In the final episode of First Time on the Frontline we meet up again with rookie paramedics Sam and his good friend Ben. We see how far they have come in the three months since they joined West Midlands Ambulance Service.
Sam has to show his adaptability when it comes to directing the firefighters who have come to help extricate a young woman from a car crash.
Next up a tragic case of an 88 year old lady who has had a stroke. Despite getting there quickly and everything possible being done, unfortunately she dies a short time later. Talking about coping with bereavement, Sam says: ” As long as I feel I was able to provide my patient with the best level of care that I could, then I am happy. You have to find your own coping mechanism – it is the nature of the job at the end of the day.
Finally, Sam and Ben pair up to help a man who has been involved in a collision with a car. They have to work fast but carefully due to the freezing conditions and the concern that he might have a ncek injury that could potentially leave him paralysed.
Finally a chance to reflect on their three months in the job. Both agree it’s a great job and so much more.
A van was on its side but it’s trapped driver was standing up in it following a collision in Birmingham.
West Midlands Ambulance Service received a call at 7.59am today to go to Wolverhampton Road South in Quinton.
A paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance crew attended.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “A VW Caddy had collided with a lorry and landed on its side. Its driver, a man in his thirties, was standing up in it but couldn’t get out. The driver of another van initially helped keep the scene clear for the emergency services by blocking the road to other traffic.
“The driver of the Caddy was freed with the help of the fire service and was immobilised as a precaution. He was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.”
A man suspected of taking a drugs overdose has been arrested after lashing out at paramedics trying to help him and then driving off in their ambulance.
Police were alerted to a patient acting violently towards an ambulance crew who’d attended a call-out to a flat in Bloxwich High Street just before 3pm today (May 15).
It’s understood the 37-year-old assaulted two male staff members before forcing them out of the ambulance in Green Lane – near the junction with Newfield Close – before jumping behind the wheel and driving off.
The ambulance was driven erratically in Green Lane, making at least two U-turns, before being forced to stop near Green Lane Baptist Church by a police response vehicle.
A man from High Street, Bloxwich, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault and vehicle theft and is being held at a police station.
West Midlands Police Inspector Tony Banton, from Bloxwich Police Station, said: “The ambulance was driven off with its rear doors still open…it was reported being driven very erratically and we’re looking into whether it may have struck other vehicles.
“A response vehicle quickly picked up the ambulance and the man was arrested within five minutes of the emergency call coming in to us.
“There was a low-level collision between the ambulance and the arresting officer’s car…that officer has been taken to hospital suffering whiplash-like injuries.”
Two male members of ambulance staff were also taken to hospital as a precaution but are not seriously injured.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “Two ambulance crew members were attacked by a man they’d been called to help and who they believed needed hospital treatment – for them to be attacked is disgraceful.
“Thankfully they’ve not been seriously hurt but no doubt this was a shocking, unexpected incident, plus one of our vehicles has been badly damaged and will have to be taken off the road for some time to be repaired.
“We won’t tolerate any abuse against our staff…anyone attacking an ambulance crew can expect the full weight of the law to come down on them. We will do all we can to help the police with their enquiry.”
A charity cycle ride by a group of paramedics last week saw them peddle a gruelling 850 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End in just seven days.
Black Country paramedics Dave Bentley and Neil Weaver together with a support crew of paramedics Neil Baars and Olly Ayles, embarked on their journey on Saturday 3rd May in a hope to raise £2,000 for Pilgrim Bandits, a charity which supports injured armed forces members.
On Friday 9th and after seven tough days of cycling, the team declared to their avid Facebook and Twitter followers that the “boys have arrived” in Land’s End where they celebrated their achievement with a bottle of champagne.
The journey, however, wasn’t without incident. On day two, Neil came off his bike on the A9 in Scotland and was knocked unconscious. He was given treatment by the paramedic support crew and colleagues from the Scottish Ambulance Service. After a few days rest and recuperation, Neil returned to the saddle. During day five, a combination of poor weather, punctures, navigational problems and sheer exhaustion meant the team had to abandon the day’s planned journey early in North Devon. On day seven and with less than 50 miles to go, the team got off their bikes to help an elderly couple at the side of the road. In full cycle gear, Dave, Neil and Olly changed a flat tyre on their car. The couple were so grateful that they donated £20 to Pilgrim Bandits.
Dave, whose close friend was severely injured during a tour of Afghanistan in 2006, said: “It was a hard and exciting week with lots of ups and downs….. and that was without the hills! Seeing my mate injured on day two, I feared that we would have to cut short the event. However, with his bravery for getting back on the bike, the support teams’ massive efforts and the huge support we received from people along the way, we were strong into the finish. Not only have we smashed our target by raising £2,800 for Pilgrim Bandits, we’ve raised awareness about the charity along the way. A massive thanks to all who have supported the event. We’re still recovering!” To read about their incredible journey and to see more photographs, visit their Facebook page via https://www.facebook.com/999jogle2014.
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Notes to Editors
Pictured (left to right): Celebrating at Land’s End – Neil Weaver, Olly Ayles, Neil Baars and Dave Bentley
It’s a tough couple of shifts for Maya as she approaches the end of her first month as a paramedic. She is sent, with her mentor Mel, to her first hanging where unfortunately, the patient has not survived. As Mel says: “Books can’t teach you this – this is reality.”
Her next case is to Christine who has fallen whilst running for a train. Judging by the swelling to her leg, it looks like she might have fractured it.
For Maya, she is growing in confidence but is well aware that it is only a matter of weeks since she left university. For all that, it’s clear that she loves her job and patients are benefitting from that.
Thursday 15th May 2014 – 7.30am – Jamie Arrowsmith.
A motorcyclist had to be airlifted to one of the region’s major trauma centres following a road traffic collision with a car in Burton last night (Wednesday).
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident in Ashby Road, Winshill shortly after 7.20pm and sent an ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire to the scene. The police were also in attendance.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found a man lying injured away from his motorbike and a car that had suffered damage.
“The motorcyclist, a man believed to be in his 40s, had suffered several injuries including a right wrist fracture, a suspected right elbow fracture and a groin injury.
“Crews worked quickly to assess the man and begin treating him. He was also given pain relief before being airlifted to University Hospital North Staffordshire. The hospital was alerted to the man’s condition prior to his arrival.
“The driver of the car was assessed by crews at the scene. Luckily they had not suffered any injuries in the incident and did not require any further treatment.”
Those are the words of rookie paramedic Sam, one month into his new career. For the 22 year old, the shift will bring some challenges. First up is a 28 year old mum who has a ulcer. Sam has to keep her baby son happy so that it doesn’t affect her blood pressure.
Then it’s on to help a mum to be Nicola. SHe’s nine months pregnant and due to have a Caesarian in two days time when her waters break. Can Sam get her to hospital before her baby decides to make his first appearance?
Her Royal Highness, Anne, Princess Royal has presented a Community First Responder from north Shropshire with his MBE at Buckingham Palace.
John Roberts from Oswestry was named in the New Year’s Honours for his charity work, including his efforts with the Community First Responders in Shropshire and services to athletics, having been involved in the sport since the mid-1980s.
He was presented with the honour on Thursday 1st May.
John said: “It was a fantastic day, apart from the weather! I met some stars including the England women’s rugby captain, the women’s soccer captain and other people.
“The Princess asked me about my athletics work. She then asked what else I did. I told her I was a Community First Responder. She replied: ‘That can be a useful thing to do.’!”
Three members of West Midlands Ambulance Service staff based in Worcester are to take part in the city’s 10k race.
Emergency Medical Technician Nicky Masters and paramedics Lisa Medhurst and Andy Lightbody will be running in the Worcester City 10k race on Sunday 1st June.
For Nicky it will be the first such run. She will be raising money for Midlands Air Ambulance. She will be joined by her current ambulance crewmate Andy.
Nicky Masters
Nicky said: “I have recently been encouraged to join the 10k run with a group of friends who have been training together. I then decided to do it for an amazing cause and chose the Air Ambulance, an obvious choice for us in the emergency services. I wanted to help promote awareness and raise money at the same time. My ex-ambulance crewmate Colin Apps has been part of the air ambulance team for some years and has been my inspiration.”
On her JustGiving fundraising page, she said: “I’ve now worked for the West Midlands Ambulance Service for just over 5 years and see first-hand the incredible work that my friends/colleagues do each day to save lives. Please can you show your appreciation by making (even a small donation) to this very worthy cause, as every single penny counts.”
Lisa Medhurst will be running to fundraise for The Lullaby Trust. She said on her JustGiving fundraising page: “I cannot imagine what it would be like to lose a child … this charity try and help people deal with that unimaginable nightmare.”
Those are the words of the JustGiving fundraising page for a team of doctors and nurses who are going to run up and down Mount Snowdon (12 miles) and cycle the 28 miles around the Snowdon’s base, taking in a canoe trip around Llyn (Lake) Gwynant on the way. The entire venture is known as “Snowdon Extreme”.
The team includes Nick Crombie, a BASICS Emergency Doctor who responds to medical emergencies for West Midlands Ambulance Service and Midlands Air Ambulance and who is also Clinical Service Lead in Anaesthesia at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
“Snowdon Extreme” will take place on May 31st, 2014 and will raise funds for the Intensive Care Foundation, more details about which can be found via www.ics.ac.uk/about-us/
Wednesday 14th May 2014 – 7.30am – Jamie Arrowsmith
A man sadly died during a road traffic collision in Bromsgrove last night (Tuesday).
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of the A38 and New Road at 10.20pm. An ambulance, a paramedic support officer and a MERIT doctor were sent to the scene. The police were also in attendance.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car that had been in collision with a pedestrian.
“The pedestrian had suffered severe head injuries and advanced life support was carried out at the scene by medics.
“Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of all clinicians, nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.
“The driver and passenger of the car were assessed by crews at the scene. Luckily they had not suffered any injuries in the incident and did not require any further treatment.”
For new paramedic Julie, the end of the first month on the road is a chance to reflect. As a 53 year old, it is a very different career to what she’s experienced before, but as she says: “It has taken a long time to get here, but I am incredibly happy that I have.”
In today’s Episode of First Time on the Frontline, we see Julie treating two patients. The first is 53 year old epileptic Neil who is in severe pain after a fall. Julie has to think laterally to ensure he gets the necessary pain relief and asks for back up from the HART Team.
Her second patient is Ethel who at 68 is once again battling cancer and has got suspected pneumonia which could potentially kill her. Julie has to act fast to make sure both her patients get the care that they need.
A golfer who collapsed on the 6th tee at South Staffordshire Golf Club in Wolverhampton was reunited with his life savers last week.
Former Wolverhampton Wanderers director, 64 year old Kevin Threlfall from Perton, was playing in a golf competition at the club on April 24th when he suffered a cardiac arrest.
Fellow golfers and former policemen, Steve Woodward and Martin Knowles, quickly sprang into action. Martin, Captain of Moseley Golf club, was playing against Kevin in the competition and said: “It was like a Resus Annie training scenario. The first thing I remember was asking Kevin if he was alright, there was no response so we called for help. Steve and I just followed exactly what we’re trained to do in the police. We put him in the recovery position, checked his pulse, breathing and when we found he had neither we started compressions.”
Whilst Steve and Martin did CPR, Golf Club Official Ian Guest raced to the club house to fetch their automated external defibrillator (AED) which had never been used before. Two ambulances, two paramedics and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board rushed to the golf club.
Wolverhampton based Advanced Paramedic Andy Watson, 49 from Perton, was first on scene within six minutes and said: “All in all, we worked on Kevin for about 45 minutes on the tee. He had a total of nine defibrillator shocks and various other emergency interventions before we managed to get some respiratory effort from Kevin. If Steve and Martin hadn’t of started CPR when they did, we wouldn’t have had such a fantastic outcome.
“I’ve worked for the ambulance service for 12 years and Kevin is the first cardiac arrest patient I’ve had that has survived and left hospital to carry on to live a normal life. I’ve got loads of patients back but they’ve never walked out of hospital and it’s been because there’s been no CPR on scene prior to the ambulance service arriving. We can get the heart going but, that’s not the problem. If the brain has been starved of oxygen for any amount of time, it’s not good. It’s so vital that CPR is started within minutes of someone suffering a cardiac arrest as it literally can make a difference to whether someone lives or dies.”
Kevin’s wife, Gill, rushed to the club after hearing the news. She said: “I got to the hole to see Kevin lying there. The first thing I heard was ‘I think it’s time to stop now’. The ambulance staff had been working on him for ages but he hadn’t taken a breath for quite some time. I thought he’d died but then the next thing, seconds later, one of them said ‘no he’s just taken a breath so keep on going’.”
Though breathing, Kevin was in a critical condition. En route to New Cross Hospital ambulance staff battled to keep him alive. Gill and the family were told to expect the worst by doctors at hospital.
Gill continued: “The next morning I had a call from the hospital to say that Kevin was sitting up and talking and he hasn’t stopped since! I cannot believe he’s back to normal, the whole thing feels like a dream.”
Kevin was on critical care for several days and after having surgery to fit an internal defibrillator, he was discharged from hospital and is recovering well at home.
Kevin said: “There were three miracles that day. Firstly I was playing golf; normally I would have been in the office on my own. Secondly, I’d got Martin with me who is trained in CPR and then thirdly we’ve got a defibrillator at the golf club so what’s the odds of all that. I remember nothing about that day but I shall remember them forever for what they did and shall be eternally grateful to my golfing friends and the ambulance service staff.”
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Notes to Editors:
Pictured left to right: Andy Watson (Advanced Paramedic), Martin Knowles (fellow golfer who did CPR), Liz Gurney (Paramedic), Kevin and Gill Threlfall, Steve Woodward (fellow golfer who did CPR), Ian Guest (Golf Club Official with defib), John Mumford (Kevin’s team mate), Rob Felton (Emergency Medical Technician) and Simon Chambers (Paramedic Area Support officer).
Monday 12th May 2014 – 11.55pm – Murray MacGregor.
Two teenage girls have been taken to hospital after they were struck by a car in the Upper Gornal area of Dudley.
The collision happened in Valley Road at just after 10.00pm on Monday evening. Two ambulances and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene after no fewer than six 999 calls about the incident.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found a red Vauxhall Corsa with a badly damaged front wheel.
“The teenage girls were sitting on the pavement with a large number of local people at the scene.
“A 14 year old girl was taken to Russells Hall Hospital with suspected fracture to her ankle.
“A 13 year old was taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital with a potentially serious hip injury. Ambulance staff immobilised the girl and also put a pelvic binder in place.
“The driver of the car, a man in his late teens or early 20s, was unhurt.”
Monday 12nd May 2014 – 11.35pm – Murray MacGregor.
A pedestrian has suffered a potentially serious head injury after a collision with a car in Dudley. The crash happened on Queens Cross near the Cemetery at 9.20pm on Monday evening.
Witnesses told ambulance staff that a man, in his mid 30s, had collided with the car leaving damage to the bumper and a ‘bullseye’ on the windscreen.
An ambulance that was taking a patient to Russells Hall Hospital came across the collision and provided aid until a further ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and the MERIT trauma doctor arrived at the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The man was initially unconscious but started to come round as he was treated.
The doctor prepared the patient for anaesthesia, but in the end that was not required. He was immobilised using a specialist stretcher and head blocks before being taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with the doctor travelling with the ambulance crew.
“The doctor reported that the man’s condition was stable and the initial work at the hospital showed that his injuries did not appear as serious as might have been expected.
“The woman driving the car was uninjured.
“The Trust would like to thank a member of the public who stopped at the scene to provide assistance. The first crew on scene were very grateful for his help.” We have no details about this individual.
A teenager has been airlifted to a major trauma centre after suffering a nasty leg break after slipping over in the playground.
The incident took place at Fair Oakes College in Penkridge Bank Road in Rugeley.
An ambulance, a rapid response car and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire were sent to the scene after an emergency call at 1.15pm on Monday.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found a 13 year old boy who had fallen in the wet outside.
“The aircrew were able to give him advanced pain relief so that he could have his right leg manipulated and then be put in a splint.
“He was then carried to the air ambulance, which had landed on the playing fields, before being flown to the major trauma centre at University Hospital North Staffordshire.”
A man has been taken to a major trauma centre with serious chest injuries after falling over 30 feet from scaffolding.
The incident took place at a warehouse off Mornington Road in Smethwick at about 4.15pm on Monday afternoon.
A rapid response vehicle, an ambulance, A BASICS Emergency Doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with the MERIT trauma doctor on board were sent to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found a man who finding it hard to breathe after falling from the scaffolding and landing on the concrete below. They were told that he had landed on his right arm and chest.
“The man, who was in his 60s, was fully conscious throughout but had suffered a significant chest injury. After being given pain relief, he was immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board.
“The man was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with the doctor from the air ambulance travelling with the land ambulance crew.”
We know that literally hundreds of people recently applied to become one of our student paramedics and you are probably desperate to know if you have been shortlisted.
If that’s you, firstly, thank you for taking the time to apply. As you can imagine, we’ve had a few queries about the situation. Our Recruitment team say they are still going through the shortlisting process at the moment but as soon as this is complete the team will be in contact with each applicant via NHS Jobs.
With this in mind they are advising that individuals check their NHS Jobs account over the next few days for any updates. However, in the meantime, if you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact the recruitment line 01384 215 896.
In today’s episode of ‘First Time on the Frontline’ we see rookie paramedic Ben treating a 32 year old man who has been vomiting blood and has chest pains, before moving on to treat 85 year of Jenny. Her heart is running at over 160 beats per minute, almost twice as fast as it should be.
A man has been seriously injured following an RTC in Coventry early this morning.
The crash occurred on Hall Green Road, Coventry just before 5.30am. Two ambulances and a paramedic officer attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car that had left the road and been in a significant collision will a bus stop and some railings.
“A man who was travelling in the car was trapped in the vehicle and received emergency treatment before being released with the assistance of the fire service.
“The man, believed to be in his 30’s, was treated for serious leg, neck, back and chest injuries.
“The man’s condition was stabilised and he was then transferred to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire Major Trauma Unit for further emergency treatment.
“They had been pre alerted to the man’s injuries and his imminent arrival.”
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If you use the pictures please credit West Midlands Ambulance Service or @officialwmas.
A man and woman in a car, and a family in a house have been lucky to escape serious injury following a crash in Coventry this evening.
The crash occurred on Earlsdon Avenue South at around 6.45pm. Two rapid response vehicles, an ambulance and a paramedic officer attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car that was imbedded three quarters of the way through the hallway area of a house.
“The woman passenger in the car, believed to be 41 years old, suffered neck, pelvic and leg injuries and was treated whilst still in the vehicle. She was extricated from the car with the assistance of the fire service and transferred by land ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further treatment.
“The man driving the car, believed to be in his late 40’s was uninjured in the crash.
“Considering the damage to the house, the two adults, two children and a dog that were inside at the time of the crash were extremely fortunate not to have been injured.”
Six people have been injured, four seriously following a two vehicle RTC in Hereford this afternoon.
The crash occurred at the junction of Cholstrey Road and Monkland Road, Barons Cross, Leominster at around 1.35pm. Three ambulances, two rapid response vehicles, a BASICS Doctor, two Midlands Air Ambulance’s, the Welsh Air Ambulance and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air ambulance attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car and a 4×4 vehicle that had been in a serious collision.
“Two children who were travelling in the back of the car suffered serious injuries. A boy believed to be six years old, and a girl believed to be one year old, both received emergency treatment at the scene for serious head, pelvic and abdominal injuries. Both were air lifted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital in separate air ambulances, where trauma teams were on standby.
“A woman believed to be in her 20’s, who was also travelling in the back of the car, suffered serious head injuries and received emergency treatment at the scene. She was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Major Trauma Unit for further treatment.
“The front seat passenger in the car, a man believed to be in his 60’s, received emergency treatment for serious chest injuries. The man was also airlifted to the same hospital for further treatment.
“The hospital had been pre-alerted to the arrival of the two seriously injured patients.
“The driver of the car, a man believed to be in his 30’s, suffered chest injuries. Following treatment at the scene the man was taken by land ambulance to Hereford County Hospital for further treatment.
“The driver of the 4×4 vehicle, a man believed to be in his 30’s, also suffered chest injuries and was treated at the scene. He was transferred by land ambulance to Hereford county Hospital for further treatment.
“The severity of the crash meant a high number of ambulance resources and staff were at the scene caring for patients, including four air ambulances. All emergency service staff worked seamlessly together to ensure all patients received the best treatment as soon as possible.
“Unfortunately, the four patient’s injuries are considered extremely serious.”
Staffordshire Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service are urging drug users across the area to take extra care following three separate incidents in the last 24 hours involving suspected heroin users.
It is believed that all three incidents occurred shortly after the users took drugs suspected of being heroin and a 37-year-old woman has died and two males in their 30’s are in hospital in an improving condition.
The first report was received at around 1.30pm on Friday (9 May) when paramedics attended an address in Leacroft Road, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent to a report of a collapsed 37-year-old woman at the address who had recently taken drugs. The woman was treated and taken to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire where she later died.
A second incident was reported at just before midnight on Friday when paramedics gave emergency treatment following reports of a collapsed male in Ubberley Road, Bentilee and the third shortly after midnight in Parliament Row in Hanley where a male had also collapsed.
Both men were taken to hospital where they remain in an improving condition after receiving emergency treatment for drug use.
Detective Inspector Dan Ison from Staffordshire Police said: “Whilst the cause of death will still need to be established our investigations lead us to believe that the woman had used heroin shortly before collapsing. Similarly there is a strong indication that drug use was a factor for both the incidents where the men were found in the street needing urgent medical treatment.
“A detailed investigation is already underway and I urge anyone with any information or concerns to call us Staffordshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service Duty Manager, Lee Carter, said: “Drug users are urged to take extra care following these incidents. Symptoms to look out for are the drug takers breathing becoming very erratic and then slowing down to a point where they stop breathing completely. The person then goes into cardiac arrest where their heart stops beating. Anyone witnessing this should immediately call 999 for medical help and follow the instructions given them by the ambulance call assessor, including how to carry out CPR.
“Unfortunately one person has already lost their life and we have two others who are seriously ill in hospital. For free and confidential advice about drugs, people can call the FRANK helpline number 0300 123 6600 or visit www.talktofrank.com “
Officers and ambulance crews across North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent have been alerted about the potential for further incidents to be reported and drug users are being urged to seek support from drug advice lines.
Notes to Editors:
We have no further details on the incidents reported.
A man has died following an RTC in Stoke on Trent this afternoon.
The crash occurred on City Road, Fenton at around 5.15pm. A rapid response vehicle, an ambulance, a paramedic officer and a BASICS Doctor attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a cyclist and a lorry that had been in a collision.
“Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save the man riding the bicycle and he was confirmed dead at the scene.
“The driver of the lorry, and a bystander were checked over at the scene by ambulance crews for the effects of shock, but did not require further treatment.”
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We have no further details on this incident. This is now a police matter.
A man has died following an RTC near Upper Ludstone this afternoon.
The crash occurred on the B4176, near The Woodman, Upper Ludstone, Wolverhampton at around 4.10pm. A rapid response vehicle, an ambulance and a paramedic officer attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car upside down in a field.
“Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save the man in the vehicle and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”
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We have no further details on this incident. This is now a police matter.
Maya has wanted to be a paramedic since the age of 14. Now, after years of study, she’s made it. In her first shift we see her overcoming a language barrier to treat Polish patient Sebastian and help Emily who has endometriosis; a painful condition that affects around 2 million women in the UK. See Maya grow in confidence as we follow her:
A pedestrian has been treated by ambulance crews today following a road traffic collision in Coventry.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of the A444 and the A4082 shortly before 7.20am this morning.
An ambulance and a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle were dispatched to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival at the scene, crews found a car and a pedestrian that had been in collision.
“The pedestrian, a woman believed to be in her 60’s, was treated at the scene for a fractured arm and a significant ankle injury. The woman was fully immobilised and conveyed the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire for further assessment and treatment.
West Midlands Ambulance Service has picked up three awards at a prestigious ceremony at the House of Lords.
The Ambulance Service Institute (ASI) Awards, held on Thursday 8th May is described as “A time to reflect and recognise the people working in the pre-hospital care sector who have performed above and beyond the call of duty, in their dedication to saving lives.”
Presenting the awards, Lord Ian McColl said: “It’s been a great joy for me to be here and to hear all the amazing things that you have done. It must have been absolutely horrendous; some of the situations you have had to deal with. We are just so grateful that you risk your lives to do all these wonderful things. Greater love hath no man who gives his life for another – or risks doing so.”
Anthony Marsh, Chief Executive of West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “It’s a great event; each year many of our staff receiving awards from the Ambulance Service Institute, our staff doing a fantastic job day-in, day-out. And to see our staff get these awards and have members of their own family with them to share in that moment, is a really proud moment for them, for their families and of course for me as Chief Officer as well.”
Above video: Anthony Marsh
Below are the citations for award recipients from West Midlands Ambulance Service and Midlands Air Ambulance:
First Aid/Community First Responder Award – Craig Singleton of Gnosall and District Community First Responders in south Staffordshire (and a teacher at Oldbury Wells School in Bridgnorth, Shropshire)
Craig was nominated concerning an incident in Gnosall involving an 18 month-old child who had been attacked at home by the family dog – a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The dog had suddenly attacked the child and torn the right side of his face. Craig, as the local CFR, was first on scene and commenced treating the child with oxygen before the ambulance arrived. Craig continued to assist the crew then left the scene and the patient in the safe hands of the ambulance crew. The crew were impressed by Craig’s actions and his assistance at what was a very difficult situation and asked for him to be nominated for an award for his calm and swift actions.
Above: Craig Singleton. Picture courtesy Simon Hilldrew
Craig said: “It was a traumatic experience. At the time when I was in the house with the family and when the paramedics arrived I kept everything together but when I got outside it hit me how traumatic it was.. On receiving the award, he said: “I feel slightly embarrassed about it. It could have been anybody who turned out. The West Midlands Ambulance Service training is fantastic – we are all prepared for that sort of thing and the support I got off Vicky (Vicky Tufail – Community Response Manager for Staffordshire) and West Midlands Ambulance Service was fantastic afterwards.”
Click below to hear Craig:
Patient Transport Service Award – Alex Leston and Louise Orsmby.
Alex and Louise are a PTS crew working from University Hospital Birmingham who came across a road traffic collision involving a female pedestrian and a large goods vehicle in Moseley in November 2013.
Despite the horrific nature of the patient’s injuries, the crew remained calm and professional in rendering aid until a frontline ambulance arrived and then continued to provide first-class assistance to the attending more senior clinicians.
The fronline crew on scene commented on how helpful and calm the PTS crew were and asked to pass on their thanks and congratulations.
(Adam Layland (Senior Contract Manager – Non-Emergency Services) collected Alex Leston’s award in his absence.)
Above: Louise Ormsby and Adam Layland. Picture courtesy Simon Hilldrew
Above video: Louise Ormsby
Air Ambulance Team of the Year Award –
Midlands Air Ambulance Services (HMED03 Cosford and HMED09 Staffordshire) – James Benson, Ian Walley, Kat Ellis, Fay Mason, Dr. David Balthazar, Sheelagh Withers and Katie Howse.
Bond Aviation – Graham Cannell and David Kelly.
The case was that of a 33 year-old male worker trapped in a tunnel (3ft wide x 3ft high x 20ft long) under a large (50ft x 20ft) potato sorting maching. His arm had been pulled up over and back down between ten-inch diameter metal rollers. He was stuck in a squatting position in this tunnel. He was bleeding from his axilla (underarm) while trapped. Initially the HMED09 was dispatched. After their initial assessment of the patient they requested back-up from HMED03. Ian Walley from HMED09 crawled into the tunnel and used pressure to stop the bleeding throughout the entire incident. Other members of the ambulance service took turns in the tunnel to treat and reassure the patient. It took two-and-a-half hours to release him. Whilst trapped, the patient had oxygen, morphine, intravenous fluids and two units of O-negative blood. We arranged for the blood to be provided by the University Hospital of North Staffordshire (HMED03 flew from the scene to pick this up). This was a difficult and dangerous job demonstrating excellent team work and inter-service working (with Staffordshire and West Midlands Fire Services).
Above: Kat Ellis, Ian Walley and Dr. David Balthazar. Picture courtesy Simon Hilldrew
On receiving the award, Ian said: “I’m highly honoured to have this in my hands. I am representing the two crews, the fire department and the agricultural people who were on scene at the time – all attempting the same thing which was the rescue of an individual trapped.”
Above video: Ian Walley
Dr. David Balthazar nominated his colleagues for the award. He explained: “I felt a couple of my colleagues, in particular Ian and Fay, showed exceptional devotion to duty when they spent a great deal of time in very difficult and cramped conditions looking after the patient that we had.”
Click here to hear Dr. Balthazar:
Ends
Notes to Editors;
Pictured above left-to-right: Ian Roberts (Acting Air Operations Manager of Midlands Air Ambulance), Dr. David Balthazar, Louise Ormsby, Anthony Marsh, Ian Walley, Sir Graham Meldrum (Chairman of West Midlands Ambulance Service), Craig Singleton, Tony Yeaman (Non-Executive Director of West Midlands Ambulance Service), Adam Layland (Senior Contract Manager, Non-emergency Services), Kat Ellis, Victoria Tufail (Community Response Manager for Staffordshire) and Elizabeth Davies, Assistant Area Manager for University Hospital Birmingham Patient Transport Service.
CFR Craig Singleton can be contacted on 07792 506 084
West Midlands Ambulance Service attended a fire at a residential care home in Birmingham today.
Three ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, two ambulance officers and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) were dispatched to Oak Tree Lane in Bournville shortly before 6.50am this morning.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a fire that had been contained in one of the rooms at the property.
“One woman, believed to be a worker at the residential home, was treated at the scene for minor smoke inhalation before being conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further assessment and treatment.
“Ambulance crews assisted to move approximately 27 people into a communal area within the property; a safe distance away from the fire. Blankets were provided and assessments were carried out. Fortunately no one else had been affected by the fire.”
On todays episode of First Time on the Frontline, we see how Sam’s confidence is growing and gets the thumbs up from one of his Clinical Team Mentors. We see him dealing with a 73 year old man who has pneumonia and is in a critical condition. He also gets invited for a cup of tea by a stroke patient who he saw when he was a student. Catherine reckons he’s turned into “a good looking boy”! Despite the jollity, dealing with stroke patients is deadly serious; 1 in 5 strokes ends in death.
Some tough cases for new paramedic Mark on ‘First Time On The Frontline’ today. Although he was a combat medical technician with the Parachute Regiment he’s faced with a number of life threatening challenges in his first few shifts. Sere how he deals with dementia patient Phillip. He manages to diagnose that he’ll need for surgery. One person in three who dies over the age of 65 will have some form of dementia. Next up he spots a case of sepsis on a patient with acute multiple sclerosis. Over 37,000 people a year die from sepsis in the UK alone. Check out the programme here:
A woman suffered multiple injuries and had to be taken to a major trauma centre following a collision with a car on a busy Birmingham road this afternoon (Wednesday).
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident which took place near to the Toby Carvery on Hagley Road West, Quinton, shortly before 1.50pm.
A paramedic officer came across the incident and immediately began providing aid whilst waiting for the arrival of an ambulance, an area support officer and a doctor.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found a woman, believed to be in her 80s, lying at the side of the road and a car parked nearby that had suffered damage.
“Following assessment from ambulance staff, the woman was given pain relief and immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board.
“Once her condition was stabilised she was treated for head, shoulder, back and ankle injuries before being taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
“The doctor travelled with the patient to hospital, continuing to administer treatment en-route.
“The driver of the car was thankfully unhurt in the collision but was understandably shaken by the incident.
“Due to the seriousness of the collision, the road had to be closed which caused traffic disruption in the area.”
Wednesday 7th May 2014 – 10.30am – Jamie Arrowsmith.
A motorcyclist has been anaesthetised and airlifted to a major trauma centre following a collision with a car in Bromsgrove this morning (Wednesday).
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Fockbury Road in Dodford shortly after 7.35am.
A non-emergency Patient Transport Service vehicle came across the incident. The crew provided aid until the arrival of two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford which carries a specialist trauma doctor.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a motorbike that had been in collision with a car.
“The rider, a man believed to be in his 40s, was found some distance from the bike. He had suffered serious head injuries and as a result the doctor from the air ambulance anaesthetised him at the scene.
“After stabilising his condition, he was airlifted to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
“There were three people travelling in the car, a father and two young daughters, thankfully none of them were hurt but were understandably shaken by the crash.
“Due to the seriousness of the collision, the road had to be closed which caused significant traffic disruption in the area.”
On Wednesday, you can meet Mark, another of our rookie paramedics as he cares for a multiple sclerosis patient. Don’t miss #FirstTimeOnTheFrontline at 11.30am on BBC 1.
A team of paramedics who left John O’Groats on Saturday are already half way through their epic charity cycle ride to Lands End.
Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) paramedic Dave Bentley and Wolverhampton Paramedic Neil Weaver together with a support crew of HART paramedics Neil Baars and Olly Ayles, are hoping to complete the 850-mile journey on two wheels in just seven days.
They hope their efforts raise as much money as possible for Pilgrim Bandits, a charity which supports injured armed forces members.
The journey so far hasn’t been without incident as, on day two, Neil came off his bike on the A9 in Scotland after a very long uphill climb. Neil was knocked unconscious for a short period and needed medical care from the paramedic support crew and colleagues from the Scottish Ambulance Service. After some rest and recuperation, Neil is back in the saddle.
Yesterday, the team left Scotland and crossed the border back into England. Today, on day four of the challenge, they are cycling through the Lake District. Writing on their Facebook and Twitter page earlier this afternoon, the team said: “Well that’s halfway to Lands End!! Looking strong!”
In today’s episode, you can see rookie paramedic Ben dealing with Habib who has suffered a nasty cut to his hand from a chainsaw. He has to take a decision on the best hospital to take him to. You can also see him treating Carol who fell on the platform of New Street Station.
Ambulance staff said a motorcyclist who wasn’t wearing protective leathers was a “lucky boy” after escaping more serious injuries in Worcestershire this afternoon.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Cooks Hill and the B4084 in Wick, Pershore at 2.10pm (Monday). An ambulance, a senior paramedic manager and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “A car and a motorcycle had been in collision. The 18 year old biker, who wasn’t wearing leathers, had come to rest in a hedge 50 metres further down the road from where the collision happened.
“Ambulance staff assessed the motorcyclist and found he had sustained a broken ankle, a suspected fracture to his lower leg and gravel rash to his back. The man was given pain relief before being immobilised with a neck collar, spinal board and pelvic binder as a precaution before being airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, a major trauma centre, for further assessment and treatment.
“The driver of the car, a woman, was visibly shaken following the collision but was uninjured.”
A man has been airlifted to hospital with a broken leg after falling five feet from a wooden ladder in Malvern today.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to a property in Mathon at around 12.15pm this afternoon (Monday). A responder paramedic, an ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The 46 year old man was up a wooden ladder doing some maintenance on a property when he fell five feet, trapping his leg between two rungs causing both his leg and ladder to break.
“Ambulance staff administered pain relief to the man to help stabilise his condition before they fully assessed his injuries. The man sustained nasty lower leg and ankle fractures but ambulance staff found no spinal injuries. The man’s leg was immobilised with a splint before he was airlifted to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for further emergency treatment.”
A man was lucky not to have lost his eye after an angle grinder cut his face this morning in Rugby.
The incident happened at a property in Southam Road, Kytes Harwick, shortly before 8.00am (Monday). A community paramedic, an ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham were sent to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The 54 year old man had been cutting up wooden logs with the angle grinder when it kicked back and hit him in the face. The man sustained a nasty five inch cut from his eyebrow to his chin which was bleeding heavily.
“The swelling was so bad that ambulance staff were unable to see whether the man’s eye had been damaged. They carefully stemmed the bleeding and covered his laceration with moist dressings before he was airlifted to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for emergency maxillofacial treatment.
“Upon further assessment at hospital, medics discovered that the angle grinder had fortunately missed the man’s eye.”
A woman and a teenage girl are spending their bank holiday in hospital after a collision involving a car and a van left them with serious injuries in Rugby this afternoon.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Collingham Lane in Broadwell just after midday (Monday). An ambulance, a community paramedic, a paramedic area support officer, a BASICS doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “A total of five people and three dogs were involved in the collision. The four occupants of the car were assessed by ambulance staff. The driver, a man in his 50s, sustained a cut to his hand which was cleaned and dressed with bandages by paramedics. He did not require hospital treatment and was discharged from care.
“One rear seat passenger, a 17 year old girl, was out of the vehicle but had sustained a nasty facial injury which was bleeding quite heavily. She also sustained pain to her neck and back. The girl was given pain relief before ambulance staff carefully immobilised her onto a spinal board and neck collar. The girl’s injuries were dressed before she was taken by land ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.
“A second rear seat passenger, a woman believed to be 58, sustained a suspected fractured pelvis and a nasty fracture to her lower leg. The doctor and paramedics administered pain relief to make her more comfortable before working closely with the fire service to extricate her from the car.
“The woman was immobilised with a neck collar, spinal board and pelvic splint before being carried to the awaiting helicopter, which had landed in a nearby field, and airlifted to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.
“The front seat passenger of the car, a woman in her 20s, was uninjured as was the driver of the van, a man in his 50s, and his three dogs.”
