Month: October 2014

Wednesday 15th October 2014 – 11.45am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Seven people, including four teenagers, have been taken to hospital following a collision between a car and a minibus near Codsall, Wolverhampton, this morning.

One of the teenagers was airlifted from the scene whilst both occupants of the car, one of whom had to be cut free with the help of the fire service, were amongst those taken to hospital.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident on Foxes Lane, Codsall Wood, at 8.25am and sent four ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Upon arrival, crews found a car and a minibus that had been involved in a collision, both of which had suffered front end damage.

“All 15 teenagers from the minibus, together with the driver, had managed to free themselves from the vehicle.

“One of the teenagers, a male, was treated for significant leg and pelvic injuries before being airlifted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further treatment.

“Additionally, one male and two female teenagers also required treatment for minor head, facial and leg injuries. All three were taken to New Cross Hospital by land ambulance.

“The minibus driver, a man in his 40s, was treated on scene for head and hand injuries before also being taken to New Cross Hospital by land ambulance.

“The remaining passengers on the minibus were assessed and discharged on scene.

“The car driver, a man in his 40s, was cut free after approximately 30 minutes. He was immobilised with the use of a neck collar, scoop stretcher and pelvic splint and treated for injuries to his chest and face. He had also suffered suspected pelvic injuries. He was then transported to University Hospital North Staffordshire by land ambulance.

“The passenger, a man in his 30s, was immobilised with the use of a scoop stretcher and neck collar, treated for hand and arm injuries and taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, by land ambulance.”

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Wednesday 15^th October 2014 – 9am – Steve Parry/Chris Kowalik

“Lots of times it’s drink related. Getting touched up; sexually touched up; getting patients lashing out at you; constantly abusing you. Some telling you that they are going to rape you, they are going to find out where you live and are coming to get you.”

This is a female ambulance technician’s graphic description of working on the frontline. Sadly, her experience is not rare, it’s an everyday occurrence.

VIDEO: Watch Technician Jacs Murphy:

Continuing for the rest of the week, the ‘Under Attack’ campaign highlights the problems faced by operational medics. Ambulance bosses and trade union leaders are now calling for tougher sentences for those people who attack and abuse ambulance staff.

The number of ambulance workers being attacked, verbally abused or threatened while doing their job continues to be a ‘real concern’ with over 200 cases reported last year.

Follow the progress of the campaign on Twitter and Facebook:@officialwmas

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Tuesday 14^th October 2014 – 4.20pm – Chris Kowalik.

A man has been taken to a major trauma centre following a collision with a car in the Black Country.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Tollhouse Way and Rolfe Street in Smethwick shortly before 1.30pm today.

First to arrive on scene was an advanced Community Paramedic in a rapid response vehicle who happened to be driving nearby as the call came in. He was joined by a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance crew and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The pedestrian, a man believed to be in his seventies, had a head injury.

“He was quickly immobilised on a spinal board and, accompanied by the air ambulance doctor, was taken by land ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“Initially thought to have been knocked unconscious, his condition was described as improving en-route to the hospital.”

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Tuesday 14th October 2014 – 1.30pm – Suzie Wheaton.

The Wetton and Alstonefield Community First Responders (CFRs) are celebrating a huge milestone as they hit their 15 year anniversary.

Currently the group, which was the first of its kind in the country, has 13 active responders but has seen over 50 responders being trained in the vital lifesaving skills over the years. Collectively the group has attended to over 2,000 potentially lifesaving emergency calls within their local community.

CFRs are members of the public from all walks of life who give up their spare time to help make a difference in their communities. The Wetton and Alstonefield CFRs are no different and include an IT consultant, farmers, cleaners, grandmothers, a bee keeper and an architect to name but a few.

All CFRs are trained by the Ambulance Service to a nationally recognised level and help to reach those people suffering from medical emergencies in the remote rural communities fast, prior to the arrival of an ambulance. In many illnesses or injuries the first few minutes are critical and simple interventions can be performed in order to save lives or prevent disability.

Back in 1999, the then Staffordshire Ambulance Service and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council decided that there was a need to set up the vital response scheme, which was the first of its kind in the UK.

Thanks to a number of volunteers and donations from local businesses the scheme got off to a flying start, and successfully went live on the 19th September 1999 with 10 people being trained initially. David Lovatt, having been one of the original ten, recently completed 15 years of service and so has the distinction of being Staffordshire’s longest serving community first responder.

Following the set-up of the group, a number of responders have moved on but have furthered their medical careers by taking up roles within the ambulance service, such as technicians and paramedics.

For several people within the group, having first-hand experience of the responders after needing their help for themselves or others has inspired them to volunteer.

Sally Stickland, the group’s joint coordinator, has been responding for seven years. She and her husband run a business consultancy from home. Sally used to be a nurse before having children and so it was a good way to use her previous nursing experience. Sally said “Working from home means I can cover a lot of hours for the group. I really enjoy the challenge of using my local knowledge to find the best way to reach the patient – the sat nav doesn’t always give us the best route!”

Ian and Christine Royle have also been responding for seven years. They retired from their jobs as a managing director and IT consultant to move to the Peak District National Park. They fit in responding with running a holiday cottage business at their home and looking after their grandchildren. Ian is the group’s treasurer and does a marvellous job of keeping the finances in order.

CFR schemes are entirely funded by charitable donations. Therefore many CFRs are also seen actively carrying out fundraising events to help raise money. It costs approximately £7,000 to keep the Wetton and Alstonefield scheme running each year. Ian is often very humbled by the thank you letters and donations that he is sent from those within the community.

Victoria Tufail, WMAS Community First Response Manager said: “This milestone is a massive achievement for the scheme. All of those involved with the team, be it responding or fundraising, have undoubtedly gone above and beyond to help their local community.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them for giving up their own time to help others. CFRs are vital in rural communities and it is without doubt that thanks to their efforts, dedication and actions, lives have been saved.”

A Public Access Defibrillator, which has been supported by the local CFRs and the Parish Council, has also now been installed at the Oldie Royal Oak in Wetton. The responder scheme will help to deliver basic first aid and defibrillator training to the local community, alongside West Midlands Ambulance Service.

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Pictured One: Responders of the Wetton and Alstonefield CFR scheme
Picture Two: Installation of the defibrillator at the Oldie Royal Oak in Wetton.

Tuesday 14^th October 2014 – 12.15pm – Claire Brown.

School children from Birmingham ended up at the scene of a road traffic collision last week but, thankfully, it was just a new scenario at the indoor educational village at Safeside.

Year five pupils from Cotteridge Junior and Infant School visited West Midlands Fire Service’s Safeside facility in the City’s Eastside on Wednesday 8^th October for a day of interactive learning. The educational village consists of a realistic full size street which includes a complete with shops, toucan crossing, double decker bus, car, canal, house, train and more.

The villages’ newest edition is thanks to West Midlands Ambulance Service who has provided Safeside with a fully functional ambulance to enhance the road safety scenarios and enable children to familiarise themselves with the ins and outs of what’s on board.

Andy Jeynes, the Trust’s Community Response Manager for Birmingham and the Black Country, said: “The village at Safeside is a remarkable facility which enables youngsters to experience scenarios in almost real-life settings. We’re really happy to be able to support this educational facility with the addition of an ambulance which is complete with medical equipment, a realistic ‘patient’ and of course lights and sirens which are always popular with children.

“As a Trust we are passionate about engaging with youngsters about the role of the ambulance service and when it’s appropriate to dial 999. We hope that if children have an opportunity to jump in the back of an ambulance in a friendly setting, like Safeside, they will be less frightened and apprehensive if they’re ever unfortunate enough to need our help.”

Rob Hattersley, Safeside Manager, said: “The ambulance is a fantastic addition to the street scene, bringing learning to life for our visitors. After covering the causes of distraction to pedestrians at our working toucan crossing, such as smartphones or music, visitors can see inside the ambulance and understand the potential consequences of a lack of attention.

“We’ve been delighted at the support we’ve had from our partners at the ambulance service. It’s been useful to review our scripts to ensure key messages are getting through, for example about correct use of 999, and we’re delighted with the provision of our new ambulance. It’s demonstrated the importance of seeing Safeside as a partnership project between different agencies all with the aim of Making West Midlands Safer.”

Emma Wilkins, the Trust’s Head of Community Response, said: “This is a fantastic example of partnership working with West Midlands Fire Service which is helping us to engage with young people and build awareness about road safety and the ambulance service.”

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Notes to Editor:

Safeside has developed programmes geared towards primary and secondary pupils, over 16s, parents and carers of under-fives and children and adults with special needs. Visit organiser can find out more and book visits to Safeside at www.safeside.org.uk.

Pictured right (left to right): Andy Jeynes, Rob Hattersley and Emma Wilkins in front of the new addition at Safeside.

Tuesday 14^th October 2014 – 8.30am – Steve Parry/Chris Kowalik

Ambulance bosses and trade union leaders in the West Midlands are united in calling for tougher sentences for those people who attack and abuse ambulance staff.

VIDEO: See the launch of our week-long campaign here:

The number of ambulance workers being attacked, verbally abused or threatened while doing their job continues to be a ‘real concern’ with over 200 cases reported last year.

The latest figures released by West Midlands Ambulance Service show a depressing trend of violence and aggression against its staff. The on-going situation has sparked a call for tougher sentencing by Chief Executive Anthony Marsh and Unison’s Regional Organiser, Ray Salmon. The situation has also prompted a week of campaigning by the 999 service aimed at highlighting the issues faced by its staff.

VIDEO: More from Ray Salmon here:

Calling for tougher action, Steve Elliker, WMAS Security Manager, said: “I get frustrated sometimes if I’m being honest with the outcome of a criminal prosecution because there’s always mitigation. Some of that mitigation may be something totally out of character; they had to drink; they took some drugs. I have a very simplistic view – they had a choice, they decided to drink. Our members of staff who attended to them never had a choice – they had to go because they had called 999. That’s what angers me more than anything else – that we can’t always get the successful prosecution that we always want.”

VIDEO: More from Steve Elliker here:

The hard-hitting campaign includes testimony from operational staff together with interviews with ambulance bosses and trade union officials. Follow the ‘Under Attack’ campaign all this week on: www.officialwmas.wordpress.com. Twitter and Facebook: @officialwmas.

Monday 13^th October 2014 – 11.20am – Murray MacGregor.

The boss of West Midlands Ambulance Service is thanking staff for their efforts during this morning’s industrial action.

Anthony Marsh said: “I would like to thank you for maintaining a safe service for patients while demonstrating your views. Our staff work extremely hard in often very difficult circumstances and we have sympathy for their position.

“We appreciate taking strike action is a very difficult decision, however, by working to a list of exemptions, we have been able to provide a good service for the most seriously ill and injured patients.

“Action short of a strike will continue throughout the week and we would urge the public to only use the 999 service if it is absolutely necessary. Please consider dialling 111 in the first instance or use other services such as your GP, a pharmacy or a walk-in centre.”

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Only call 999 for the ambulance service if it’s a genuine life-threatening emergency. An unnecessary call during this week’s industrial action could put the lives of those in greatest need at risk.

West Midlands Ambulance Service is expecting a significant number of its staff to go on strike on Monday morning as part of a national dispute over pay.

It means that the ambulance service will only be responding to the most serious and life-threatening cases. For less serious cases including many road accidents, cuts, injuries and minor fractures there may be a delay in an ambulance arriving, or there may not be one at all.

As a result of the walk-out, between 7am and 11am on Monday 13^th October, there is expected to be a significant reduction in the level of ambulance provision, and the service is calling on the public, more than ever, to only call 999 for life-threatening emergencies.

A ballot of Unison, Unite and GMB members voted to take industrial action as a result of the government’s decision to not apply a 1% pay award in full to all NHS staff in accordance with the national public sector pay review body’s recommendations.

West Midlands Ambulance Service staff who are members of any of those three unions have the right to take part in industrial action, including strike action. Industrial action, short of strike action, will continue for the rest of the week.

Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer Mark Gough said: “We won’t know until Monday morning exactly how many staff will decide to take industrial action but we do now expect it to be a significant number.

“The public has an important part to play in this and we ask you not to call 999 unless it is a real, genuine, life-threatening emergency.

“We are doing all we can to get as many ambulances and rapid response vehicles on the road. In order to preserve a service to those most in need, we are working on contingency plans which includes clinical managers responding to 999 calls. Staff who are not union members will be at work as normal.”
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Sunday 12^th October 2014 – 10.30am – Claire Brown.

A man has died in a single car road traffic collision in Stoke-on-Trent early this morning.

The incident happened at the junction of the A500 and A53 in Basford, Stoke-on-Trent shortly after 1.30am this morning (Sunday). An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and a BASICS emergency doctor attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a single car which had been involved in a collision with a lamppost. The driver, a man, was out of the vehicle and in traumatic cardiac arrest.

“Sadly, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

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Sunday 12^th October 2014 – 9.50am – Claire Brown.

A woman received pre-hospital trauma care from ambulance staff and a doctor last night after she ended up trapped between the central reservation barrier and her car on the M6 in Staffordshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a road traffic collision involving three cars on the southbound carriageway of the M6 between junctions 15 and 14, Hanchurch, shortly after 7.00pm (Saturday). Three ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a senior paramedic officer and a BASICS emergency doctor attended the scene. Two off duty police officers from Plymouth came across the collision and stopped to render aid at the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival crews found three cars which had been involved in a collision. It was reported to crews that two of the cars were stationary in the outside lane following a minor RTC when a third car collided with the two cars and its two occupants who were out of their vehicles.

“A 65-year-old woman, the driver of one of the stationary car, had ended up pinned against the central reservation barrier by her car in the collision.

“The woman sustained significant injuries to her right leg. Ambulance staff and the doctor worked as a team to administer advanced pain relief and fluids to help stabilise her condition.  Due to the mechanism of her injury and position, the team had to fully immobilise her onto a scoop stretcher in an upright position before the fire service carefully moved the car to release her. The woman’s leg was dressed and splinted before she was taken by land ambulance on blue lights to University Hospital North Staffordshire for emergency treatment.

“The two other drivers were assessed but did not require hospital treatment.”

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A paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance crew attended.

She was checked over and discharged at scene.

Friday 10^th October 2014 – 8.15pm – Claire Brown.

A man has been airlifted to hospital after a road traffic collision with a car in Stratford-upon-Avon this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Banbury Road shortly after 4.30pm (Friday). An ambulance, a responder paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When crews arrived they found a motorcyclist and a car had been involved in a collision.

“The motorcyclist, a 58-year-old man, sustained a serious lower leg injury. Ambulance staff administered pain relief to the man before carefully immobilising him with a neck collar, spinal board and leg splint. Once stabilised, the man was flown to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“The car driver did not require hospital treatment.”

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Friday 10th October 2014 – 3.30pm – Steve Parry.

A man has died and a second lorry driver was taken to hospital following a road traffic collision involving two HGVs on the A50 near Uttoxeter this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident on the A50 at just before 7am.

An ambulance together with a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene.

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

“Sadly, despite the effort of medics the lorry driver was confirmed dead at the scene.

“A man, believed to be in his fifties and the driver of the second lorry involved was treated for back and neck pain. He was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and orthopaedic stretcher before being taken to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire for further assessment and treatment.”

 

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Thursday 9^th October 2014 – 5.00pm – Claire Brown.

A collision involving a car and a mini bus left 11 occupants requiring assessment and treatment by ambulance staff in Birmingham this afternoon.

The incident happened in Bromford Road, Hodge Hill at around 3.15pm (Thursday).  A paramedic area support officer with a paramedic observer on board together with three ambulances attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The car sustained significant damage in the collision with the mini bus. There were a total of 11 patients at the scene.

“The three occupant from the car, a man, a woman and a two-year-old child, were assessed by ambulance staff. The child sustained a minor head injury and the two adults suffered less serious injuries. All three were taken to Heartlands Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“In the mini bus were two adults and six children, aged between eight and 11. Once assessed, ambulance crews found that four of the children and the driver were uninjured and were discharged from care at the scene. The remaining two children and an adult from the mini bus sustained a range of minor injuries and were also taken to the same hospital as a precaution.”

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Thursday 9^th October 2014 – 4.30pm – Claire Brown.

With the night’s drawing in and the temperature starting to drop, it’s time to start preparing your health for winter.

Each year hundreds of thousands of people see their GP and tens of thousands are hospitalised because of flu. Public Health England reported 904 people were admitted to intensive care last year with flu; 11% of those sadly died.

Dr Andy Carson, the Trust’s Medical Director, has been a practising GP for many years and said: “Whilst many people think they’re suffering from the flu, more often than not it’s just a bad cold. For most healthy people, there’s no question that flu is unpleasant but with good self-care, you can start to feel better after about a week.

“Flu is often underestimated and for older people, the very young, pregnant women and those with a chronic respiratory or cardiovascular health condition it can sometimes be very serious. People with underlying health conditions in particular are 11 times more likely to end up in hospital if they catch the flu.

“I would urge anyone at risk of flu to speak with their GP about protecting themselves and their families this season.”

In a bid to protect our own staff from the flu, the Trust’s vaccination programme will be starting this month. All staff, whether they work on an ambulance or in an office, will be able to receive a vaccination at their workplace.

If I get the flu, what can I expect?

Expect a high temperature (more than 38 degrees Celsius) and a sudden cough. Other symptoms can include headache, feeling cold and shivery, aching muscles, limb or joint pain, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, loss of appetite and diarrhoea or an upset stomach.

What can I do to get better at home?

If you’re otherwise fit and healthy, there is no need to visit your GP with flu-like symptoms. The best thing you can do is rest, drink plenty of fluids and help ease a sore throat with cough lozenges, mixtures or sprays. If you are buying over the counter remedies, make sure you check with the pharmacist first to ensure they don’t affect medication you’re already taking.

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Thursday 9^th October 2014 – 3.30pm – Claire Brown.

A car which collided with a tree in the Black Country this afternoon left the driver trapped in the wreckage for an hour.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Wellington Road and Green Lanes in Bilston shortly before 12.30pm earlier today (Thursday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a community paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival of the emergency services, they found a car which had left the road and collided with a tree. The driver of the car, a man believed to be in his 20s or 30s, was trapped in the wreckage.

“Ambulance staff and the medic assessed the man’s condition. Remarkably, despite his leg being trapped between the seat and steering wheel column, he sustained no serious limb injuries but did have bruising and cuts to his head as well as lower back pain.

“Whilst the man was monitored and given treatment by ambulance staff, the fire service carefully extricated the man from the badly damaged car. After about an hour, the man was finally released and immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board before being taken by land ambulance to New Cross Hospital.”

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Thursday 9^th October 2014 – 12.30pm – Claire Brown.

Two cars ended up colliding during a heavy downpour in Stoke-on-Trent earlier today leaving one man requiring hospital treatment.

The incident happened shortly before 9.00am this morning in Shawe Park Road, Kingsley (Thursday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a senior paramedic officer, a BASICS doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When crews arrived they found two cars which had been involved in a collision; one of the cars had ended up pointing in the wrong direction at the side of the road. At the time of the collision, it was reportedly raining heavily.

“One driver suffered no injuries. The second driver, a 65-year-old man, suffered head and facial injuries as well as hip pain.

“Ambulance staff and medics worked together to treat the man at the roadside. He was given pain relief and immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board before being taken by land ambulance to University Hospital North Staffordshire for further treatment.”

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Thursday 9^th October 2014 – 11.30am – Claire Brown.

A young girl has sustained a serious leg injury after a collision with a car in Birmingham this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Yardley Road in Acocks Green at around 8.45am (Thursday). An ambulance, a responder paramedic and a paramedic area support officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon assessment, ambulance staff found the four-year-old girl had sustained a nasty fracture to her leg and a suspected pelvic injury. Ambulance staff worked as a team to provide treatment to the girl whilst reassuring her. She was given pain relief and immobilised with a neck collar, spinal board and pelvic splint before being alerted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further treatment.

“No one else was injured in the collision.”

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Read this article from The Shuttle newspaper:

http://www.kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/news/11507859.display/

Wednesday 8th October 2014 – 2.15pm – Suzie Wheaton.

Ambulance crews rushed to the scene of a seven vehicle road traffic collision on the M5 today.

Three ambulances and a senior paramedic officer attended the collision which took place between junctions 2 – 1 of the northbound carriageway of the motorway shortly before 11.05am this morning.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived on scene to find seven cars that had been in collision over a 300-500 yard area, with all of the lanes on the northbound carriageway being affected by the incident.

“All eleven occupants, who had been travelling within the seven vehicles, were out of their cars on the crew’s arrival. Three people, two women and one man, all travelling in separate vehicles at the time of the collision, were treated at the scene for minor injuries before being conveyed to Sandwell Hospital for further assessment and treatment as a precaution.”

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Tuesday 7th October 2014 – 7.25pm – Murray MacGregor.

A youngster has been airlifted to the region’s paediatric major trauma centre after a collision with a car in South Staffordshire.

An advanced paramedic in a response car arrived at the scene in Orton Lane in Wombourne just four minutes after the 999 call was received at 4.59pm.

He was joined by an ambulance, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford including a trauma doctor shortly afterwards. A senior paramedic manager also came across the incident.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When ambulance service staff arrived, they were told that the boy had been unconscious for a few minutes.

“The 11 year old was found in the middle of the road in front of a small car which had a cracked windscreen.

“The boy was immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board and treated for head and abdominal injuries at the scene before being taken to Wombourne Cricket Pitch where the air ambulance had landed. He was then airlifted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“The woman driving the car was uninjured but very shaken by what had happened.”
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Tuesday 7th October 2014 – 6.45am – Murray MacGregor.

A man was left with a serious laceration to his neck after the car he was driving ended up on its side against a tree.

The crash happened at about 2.45am on Tuesday morning on the A528 between Harmer Hill And Preston Gubbals, north of Shrewsbury in Shropshire.

A rapid response vehicle, an ambulance and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When ambulance staff arrived they found the car propped on its side against the tree.

“The driver, a man in his mid 30s, had managed to get out of the car but was disorientated.

“He had suffered a deep laceration to neck his neck as well as a head injury and chest pain, possibly from a ladder that was in the car.

“After being immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board, he was taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital where medics were on standby for his arrival.”
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Monday 6th October 2014 – 8am – Steve Parry.

Three people have been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision in Kidderminster late last night.(Sunday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A456 Birmingham Road, Blakedown, Kidderminster at just before midnight.

Three ambulances, a paramedic officer together with a community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to a single vehicle that had left the road and gone through a hedge.

“A man in his twenties was treated for lower leg injuries and conveyed to Russells Hall Hospital.

“Two further males were treated for head, pelvic and minor injuries and taken to Worcester Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

 

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Saturday 4th October 2014 – 9.30pm – Steve Parry

A man has been seriously injured in a road traffic collision in Smethwick this evening.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Rolfe Street and Rabone Lane at just after 8pm.

One ambulance and the WM CARE team attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews found the driver trapped in his car with serious injuries.

“The patient, believed to be in his fifties, was treated for serious head, chest and pelvic injuries.

“The casualty was rapidly extricated from the vehicle and immobilised before being conveyed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

“The hospital was alerted to the serious condition of the patient.”

 

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Saturday 4th October 2014 – 12.30pm – Steve Parry.

A man has been taken to hospital after an incident on a building site in Telford this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Wensley Green, Woodside at just after 10.30am.

An ambulance together with a paramedic officer in a rapid response vehicle attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Ambulance crews responded to a man who had reportedly been overcome by fumes as he worked down a manhole.

“The man, believed to be in his twenties, was recovered from the manhole and treated for the effects of carbon monoxide by medics.

“The condition of the patient was stabilised before he was taken to the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford for further assessment and treatment.”

 

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Saturday 4th October 2014 – 09.30am- Steve Parry.

A motorist has been taken to hospital after her car collided with a tree near Wythall earlier today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Druids Lane, Wythall, at just after 7.30am.

Two ambulances; a paramedic officer; a paramedic in a rapid response car and the Warwickshire and Northants Air Ambulance attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews treated a woman in her twenties after her vehicle left the road and collided with a tree.

“The patient was initially trapped before being released by emergency services.

“The woman was treated for serious head and chest injuries. She was fully immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board and anaesthetised by a doctor at the scene.

“The patient was conveyed by land ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further assessment and treatment. A doctor from the air ambulance travelled with the patient and the hospital was alerted to the serious condition of the casualty.”

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Friday 3rd October 2014 – 4pm – Steve Parry.

Three people have been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision near Tamworth this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Pennymoor Road and Pennine Way, Wilnecote at just after 1.40pm.

Two ambulances, a community paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We were called to a two car collision involving three patients near Tamworth.

“Two females, believed to be in their fifties, was treated for back and neck injuries. They were immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board before being conveyed to hospital. One patient went by land ambulance to Good Hope Hospital and the second patient was airlifted to Derby Royal Hospital.

“A male travelling in the second car was also treated for neck and back injuries and later conveyed by ambulance to Good Hope Hospital.”

 

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Friday 3rd October 2014 – 10.30am. Steve Parry.

West Midlands Ambulance Service dealt with two incidents on the M6 this morning.

An ambulance crew and paramedic officer were called to Junction 3-2 Southbound at 8.15am after reports of a car and lorry colliding.

A man was treated at the scene and taken to the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire as a precautionary measure.

Almost an hour later, WMAS were called to an incident near Junction 6 southbound, involving a car and two HGVs. One patient was treated for a leg injury and conveyed to Heartlands Hospital.

An ambulance and a paramedic officer attended the incident.

 

 

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Thursday 2nd October 2014 – 4.30pm – Steve Parry.

A climber has escaped serious injury after he fell forty foot from a rock face in the Staffordshire Peak District this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the Upper Hulme area at just before 1pm.

A paramedic officer in rapid response car and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill attended the incident.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a man had fallen from a rock face.

“A man in his twenties was treated for head lacerations and back pain after falling forty feet. The patient was assessed at the scene before being airlifted to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.”

 

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Wednesday 1st October 2014 – 4.15pm – Suzie Wheaton.

After several years of hard work TAME (Tamworth Area Medical Emergency) Community First Responders celebrated the purchase of a new responder vehicle.

Saturday 20th September saw the unveiling of the brand new BMW 320d Estate car for the volunteer scheme.

Community First Responders (CFRs) are members of the public from all walks of life who give up their spare time to help make a difference in their communities.

All CFRs are trained by the Ambulance Service to a nationally recognised level and help to reach those people suffering from medical emergencies in the remote rural communities fast, prior to the arrival of an ambulance. In many illnesses or injuries the first few minutes are critical and simple interventions can be performed in order to save lives or prevent disability.

The project to raise funds for the new car was initially spearheaded by Graham Barlow of Tamworth Rotary Club, and saw all six service charities in Tamworth work together to raise money for the scheme. Together with a donation of £1,000 from the Dotshill Women’s Institute, a cheque for £12,868 was handed of the responders.

Councillor Tina Clements, the Mayor of Tamworth for 2012/13 also donated £4,000 to the scheme. These funds enabled the responders to purchase their band new vehicle.

The new car was unveiled by the Mayor of Tamworth, Councillor Richard Kingstone, in front of a large crowd of supporters in Tamworth Castle Grounds.

Representatives of each of the service club charities and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the celebration. At the Ceremony, the Chairman of the First Responders, Keith Dawson, thanked the charities for their hard work and commitment over the years. Councillor Clements and Tamworth Councillors were thanked for her support as well as Dosthill WI. He also thanked the friends of TAME and the community of Tamworth for their support to this project.

Victoria Tufail, WMAS Community Response Manager said: “West Midlands Ambulance Service prides itself on having excellent community schemes that are in place around the region. CFRs are vital in rural communities and it is without doubt that thanks to their efforts, dedication and actions, lives have been saved.

“CFR schemes are entirely funded by charitable donations, so as well as responding to medical emergencies many CFRs actively carry out fundraising events to help raise money for their scheme, which is a true testament to their dedication. This money goes towards funding responder kits and in some case, such as this, to purchase and maintain response vehicles.”

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Wednesday 1^st October 2014 – 10.25am – Chris Kowalik.

Have you called 999 and been treated by a West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedic on-the-spot without having to go to hospital?

Have you been taken to a hospital appointment by West Midlands Ambulance Service’s non-emergency Patient Transport Service?

West Midlands Ambulance Service is making it easier than ever for you to give feedback on the service you received from us.

The “Friends and Family Test” has gone live today (Wednesday 1^st October) for these two groups of patients to help us to help you better.

The survey is initially running online.

Visit http://www.wmas.nhs.uk/Pages/FriendsandFamilyTest.aspx

Later this month, attending emergency ambulance staff and patient transport service crews will also be able to give patients paper questionnaires to complete.

Marie Tideswell, Head of Patient Experience, said: “We are making it easier than ever to get your views be they good or bad. We need to know when we are doing well and make changes if we are not. All the information received from the online and paper questionnaires will be fed to our Learning Review Group and the Trust Board and will be acted upon.”

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