Month: December 2014

Wednesbury 17th December 2014 – 12.30pm – Steve Parry.

A van driver has died in a road traffic collision on the Shropshire / Welsh border this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident on the A5 between Gobowen and Gledrid at just after 9.35am.

A paramedic in a rapid response vehicle together with a paramedic officer and resources from the Welsh Ambulance Service including the Welsh Air Ambulance attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews attended a road traffic collision involving a van and lorry.

“Sadly, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save a male patient who was confirmed dead at the scene.”

 

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Wednesday 17th December 2014 – 11.45am – Suzie Wheaton.

Three women have received emergency medical treatment after the car they were travelling in collided with a tree in Sutton Coldfield today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service dispatched two ambulances and a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle to the incident on Kingsbury Road in Minworth at approximately 7.20am this morning.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance crews arrived on scene to find a single car that had left the carriageway and had been in collision with a tree.

“Five people had been travelling in the vehicle at the time of the incident. Four of the occupants were out of the car on the crew’s arrival with one occupant trapped inside.

“The trapped woman, who was a rear seat passenger in the car, was treated for leg and shoulder injuries and a suspected pelvic injury. She was fully immobilised and safely extricated from the car before being conveyed to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

“Two further passengers were also treated at the scene for injuries. One woman was treated for facial injuries and a second woman was treated for an arm injury. Both patients were conveyed to Good Hope Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“No one else was injured in this incident.”

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Wednesday 17^th December 2014 – 10.05am – Chris Kowalik.

Have you stocked up your medicine cabinet in time for Christmas?

Having a few essential first aid and medical supplies could spare you a 999 call or a trip to A&E.

Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer Steve Wheaton said: “While you’re out shopping, don’t forget to pick up the essentials to help you get through the Christmas period. Make sure you have some plasters and bandages, tissues, painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, cold and flu remedies and a thermometer.

“If you have any supplies currently, check the use-by dates. Throw them away if they are out-of-date.

“Now is also the time to sort out any repeat prescriptions. Don’t leave it too late to check. There is still time to make an appointment with your doctor.”

“At what is already an extremely busy time for the ambulance service you can help avert further calls with some simple pre-planning and, in turn, help us get to the genuine life-threatening cases faster.”

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Tuesday 16^th December – 2.30pm – Claire Brown.

With the Christmas party period in full swing, paramedics and volunteer medics will be on hand to pick up the pieces in Birmingham.

Returning for its eighth year, the Temporary Minor Injuries Unit (TMIU) will be based near Broad Street in the City Centre to help treat worse for wear revellers to avoid A&E attendances.

This year the TMIU will take up residence in Cambridge Street, in space provided by the Library of Birmingham and will operate on three evenings after the library has closed. It will provide treatment to the walking wounded, patients suffering with minor illness and minor medical conditions and revellers who have had a bit too much to drink on the busiest festive party nights.

The space will be transformed into a makeshift treatment unit to provide patients who arrive at the unit by ambulance or by foot with fast and efficient treatment.

As in previous years, this successful partnership venture will be running with WMAS paramedics, technicians, Central Accident Resuscitation Emergency (CARE) Team nurses and doctors, Fastaid Community First Responders and volunteers from the British Red Cross and St John Ambulance. As well as medical staff, the unit is supported each night it operates by special constables from West Midlands Police and Birmingham’s City Pastors.

Paramedic Mike Duggan is in charge of running the Trust’s smaller-scale City Centre Treatment Unit which operates each Friday and Saturday night on Broad Street and sees around 60-80 patients each weekend. Mike said: “The weekend before Christmas and New Year’s Eve will see the return of the traditional TMIU to help us deal with the increase in 999 calls we historically experience during the festive party season.

“Typical patients who are treated at the unit include those who have had too much alcohol, suffered cuts, bruises, sprained ankles or have a medical condition which has flared up and needs treatment. These patients often don’t need a trip to A&E but need some form of medical intervention and the TMIU is the perfect place.

“Just over 100 revellers were seen at the unit during the weekend before Christmas last year and medics treated more than 125 patients on New Years’ Eve. It’s always unpredictable in terms of what the TMIU staff will see but, what’s always certain is a steady stream of patients to keep the multi-agency team of medics busy to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.”

Sue Roberts, Regional Director for St John Ambulance, said: “St John Ambulance is always pleased to work in partnership with WMAS and other organisations so the public can have fun safely. We have a team of highly trained volunteers who will be on hand to support party goers or anyone who requires first aid support in the city centre during the busy festive period.

“Having this unit means people can get treatment quickly, which could be the difference between a life lost and a life saved in an emergency. It also alleviates pressure on ambulance and hospital services.”

Alex Hayward, British Red Cross Ambulance Support Co-ordinator in the West Midlands, said: “We work closely with WMAS in the city centre on Broad Street every weekend, but we’ll be increasing our support for the TMIU over Christmas and New Year. Festive spirit will be flowing, but our team of volunteers are highly trained to treat a range of injuries and conditions, helping to keep revellers safe and reduce pressure on A&E, which is often busier at this time of year.”

The TMIU will be located on Cambridge Street and will be accessible via the Library of Birmingham services reception, on Friday 19^th, Saturday 20^th and Wednesday 31^st December. The TMIU will be operational each of these nights between 8.00pm and 4.00am.

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Notes to Editor:

 

For interviews, please contact WMAS press office on 01384 246 496 or pressoffice@wmas.nhs.uk and we will endeavour to accommodate your request.

For media enquiries and interviews relating to St John Ambulance please contact Jo Cunningham, Regional PR Officer (West Midlands) on 07815 913887 or email jocunningham@sja.org.uk. For urgent out-of-hours SJA media enquiries please contact the SJA on call press officer on 07860 711679.

For media enquiries and interviews relating to the British Red Cross please contact 0161 8888913 or 07834 527 105, alternatively please email emmapollock@redcross.org.uk or cbates@redcross.org.uk. For urgent out-of-hours British Red Cross media enquiries please contact the duty press officer on 07710 391 703. Follow them on Twitter via @RedCrossMidland.

 

Monday 8th December 2014 – 11.55pm – Murray MacGregor.

A motorcyclist has died after a crash in Birmingham.

The tragic incident happened close to the Deers Leap Pub in Queslett Road East in Great Barr.

An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic were sent after a number of 999 calls at 8.10pm on Monday evening.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews found a motorcyclist who had suffered very significant injuries. It is not believed that any other vehicles were involved.

“He was taken onto the ambulance so that staff could work on him, but unfortunately, his condition deteriorated and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”
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Monday 15th December 2014 – 8.30pm – Murray MacGregor.

A man has been taken to a major trauma centre in a critical condition after a three car crash in Shropshire.

The collision happened on a straight piece of road at about 5.35pm on Monday evening on the A49 between the Sundorne and Battlefield Islands in Shrewsbury.

Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer were sent to the scene. They were joined by the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic from the Midlands Air Ambulance at RAF Cosford who were in a response vehicle.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The first car had suffered very significant damage. The driver, a man estimated to be about 30 years old, had suffered serious multiple injuries and was trapped.

“Ambulance staff worked with firefighters to rapidly extricate him from the wreckage. The doctor from the air ambulance anaesthetised him at scene before travelling with him on a land ambulance to the major trauma centre at the Royal Stoke University Hospital. On arrival, his condition was described as critical.

“There were a man and a woman in the second car, which had front end damage. The woman had a fractured wrist, while the man had back pain. Both were treated at the scene by ambulance staff before being taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

“Two women in the third car, which had suffered rear end damage, were assessed at the scene before being discharged.”
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Please see this story from the Hereford Times:

http://www.herefordtimes.com/news/11657989.Airfield_takes_safety_to_a_new_altitude/

Monday 15^th December 2014 – 2.30pm – Chris Kowalik.

A new unit opens in Hereford this month to help people on a night-out recover from the excesses of alcohol and help reduce the pressure on the ambulance service, A&E and police.

Run by the city’s volunteer Street Pastors, the former youth court in Gaol Street will be an alternative to going to hospital or a police cell when all someone needs is to be able to sober-up safely.

Called “Emelia’s” after Emelia Venn, sister of the Rev. John Venn both of whom devoted themselves to helping the city’s poor, it features an assessment area, recovery space and supervised sleep-off room.

‘Emelia’s’ is part of a wider project called ‘Lean on Me’ which involves Street Pastors patrolling the city to help anyone they find to be in difficulty.

Cliff Medlicott, West Midlands Ambulance Service Community Response Manager said: “This unit will be the first of its kind. The pastors have developed an excellent facility for a maximum of 12 people who just need to get some rest or sleep it off before going home. It will be a great help to the ambulance service, freeing us up to get to genuine life-threatening emergencies quicker.”

Jason Borlase, Project Leader from Hereford Street Pastors said: “’Teams drawn from 30 trained volunteers will run ‘Emelia’s’ from 10pm until 4am on Saturday nights. Anyone who ends up in difficulty through excessive drinking will be referred to the unit for the special care we will offer. The unit will have direct links with our patrols, the door staff of bars and clubs as well as the ambulance service and police. In addition to providing better care for people in Hereford’s night time economy, the project will allow the ambulance service, A&E teams and police to focus on those who really need their help and get to them quicker. Improving response times will make a real difference for people in serious and sometimes life-threatening situations.”

Barrie Sheldon, the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, said: “The Police and Crime Commissioner is delighted to support this groundbreaking initiative in Hereford city centre. It will certainly ease some of the pressures on both police and health services on busy Friday and Saturday nights, but just as important, it will provide the right care and assistance for anyone who misuses alcohol, for whatever reason. In addition to providing that care there is also a real opportunity to help some people who may need it to address any drink related problems. The street pastors are providing a real contribution to community safety in Herefordshire and should be commended for their work.”

The unit is due to open on the night of Saturday 20^th December.
 

Pictured left-to-right alongside two “sleep-off” mats: Jason Borlais, Steve Sully, Abi Bramble, Tracey Ann Morgan, Musole Lenaud.

Sunday 14^th December 2014 – 8.30pm – Claire Brown.

A woman has been seriously injured after being trodden on by the horse she had fallen off in Whitchurch this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Black Park Road in Whitchurch at 12.15pm (Sunday). An ambulance, a community paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The woman had fallen off the horse before being trodden on.

“Upon assessment ambulance staff and the medic found she had sustained a suspected fractured leg and a back injury. The woman was given pain relief before being carefully immobilised to prevent further injury.

“Once stabilised, ambulance staff conveyed the woman to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital by land for further emergency treatment.”

ENDS

Sunday 14^th December 2014 – 5.20pm – Claire Brown.

A woman cyclist has been airlifted to hospital after a collision with a vehicle left her seriously injured and her cycle helmet split in half.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A38 in Fradley, Lichfield at 8.45am this morning (Sunday). Paramedics from the Midlands Air Ambulance’s Tatenhill base attended the scene by car along with an ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The cyclist, a 21-year-old woman, was found by motorists at the side of the road after a reported collision with a vehicle.

“The collision, which had caused her helmet to crack into two, had thrown the woman some distance further down the road to where her mangled bike was found.

“An off duty firefighter was amongst several bystanders who were helping the woman when ambulance staff arrived. Upon assessment ambulance staff and the trauma medic found she had sustained a significant fracture to her leg, a fractured arm and a serious head injury.

“The woman received analgesia from ambulance staff before they carefully immobilised her with a neck collar and scoop stretcher. Once stable, the woman was airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further emergency treatment.”

 

ENDS

 

Sunday 14^th December 2014 – 11.30am – Claire Brown.

The Trust is appealing for the public to support its local ambulance service by thinking carefully before dialling 999, after staff responded to more than 3,500 calls on Saturday making it the fourth busiest day for the Service on record.

Traditionally, our busiest day is New Years’ Eve and into New Years’ Day but yesterday saw call numbers rise to levels only normally seen after midnight on 31^st December.

Date	Calls
1st January 2011	3,822
1st January 2013	3,754
1st January 2014	3,726
13th December 2014	3,550
17th December 2010	3,490
1st January 2010	3,466
1st January 2012	3,460

This increase not only puts pressure on our front-line staff responding to patients in ambulance vehicles, but it also sees our Emergency Operations Centre staff equally as busy answering calls and managing the high demand to ensure patient who need our help the most come first.

In addition to the huge pressure that the ambulance service us under, our colleagues in A&E departments around the region are equally as busy too.

Craig Cooke, Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, said: “Our staff are working around the clock to respond to patients but we need the public’s help to ensure we’re preserving our ambulances and highly skilled staff for the people who need us the most.

“Many people who dial 999 could treat themselves at home or access advice from NHS 111 either online or over the phone.  Equally, people should consider taking themselves to an NHS walk-in centre, pharmacist or a minor injuries unit.  This would leave the ambulance service to deal with life threatening illness or injury such as chest pain, strokes, breathing difficulties, unconsciousness and severe blood loss.

“It’s continuing to be a busy weekend for the ambulance service, not only in the West Midlands but nationally too. I would like to thank all of our staff and many volunteers for their continued efforts.”

ENDS

Sunday 14^th December 2014 – 7.00am – Claire Brown.

One man has died and two other people have been seriously injured following a two car road traffic collision in Stoke-on-Trent.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A500 at the junction of Etruria Road in Hanley at 11.50pm last night (Saturday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and three BASICS emergency doctors were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “One of the cars had ended up on the opposite side of the carriageway. The damage caused in the collision left the engine of the car several metres further down the road.

“The driver from this car, a man believed to be in his 20s, sustained a head injury, a fractured leg and a significant traumatic injury to his arm. Ambulance staff and medics worked to stabilise the man’s condition, administering pain relief and fluids, whilst the fire service worked around them to release the man from the wreckage.

“Once released, the man was fully immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board before being taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Royal Stoke University Hospital. A doctor travelled in the back of the ambulance with the man to continue treatment en route.

“The two occupants of the second car, were significantly trapped due to the damage caused in the collision. Sadly, the driver, a man, was declared deceased at the scene.

“The passenger, a woman believed to be in her 30s, was unconscious and seriously injured. Working quickly with the fire service, the woman was rapidly extricated from the wreckage before ambulance staff and medics fully immobilised her. She was given oxygen, fluids and drugs to help manage her serious condition. The woman had suffered crush injuries to her abdomen and suspected lower limb fractures and she was alerted to Royal Stoke University Hospital. A second doctor travelled with her to continue treatment en route.

“The road remained closed for several hours.”

ENDS

Sunday 14^th December 2014 – 6.30am – Claire Brown.

A woman died in a house fire in Birmingham last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to a building fire in Britford Close, Kings Heath at 10.50pm yesterday evening (Saturday). An ambulance and a paramedic area support officer attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance staff arrived to find a woman who had been found inside the property by fire fighters tackling the blaze.

“Sadly, it quickly became apparent to crews that nothing could be done to save the woman and she was confirmed dead at the scene.”

ENDS

Saturday 13^th December 2014 – 9.30am – Claire Brown.

An elderly couple have been rescued from their smoke-filled house by fire fighters and paramedics in Stafford this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to a house fire in Park Crescent in Stafford at 7.50am (Saturday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and a community paramedic attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff and fire fighters arrived they found the property filled with smoke. The fire service and paramedics entered the property to rescue the two occupants inside, an elderly man and woman.

“The couple were carried out of the property before being assessed by ambulance staff. Both had suffered smoke inhalation but were conscious and breathing. The couple were taken to County Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

ENDS

Friday 12^th December 2014 – 7pm – Chris Kowalik.

A motorcyclist has died following a collision with a car in Herefordshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A49 near Moreton Business Park, Moreton-on-Lugg, shortly before 3.45pm today.

An off-duty anaesthetist who was passing at the time stopped to help and immediately began giving CPR.

A paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle, a BASICS Emergency Doctor from Mercia Accident Rescue Service, an ambulance crew and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews administered Advanced Life Support to the male motorcyclist but, despite their best efforts, he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

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Thursday 11th December 2014 – 1.00pm.

Feeling a little bit merry? Ringing your friends at 2am to tell them you love them? Falling over a curb and twisting your ankle? Vomiting all over yourself and a paramedic? Trading blows with your best friend over a girl neither of you know? Or being found the next morning by an early commuter in a hedge . . . . . . dead.

So we ask again – how many is too many?

General Manager for West Midlands Ambulance Service, Nathan Hudson, said: “Every year over the festive period the ambulance service gets called to a large number of cases where people of all ages have had far too much to drink.

“Drinking causes people to do things they definitely wouldn’t do if they were more sober. The knock on effect of this is that our highly trained medical staff are having to baby sit fully grown adults who don’t know when they have had enough alcohol. These staff should be available to treat people who have suffered a life threatening emergencies such as a cardiac arrest, stroke or serious trauma, instead they are having to deal with often abusive drunk people.

“Whilst we do not wish to spoil people’s fun, we would just ask people to be sensible and take responsibility for themselves and their own actions when they are out celebrating this year. What if an ambulance crew that was dealing with you vomiting on yourself lying in the street, wasn’t then available to treat your family member who needed lifesaving treatment? We are quite sure you would be devastated that your irresponsible actions have directly had a negative impact on your loved ones chance of survival; your Christmas probably wouldn’t be quite so merry.”

So, we ask again, how many is too many?

To help you have a safe fun festive Christmas party night out please following the top tips below:

• Eating isn’t cheating
Food helps slow the absorption of alcohol, stopping it going to your head too quickly.

• Pace your drinks,
Drink at your own speed and don’t drink too much before you go out – the likelihood is you wont last to the end of the evening. Why not break your alcoholic drinks up with water or soft drinks.

• Never leave drinks unattended and then return and drink them
Never leave drinks unattended or with strangers. There are some unsavoury people around who are more than willing to take advantage of the situation.

• Stick together
Look after your work colleagues and friends whilst out and where possible make sure friends get home safely – get them to text you when returning home. We have seen a number of people that have had too much to drink suffer from hypothermia after falling asleep outside.

• Going home in a cab?
Make sure it’s a license black cab from an official taxi rank or call for a private taxi, you could even organise a cab before you go out for your return journey home. Never get in a taxi you haven’t called for, you aren’t insured and don’t know if the driver or vehicle is safe.

• Violence related injuries
Christmas is the season to be jolly – don’t fight!

• Hungry at the end of the night?
Why not get something from a reputable food outlet – often we see people attempting to cook at home and falling asleep. Fires can spread quickly and the smoke can also kill people very rapidly!

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Click on our video links to find out how you can make sure you have a safe night out this Christmas and New Year.

Wednesday 10^th December 2014 – 12.20pm – Chris Kowalik

Ten community defibrillators are coming to Shrewsbury.

The town’s Community First Responders have been given more than £8,000 from The Big Lottery Fund. This will enable them to place the devices which can restart the heart of someone who suffers a cardiac arrest in the local community.

The CFRs are now appealing to businesses, other organisations or owners of premises to help them find suitable locations in which to house them.

Nick Freeman, Shrewsbury Community First Responders’ Honorary Treasurer (pictured with the rest of the group of volunteers), said: “We have the machines, now we need the secure cabinets to keep them in and some suitable premises around the County Town.

“We appeal to anyone who can help sponsor a cabinet which would keep a defibrillator secure yet publicly accessible. Their location would be recorded with the ambulance service’s control room so, in the event of a cardiac arrest nearby, the caller to 999 would be directed to the machine while a blue-light vehicle is en-route.”

If you can help sponsor a cabinet, or have premises that may be suitable to house a publicly accessible community defibrillator,

contact Cliff Medlicott, West Midlands Ambulance Service Community Response Manager on 07884 050 877 or cliff.medlicott@wmas.nhs.uk

or Terry Foster from West Midlands Ambulance Service on 07827 311 090 or Terence.foster@wmas.nhs.uk

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Wednesday 10^th December 2014 – 9am – Chris Kowalik.

Last year it was a sloe gin competition, this year the Temeside public house in Little Hereford hosted a pie-tasting contest to raise money for volunteer lifesavers.

Locals baked sweet and savoury pies for the event on Friday 5^th December. People paid a fee and then had to taste and score each pie.

£100 was raised for Tenbury Community First Responders, a group of volunteers trained by West Midlands Ambulance Service in basic assessments and lifesaving techniques and who respond to medical emergencies nearby while a blue-light ambulance service vehicle is en-route.

Community First Responder Martin Bennett said: “The pies were exquisite! A brilliant evening was had by everyone. Many thanks to local retired businessman Mark Williams for organising the event.”

For more information about the work of Community First Responders, visit www.wmas.nhs.uk

Pictured: organiser Mark Williams.

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See this story from the Bromsgrove Standard:

http://www.bromsgrovestandard.co.uk/2014/12/10/news-Bromsgrove-life-savers-get-defib-from-Redditch-charity-122858.html

Tuesday 9^th December 2014 – 3pm – Chris Kowalik in conjunction with Wye Valley NHS Trust

In the build up to Christmas, people in Herefordshire and the surrounding areas are being reminded to only call 999 or visit A&E in a life-threatening emergency.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) and Wye Valley NHS Trust are calling on people to think twice before ringing 999 or going to their local accident and emergency department this winter, unless it’s a life threatening emergency. The plea comes as emergency and hospital services prepare for a busy winter and festive period.

In the last year alone, WMAS received more than 28,500 calls in Herefordshire, which is more than 15 per cent of the county’s population. 90 per cent of these calls were non-urgent for minor ailments and injuries.

Debbie Small, West Midlands Ambulance Service Area Manager for Herefordshire, said: “Our staff are working extremely hard to make sure that patients receive a speedy and safe response, throughout the winter period.

“999 is specifically designed for people with serious and critical illnesses or those who need advanced medical treatment en-route to hospital, such as choking, chest pain, stroke, serious blood loss or if someone is in a state of unconsciousness.”

These are some of the non-urgent Herefordshire 999 calls received last year.

• Wart on a finger
• Headache after a night out
• Stubbed toe

Paramedics and A&E staff are usually the first point of contact for people requiring urgent medical attention.

Chris Hughes, Paramedic at West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “When people misuse the service it means our precious time is being taken away from someone who really does need our help. Every non-essential call has the potential to delay a response to a serious emergency, so please think twice before calling 999”.

Jenny Weaver, one of the A&E Sisters at Hereford County Hospital, added: “Whilst we don’t turn patients away who attend with non-urgent conditions or illnesses, A&E really isn’t the right place if you have a minor illness or injury.

“If you have a cold, flu, sore throat, stomach upset or hangover, please see your pharmacist. For minor cuts, slips, trips and falls, contact your GP, GP out-of-hours service, or visit the walk-in centre in Hereford. If urgent advice is needed, and it’s not an emergency, call NHS 111”.

A 999 emergency ambulance should be called if a person is:

• having a suspected heart attack
• complaining of chest pains
• unconscious
• losing a lot of blood
• having a suspected stroke
• suffering from a deep wound or head injury
• struggling to breathe

For details of local health services visit www.nhs.uk

Pictured left to right: David Horner – paramedic WMAS, Jenny Weaver – A&E Sister, and Chris Hughes – paramedic WMAS

Tuesday 9^th December 2014 – 1.35pm – Chris Kowalik.

Two paramedics who are among 30 NHS staff in Sierra Leone as part of Britain’s fight against Ebola have filed their second in a series of weekly video blogs in which they speak of their experiences.

Gerard Kelly who is based in Lichfield and Tom Waters, a critical care practitioner with Midlands Air Ambulance are working with GPs, nurses, psychiatrists and consultants in emergency medicine.

Their videos are provided by international humanitarian agency ‘GOAL’:

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Monday 8th December 2014 – 7.50pm – Murray MacGregor.

A husband and wife from Cheshire have been badly injured after they were in collision with a bus on a country road in rural Warwickshire.

The crash happened at about 4.45pm on Monday on Stratford Road which runs from Ilmington towards Wimpstone. The incident happened about 1/2 mile from Lower Quinton turning.

Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the critical care paramedics from the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham, who responded on a rapid response vehicle, were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The couple who are both 65 and from The Wirral were walking along a country road when they were in collision with a single decker bus, which resulted in the windscreen being broken.

“The woman was thrown into a ditch that was 4-5 feet deep and had water at the bottom of it. When crews arrived she was barely conscious; she was rescued with the help of firefighters and taken onto an ambulance where she started to come round.

“She had a serious head injury, pain in her back and a potential fracture to her pelvis. It took around 20 minutes to get her out of the water given the level of injury. As a result she had become very cold.

“She was immobilised using a neck collar, spinal board and pelvic binder. The woman was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire with the critical care paramedics travelling with her.

“Her husband was found on the road with a badly broken right arm and shoulder. He too was immobilised and taken on blue lights to the same hospital.

“The man driving the bus, who was estimated to be in his 30s, was shaken but otherwise uninjured. There were a couple of passengers on board but they too were unhurt.”
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Monday 8th December 2014 – 2.45pm – Suzie Wheaton.

All of the above facilities within Staffordshire have been working closely with the ambulance service and now have the ability to save a life!

Beuadesert Park (campsite and activity centre) in Rugeley, North Staffordshire YMCA in Stoke-on-Trent and Lichfield Cathedral have all been working in conjunction with West Midlands Ambulance Service to ensure that staff and visitors to their facilities have the best chance of survival should they become critically ill.

Eighty-five percent of those people who suffer a cardiac arrest have the ability to be corrected by defibrillation. The quicker CPR is carried out and a defibrillator is applied, not only improves the chance of their survival but it can also help to improve the chances of a patient’s full recovery and reduce the time to do so. For every minute a patient is in cardiac arrest, their chance of survival decreases by 10 percent.

WMAS Community Response Manager, Matt Heward said: “The ambulance service strongly believes that by having defibrillators installed in public places, such as sporting clubs, schools and business premises, and having people trained in their use alongside basic first aid techniques really can help to save lives.

“These machines are extremely easy to use, meaning people of all ages and walks of life can provide emergency care to those who need it quickly and effectively prior to the arrival of an ambulance.”

Nigel Theaker, Beuadesert Park Estate Manager said: “As a busy activity centre providing over 50,000 activity days each year and residential facilities to a variety of groups we have been talking about the advantage of having a defibrillator on site for several months. The installation of the device has made us feel much happier that we can offer the correct response in an emergency and by providing an accessible storage cabinet the defibrillator will be accessible 24 hours a day both to our own clients and to the wider community.”

Bruce Petitt, from The North Staffordshire YMCA said: “We are very happy that West Midlands Ambulance Service has chosen North Staffordshire YMCA as one of the locations where a defibrillator will be stationed. The staff here are very enthusiastic about the defibrillator. The training we have had from the Ambulance Service has helped us to appreciate what a fantastic piece of life saving equipment the defibrillator is, and it is so easy to operate.”

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Notes to editors

*Defibrillators are devices that are used to restart someone’s heart.

Pictured one: Left to right Nigel (Estate Manager), Lee (Assistant Estate Manager), Rikki (Deputy Activities Coordinator), Emma (Administration Coordinator), and Debs (Activities Coordinator).

Picture Two: Bruce Petitt and Sue Lunt, Members of staff at North Staffordshire YMCA.

Monday 8th December 2014 – 12.15pm – Suzie Wheaton.

Three people have been injured after being involved in a serious road traffic collision in Staffordshire today.

Three ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire and two BASICS doctors were sent to the incident at the junction of the B5027 and the B5066 in Dayhills, Stone shortly before 9.50am this morning.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance crews arrived on scene to find three vehicles that had been in collision. One of the cars was found in two pieces, with part of the car found in a hedge and another section found further down the road.

“Each of the vehicles had been carrying a single occupant at the time of the incident.

“A woman driver from one of the cars was trapped in her vehicle and had suffered serious head injuries and a suspected fractured leg. The woman was treated at the scene as emergency service crews worked together to safely free her.

“The woman was immobilised and conveyed to the major trauma centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital, via land ambulance, for further assessment and treatment. One of the doctors travelled on board the ambulance with the crew continuing to provide emergency medical treatment whilst en route to hospital.

“The driver of the second car, a woman, was treated for chest and leg injuries before being conveyed to County Hospital in Stafford for further assessment and treatment.

“The driver of the third vehicle, which had sustained significant damage and was found in two pieces, was out of the vehicle on the crew’s arrival. He was treated at the scene for a head injury before being conveyed to the Royal Stoke University Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“All three patients travelled via land ambulance to hospital.”

Ends

Monday 8th December 2014 – 11.00am – Suzie Wheaton.

Three people have received emergency medical treatment following a road traffic collision on the M6 today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident on the southbound carriageway near to junction one shortly before 8.15am this morning.

Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire air ambulance were dispatched to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find two cars and a lorry that had been in collision.

“Each vehicle had been carrying a single occupant at the time of the incident. The driver of the first car, a woman, was trapped in her vehicle for a period of time. The woman was immobilised as emergency services worked closely together to safely remove her from the car. The casualty was treated for a serious arm injury and given pain relief at the scene before being airlifted to the major trauma centre at University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire.

“The driver of the second car, a woman and the driver of the lorry, a man, were treated at the scene for minor injuries before they were both conveyed to University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire for further assessment and treatment.”

Ends

Monday 8th December 2014 – 7.00am – John Hawker.

A woman has been injured following a two car RTC in Worcestershire yesterday afternoon.

The crash occurred on The Rhydd, near Hanley Castle, at around 4.15pm. An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and an off duty paramedic attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find two cars that had been in a serious collision.

“The driver of one car, a woman believed to be 80 years old, suffered serious lower leg and sternum injuries. The woman received emergency treatment by paramedics whilst she was released from the car as the doors were jammed shut due to crash damage.

“The woman’s condition was stabilised and she was transferred by ambulance to Worcester Royal Hospital for further treatment.

“No other person was injured in the crash.”

 

Ends

Sunday 7th December 2014 – 9.00am – John Hawker.

Six people have been injured, two seriously following a crash between a bus and a car last night in Oldbury.

The crash occurred at the junction of Langley Green Road and Causeway Green Road around 7.50pm. Three ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Trusts HART and MERIT teams attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car and a single decker bus that had been in a serious collision.

“A woman in her 30’s, and two boys both believed to be 11 years old were travelling in the car. The woman suffered serious head, chest and pelvic injuries. The one boy suffered serious leg injuries with the second boy suffering pelvic injuries.

“All three received emergency treatment at the scene and the woman was then transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Major trauma unit, with the two boys being transferred to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, all in separate ambulances.

“Three people travelling on the bus suffered minor injuries. A woman and a seven year old girl received treatment and were transferred by response car to Sandwell Hospital. A man in his 20’s also received treatment for minor injuries and decided to make his own way to hospital with a friend.

“The bus driver was uninjured in the crash.”

Ends
We have no further details on this incident.

Video: Two clips from real 999 calls which highlight the difference between an appropriate and inappropriate call.

Friday 5^th December 2014 – 2pm – Chris Kowalik.

An opening ceremony has been held for a new ambulance hub in Lichfield.

The hub in Eastern Avenue replaces the city’s previous ambulance station which was based on the site of the fire station in Birmingham Road. The move took place on October 15^th.

The new premises accommodates 85 staff, 15 ambulances and four rapid response vehicles serving a number of smaller Community Ambulance Stations. It also has a fleet maintenance area where dedicated staff prepare the blue-light vehicles in time for the start of crews’ shifts. This process is known as ‘Make Ready’, originally implemented by the former Staffordshire Ambulance Service and more recently adopted by the rest of the West Midlands region.

Addressing a number of guests, West Midlands Ambulance Service Chairman Sir Graham Meldrum referred to ‘Make Ready’, saying: “It’s really nice to be here in Staffordshire because this is where the whole concept and idea of providing a community-based ambulance station service that was geared to the needs of the patient was conceived.”

Trust Chief Executive Anthony Marsh said: “It’s not by accident that West Midlands Ambulance Service is consistently the best performing ambulance service in our country. And it is the infrastructure investment such as this hub that allows us to provide really good-quality care for our patients and to support our staff to deliver the best possible care and save as many lives as possible in Staffordshire.

Cutting the ribbon Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire Ian Dudson said : “I think it is a real privilege to be given the opportunity to open this new hub today. It is the first time I have seen one of these ‘Make Ready’ hubs and I have found it fascinating.”

 

Pictured left to right: Anthony Marsh (Chief Executive, West Midlands Ambulance Service), Ian Dudson (Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire), Sir Graham Meldrum (Chairman, West Midlands Ambulance Service), Cllr. David Smith (Chairman, Lichfield District Council).

Video: Real 999 call audio from two very different types of calls.

Friday 5th December 2014 – 9.30am – Steve Parry.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) is one of the top three NHS Twitter accounts in the country according to analysis undertaken of the use of social media in the NHS.

The Trust has been recognised in a new report: “On the brink of SoMething Special”, the result of 9 months research and analysis of NHS social media undertaken by leading consultancy JB McCrea, supported by NHS Providers.

The Report identifies the top 50 NHS organisational Twitter accounts. WMAS was placed third overall but was singled out as the leading NHS Twitter account outside London.

WMAS communications director Murray MacGregor said: “This is excellent news and very rewarding for the Trust. We are relatively new to social networking having started in January 2011. Since then the team has become very enthusiastic about embracing all forms of social media to promote WMAS, provide information and engage with followers and the media.”

The Trust currently has a Facebook and WordPress page as part of its social network initiative. The Twitter account is also supported by over 40 official staff accounts providing additional tweets from various specialist departments in the Service. The Trust has almost 18,000 followers and has tweeted over 12,000 times since going live in 2011.

You can join our top Twitter account by following WMAS: @officialwmas.

-End-

A free copy of the full report can be downloaded from: http://jbmccrea.com/download-report/

 

Friday 5th December 2014 – 8.45am – Claire Brown.

You don’t need an ambulance if your pet is ill. If you need a lift home after a night out in the pub, call a taxi.

Sadly, these are some of the types of calls West Midlands Ambulance Service has to deal with; cases that can delay us helping people whose lives are genuinely at risk.

Throughout today we will be releasing clips from real 999 calls, highlighting the difference between appropriate and inappropriate calls.

Jenny Cocks, the Trust’s Emergency Operations Centre Commander in Brierley Hill, said: “We receive about 3,000 calls a day but unfortunately not all of these are appropriate for the ambulance service and sometimes people do forget that 999 is for life threatening injuries and illnesses.

“Our call assessors also have to deal with verbal abuse and hoax calls which is disappointing when all they want to do is help people in their hour of need.”

The audio will be available to from our WordPress site which can be accessed by visiting http://www.officialwmas.wordpress.com

It will also be released through our Twitter, Facebook and YouTube sites, where you can find us by searching for officialwmas.

Ends.

Friday 5th December 2014 – 8am – Steve Parry.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) has won a coveted national Health Business Award.

At a glittering awards ceremony held in London, WMAS was recognised as the Ambulance Trust of the Year after being shortlisted in the category.

WMAS was also shortlisted for an Outstanding Achievement in Healthcare Award for its highly regarded Regional Trauma Network Response. Our health partner, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity was also in the running for Air Ambulance of the Year.

The Trust is consistently one of the highest performing ambulance trusts in England and over the past twelve months has delivered its ‘Make Ready’ programme; recruited over 300 new paramedics and stepped-in to successfully manage the NHS 111 service for the majority of the West Midland region.

WMAS Chief Executive, Dr Anthony Marsh, said: “I am delighted the Trust has been recognised with this top award. This accolade reflects the exceptional work undertaken by everyone in the Trust as they consistently strive to be professional in their delivery of excellent patient care. I am delighted to receive the award and I would like to thank all our staff for making it possible.”

Representatives from the Trust attended the awards ceremony held yesterday at a London hotel.

-End-

Thursday 4th December 2014 – 3.30pm – John Hawker.

(Year 7 Student Sebastian Priest provides CPR with fellow pupils.)

 

A college in Warwickshire are the proud owners of a smart piece of kit which will help to save the lives of students, teachers and locals.

The college in Welsh Road West, Southam took delivery of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED); a device which can help to restart someone’s heart when they’re suffering a cardiac arrest.

The £2000 cost of the machine was covered by local Southam CFR funds and also Arrhythmia Alliance, a local heart charity based in Stratford upon Avon. Local West Midlands Ambulance Service Community Paramedics are working alongside College staff and pupils to provide ongoing training in emergency care.

Keith Bromwich, WMAS Emergency Care Practitioner in Southam, said: “We are very proud to be involved in projects where life-saving AEDs are placed to serve the community.

“Having a defibrillator in a college could make the difference between life or death for pupils, teachers and even someone in their local community. It is situated on the wall on the front of the college and should someone suffer a cardiac arrest nearby, the WMAS Emergency Control Centre staff can give people the code to the box to access the defibrillator.”

Deputy Head of Southam College, Roger Eadon, said: “We are so grateful to the Arrhythmia Alliance and to Keith Bromwich for making it possible for us to have this wonderful device on site. With the continued success and growing popularity of Southam College, the number of students and staff at the school has grown significantly. The defibrillator may well save the life of one of our school community. It has been carefully positioned on an outside wall at the front of the school, so that it is also available for the local community at any time. I am so proud that our fantastic students were involved in producing a persuasive video stating the need for an AED at Southam College. We will continue to work with Keith Bromwich to ensure students, staff and the local community are trained in the effective use of the defibrillator and in other life saving first aid techniques.”

 

L to R: Senior Prefect, Jack Sullivan, Elli Clark, Will Eadon and Head Girl Emily Knight-Robinson.

Thursday 4^th December 2014 – 2.45pm – Claire Brown.

A charity which helps the ambulance service to provide care to the seriously ill is responding to 999 calls in a new car.

The Central Accident Resuscitation and Emergency (CARE) Team is a charity made up of volunteer doctors and nurses who provide advanced pre-hospital medical care to the seriously injured and critically unwell patients.

Every weekend, the team’s doctors and nurses volunteer their time and skills to respond to critically ill patients. Working alongside staff from the Trust, the team are sent to patients who have been seriously injured in road traffic collisions, industrial incidents, shootings, stabbings as well as those suffering serious medical problems.

The volunteers bring additional skills, equipment, drugs and surgical procedures to the patient which all helps to save lives and improve patient outcomes.

After two years of fundraising, the team recently reached their goal and bought an ex-demonstration Volvo XC70 for £25,000. The charity will need to raise £10,000 a year to keep it maintained and fuelled. Dr Robert Moss, Fundraising Lead for the CARE Team, said: “Raising this amount of money has been a significant challenge for the Team. Now we have a car that is perfect for our needs; we carry a lot of medical equipment as well as our team of four clinicians.

“We are delighted that Paul Rigby Volvo are going to be maintaining the car for us. It’s going to have a hard life covering the number of miles we travel each month so having a car that’s reliable and in excellent condition is important for us.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors: For more information about the West Midlands CARE Team please visit http://www.wmcareteam.com/

Thursday 4^th December 2014 – 10.30am – Claire Brown.

As part of our week-long campaign appealing for people to stop and think before dialling 999, our staff have an important video message they want you to hear.

The short video features front line ambulance staff and managers, as well as 999 and 111 control room staff passing on the following message: “Chest pain, severe blood loss, difficulty breathing, stroke, unconsciousness.

“That is what the ambulance service is here for. If your call is less serious dial us here at 111 first, so we can keep 999 free for people who really need it. Don’t forget it could be your loved one who is left waiting for an ambulance when their live is in danger.

“Please stop and think, is your call really an emergency?”

ENDS

Thank you to the following staff who took part in the video:

Andria Smith, Graham Nash, Emma Baxter, Jamie Cashmore, Tim Hughes, Adam Eales, Elizabeth Glendall, Mandy Jones, Antony Glyptis, Jenny Cocks, Jonathan Malko, Mike Duggan, Martyn Bennett, Judith Clarke, Martyn Scott, Julie Jones.

Please see this press release from Shropshire Council:

http://shropshire.gov.uk/news/2014/12/people-with-medical-conditions-urged-to-get-their-free-flu-vaccine/

Please see this press release from Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group:

http://www.shropshireccg.nhs.uk/news/shropshire-walkin-health-centre-is-moving-2591/

Tuesday 2nd December – 6.40pm – John Hawker.

Twenty seven children and one adult have been treated by ambulance crews following a collision between a coach and a lorry in Pershore this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Worcester Road and Three Springs Road shortly before 3.10pm and sent three ambulances, two rapid response paramedics, a paramedic area support officer, a doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham to the scene.

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “We were called to reports of a large number of patients following a collision between a coach and a lorry. Over 40 children and adults were on the coach at the time of the crash with the children believed to be between 9 and 11 years old.

“A total of 27 school children were assessed away from the road side.

One boy, complaining of neck pain, was treated at the scene and immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board. He was transferred to Worcester Royal Hospital.

“Three further children and the man who was driving the coach all received treatment at the scene for minor injuries and were conveyed to the same hospital.

“The remaining 23 children were all checked over by the Doctor and ambulance crews and were discharged on scene. The children were transported back to school on two separate minibuses, where a number of ambulance staff joined them to give advice to their parents who had come to collect them.

“The lorry driver was uninjured in the incident.”

Please see this press release from Herefordshire Heartstart, a charity supported by West Midlands Ambulance Service:

http://herefordshireheartstart.org/news/press-release-local-teenagers-front-nation-of-lifesavers-campaign/

Tuesday 2nd December 2014 – 12.50pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A teenage cyclist has suffered a serious head injury following a road traffic collision in Lichfield this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident near to The Anchor Pub on Burton Road, Streethay, shortly before 8.10am and sent two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a male teenager who had reportedly been thrown approximately 20ft from his bicycle following a collision with a minibus.

“Following assessment from crews, the patient, who was suffering from a reduced level of consciousness, was treated for a significant head injury, anaesthetised and airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

“Unfortunately, the patient’s injuries are thought to be life-threatening.

“The driver of the minibus was uninjured in the incident.”

End

Tuesday 2nd December – 10.50m – Jamie Arrowsmith

Whilst it may seem like a sensible question, the ambulance service is running a campaign this week to appeal to members of the public to stop and think before dialling 999.

Video: Emergency Operations Centre Commander Jenny Cocks and Paramedic Ruth Lester make a plea to the public to only call 999 in life-threatening situations.

The campaign will feature video messages from front-line and control room staff asking people to use the ambulance service wisely. We will also be releasing clips from several 999 calls to show the stark difference between what is an appropriate and inappropriate call. In addition, we will be tweeting live from one of the Trust’s control rooms tomorrow (Wednesday) to follow the day in the life of a call assessor.

Jenny Cocks, the Trust’s Emergency Operations Centre Commander in Brierley Hill, said: “When you call 999 the questions that we ask are vital for us to be able to get the right help, to the right people, as quickly as possible.

“We receive about 3,000 calls a day but unfortunately not all of these are appropriate for the ambulance service and sometimes people do forget that 999 is for life threatening injuries and illnesses. Our call assessors also have to deal with verbal abuse and hoax calls which is disappointing when all they want to do is help people in their hour of need.

“While we’re dealing with these calls there are less call assessors available to deal with that life threatening emergency. Please think before calling 999.”

Ruth Lester, a Paramedic based in Willenhall, said: “I spent three years training to be a paramedic to go out and try and save lives, I didn’t spend my training to treat patients with cut fingers, really bad colds and hangovers.

“If you’ve had a minor accident like a cut finger or a sprained ankle the please look at other avenues, please don’t waste our time. There are things such as NHS 111, the pharmacist or there’s self-care. Only use the ambulance service if you have a life-threatening emergency.”

ENDS

Monday 1^st December 2014 – 5.30pm – Chris Kowalik.

A lorry driver and a van driver have been taken to hospital after road traffic collisions on both the northbound and southbound carriageways of the A38 in Staffordshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the main road between Clay Mills and Branston shortly before 1.50pm today.

A paramedic officer in a rapid response vehicle and two ambulance crews attended.

A West Midland Ambulance Service spokesman said: “A lorry travelling south left the carriageway and went down the embankment. Its male driver had no apparent injuries, but he was taken to Queens Hospital in Burton to be checked over for an increased heart rate and hypertension.

“On the northbound carriageway, a van and a car had collided. The male van driver was hypertensive and had chest pain. He was taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital.”

Ends

Monday 1^st December 2014 – 3.35pm – Chris Kowalik.

Ambulance crews have been involved in the lengthy and protracted rescue of a man who had fallen more than thirty feet at a nature reserve in the Black Country.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called shortly after 11.10am today to Wren’s Nest where a man in his twenties had fallen.

A senior paramedic officer in a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance crew, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford and the Hazardous Area Response Team attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The man had suffered arm and pelvic injuries and a suspected chest injury. He was immobilised and given pain relief and drugs. Working together in dull and dark weather conditions, emergency teams at the scene used rope rescue equipment to lower a stretcher to the man on which to remove him safely.

“He was then taken by land ambulance to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.”

Ends

Monday 1^st December 2014 – 2.40pm – Chris Kowalik.

Two West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedics who are among 30 NHS staff in Sierra Leone as part of Britain’s fight against Ebola have spoken of their experiences in the first of a series of weekly video blogs.

Gerard Kelly who is based in Lichfield and Tom Waters, a critical care practitioner with Midlands Air Ambulance are working with GPs, nurses, psychiatrists and consultants in emergency medicine. Following initial intensive training, they will work in treatment centres built by British Army Royal Engineers and funded by the Department for International Development.

Their videos are provided by international humanitarian agency ‘GOAL’:

                                          

Ends

Please read this news from Shropshire Council:

https://shropshire.gov.uk/news/2014/12/health-chiefs-urge-parents-of-young-children-to-take-up-their-free-flu-vaccine/

Monday 1st December 2014 – 11.30am – Steve Parry.

A cyclist has been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision involving a motorcyclist in Perton this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident at the junction of The Parkway and Mercia Drive at 7.35am.

Two ambulances; a paramedic officer; a community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to a collision between a motorcyclist and cyclist in Perton this morning.

“A male cyclist in his sixties was treated for a serious head injury. The patient was immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board. He was anaesthetised by a doctor at the scene before being airlifted the Royal Stoke University Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“A female motorcyclist received back pain and was treated at the scene before being conveyed by land ambulance to New Cross Hospital.”

 

 

End

 

 

Monday 1^st December 2014 – 8.30am – Chris Kowalik.

Children at a school in Telford have become the latest to be taught basic but vital lifesaving skills as part of a county-wide educational campaign in Shropshire.

Pupils at St George’s Primary School underwent the course as part of the ‘Heartstart Shropshire CFR’ programme.

It was conducted by Liam Stafford, a call assessor at West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Emergency Operations Centre in Stafford (correct).

The children were taught in carrying out CPR and dealing with loss of consciousness, choking and chest pain.

Liam said: “Teaching these important lifesaving skills is a great way to interact with children, giving them the confidence and knowledge should they find themselves in an emergency situation”.

Comments from the pupils about the course included: “Heartstart is the most useful thing you could ever learn”, “I’ve enjoyed this and I know it would be of use if anybody in my family has heart problems” and “It was very interesting learning about how to do CPR.”

To book a free course for your school – contact:

West Midlands Ambulance Service – Cliff Medlicott on 07884 050877 or cliff.medlicott@wmas.nhs.uk or

West Midlands Ambulance Service – Terry Foster on 07827 311909 or terence.foster@wmas.nhs.uk

Ends