Month: July 2014

Tuesday 15^th July 2014 – 12.45pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman passenger was left suspended when the car she was travelling in ended up on its side following a road traffic collision in Coventry this morning.

She was one of two patients who had to be cut free from the vehicle in a 45 minute rescue operation, both of whom required treatment from paramedics before being transported to hospital.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Humber Avenue shortly before 9.55am and sent two ambulances, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic area support officer to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service Spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a car that had come to rest on its side following a collision with a stationary vehicle.

“Due to the way the car had landed, the woman, believed to be in her 70s, was suspended over the driver of the car, a man reported to be in his 70s, and as a result it proved difficult to free them from the car.

“Ambulance staff worked closely with the fire service to get the patients out of the vehicle. They were immobilised with the use of a spinal board and neck collar and freed once the roof of the car had carefully been cut away.

“Both patients were treated for a number of cuts before being taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire and were lucky to avoid further serious injury in the collision.”

Ends.

Sixteen year olds in Herefordshire are commended for their actions when their 14 year old friend suffered a cardiac arrest.

See more on this story here from Herefordshire Heartstart, a charity supported by West Midlands Ambulance Service:

http://herefordshireheartstart.org/news/brave-teenage-lifesavers-presented-with-special-achievement-certificates/

 

Tuesday 15^th July 2014 – 8.30pm – Chris Kowalik.

Specsavers Opticians in High Street, Bridgnorth have been showing their support for the volunteers of Bridgnorth Community First Responder Scheme over the past 12 months.

Nearly £1,000 has been raised through requesting small donations from customers who have visited the store for repairs and adjustments.

Former Specsavers employee and Bridgnorth CFR Emma Stanton was instrumental in organising the fundraising efforts which also included baking days and fancy dress days for store staff. Emma is now training with West Midlands Ambulance Service as a Student Paramedic, but hopes to continue her role as a Community First Responder too.

Co-ordinator for the Bridgnorth District CFR scheme Ian Thompson said: “On behalf of our volunteers in Bridgnorth I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the management and staff of Specsavers for their kind co-operation, and for the generosity of the customers of the store. Every donation we receive goes towards ensuring we can train and equip more volunteers to support the ambulance service in our community”.

Community First Responders are volunteers who live and work in the local community and make themselves available to attend emergency calls, providing care and treatment until the arrival of an ambulance. They are committed individuals who are trained by West Midlands Ambulance Service to a nationally recognised standard and devote their spare time to the role. Bridgnorth CFR scheme has been operational since 2001.

Pictured:

Bridgnorth CFRs Emma Stanton and Bill Groom with Bea Pope-Sadler of Specsavers

Ends

Tuesday 15^th July – 8.25pm – Chris Kowalik.

A town in Shropshire has its own public access defibrillator following a successful fundraising campaign.

Organised by Community First Responders Colin Marlow and Robin Bennett, they rattled collecting buckets in Much Wenlock. Pubs and businesses in the town added sponsorship to buy the device that could restart the heart of someone who suffers a cardiac arrest. There was even a donation from a pensioner of her winter fuel allowance.

On Monday 23^rd June, fourteen volunteers were trained in its use by West Midlands Ambulance Service. Some of the fundraisers and sponsors visited the training session at the town’s Priory Hall.

The machine will be housed in a secure yet accessible cabinet on the wall of Much Wenlock’s fire station. In the event of a cardiac arrest, a call to 999 will not only result in an emergency ambulance vehicle being sent, but instructions will be given on how to access the defibrillator.

 

Cliff Medlicott, West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Community Response Manager for Shropshire, said: “For every minute that someone is in cardiac arrest, their chance of survival diminishes by ten per cent. CPR and defibrillation in the early stages of cardiac arrest could save their life and it is something that anyone can do. The defibrillator even speaks to you and tells you what to do.”

A further training session is being organised in Much Wenlock. Anyone interested in learning about CPR and defibrillation call Robin Bennett on (07971) 696157 for more details.

Ends

Tuesday 15^th July2014 – 8.20am – Chris Kowalik.

Shropshire Freemasons have donated £500 to Shrewsbury’s Community First Responders (CFRs).

At a ceremony at Crewe Street, Shrewsbury in June, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Shropshire gave grants totalling more than £30,000 to over 30 local charities.

The cheque was presented to Shrewsbury CFRs’ Honourable Treasurer Nick Freeman and Chairman/Coordinator Rob Lambie by Provincial Grand Master Peter Taylor (all pictured below).

Shropshire’s Provincial Communications Officer, Jeremy Lund, said: “The Freemasons of Shropshire give vital support each year to a range of local charities. These include the hospices, the Air Ambulance, SSAFA and Combat Stress, but also many charities with a lower profile which also do essential work in the local community.

“We are particularly pleased to assist the Community First Responders in Shrewsbury. Freemasonry encourages its members to support charities, to be community-minded and to give practical as well as financial help where it is required.”

Rob Lambie said: “We are delighted to have received this grant and are grateful for the generosity of the Freemasons. The money will go towards equipping our new recruits with essential items such as response kitbags, uniforms and more.”

For more information about Shropshire’s Freemasons visit www.shropshiremasons.org.uk.

For more information about becoming a Community First Responder, contact the Community Response Department on 01384 215855 or visit www.wmas.nhs.uk.

Ends

Monday 14th July 2014 – 8.30pm – Steve Parry.

Two adults and four children including a baby have been taken to hospital after a road traffic collision on the M6 this evening.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to a location near the M6 at junction 2 (north) at just after 6.10pm.

Three ambulances; a paramedic officer, a BASICS doctor and the Warwickshire and Northants Air Ambulance attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to a single vehicle incident involving a taxi.

“A woman in her thirties was treated for back pain. She was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board.

“Three children, a male (2 years); and two females (3 and 6 years of age) were treated for minor injuries. All four patients were taken to the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire.

“A 2 month old baby boy was thrown clear of the vehicle. The baby was treated for serious head injuries and airlifted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The father of the child, who was uninjured in the incident, travelled with the child to hospital.

 

Ends

 

 

Monday 14^th July 2014 – 5.15pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

An NHS 111 (West Midlands) health advisor is to see her dream of becoming a Bond Girl come true after getting engaged.

Hayley Simcox, from Gornal, had little hesitation in saying yes when fellow 111 health advisor Mitchell Bond popped the question at a family meal and she is now looking forward to taking on the famous surname.

“I have always liked James Bond films and always wanted to be a Bond Girl, now my dream is going to come true,” the 23-year-old said.

“I had a little idea that Mitchell might be about to propose, but I wasn’t expecting it in the way he did it. After our meal he arrived at the table with a specially planned dessert, strawberries with pancakes….and an engagement ring.”

Mitchell, who is also 23 and from Oldbury, admitted to being nervous before getting down on one knee, saying: “It was a bit nerve-wracking beforehand but when she said yes I was absolutely thrilled and we’re both looking forward to starting to make plans ahead of the big day.”

The couple, who jetted off to the Dominican Republic to celebrate their engagement, met whilst working in the 111 (West Midlands) call centre at Brierley Hill and Hayley said a colleague predicted from day one that they would end up together.

“A colleague said to us from the start that me and Mitchell would become a couple and that we were perfect for each other, I’m just really pleased they have been proved correct.

“Working for NHS 111 is really rewarding, especially helping patients to solve their problems and getting them the best care possible, but the biggest reward for me has been meeting Mitchell.”

Run by West Midlands Ambulance Service, NHS 111 (West Midlands) covers Birmingham and the Black Country, Coventry, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Worcester and Shropshire.

Ends.

Monday 14^th July 2014 – 7.30am – Claire Brown.

A man and a woman have died in a three car road traffic collision on the M42 in Worcestershire in the early hours of this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the northbound carriageway of the M42 between junctions 3 and 3a, near Beoley, shortly before 1.00am (Monday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and a MERIT trauma doctor attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The occupants of one car, a man and a woman, were both seriously injured and were in cardiac arrests.

“Sadly, despite attempts at advanced life support by ambulance crews and the medic, nothing could be done to save them and both were confirmed dead on scene.

“The driver of the second car, a man in his 50s, sustained a chest injury. He was extricated from the car with help from the fire service. The man was taken to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch for further treatment.

“The driver of the third car was uninjured and didn’t require hospital treatment.”

 

ENDS

Monday 14^th July 2014 – 7.00am – Claire Brown.

A two car crash last night in Coventry has left one woman dead and eight other people in hospital.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Sydnall Road, Longford Coventry shortly after 10.00pm (Sunday). Six ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a senior paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and a second BASICS doctor were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival crews found two cars which had been involved in a significant collision on a canal bridge. By standers were administering aid to nine patients who had been involved in the collision.

“Sadly a passenger from one car, a woman, was confirmed dead at the scene.

“Three men and a second woman from the same car suffered a range of injuries. Two of the men, aged in their 20s, were treated on scene by ambulance staff and medics for multiple injuries before being taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further treatment.

“The third man and second woman sustained minor injuries but were taken to the same hospital as a precaution.

“A 56-year-old woman from the second car sustained abdominal, neck, back and pelvic injuries. She was given pain relief by ambulance staff before carefully immobilising her with a neck collar and spinal board. The driver, a 27-year-old man, suffered minor injuries together with an eight-year-old-girl. All three were given treatment at the roadside before being taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“A 12-year-old girl from the same car sustained a suspected pelvic injury. She was given pain relief whilst a doctor worked to stabilise her injury at the scene before she was taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital; the doctor travelled in the ambulance to continue treatment en route.”

 

 

ENDS

Saturday 12^th July 2014 – 7.30pm – Claire Brown.

A man has died in a road traffic collision in Hereford this afternoon.

An ambulance came across a car which had left the road and was in a hedge in Green Lane, Wellington at 4.00pm (Saturday). They immediately called for back-up and a further ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The ambulance crew first on scene found the driver and single occupant of the car, a man, with significant injuries. He was also in cardiac arrest.

“They immediately commenced CPR at the roadside. Resuscitation efforts continued when ambulance colleagues arrived but sadly, despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

 

ENDS

Friday 11^th July 2014 – 5.30pm – Suzie Wheaton.

A man has died following a fire at a private property in Birmingham today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service dispatched an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic area support officer to the incident on Coldbath Road in Moseley at approximately 2pm this afternoon. The fire service and the police were also in attendance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance crews were called to reports of a house fire at a residential property.

“One man was retrieved from the property by firefighters. Ambulance crews immediately assessed the man but unfortunately it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the man and sadly he was confirmed deceased at the scene.”

 

Ends

Friday 11th July 2014 – 3.30am – Suzie Wheaton.

A motorcyclist has been given emergency medical treatment following a road traffic collision in Nuneaton today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Coton Road at approximately 12.35pm this afternoon.

An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire air ambulance were dispatched to the incident.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived on scene to find a motorcycle and a car that had been in collision. The car was found to have sustained damage to its rear windscreen.

“The motorcyclist, a man, was treated at the scene for facial injuries and concussion before being immobilised as a precaution and conveyed, via land ambulance, to University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire.

“No one else was injured in the incident.”

Ends

Friday 11^th July 2014 – 8.30am – Chris Kowalik.

A man has been taken to a major trauma centre after the car he was driving collided with a telegraph pole and overturned in Wolverhampton.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Craddock Street, Whitmore Reams, shortly after 10.40pm yesterday (Thursday).

Three rapid response vehicles staffed by an advanced community paramedic, a paramedic area support officer and the MERIT trauma team attended. An ambulance also attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The driver, a man in his forties, was drifting in and out of consciousness. He had a broken wrist and suspected head and abdominal injuries. “He was anaesthetised at the scene and his airway maintained and was taken to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.”

Ends

 

Thursday 10^th July 2014 – 8.40pm – Chris Kowalik.

A lorry driver has been praised for his actions in preventing a serious, even possibly a fatal collision on the M5.

He spotted a car swerving on the southbound carriageway, got in front of it then, with the help of a Highways Agency patrol car, managed to slow him down and eventually stop.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called shortly after 5.30pm to attend at junction one.

First on scene was an off-duty nurse with the West Midlands CARE (Central Accident Resuscitation & Emergency) Team who came across the incident and stopped to help.

Two rapid response vehicles were assigned to the case; one driven by a paramedic, the other by a paramedic area support officer. An ambulance was also sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The car driver, a man in his sixties, had had a medical episode at the wheel for which he was treated at the scene and then taken to Sandwell Hospital.

“However, it was the opinion of all the emergency services at the scene that, had it not been for the actions of the lorry driver in forcing the car to stop, this could have been much more serious.”

Ends

Thursday 10^th July 2014 – 8.40pm – Chris Kowalik.

A man has died after the motorcycle he was riding collided with a car in a Warwickshire village this afternoon.

The incident happened in Station Road in Shustoke shortly before 2.45pm (Thursday). An ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Despite the best efforts of the ambulance crew and MERIT to resuscitate the motorcyclist, nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead on scene.

“The driver of the car, a man in his 40s, sustained a minor shoulder injury but did not require hospital treatment.”

ENDS

Thursday 10^th July 2014 – 5.00pm – Claire Brown.

A teenage cyclist has suffered serious injuries after a collision involving a car in Lichfield this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Dimbles Lane and Francis Road, Lichfield at around 12.30pm earlier today (Thursday). An ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill in Staffordshire attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “A 16-year-old boy had been riding his BMX when he was reportedly in collision with a car.

“Upon assessment, ambulance staff found he had sustained lacerations to his face and arm, and fractures to his arm and leg.

“The teenager was given pain relief to stabilise his injuries and his wounds were dressed before ambulance staff carefully immobilised him with a neck collar, scoop stretcher and leg splint. The teenager was taken by ambulance to the awaiting helicopter, which had landed in a nearby cricket field, before being airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“No one else was injured in the collision.”

 

ENDS

 

 

Thursday 10^th July 2014 – 11.15am – Claire Brown.

Commuters on the M6 in Coventry had a difficult rush hour this morning after six people ended up needing the ambulance service following two separate collisions on the northbound and southbound carriageways.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a four car road traffic collision on the northbound carriageway between junctions 3 and 3a shortly after 7.30am this morning. A senior paramedic officer and four ambulances attended the scene.

The second incident came into the ambulance service at 7.50am, this time on the southbound carriageway between junctions 3 and 2. A paramedic area support officer and an ambulance were sent.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find four cars, each with one occupant inside, on the northbound carriageway which had been involved in a collision.

“Ambulance staff worked to assess each patient carefully and whilst no one suffered serious injuries, all four patients sustained neck pain. One woman had to be extricated with help from the fire service due to the damage caused in the collision before being immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board and taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire. The three other patients, two women and a man, were immobilised by crews before one woman was taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire and the remaining two patients were taken to George Eliot.

“In a separate collision on the opposite carriageway, ambulance staff treated a man and a young girl. Upon assessment, the man was found to have sustained neck pain and once immobilised he was taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire. The young girl didn’t require hospital treatment.”

ENDS

Thursday 10th July 2014 – 6.42am – Murray MacGregor.

Four people have been treated for smoke inhalation after they were rescued by police officers from a fire in a flat in Walsall in the early hours of this morning.

Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic officer were sent to the fire in Rowley Street at around 2.20am this morning (Thursday).

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, the two woman and two men were already out of the flat after being rescued by police officers.

“The four, who were all in their 30s, were asleep when the fire broke out in the kitchen. Thankfully there was little fire damage, but the flat was badly smoke logged.

“The four were given oxygen at the scene by ambulance staff before being taken to Walsall Manor Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation; they have since been discharged.”

“The brave actions of the police officers undoubtedly contributed to the extent of the smoke inhalation being reduced.”

Ends

Wednesday 9th July 2014 – 7.30pm – Murray MacGregor.

Do you wear a cycle helmet when you’re out on your bike? For one cyclist, doing so may well have saved him from a fractured skull.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Pendeford Mill Lane and Barnhurst Lane in Codsall near Wolverhampton at about 4.40pm on Wednesday afternoon.

An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene. Exactly what had happened was not clear.

Area Support Officer, Huw Jones, said: “When we arrived we found a man, who was about 50 years old with a badly damaged helmet. Witnesses said the man had landed on his head when he came off his bike.

“The plastic covering was cracked and the foam insert was broken from the force of the impact. Had he not have been wearing a helmet we could easily have been looking at a fractured skull.

“There was a suggestion that the man might have been knocked unconscious briefly, but although there was some swelling, he didn’t appear to have been badly hurt.

“The helmet undoubtedly took the brunt of the impact, possibly saving him from much more serious injury.

“This isn’t the first time I’ve seen cyclists helmets badly damaged yet the rider comes away with relatively minor injuries.

“With cycling very much in the news because of the Tour de France, I would urge anyone going out on a bike to wear a helmet – it could save your life.”

Ends

Wednesday 9th July 2014 – 5.45pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman required treatment from paramedics before being taken to a major trauma centre following a collision with a bus in Wolverhampton this afternoon (Wednesday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident on the A41 in Chapel Ash shortly before 4.20pm and sent an ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and a community paramedic to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a female pedestrian, believed to be in her 30s, who had been in collision with a bus.

“She was treated for leg, back and pelvis injuries and given pain relief on scene. She was carefully immobilised with the use of a spinal board and also had a pelvic splint applied.

“The woman was then taken on alert, to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, for further assessment.”

Ends.

Wednesday 9th July 2014 – 3.10pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A pedestrian has been badly injured following a collision with a van in Birmingham this afternoon (Wednesday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident on the junction of Belchers Lane and Cotterills Lane shortly after 12.50pm and sent two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, with a doctor on board, to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a male pedestrian, believed to be in his 30s, who had been in collision with a van.

“Ambulance staff assessed the man and treated him for head, pelvis and ankle injuries.

“He was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board and also had pelvic and ankle splints applied before being taken to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, by land ambulance.

“The doctor from the air ambulance travelled with the man to continue treatment en-route to the hospital.

“Nobody else was injured in the incident.”

Ends

A Midlands Air Ambulance team of Paramedics and Doctors is taking part in the Cycle 4 Life on Sunday

To sponsor them, visit:

http://fundraising.midlandsairambulance.com/MAAC4L

Background information on the event can be found here:

http://www.midlandsairambulance.com/news-and-events.php?date=5-2014

There’s more information about it here:

http://www.ambulex.com/exhibition/ambulex_journal.php?id=438&cat_id=0

 

Wednesday 9^th July 2014 – 8am – Chris Kowalik.

Two men have died following a collision involving two cars in Herefordshire.

They were both in a car that collided with another on the A438 at Bridge Sollars.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called shortly before 9.55pm last night (Tuesday).

Two ambulance crews, the MERIT trauma team, a BASICS emergency doctor, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and a senior paramedic officer attended. A Welsh Ambulance Service crew that was passing also stopped to help.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Sadly one of the men was confirmed dead at the scene. Resuscitation attempts were carried out on the other man and he was taken to Hereford County Hospital where he was confirmed dead.

“There was an elderly couple in the other car involved. A man was taken on alert to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with pelvic and chest injuries having been immobilised and given pain relief at the scene. A woman who was with him had pain in her right side. She was placed on a spinal board as a precaution and taken to Hereford County Hospital.”

Ends

Tuesday 8^th July 2014 – 11.10pm – Murray MacGregor.

People lighting bonfires are, once again, being warned about the dangers of using an accelerant after a man ended up in hospital with burns

The latest incident that has resulted in injury happened at a business in Hayes Lane in the Lye area of Stourbridge.

The initial 999 call at 3.25pm on Tuesday afternoon stated that a man had lit a fire and poured some liquid on to it, which promptly exploded. The caller said the patient was feeling faint and dizzy.

A rapid response vehicle was sent to the scene, but the Midlands Air Ambulance at RAF Cosford, which carries a trauma doctor was put on standby in case the injury was serious.

Advanced paramedic, Ste Hill, said: “The 26 year old from the Pedmore area said that he was concerned about the rain coming and wanted to get the fire going before it arrived.

“Fortunately for him, the burns to his neck, ear and side of his face had blistered but were not as serious as they could have been following an explosion.

“I put burns packs on the affected areas before taking him to Russells Hall Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“There is no doubt that his injuries could have been very much worse. Once again, we can but re-iterate the dangers of putting an accelerant on a bonfire. Every year we see such cases where people have put petrol or other chemicals on fires with the same result.

“Please be careful – such injuries can leave you scarred for life or worse.”

 

Ends

Hereford & District Skittles League raised the phenomenal sum of £3,500 over the year for Herefordshire Heartstart, a charity supported by West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Read more here:

http://herefordshireheartstart.org/news/skittling-for-heartstart/

Alison Turner, a paramedic in Herefordshire has qualified for the GB age-group squad for the European Middle Distance Triathlon Championships.

For more details, see this press release from Hereford Triathlon Club, of which Alison is a member:

GB Age Group Press Release

Children from Peterchurch Primary School have raised an amazing £830.50 to help support Herefordshire Heartstart’s Schools Project, supported by West Midlands Ambulance Service.

For more details, see Herefordshire Heartstart’s press release here:

http://herefordshireheartstart.org/news/inspirational-schoolchildren-raise-money-for-heartstart/

Tuesday 8^th July 2014 – 7.45am – Chris Kowalik

A cyclist who hit a kerb and a bollard was found lying in the road by someone getting food from a takeaway.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Greyhound Way in Etruria shortly before 1.15am today.

A BASICS Emergency Doctor, a paramedic area support officer and an ambulance crew attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The cyclist, a man in his thirties who wasn’t wearing a helmet, had a head injury, chest injujry, fractures to his spine and suspected fractures to a wrist and leg.

“He was fully immobilised and was taken on alert to the major trauma centre at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.”

Ends

Monday 7^th July 2014 – 5.10pm – Chris Kowalik.

A man has died and another had been injured following a collision between a van and a lorry in north Shropshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Adderley Road, Market Drayton shortly after 2.05pm.

Two ambulances, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford and two rapid response vehicles staffed by a paramedic area support officer and a senior paramedic officer attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The driver of the van was sadly confirmed dead at the scene.

“The lorry driver was trapped and was cut free with the help of the fire service. He had a cut to his head and arm injuries which weren’t serious.

“Following an assessment from the doctor on board the Midlands Air Ambulance, he was taken by land ambulance to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

Ends

Monday 7th July 2014 – 5.10pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A charitable team of staff from the NHS 111 (West Midlands) service are preparing to put their best foot forward in the name of charity when competing in Race for Life.

The 12-strong team will be made up of managers, health advisors and clinicians, all of whom are preparing to tackle the 5km course at Himley Hall on Sunday, July 13 (3pm) to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Leading the team will be Clinical Manager and experienced runner Baljit Watson, for whom the event will carry extra meaning given that she was treated for cancer four years ago. She said: “Race for Life is a great event that raises money for a great cause and I’m so glad to have many of my 111 colleagues running with me.

“Cancer Research is a charity very close to my heart because I had a major operation four years ago after being diagnosed with cervical cancer and therefore I know the money raised will be going to be a very worthwhile cause.”

Baljit, who has completed the London and Dublin Marathons amongst many others, will be joined on the day by colleagues Hayley Morris, Jane Zambra, Sam Slater, Cynthia Clayton, Hayley Simcox, Andrea Reeves, Raji Sahota, Louise Brierley, Mar Bullows, Gillian Mawere and Katherine Bayliss.

“Doing the event together will be great fun and help to build team spirit whilst raising vital money,” Baljit added.

“I’m not sure if they’ll all be able to keep up with me, but if any of them drop back, I’ll make sure I get back to them as quickly as possible once I’ve finished to help them over the line.”

NHS 111 Director Daren Fradgley added: “Everybody in the call centre wishes them the best of luck and we look forward to cheering them across the line.

“We have held a number of events ahead of the race to boost the fund-raising total which has proved popular with staff whilst helping the fight against cancer at the same time, which is the most important thing.”

If you would like to support the runners, visit www.justgiving.com/wmas-runners/to donate.

Run by West Midlands Ambulance Service, NHS 111 (West Midlands) covers Birmingham and the Black Country, Coventry, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Worcester and Shropshire.

Ends.

Monday 7^th July 2014 – 3pm – Chris Kowalik.

A man who was spotted in the River Avon in Worcestershire has been taken by ambulance to hospital under alert.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the river near the Fish and Anchor Inn in Offenham shortly before midday today.

A senior paramedic officer in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance crew attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “With the help of the fire service, the man was taken from the river to the waiting ambulance.

“Medics administered drugs, delivered CPR and continued resuscitation work en-route to Alexandra Hospital which had been put on alert in readiness for his arrival.”

Ends

Sunday 6^th July 2014 – 9.30pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has been airlifted to one of the region’s major trauma centres after suffering a serious head injury in a fall from a quad bike in Warwick earlier today (Sunday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident, in a field off Banbury Road, shortly before 2.25pm and sent an ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, with a doctor on board, to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a man, believed to be in his 40s, who had fallen from a quad bike whilst out riding.

“Ambulance staff quickly assessed the man and began treating him for head and arm injuries.

“He was anaesthetised before being flown to the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire for further treatment.

“The hospital had been pre-alerted and medics were on standby awaiting the man’s arrival.

“Nobody else was involved or injured in the incident.”

Ends

Sunday, 6th July 2014 – 9am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has died following an RTC on the M6 in Birmingham in the early hours of this morning (Sunday).

The crash occurred between junctions four and five, northbound, just after 4.55am. West Midlands Ambulance Service sent two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and a MERIT trauma doctor to the scene. The police and the fire service were also in attendance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car and a lorry that had been in a serious collision, the impact of which caused the lorry to roll over.

“The passenger of the car suffered multiple serious injuries. Unfortunately it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The driver of the car, a man reported to be in his 30s, managed to free himself from the vehicle and although appearing to have escaped uninjured, was taken to City Hospital, Birmingham, as a precaution.

“The lorry driver, believed to be in his 50s, was assisted out of his vehicle by a member of the public who had stopped to offer support.

“Following assessment from ambulance staff, the man was immobilised, treated for fractured ribs and given pain relief before being taken to Hartlands.”

Ends

Sunday 6^th July 2014 – 8.45am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man had to be rescued from a three-metre hole that had caved in around him in Stafford in the early hours of this morning (Sunday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident near to the Network Rail depot on Brunswick Road shortly before 4am and sent an ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and a doctor to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews were called to reports of a man, believed to be in his 50s, who had become trapped in a hole that he had been working in. It is believed that the sides of the hole collapsed around him which left him buried up to his chest by soil.

“Crews used a spinal board and specialist equipment to free him from the hole.

“Once out, medics anaesthetised the man, who was suffering from crushing chest injuries and a back injury, before taking him to University Hospital North Staffordshire.

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

Ends

Sunday 6^th July 2014 – 8.40am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A pedestrian has been treated by ambulance crews for a number of injuries following a road traffic collision in Coventry in the early hours of this morning (Sunday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Longford Road, near to the Coach and Horses public house, at 12.20am and sent an ambulance and a paramedic support officer to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman 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 30s, was treated at the scene for a fractured pelvis, a fractured ankle and abdominal injuries. She was immobilised with the use of a pelvic splint and leg splint and given pain relief.

“On alert, she was conveyed to the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire for further assessment.

“No one else was injured in the incident.”

Ends.

Sunday 6^th July 2014 – 8.30am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A motorcyclist has been seriously injured following a road traffic collision in Stourbridge last night (Saturday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident on New Street, Wordsley at 7.20pm and sent two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham, with a critical care paramedic on board, to the scene. The police and fire service were also in attendance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving a motorbike and a car.

“The motorcyclist, a man believed to be in his 20s, was assessed by ambulance staff who quickly began treating him for a number of serious injuries.

“Due to the seriousness of injuries the man had suffered to his head, pelvis and legs, he was anaesthetised by a doctor and taken to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, by land ambulance.

“The hospital had been pre-alerted and medics were on standby awaiting the man’s arrival.

“Thankfully, the driver of the car remained uninjured in the incident.”

Ends

Saturday 5^th July 2014 – 8.20pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has been injured when falling from a rock he was climbing in North Staffordshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to The Roaches at 5.55pm today and sent an ambulance, a paramedic area support officer, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, two doctors and a community first responder to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a man, believed to be in his 30s, who had fallen approximately eight-metres from the rockface.

“It quickly became apparent that further help was going to be needed to get the man downhill and to the waiting ambulance, so Buxton Mountain Rescue was also called in.

“Paramedics assessed the man and began treating him for injuries to his face, hip, left arm and left leg.

“He had a vacuum splint applied before being carried to the waiting ambulance with the use of the Mountain Rescue’s specialist stretcher. From there he was taken to University Hospital North Staffordshire on alert.

“Despite having picked up a number of injuries, the man is lucky not to have been more seriously hurt in the fall.”

Ends

Saturday 5th July 2014 – 4.55pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman was lucky to escape serious injury following a road traffic collision in Warwick earlier this afternoon, although one man did require treatment for a leg injury as a result of the incident.

Two ambulances and a paramedic area support officer were sent to the scene in Reardon Court, Woodloes Avenue South, just before 2.10pm.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car that had left the road and collided with an off-licence.

“The driver of the car, a woman in her 80s, was shaken as a result of the crash but was not injured. Due to the nature of the crash she had to be cut free from the vehicle with the help of the fire service.

“A man who was in the shop at the time of the incident, believed to be in his 60s, suffered a minor leg injury and following treatment from paramedics was taken to Warwick Hospital for further assessment.

“Fortunately, no one else was injured during this incident.”

Ends

Notes to Editors:

We have no further details on this incident.

If used, please credit the picture to West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Saturday 5^th July 2014 – 12.30pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A nine-year-old boy has been treated for a number of injuries by ambulance staff after being involved in a road traffic collision in Droitwich earlier this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the scene in Salwarpe Road shortly before 9.20am and sent an ambulance, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham, which had a critical care paramedic on board, to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “It is believed that the boy was dragged underneath the car in the collision and crews quickly began assessing him.

“He was suffering from abdominal pain and also had elbow and shoulder injuries as well as a number of cuts.

“He was immobilised with the use of a scoop stretcher and pelvic binder before being taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital by land ambulance. The critical care paramedic from the Air Ambulance travelled with the boy to continue treatment en-route.

“Nobody else was injured in the incident.”

Ends.

Friday 4^th July 2014 – 10.30pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman has been airlifted to one of the region’s major trauma centres following a nasty fall from a horse in Kidderminster tonight (Friday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident at Berkley Farm Equestrian Centre, Summerway Lane, shortly after 7.45pm and sent an ambulance, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and the Warwickshire and Northampton Air Ambulance, with a doctor on board, to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found a woman who it is believed had landed head first on the ground after being thrown over the front of the horse.

“To make matters worse for the patient, the horse then stamped on her head whilst moving away from the incident.

“Crews quickly assessed the woman and began treating her for a suspected fractured pelvis as well as head, neck and abdominal injuries.

“She was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board and also had a pelvic splint applied.

“Pain relief was also administered before the woman was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, on alert.”

Ends

Friday 4^th July 2014 – 5.00pm – Claire Brown.

A group of teenagers have been learning about life behind the nines with West Midlands Ambulance Service this week.

Health service savvy students from schools in Warwickshire, Birmingham, the Black Country and Staffordshire have spent the week at Erdington Hub in Birmingham as part of the Trust’s work experience programme.

The 11-strong group of teenagers met a range of operational staff, including paramedics from the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), to find out more about their roles and responsibilities. The students discovered how 999 calls are handled, the work of community first responders (CFRs), the management of trauma patients and how the Midlands Air Ambulance help patients. They also got to grips with the back of an ambulance and had a go at using an automated external defibrillator (a device used to restart someone’s heart when they’ve suffered a cardiac arrest) to test their life saving skills.

Diane Pittom, the Trust’s Organisational Development Officer, said: “Engaging with young people is an important investment for us and helps to further enhance the quality of our future workforce. This opportunity has allowed the students to see beyond the blue lights and explore the service ‘behind the scenes’ to discover to broad range of roles that make up the ambulance service.

“Their enthusiasm to learn, confidence to ask questions and unique personalities have made this week incredibly successful and I hope it’s given them food for thought to apply for future jobs with us.”

Jack Dudley, 17 from Leamington Spa, is a student at Myton School in Warwick and said: “I’ve really loved this week as I’ve wanted to be a paramedic since I was young so it’s been inspiring for me. To learn about the different job roles available has been incredible. I always thought you had to go to university to become a paramedic, but I’ve found out you can apply directly with West Midlands Ambulance Service so I’m now counting down the days until I leave college. HART were definitely the highlight for me as they’re so specialised; it’s something I’d love to be a part of one day.”

 

ENDS

Pictured (top of page) in front of ambulance (left to right): Ella Johnson from Stourbridge, Ellie Ansell from Hagley, Rhianna Evans from Dudley, Jack Dudley from Leamington Spa, Jake Green from Quinton, Diane Pittom WMAS Organisational Development Officer, Andy Liley from Warwick, Harry Winmill from Stourbridge, Uxsah Nadeem from Birmingham, Chloe Barrett from Cannock and Holly Bagnall from Kingswinford.

 

 

Friday 4^th July 2014 – 4.45pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A teenager has been airlifted to hospital after falling down a bank and colliding with a tree in Shropshire this afternoon (Friday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident near Basford Bank, Horderley just after 12.10pm and sent an ambulance, a community first responder and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The girl, who is 17-years-old, had reportedly slipped on some wet grass which led to her falling down a steep bank.

“During the fall she hit her head on a tree, before coming to rest in an awkward location for rescuers to reach her.

“Crews worked closely with the Fire Service to reach the girl before lifting her back to the top of the bank with the use of specialist equipment.

“Once back on stable ground, the girl, who was complaining of pins and needles, was treated for neck pain and given pain relief before being airlifted to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further assessment.”

ENDS

Friday 4^th July 2014 – 3.45pm – Claire Brown.

Four Black Country-based ambulance control room staff will be leaping out of a plane in aid of a Shropshire children’s hospice next month.

Emergency operations centre Controllers Paul Ducommun and Duncan Spencer together with Dispatchers Rachel Lawrence and Justina Gibbs are doing a parachute jump at Tilstock airfield near Whitchurch in Shropshire on 23^rd August.

The team are raising money for Hope House Children’s Hospice in Oswestry, a charity providing specialist nursing care and support to life-limited children, young people and young adults. They’ve already raised an impressive £1,000 but are hoping to reach their target of £2,500.

Duncan, who lives in Stourport-on-Severn and is also a staff governor for the Trust, explains how the daring charity endeavour came about: “It was about 4am on morning at work in control and we were talking about silly things people had done, someone mentioned a parachute jump and before I knew it I’d been signed up for this! I’ve never done anything like this before. Do I think it’s a good idea? No I don’t! However, it’s for a good cause and one that’s worth jumping out of a plane for to support.

To sponsor the team, please visit their Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/wmas-control-staff-MP/ .

ENDS

Pictured: (left to right): Paul Ducommun, Rachel Lawrence and Duncan Spencer in the emergency operations centre in Brierley Hill, Dudley.

Thursday 3rd July 2014 – 10pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A young girl required emergency treatment from medics earlier tonight (Thursday) following a road traffic incident in Birmingham.

After receiving a call just after 6.45pm, West Midlands Ambulance service sent two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a community paramedic and a MERIT trauma doctor to the scene in Reservoir Road, Selly Oak.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find an eight-year-old girl with a serious head injury and a bicycle lying nearby.

“The circumstances that lead to the girl’s injuries are not known, but ambulance staff quickly began working to assess and treat the youngster, who had also suffered minor chest injuries.

“Upon realising the serious nature of her head injury, the girl was anaesthetised and taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, who were alerted to her condition prior to arrival, for further treatment. The doctor and community paramedic escorted the girl on her way to the hospital.

“Nobody else was injured in the incident.”

Ends

Thursday 3^rd July 2014 – 4.55pm – Claire Brown.

West Midlands Ambulance Service will be providing three four wheeled vehicles and six two legged staff to take part in the world’s biggest two wheel challenge; the Tour de France.

The three ambulance crews will be heading north to Yorkshire this weekend when the county hosts the ‘Grand Depart’ – the opening two stages of this year’s event.

With an estimated two million visitors expected to descend upon “God’s Own Country”, WMAS is providing the mutual aid to support colleagues in Yorkshire Ambulance Service to provide medical cover along the route of the race.

Hazardous Area Response Team Support Manager, John Woodhall, who organised the aid, said: “We’re privileged to be supporting the Tour De France as it passes through Yorkshire.

“Our ambulance crews will be on hand to provide emergency medical help to spectators and residents alike by working shoulder-to-shoulder with our Yorkshire colleagues and other neighbouring ambulance services over the weekend.

“As an ambulance service we’re proud to be showing the rest of the world how our emergency services work together to provide the best care possible to patients.

“I am sure it will be as much of a memorable occasion for the staff as it will be for the millions of cycle fans who will be there to see the peloton as it heads through the towns, villages and countryside of Yorkshire.”

The three ambulances and six staff, who come from Bromsgrove, Birmingham (x2), Nuneaton, Solihull and Wolverhampton, are heading to Yorkshire on Friday evening and will be returning on Sunday evening. The vehicles and staff are in addition to the Trust’s own ambulance cover so do not to deplete resources in the West Midlands.

Hear John Woodhall talk about the team going to Yorkshire:

Ends

Thursday 3^rd July 2014 – 5.00pm – Claire Brown.

A three-year-old girl has suffered a serious leg injury following a road traffic collision in Dudley this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a collision involving a pedestrian and a car in Dudley Port, Tipton, shortly after 3.15pm (Thursday). An ambulance, a responder paramedic and a senior paramedic officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The girl, who had reportedly been in collision with a car, was quickly assessed by ambulance staff and found to have sustained a suspected fractured leg and head injury.

“Medics administered pain relief to the youngster to help stabilise her condition before carefully immobilising her onto a scoop stretcher. The girl was taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further emergency treatment.

“No one else was injured in the collision.”

 

ENDS

Thursday 3^rd July 2014 – 3.00pm – Claire Brown.

A man has been airlifted to a major trauma centre after falling 20 feet from a ladder in Telford this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Red Lees in Ketley shortly after midday (Thursday). An ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The 74-year-old man had reportedly fallen approximately 20ft from a ladder whilst carrying out maintenance on his windows.

“Ambulance staff and the trauma doctor assessed the man and found he had sustained a serious head injury, a fractured collar bone and a chest injury. The man was given drugs to manage his pain before medics worked to dress the man’s head wound and carefully immobilise him with a neck collar and spinal board.

“Once his condition had been stabilised, the man was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, a major trauma centre, for further emergency treatment.”

ENDS

Thursday 3rd July 2014 – 9.45am – John Hawker.

A fleet of new 4×4 ambulances is set to hit the region’s roads after West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) took delivery of 16 of the new specially designed emergency vehicles.

The ambulance trust is continuing with a ‘significant’ investment in vehicle replacements and the new 4×4 Mercedes ambulances will give the Trust much more capability to get to patients in difficult weather and muddy off-road conditions.
WMAS currently has one of the most modern 999 fleet of any ambulance service in the country with over 300 ambulances and 200 rapid response vehicles. It is planned that one of the 4×4 vehicles will be based at each ambulance hub around the region, able to be used the same as an everyday ambulance.

Craig Cooke, WMAS Support Services Director, said: “The new vehicles will mean that for the first time we will have a full size ambulance with 4×4 capabilities. This investment in new vehicles will help us provide high quality clinical services to people who suffer serious injuries or medical conditions when they are out and about on uneven and difficult to access terrain. This should improve the comfort and care to patients and offer a much better working environment for our staff.

Assistant Area Manager, Nigel Wells, said: “The new Mercedes 4×4 sprinter has been developed with staff and Mercedes to ensure they meet all the requirements of both the patient and the staff. The fully automatic 4×4 system is very simple to use and will give staff greater access to patients in challenging conditions. They will come into their own during the winter months and will add an extra dimension to the ambulance service when responding to emergency calls.

“A number of ambulance staff recently attended the Prodrive test facilities in Warwickshire along with Mercedes training staff to use the vehicles off road. WMAS driver trainers also attended and will be passing on their knowledge to all frontline staff who will all be trained to use the vehicles over the coming months.”

The cost of one of the new 4×4 ambulances is £140,000 compared to £100,000 for a normal new two wheel drive ambulance.”

-End-

There are three videos, an audio file and a selection of photographs accompanying this press release that can be found at http://www.officialwmas.wordpress.com