Tuesday 11th November 2014 – 3.30pm – Chris Kowalik.
The Shropshire town of Church Stretton is about to get a vital piece of lifesaving equipment and an appeal is being made for volunteers to learn how to use it.
A defibrillator is due to be fitted next to the town’s Midcounties Co-operative’s cash machine, paid for through the fundraising efforts of Church Stretton and District Round Table.
Round Table President Ian Price said: “Volunteers will be trained in CPR and use of the defibrillator by West Midlands Ambulance Service on a Saturday morning. The training will last no more than four hours. Anyone who volunteers to learn how to use the defibrillator will have their contact telephone number registered with a call-out system that will alert them to a cardiac arrest in the town.
“The first volunteer to respond to the call saying they can attend will then get the defibrillator and tend to the patient while a blue-light emergency ambulance service vehicle is en-route.
“Using the defib is easy. It even talks to you and tells you what to do.”
If you like to learn how to save a life, contact Ian Price on 01694 722020. Training is due to take place in the New Year.
Tuesday 11th November 2014 – 1.20pm – Chris Kowalik.
Since July 2011, Telford Street Pastors have been ensuring the safety of people out at night in Telford.
Since last month they also have the ability to provide Basic Life Support to someone suffering a cardiac arrest after receiving training from West Midlands Ambulance Service and getting a defibrillator.
While out working at night, the pastors could be asked by the ambulance service control room to attend a confirmed case of cardiac arrest within a five mile radius.
Telford Street Pastors is one of the latest groups to have a defibrillator (a device that could restart the heart of someone who suffers a cardiac arrest) and be trained in its use.
The group’s initiative was recognised by West Midlands Ambulance Service’s ‘Excellence in the Community Awards’ ceremony at Walsall Football Club on Thursday 6th November. The Pastors were presented with a Community Initiative Award.
Speaking on the night of the awards, Reverend Keith Osmund-Smith, Lead Co-ordinator of Telford Street Pastors, explained why they decided to take the step of learning these lifesaving skills: “To make our skillset much more holistic. We are all qualified first-aiders, we can all do CPR, so it seemed to me to be a natural progression, in consultation with West Midlands Ambulance Service in Shropshire to move on to training with defibrillators – and that’s exactly what has happened. We had our first call on Sunday morning (at ten past one in the morning), so it works!”
Pictured above at ‘Excellence in the Community Awards’: Rev. Keith Osmund-Smith and Telford Street Pastors with WMAS Chief Executive Anthony Marsh (right) and Ian Painter from the British Heart Foundation (left).
Tuesday 11th November – 11.50am – Jamie Arrowsmith.
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) is celebrating 12-months of running the NHS111 (West Midlands) service today (Tuesday) and is doing so in fine style after receiving some excellent patient feedback.
The figures from patient surveys make for impressive reading with 91.3% saying they were satisfied with the service received, 77.1% of which were very satisfied. Just 3.4% claimed to dissatisfied.
Additionally, 88.8% said they were likely to recommend the service, 67.7 per cent of which were extremely likely. Just 1.9% said they were unlikely to recommend the service.
Since stepping in to replace NHS Direct on November 11, 2013, West Midlands Ambulance Service has put a lot of hard work into initially stabilising, and then enhancing the service, and the results suggest that patients are feeling the benefits.
During the previous 12 months, WMAS has received in the region of 850,000 calls into the service, with volumes continuing to gradually increase. Staffing levels have been increased and training extended, all of which has helped to ensure that performance levels and the quality provided for patients accessing the service, have remained impressively high.
Daren Fradgley, NHS 111 (West Midlands) Director, said: “A considerable amount of work has gone into stabilising and developing the service over the last 12 months. There is no doubt that the public of the West Midlands now have access to one of the best quality and performing NHS111 services in the country. This is also clear to see in the feedback we are getting from the patients.
“I would like to thank the entire team, whose work has not only made this possible but also had such a positive impact on the public we serve.
“We are proud of what we achieved during the last year but we will not be resting on our laurels. We will continue to improve the service we offer to ensure it is the best it possibly can be, and patients continue to receive the highest possible level of care.”
Rachael Ellis, 111 Lead Commissioner West Midlands, said: “Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group is pleased to report that the service is stable and that call volumes are increasing as patients realise the benefits of the service which delivers quick, responsive advice and assistance.
“We are seeing month on month growth in the service and see it as a core part of the NHS for patients over the winter period.”
NHS 111 is a free service, available 24-hours-a-day and designed to offer medical help fast when the situation is not a 999 emergency.
Monday 10th November 2014 – 9.15pm – Murray MacGregor.
A driver has escaped serious injury despite his van rolling down an embankment off a motorway and going through a hedge and fence.
The incident happened at about 6.00pm on Monday evening on the northbound M6 motorway between junctions 3 and 4.
A rapid response vehicle, two ambulances and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “There were three cars and a van involved in a collision. The ‘delivery’ type van had left the carriageway and gone 30-40 feet down the embankment and appeared to have rolled over at least once and gone through a hedge and fence ending up on its side.
“When crews arrived and saw the damage, they feared the worst, but found the driver had managed to get out of the wreckage and had climbed back up the embankment to await the emergency services.
“Crews were astonished to find the only obvious injury to the 53 year old was a small laceration to his forehead. He was immobilised as a precaution before being taken to Heartlands Hospital for further assessment.
“A 23 year old woman in a car was treated for back pain, but subsequently discharged with advice. A man in his 30s in a second car was checked over for minor injuries but was also discharged. There were no patients from the third car.”
Monday 10th November 2014 – 8.40pm – Murray MacGregor.
A pedestrian has been taken to a major trauma unit by ambulance in a crtical condition after suffering significant head injuries after a collision with a car.
The collision happened at about 5.45pm near to the junction of Burnhill Green Road and Snowdon Road in Burnhill Green, South Staffordshire.
The MERIT Trauma Doctor from Cosford was first on scene in a response vehicle along with a community paramedic, an ambulance and a paramedic officer.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival at what was described as a country lane, the ambulance staff found a middle aged man with serious head and facial injuries and a possible fractured pelvis.
“A bystander was doing an excellent job of administering basic first aid on the man.
“The car involved had suffered significant damage to the windscreen.
“The pedestrian was immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board as well as having a pelvic splint put in place. The man was also anaesthetised by the doctor at the scene.
“He was then taken on blue lights to the Major Trauma Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further assessment and treatment.
“The car driver was not seen by ambulance staff.”
Ends
A lorry driver has received emergency medical treatment after the vehicle he was travelling in overturned in Herefordshire today.
West Midlands Ambulance Service dispatched an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic area support officer to the incident on the A4103 in Storridge shortly before 4.10pm this afternoon.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a lorry that had overturned onto its side into a hedge row.
“Although the driver was moving about in the cab of the lorry he was unable to open the door. Ambulance crews worked closely with the fire service to safely free the man from the vehicle.
“The man, believed to be in his 20’s, was treated for minor facial injuries at the scene before being conveyed to Hereford County Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”
Monday 10th November 2014 – 1.00pm – Claire Brown.
An elderly couple have been airlifted following a collision between two cars in Shropshire this morning.
West Midlands Ambulance Service received multiple 999 calls to reports of a collision involving two cars on the railway bridge in Baschurch Road, Bomere Heath, Shrewsbury, at 9.55am this morning (Monday).
Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a responder paramedic, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board and the Wales Air Ambulance were sent to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance staff arrived on scene to find two cars which had been involved in a significant collision.
“The driver and passenger from one car, an elderly couple believed to be in their 80s, were trapped in the wreckage.
“The front seat passenger, a woman, was in a serious condition. Ambulance staff and medics quickly worked to assess the woman and found she had sustained a significant chest injury. The team worked closely with the fire service to quickly extricate her from the wreckage whilst advanced medical treatment was delivered to help stabilise the woman. Due to the serious nature of the woman’s injuries, the doctor took the decision to anaesthetise her on scene. Once released from the car, the woman was fully immobilised before being airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital.
“The driver from the same car, a man, was mechanically trapped by his legs but was fully conscious and alert. Upon assessment, ambulance staff established that the man had sustained a serious chest injury and suspected abdominal and pelvic injuries. Whilst the man was given pain relief and fluids to stabilise his condition, the fire service worked around the medical team to extricate him from the wreckage. The man was immobilised with a neck collar, spinal board and pelvic splint before being airlifted to the same hospital.
“The driver of the second car, a man, sustained relatively minor injuries and was taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital by land ambulance.”
Almost 50 people, mainly school children, have been assessed and treated by ambulance crews after the bus they were travelling in went down an embankment and overturned.
Seven ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, two senior paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham were dispatched to the incident on Holme Lacy Road in Hereford shortly after 8.20am today. A MARS BASICS Doctor that was initially dispatched to the scene was diverted to Hereford County Hospital to assist with the further triage of casualties as they arrived at A&E.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a bus at the bottom of an embankment lying on its left-hand side. All of the passengers on board had managed to get out of the bus before the crew’s arrival.
“However, the woman driving was trapped for a period of time. With the assistance of the fire service, the woman was extricated and treated for chest and abdominal injuries. She was immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board before being conveyed to Hereford County Hospital.
“The passengers, all of whom are believed to be pupils of approximately 14 years of age, were triaged by ambulance staff at the scene. Six of them were also taken to Hereford County Hospital by ambulance.
“A second bus was sent to the scene to help transport approximately 20 uninjured pupils back to their school. A senior paramedic officer travelled on board the bus with the children.
“A further 19 patients, who had suffered a range of minor injuries such as cuts and bruising, were taken to the same Hospital for further triage by other means of transport.”
Sunday 9th November 2014 – 8.40pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.
Specialist equipment was required for ambulance staff to get a mountain biker to hospital after he came off his bike near Pontesbury this afternoon.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to a wooded location at Eastridge Wood, Habberley at 2.50pm.
Two ambulances, together with a paramedic officer in a rapid response vehicle and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews were called to reports of a 46-year-old man who had come off his mountain bike on a steep downhill track. It is believed he was thrown over his handlebars before colliding with a tree stump.
“He had suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder and suspected fractured ribs.
“Due to his difficult location, crews had to walk half-a-mile from the ambulance before finding the patient, who remained conscious throughout. They had to climb approximately 30ft up a 60-degree slope before being able to begin treating the man.
“He was initially put onto a scoop stretcher before the Trust’s HART team liaised with the fire service in order to establish the safest way to get the man back to the ambulance.
“Using a rope system, and after the man was placed onto a MIBS stretcher, he was carefully lowered down the descent to where the HART team’s Polaris six-wheel drive vehicle was waiting.
“After reaching the ambulance, the patient was taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”
A pedestrian has suffered a number of serious injuries in a road traffic collision with a car in Cradley Heath tonight (Saturday).
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to The Parade, shortly after 8.20pm and sent an ambulance and a MERIT trauma doctor to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered an 11-year-old boy who had been in collision with a car.
“It quickly became apparent that the boy was seriously hurt and crews began treating him for pelvic, abdominal and leg injuries. He had also suffered minor injuries to his face.
“He was given pain relief, had both legs put into a splint and was immobilised before being taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital on alert.
“Although the boy’s injuries were considered serious, they are not thought to be life threatening.
A man has suffered a serious eye injury when a firework exploded in his face in Willenhall tonight.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident at Willenhall Rugby Football Club in Bognop Road, Essington, shortly before 8pm and sent an ambulance and a MERIT trauma doctor to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered one patient, a man in his 50s, who had suffered a significant eye injury after a firework exploded in his face.
“Crews worked quickly to begin treating the man’s eye before administering pain relief and covering it with a swab.
“He was then taken to New Cross Hospital who had been alerted to the man’s arrival to ensure an eye specialist was ready for the ambulance to arrive.”
Firework injuries are not uncommon to crews at this time of year. West Midlands Ambulance Service would like to take this opportunity to urge everyone to stay safe when using fireworks, enjoying them safely whilst following the Firework Code at all times.
Left-click on the appropriate gallery (defined by geographical area)
Left-click on the appropriate thumbnail to reveal a full-size picture.
Left-click on the download icon (downward pointing arrow to horizontal line)
From the resultant list of picture file sizes, select “original”.
Select “Save” or “Save As”.
An awards ceremony has been held to honour members of the public from across the West Midlands region who have gone beyond the call of duty to help save lives and support the work of West Midlands Ambulance Service’s 4,500 staff.
The event, sponsored by Cardiac Science and Ferno UK at Walsall Football Club on Thursday 6th November recognised the efforts of Community First Responders, St John Ambulance, other emergency services and other voluntary organisations, businesses and individuals.
Addressing the audience, West Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive Anthony Marsh said: “This is your night. It’s a night to celebrate everything that you do to support our organisation. It’s not by accident that the West Midlands Ambulance Service is the best performing ambulance service in our country. We are the only ambulance service that is achieving every single key national target. Not only that, we are the best performing in each one of those key national targets. That doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a huge amount of hard work from everybody whether you are volunteer, a member of staff in our service, control room staff, support services or indeed all of those individuals who support our organisation. I am personally really, really proud of everything that you do. You are a fantastic inspiration to all of us and to our communities.
Presenting some of the awards Dr. Tim Watts, the High Sheriff of the West Midlands said: “There are so many people that I meet, being High Sheriff, that give so much of their time, so much energy to our community and you are an outstanding example of that. I am very proud of you all. I have heard stories of how your CPR and your defibrillators have worked and saved lives, even those who have been here to attest to it. Those of you that man the 999 services that give your help in support of the ambulance service, you must be truly proud of what you do as, indeed, I am of you.”
Above: Stuart Grainger Above: Birmingham City Centre Treatment Unit
Volunteer of the Year Team of the Year
A list of the award recipients and their citations can be found here: AWARDS CITATIONS
Friday 7th November 2014 – 9.00am – Murray MacGregor.
The importance of knowing CPR and being prepared to use that knowledge has given a man the best possible chance of survival after he suffered a cardiac arrest at the wheel of his car.
The combined actions of an off duty nurse and ambulance staff resulted in the man breathing on his own when he arrived at the A&E Department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Ashill Road in Rednal, Birmingham at 5.45pm on Thursday afternoon to reports of a two car collision.
An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived, they found two cars that both had front end damage.
“They were told that one car had coasted across the road and that the collision was at slow speed.
“In one vehicle they found a man of approximately 60 years who was in cardiac arrest and an off duty nurse carrying out CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Ambulance staff took over and gave the man advanced life support. Thankfully the combined actions resulted in the man starting to breathe for himself.
“They continued to care for him as he was taken on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham where medics were on standby for his arrival.
“Whilst the man still has a long way to go, he has been given the chance of life by someone being prepared to carry out CPR.
“Once again, this demonstrates just how important it is that everyone learns how to do CPR and has a knowledge of basic first aid.
“If it had not been for the actions of the nurse in those first few seconds, the man would almost certainly have died; now he has been given the best possible chance of survival.
“Surely, everyone should have the knowledge and be willing to do the same?”
The man driving the other car was assessed at the scene by ambulance staff and was discharged.
Thursday 6th November 2014 – 4.30pm – Murray MacGregor.
West Midlands Ambulance Service is set to invest millions of pounds into providing a bigger ambulance base in Stoke on Trent.
The Trust has operated from a site in Hilton Road, Penkhull for many years, but due to a rapid increase in demand, the current building is no longer big enough for the current requirements.
Staffordshire General Manager, Lee Washington, said: “Stoke is the busiest ambulance hub in the region. Although it has served us well, we simply can’t accommodate the number of emergency vehicles and staff that we now need to cover Stoke and the Moorlands.
“The current site is well placed, close to University Hospital North Staffordshire. However, after an extensive review of where our current demand comes from and also the potential for redeveloping our current site, we think that we can provide an even better service if we move to a new location in the A500 corridor, ideally as close to the Etruria flyover as possible.
“When we consider the changes in staff numbers from when the current hub opened in 1968 to now, the change is dramatic. We now have almost 230 staff based there and that number is only going to increase as demand continues to rise. This year, as a service, we have seen growth of almost 8%, which is unheard of.
“We are now looking for a site where we can build a brand new purpose built building so that it will meet the needs of our staff and patients in the years to come. The project is likely to cost in the region of £3 million.
“The Hub system, which was pioneered in Staffordshire and has now been rolled out across the West Midlands, provides crew facilities and a vehicle preparation system. This sees ambulances and response cars cleaned and stocked by ambulance fleet assistants (AFAs). As well as ensuring the highest standards of infection, prevention and control, it frees up considerable amounts of clinical time that means ambulance staff are available to respond to patients for more of their shift.
“From our experience both here in Staffordshire and across the region, we will certainly be involving staff as we move forward with the project and would hope that we should be able to move in, in the next couple of years.”
Any member of the public or developers who have potential sites should contact Head of Estates, Simon Lewis, on 01384 215 555.
Ends
Listen to Staffordshire General manager, Lee Washington, talking about the plans and why the Trust is making the change:
Thursday 6th November – 4.10pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.
Three people were lucky to escape without more serious injuries when the car they were travelling in left the road and rolled over before coming to rest in a field in Rugby this morning.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the scene near to the junction of Rugby Road and Cathiron Lane in Harborough Magna, shortly before 8.30am and sent two ambulances and a paramedic officer to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a car in a field that had completely rolled over and three patients who had all managed to free themselves from the vehicle.
“The driver of the car, a 43-year-old woman, was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board and treated for neck and back injuries.
“A second patient, a 17-year-old woman, was also immobilised and treated for neck and back injuries before they were both taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further treatment.
“The third patient, a woman, was assessed by ambulance crews but was uninjured in the incident.”
Ends
Notes to Editors:
If using the image, please credit West Midlands Ambulance Service.
Thursday 6th November – 8.40am – Jamie Arrowsmith.
A woman has suffered a serious head injury and been taken to one of the region’s major trauma centres after a car left the road and overturned in Nuneaton last night (Wednesday).
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Arley Lane, Ansley, shortly before 10.35pm and sent an ambulance and a paramedic area support officer to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car that had left the road and gone through a hedge before coming to rest on its roof.
“There was one patient, a woman believed to be in her 30s, who was lying unconscious on the ground having appeared to be thrown from the vehicle.
“Crews stabilised the woman’s condition and treated her for a serious head injury. The patient, who remained unconscious throughout, was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board before being taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire on alert.”
Wednesday 5th November – 23.15pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.
Three people have been treated for injuries, one of whom has been taken to hospital, after a firework went into the crowd at Brunswick Park Firework Display in Wednesbury tonight (Wednesday).
Shortly before 8.10pm, West Midlands Ambulance Service sent one ambulance to the scene. WMAS also had a senior ambulance officer liaising with on-site medical providers St John Ambulance throughout the event in their regional control room.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews treated a 23-year-old man for an ear injury after a firework went into the crowd. He was then taken to Walsall Manor Hospital for precautionary checks and his condition is not thought to be serious.
“Two further patients, a seven-year-old girl and a 47-year-old man, were treated by St John Ambulance staff for minor leg injuries but did not require hospital treatment.
“In total, nine patients required treatment throughout the course of the event, but only three were as a result of the firework going into the crowd.
“The remaining six patients were all treated by St John Ambulance staff for minor injuries sustained through slips and trips.”
Wednesday 5th November 2014 – 6.40am – Jamie Arrowsmith.
A pedestrian has died following a road traffic collision in Wolverhampton last night (Tuesday).
The incident occurred on the junction of Myatt Avenue and Parkfield Road, Ettinghsall, shortly before 7pm. Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and a MERIT trauma doctor attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a pedestrian and a van that had been in collision.
“The man was in cardiac arrest and unfortunately, despite the best efforts of medics, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.
“The driver of the van was checked over by crews but had not suffered any injuries in the incident.”
A pedestrian has suffered a significant head injury and been taken to one of the region’s major trauma centres following a collision with a van in Birmingham this evening (Tuesday).
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Genners Lane in Bartley Green shortly after 5.40pm and sent an ambulance, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and two paramedic officers to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a pedestrian and a small van that had been in collision. The van was found to have suffered minor damage to the front and driver’s side.
“The pedestrian, a 26-year-old woman, was treated at the scene for a serious head injury. She was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board and once her condition had been stabilised, she was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further assessment and treatment.
“The driver of the van was assessed by crews on scene, but had not suffered any injuries.”
Monday 3rd November 2014 – 6.37pm – Murray MacGregor.
A car driver has had a fortunate escape after his car left the M6 and went down a 20 foot muddy embankment.
The incident happened on the southbound carriageway about a mile past Stafford Services at about 5.15pm on Monday.
An ambulance and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived they found the car at the foot of the embankment. Fortunately, the car hadn’t rolled over or hit anything on the way down or at the bottom of the embankment.
“The driver, a man in his 30s, was badly shaken and complaining of back pain.
“Initially, there was a concern that the patient would need to be brought up on a stretcher but he recovered sufficiently to be helped up the slope.
“After further assessment in the ambulance, he was taken to the County Hospital in Stafford as a precaution.”
Ends
Monday 3rd November 2014 – 1.35pm – Chris Kowalik.
A driver has been cut free from her car after it collided with a tree in Warwick.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Haywood Road shortly before 8.35am today.
A paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance crew attended.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The driver, a woman in her forties, had a suspected broken wrist. She was also experiencing back and neck pain which meant she had to be cut free from her car.
“She was given pain relief and was immobilised with the use of a spinal board and neck collar and was taken to Warwick Hospital.”
Monday 3rd November 2014 – 12.10pm – Murray MacGregor.
Weekend demand for West Midlands Ambulance Service mirrored the ghoulish nature of the weekend.
A frightening combination of Halloween, early firework displays and people enjoying pay day meant staff had a demand rocketed upwards on Saturday by almost 19% compared to the previous weekend.
When compared to the same weekend the previous year, the increase in demand was even higher at over 21% (606 additional calls). Across the whole weekend (Friday – Sunday), demand was up by over 12% (1,064 additional calls) compared to the same weekend in 2013.
Emergency Services Director, Craig Cooke, said: “Whilst many people were out enjoying themselves this weekend, our staff were working incredibly hard to deal with the busiest day since New Year’s Eve.
“We are not expecting much of a let up this week either. Sadly, we are fully expecting to see more firework injuries like the one in Birmingham on Friday night that left a young man with serious eye and hand injuries.
“We issued advice last week about the dangers of fireworks and bonfires along with information on what to do if you do suffer a burn. We would urge anyone planning to host their own bonfire party to view the videos before they start.
“It is also expected to get much colder this week which will affect many patients with long term conditions particularly badly.
“It is therefore more important than ever that people who are considering dialling 999 take a moment to consider whether that is the best place to seek help.
“If you are unsure, please dial 111 in the first instance where the staff there will be able to provide help and advice or transfer your call directly to the ambulance service if that is appropriate.
“Please also consider using self-care, seek advice from a pharmacist, speak to your GP, in or out of hours, or visit a minor injuries unit or walk in centre.
“By using these services correctly it means that the ambulance service is available to respond to those in a critical condition as quickly as possible, and ultimately save lives.”
Ends
Saturday 1st November 2014
Coventry & Warwickshire – 566 calls – 48.6% increase on same day 2013
Birmingham – 833 calls – 19.2% increase on same day 2013
Black Country – 753 call – 20.3% increase on same day 2013
Herefordshire – 62 calls – 30% decrease on same day 2013
Shropshire – 210 calls – 14.8% increase on same day 2013
Staffordshire – 601 calls – 10.7% increase on same day 2013
Worcestershire – 286 calls – 20.2% increase on same day 2013
Five people have received emergency medical treatment after two cars collided in Warwickshire last night.
West Midlands Ambulance Service dispatched three ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the Trust’s MERIT rapid response vehicle, carrying a trauma doctor and a critical care paramedic to the incident at Bridge 108, Coventry Canal in Lower Shuckburgh at approximately 7.25pm yesterday evening.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find two cars that had been in collision.
“The driver of the first car, a woman believed to be in her 20’s, was found to be trapped in the vehicle. Crews worked closely with other emergency services on scene for an hour and a half to safely extricate the woman. The casualty was treated at the scene for a pelvic injury and a serious leg injury before being fully immobilised and conveyed to the major trauma centre at University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire. The doctor travelled on board the ambulance with the crew, continuing to provide emergency medical treatment whilst en route to hospital.
“The second car had been carrying four occupants at the time of the incident. The driver, a man in his late 20’s, was treated at the scene for a fractured leg. He was fully immobilised and conveyed to the same hospital for further assessment and treatment.
“The front seat passenger, a woman, was treated for minor injuries and travelled within the same ambulance to hospital.
“One of the rear seat passengers, a man in his 20’s, was treated for serious facial injuries. He was also fully immobilised and taken to a specialist centre at University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire.
“The second rear seat passenger, a man, was assessed but did not require any further treatment.”
A pedestrian has suffered multiple injuries following a road traffic collision in Birmingham this morning.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Spring Hill Passage in Hockley shortly before 8.50am today.
Two ambulances and a paramedic area support officer were sent to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a pedestrian and a car that had been in collision. The car was found to have sustained significant damage to its windscreen.
“The pedestrian, a man in his 30’s, was treated at the scene for head and leg injuries. He was fully immobilised before being conveyed to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further assessment and treatment.
Ambulance crews rushed to the scene of a road traffic collision this morning where one of the cars was reportedly hanging over a 40 foot drop.
West Midlands Ambulance Service dispatched two ambulances, three rapid response vehicles, a paramedic area support officer, a North Staffordshire Basics Doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire to the incident on the Leek Old Road in Rushton Spencer at approximately 10.40am this morning.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance staff within the emergency control room received calls to the road traffic collision, with initial reports that one of the vehicles involved in the collision was hanging over the edge of a 40 foot drop.
“On arrival at the scene, crews discovered the car, which had been carrying a lady and child, very close to the edge of the road but fortunately in a safe position.
“The second vehicle had reportedly set on fire following the incident which had been put out by Police officers at the scene.
“Ambulance crews assessed and treated all four patients at the scene. The woman driver and young girl from the first car were treated for minor injuries before being conveyed in the same ambulance to the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
“The driver of the second car, a man, was treated for head and chest injuries before being conveyed to the same hospital for further assessed and treatment.
“The passenger of the car, a woman, was also treated for a potential head injury and chest injuries. She was given pain relief at the scene and immobilised before being airlifted to the Royal Stoke University Hospital.”
A teenager has been treated for multiple injuries following an incident involving a firework last night.
West Midlands Ambulance Service dispatched an ambulance and a rapid response vehicle to Endicott Road in Aston, Birmingham at 8.30pm last night.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews were called to a teenager who had reportedly become injured when a firework that he had been holding exploded.
“On arrival at the scene, crews found a 15 year old boy who had sustained a serious eye injury and an injury to his hand. Crews treated and dressed his injuries at the scene before conveying the teenager to the specialist eye unit at City Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”
Unfortunately despite the many warnings issued at this time of year our crews are sadly all too familiar with people who have injured themselves in firework incidents. Please stay safe when using fireworks. Think about attending an organised firework display where possible and if you are planning on holding a party at home, please ensure you do so safely and follow the Firework Code at all times.
