilised and conveyed to Queens Hospital Burton.
“A second man was treated for neck and back pain. He was immobilised and taken to the same hospital for further assessment and treatment.
“A third man was also assessed at the scene and conveyed to Queens Hospital as a precaution.”
Wednesday 5th March 2014 – 12.00pm – Suzie Fothergill.
A Shropshire farmer was recently reunited with a number of his rescuers following a serious incident where he became impaled on a piece of farming machinery.
On Thursday 13th February, farmer, Graham Heatley from Lyneal, was working on his farm moving silage bails when the incident happened. As he was opening the wrapping on one of the bails, the machinery he had been working on moved towards him and impaled his body against the bail.
The bailing spike, which was approximately 18 inches in length, pierced through the right-hand side of Graham’s lower back, travelling through his body to his front left-hand side.
Although Graham had his mobile phone in his pocket he couldn’t reach it to call for help. Knowing he was in trouble Graham yelled for help. Fortunately neighbour, Henry Rook, who was outside in his garden heard Graham shouting and immediately rushed to his aid.
Due to power cuts affecting the landline phone system in village that week, Henry had to contact the emergency services via his mobile phone. As the farm is situated in a rural location, with limited mobile phone signal, Henry had to dial 999 three times before he managed to finally carry out the call in full.
West Midlands Ambulance Service crews rushed to the scene. The first crew to arrive assessed Graham and immediately requested the assistance from the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford, which was carrying a critical care paramedic and a trauma doctor. The fire service was also requested as it quickly became clear that help would be needed to free Graham from the machinery.
Kerry Hemus, Critical Care Paramedic from the air ambulance said: “When we arrived Graham was pinned against the bail with the spike from the bailer penetrating through his body. Although it hadn’t pierced right the way through his front, I could feel the point of the prong just underneath his skin.
“We were extremely concerned as we didn’t know what damage he may have sustained internally. We were also worried that Graham could lose a lot of blood when trying to free him from the machinery, so we requested for the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire to collect blood from University Hospital of North Staffordshire and bring it to the scene.
“Working closely with the fire service, we explored various ways to try and free Graham without causing any further injury. Their cutting machinery was unable to cut through the spike and so the only way to free him was to try and removed the spike by unscrewing the prong from the bailer. Graham was given advanced pain relief and carefully monitored as the fire service set to work. Eventually the spike was carefully removed from the machinery. After being trapped for approximately two hours Graham was finally free and was able to be airlifted to hospital with the spike still in situ. Fortunately for Graham, he didn’t lose too much blood but having the blood there on hand just in case could have proved extremely helpful.
“I’ve attended to a number of farming incidents but nothing quite like this one. Amazingly despite the massive penetrating injury, Graham had been talking to us throughout the incident and the majority of his observations were surprisingly stable.
“It’s so lovely and quite overwhelming to see Graham out of hospital so soon after the incident and doing so well. There are lots of major organs and blood vessels near to the site of the injury and Graham is extremely fortunate not to have severed any of those.”
Graham, who underwent surgery at University Hospital of North Staffordshire returned home after just six days. Talking at the reunion Graham said: “I’m extremely thankful to be here, it could’ve been a very different story. I’d like to thank everyone for their help, if Henry hadn’t of heard me calling and if it wasn’t for the emergency services I probably wouldn’t be here now.”
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Pictured: Kerry Hemus, Graham Heatley and John Deakin (Shropshire Fire Service). If used, pictures should be crediated to West Midlands Ambulance Service.
A woman has been treated for serious injuries after her car overturned in a road traffic collision near Worcester.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of the incident near the Flyford Arms, Old Hill, Worcester, just before 8am.
An ambulance, a paramedic in a rapid response car and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham were dispatched to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a car had overturned several times before coming to rest in a field.
“The driver, believed to be 19-years-old, had extricated herself from the vehicle before the emergency services arrived.
“Crews treated her for a serious head laceration, neck pain and a fractured wrist.
“After being fully immobilised as a precaution, with the use of a neck collar and spinal board, she was assessed and airlifted to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditich.
“The helicopter landed next to the incident in a field.”
Wednesday 5th March 2014 – 8.15am – Suzie Fothergill.
Ambulance crews were called to a property in Walsall after a car collided into it during the early hours of this morning.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Wayside Walk in Walsall shortly after 1.15am today.
Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, the hazardous area response team and the Trust’s MERIT rapid response vehicle, carrying a critical care paramedic and a trauma doctor, were dispatched to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a car that had been in collision with a house. Both the car and the house had sustained significant damage.
“The driver of the car, a man believed to be in his late 20’s, was out of the vehicle of the crew’s arrival. He was treated at the scene for a fractured arm and a potential ankle injury. The man was fully immobilised and conveyed to Walsall Manor Hospital for further assessment and treatment.
“The two occupants from the house, a woman and a child, were evacuated from the property and fortunately had not suffered any injuries.”
Tuesday 4th March 2014 – 9.00pm – Suzie Fothergill.
Ambulance crews rescued a man from scaffolding following an incident in the Black Country this afternoon.
West Midlands Ambulance Service received a call to a property in Castle Hill, Dudley shortly after 3.15pm today.
An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and the Hazardous Area Response Team were dispatched to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews were called to reports of a man who had become injured whilst carrying out work on the roof of a property. The man had reportedly fallen through the scaffolding planks he had been standing on, landing on to a lower platform which was approximately eight feet below.
“Ambulance crews treated the man for a shoulder injury before immobilising him using a specialist stretcher. The man, believed to be in his 40’s, was brought down to safety with the assistance of the fire service’s hydraulic platform.
“The casualty was conveyed to Russells Hall Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”
A teenage motorcyclist has been taken to one of the West Midlands’ specialist major trauma centres after being injured in a road traffic collision with a lorry in Wolverhampton.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Station Road and Enterprise Drive in the Four Ashes area of the city shortly before 4.15am today.
Three rapid response vehicles attended; staffed respectively by a paramedic area support officer, an advance community paramedic and the MERIT trauma team consisting of a trauma doctor and critical care practitioner. An ambulance crew also attended.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The 19 year old had a deep wound to his left leg which was dressed at the scene. He was also experiencing chest pains. He was immobilised, fluids and pain relief were intravenously given and he was taken to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire for further treatment.”
Tuesday 4th March 2014 – 7.30am – Jamie Arrowsmith.
A woman and her daughter had a lucky escape when the car they were travelling in overturned in a road traffic collision in Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent, last night (Monday).
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a two car collision on the A34 northbound near to Trentham Monkey Forest just before 8.45pm.
Two ambulances, two BASICS doctors and a paramedic support officer were dispatched to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered two cars that had been in collision, one of which had come to rest on its side.
“Fortunately, the two patients in the overturned car escaped serious injury though the driver, a woman believed to be 50-years-old, had to be extricated with the help of the fire service.
“After being fully immobilised as a precaution, with the use of a neck collar and spinal board, she was assessed and conveyed to University Hospital North Staffordshire.
“Her daughter, reported to be 20-years-old, had managed to get out of the car by climbing through the now absent rear window and after assessment from a doctor was discharged at the scene before accompanying her mother to the hospital.
“The three patients in the second car all escaped injury.”
Monday 3rd March 2014 – 5.10pm – Suzie Fothergill.
A man escaped serious injury following a road traffic collision in Warwickshire today.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident on the A46 in Hampton on the Hill at approximately 2.15pm this afternoon. An ambulance and a Paramedic Area Support Officer were dispatched to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a car that had left the carriageway. The car which is believed to have overturned had come to rest in a ditch.
“The driver of the car, a man in his 20’s, had been helped out of the vehicle by a passerby.
“Ambulance crews assessed the man, fortunately he was found to have sustained a minor hand injury. The man was treated at the scene before being conveyed to Warwick Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”
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Notes to editors
If used, pictures should be credited to West Midlands Ambulance Service
Since 2009 West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) has been investing in Apprenticeship Schemes and has seen almost 200 apprentices’ successfully completing programmes during this time. The Trust currently has an additional 100 apprentices that are undertaking educational programmes.
Apprenticeships provide participants with the perfect opportunity to gain vocational qualifications whilst providing the opportunity to gain invaluable ‘on the job’ experience that enhances their skills and knowledge.
Apprenticeships are not only open to young people beginning their careers but they are also a way for existing staff to up-skill and progress within the Service.
The apprenticeship schemes running within the ambulance service cover a broad range of subjects including: Healthcare Support Services, Health and Social care, Information, Advice and Guidance, Business Administration, Customer Service and Management.
Such schemes can open a variety of doors, helping apprentices to pursue a number of career pathways.
Jo Shaw joined the Trust in 2010 as a Business Administration Apprentice, since completing her level 2 qualification she has undertaken a number of roles in the Service, whilst progressing further with her qualifications. Jo currently works as an Administrator within the Organisational Development team helping others within the ambulance service to progress within their careers.
Talking about the apprenticeship scheme Jo said: “I have loved every minute of my journey with WMAS and wouldn’t be where I am today without the apprenticeship programme. I thoroughly enjoy being part of a team that is so committed and supportive of others development.”
Richard Smith also took on the Business and Administration Apprenticeship in April 2010. On completing the course in April 2011, Richard was employed by the ambulance service. Whilst working within the service Richard gained a keen interest in front line operations and volunteered his spare time to become a Community First Responder. Richard has since undertaken a stint working at Birmingham Children’s Hospital as a Health Care Assistant and is now studying at Worcester University as a Student Paramedic, carrying out shifts at the ambulance service.
Richard said: “The apprenticeship programme gave me valuable experience of the skills required in the work place. Without the apprenticeship opportunity I wouldn’t have understood some of the key issues which now relate to my clinical practice”.
Shereen O’Driscoll is currently undertaking an apprenticeship working within the Patient Transport Service (PTS). The Trust’s non-emergency Patient Transport Service plays a key role in ensuring thousands of patients from around the region get to their outpatient appointments each day.
Shereen, who began her apprenticeship in September, is studying for an intermediate level apprenticeship in Health (Healthcare Support Services), which involves her undertaking hands on work experience alongside our current PTS staff.
Having always wanted to work for the ambulance service Shereen said: “The apprenticeship scheme has provided me with a great opportunity; enabling me to carry out a job that I love, whilst gaining the qualifications that I need to progress within service.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service currently has a number of apprentice vacancies currently available. For more information please visit NHS jobs via http://www.jobs.nhs.uk (Please note the website will be unavailable until Tuesday 4th March due to site maintenance)
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Pictured: Jo Shaw, Richard Smith and Shereen O’Driscoll.
A cyclist, who was reportedly thrown three metres into the air after a collision with a car, has received emergency treatment by the ambulance service before being taken to a major trauma centre by helicopter.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A495, near The Brow Golf Club in Ellesmere, Shropshire, at 10.50am this morning (Sunday). An ambulance, a community 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: “Crews were told the cyclist, a 46 year old woman, had been thrown three metres into the air following a collision with a car. The woman, who had initially been knocked unconscious, was being cared for by a first aider when crews arrived.
“Upon assessment, ambulance crews and the medic found she had sustained a nasty cut to her head and a dislocated thumb. The woman’s head wound was dressed to stem the bleeding and a splint was applied to immobilise her thumb.
“Due to the mechanism of the crash and suspicion of a more serious head injury, she was immobilised as a precaution before being airlifted to University Hospital North Staffordshire for further assessment and treatment.
“The driver of the car was assessed but did not require hospital treatment.”
