Month: January 2015

Wednesday 7th January 2015 – 8.35am – Suzie Wheaton.

Six people were assessed and treated by ambulance crews following a road traffic collision in Wolverhampton last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident on the Birmingham Road in Wolverhampton at approximately 11.25pm.

Three ambulances and a paramedic area support officer were dispatched to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman: “Ambulance crews were called to reports of two cars that had been in collision.

“One of the cars had been carrying four male occupants believed to be in their 20’s. The driver was treated at the scene for a head injury. He was fully immobilised and conveyed to New Cross hospital. The front seat passenger was also immobilised and a third occupant was treated for minor injuries before being taken to the same hospital.

“The second car had been carrying two occupants, both men believed to be in their late 20’s. One of the men was treated for minor injuries and was conveyed to New Cross Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

Ends

Tuesday 6th January 2015 – 10.30pm – Suzie Wheaton.

A cyclist has died following an incident in Coventry today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a cyclist and a car that had been in collision at the junction of Stonebridge Highway and London Road in Coventry shortly after 5.55pm this evening.

An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic area support officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival at the scene crews found a cyclist that had come off his bike and had sustained serious multiple injuries.

“Crews provided emergency medical treatment to the man at the scene before conveying him to the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire.

“Sadly despite best efforts of ambulance personnel and hospital medics nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed deceased at hospital.”

Ends

Tuesday 6th January 2015 – 9.15pm – Murray MacGregor.

A builder who had a seizure on the roof of a six story construction site and almost drowned has been treated by ambulance staff.

The unusual incident happened at about 11.30am on Tuesday morning on the site at the junction of Cardigan Street and Curzon Street in Birmingham.

A rapid response vehicle and an ambulance were sent to the scene.

Paramedic, Jack Lewis, said: “The man, estimated to be in his 30s, had collapsed whilst on the roof of the building. Unfortunately, where he fell, he landed in a large deep puddle.

“By chance, he came down on his side, but had he landed face first, there was a very real chance that he could have drowned. Equally, it was fortunate that he had the seizure whilst in the middle of the roof rather than near the edge, even though there was a guard rail.

“It’s believed that he was found fairly quickly by work colleagues who did the right thing by calling 999. He was just coming round when I arrived.

“After assessing him, we started to warm him up before taking him to City Hospital where they could carry out further tests.

“It is important that people do the right thing when someone has a seizure. Try to put the patient in a safe place; don’t restrain them; and don’t put anything in their mouth – you would be amazed as to the things people, trying to help, have inserted.

“If it the patient’s first seizure dial 999 immediately, if the patient is a known epileptic and the seizure lasts more than five minutes or it takes the patient more than 10 minutes to recover, then you should also call an ambulance.”

Jack is one of the Trust’s corporate tweeters – you can find out more about the job he does by follow him at @wmasjacklewis or click here.
Ends

Tuesday 6th January 2015 – 12.35pm – Murray MacGregor.

A large number of ambulance, fire and police resources were tied up dealing with a completely preventable incident – a car that had gone into a canal in the Black Country.

Initially there were fears that there could have been someone inside the vehicle which was almost totally submerged.

The incident happened at about 7.10pm in the Shropshire Union Canal, Off Middlefield in Pendeford, Wolverhampton.

A rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer, the Hazardous Area Response Team and the MERIT trauma doctor were all sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The initial call said that the car’s lights were on and the windscreen wipers were working which suggested there could have been someone inside.

“Firefighters were able to get a ladder across to the vehicle and an initial search revealed that no-one was trapped, but there were still concerns for any patients given the situation.

“While a more detailed search of the canal and car took place, the owner of the car was found nearby and appeared not to be involved; it was also confirmed that there was no-one inside the vehicle.

“Our concern is that while all these resources were tied up dealing with this completely avoidable situation, someone could have had a genuine need for help.

“At a time when we are extremely busy, this sort of incident is deeply disappointing.”
Ends

Tuesday 6th January 2015 – 12:22am – Murray MacGregor.

A man has suffered serious head injuries after a crash that left the car he was driving badly damaged.

The incident happened at about 8.40pm on Monday evening on Pitsford Street in the Hockley area of Birmingham.

Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the MERIT Trauma Doctor were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a car that had suffered very significant damage to the driver’s side after it struck a wall and a lamppost.

“The front seat and rear seat passengers were both able to get out of the vehicle but the driver was trapped for around an hour.

“The man, who was estimated to be in his 20s, had suffered a fractured skull and other injuries.

“Firefighters and ambulance staff worked together to free him. He was then treated at the scene by ambulance staff before being taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with the doctor travelling with the ambulance crew.

“A woman in her 20s and a teenage boy, who had been able to get out of the vehicle, were taken by a second ambulance to City Hospital with minor injuries after an assessment at the scene.”
Ends

Monday 5th January 2015 – 7.22pm – Murray MacGregor.

A young woman has had remarkable escape from injury after falling off a platform as a train came into the station.

The incident happened at New Street Station in Birmingham at about 6.00pm on Monday evening.

An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the MERIT trauma doctor were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When ambulance staff arrived they found the woman, who was in her 20s, flat on her back between the railway line and the platform.

“Her left leg was bent back with the thigh against her body and the calf against the train.

“Ambulance staff managed to get her out of the position and assessed her condition at the scene. Astonishingly, she appeared to have no injury from her close shave with the train but was taken to City Hospital for further assessment.

“It is clear that, had the train gone even another foot further forwards, then we could have been looking at a totally different situation, with the potential for very serious injuries.

“She has been more than lucky.”

Ends

Monday 5^th January 2015 – 5.10pm – Chris Kowalik.

Ambulance and fire crews battled to save the life of a lorry driver in north Worcestershire today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Bewdley Road, Stourport shortly before 10.30am.

An ambulance crew, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulances from Strensham and Cosford attended. Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service also attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When ambulance crews arrived, the fire service had already removed the driver from his vehicle and started to try to resuscitate him. Firefighters took it in turns to continue with CPR while ambulance crews administered advanced life-support.

“Sadly, despite the collective efforts of all involved, the man was confirmed dead at the scene.”

Ends

 

Monday 5^th January 2015 – 3.30pm – Chris Kowalik.

A Shropshire care provider has taken delivery of lifesaving machines that can restart a person’s heart following a cardiac arrest.

Coverage Care is installing 13 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at its homes for older people in Telford, Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Wellington, Wem, Whitchurch, Bishops Castle and Market Drayton.

The machines, donated by West Midlands Ambulance Service, will be able to be used within the homes but the AEDs will be available for use by members of the public in an emergency.

There are an estimated 60,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year. The chance of a person surviving a cardiac arrest falls by 10 per cent for every minute that passes without an AED being used.

Survival rates can be as high as 75 per cent when patients are treated with the right care and a defibrillator in time.

The homes where the machines are being installed are: Barclay Gardens and Lightmoor View in Telford; Briarfields, Coton Hill House and Crowmoor House in Shrewsbury; New Fairholme, Oswestry; Farcroft, Wellington; Greenfields, Whitchurch; Innage Grange, Bridgnorth; Stone House, Bishops Castle; The Cottage Christian Nursing Home, Newport; Westlands, Wem; and Woodcroft in Market Drayton.

The ambulance service is also training around 90 Coverage Care staff in how to use the AEDS, although anyone can use a machine in a life or death situation as the machines give step-by-step instructions.

Coverage Care Operations Director Bev Aldridge said: “We are indebted to the West Midlands Ambulance Service for its generous donation of 13 AEDs.

“A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time, so having the AEDs in place will make our homes, and the community around them, a safer place to be.”

Cliff Medlicott, West Midlands Ambulance Service Community Response Manager, said: “With a cardiac arrest, it is vital that a patient receives the correct treatment as soon as possible.

“The minutes before an ambulance arrives are vital in helping a person survive a cardiac arrest and we are delighted to be working with Coverage Care to make more AEDs available to the Shropshire public.”

Pictured: Daniel Evans, Assistant Manager at Coton Hill House and Dawn Bush from West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Monday 5^th January 2015 – 1.40pm – Chris Kowalik.

Two men have been injured after falling approx. thirty feet in Birmingham.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to industrial premises in Grosvenor Road, Aston shortly after 11am today.

An advanced community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle, two ambulance crews, the Hazardous Area Response Team and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “A man in his forties had fractures to his skull, jaw, a wrist and a leg. His injuries were treated at the scene. Accompanied by the air ambulance crew, he was taken by land ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham which had been put on alert.

“A second man, who is in his thirties, had a suspected pelvic fracture. He was also taken to the same hospital.”

Ends

Monday 5th January 2015 – 10.45am – Murray MacGregor.

Time is running out if you want to be considered for one of 300 new student paramedic places. Applications via NHS jobs close at 11.59pm on Tuesday evening (6th January).

West Midlands Ambulance Service is recruiting the 300 staff from across the region with start dates ranging from March through to June 2015.

As of 9.30am on Monday morning, a staggering 17,300 people had looked at the job specification on NHS Jobs. That has generated almost 700 applications with another 450 part completed.

Recruitment Advisor, Louise Harris, said: “We are delighted so many people have had a look at the role, but time is running out if you want to convert that into an application.

“What better time to think about a career change than the start of the New Year; why not celebrate by getting arguably, one of the best jobs in the world.

“Even if you haven’t had a look at the job specification, it is definitely not too late to get your form in. We want the very best people to take on this life saving role, so if you think you’ve got what it takes to be a true life saver, please don’t delay and get you application in before the deadline.”

To apply, you need to hold a minimum of 5 GCSEs (inc. English, Maths and Science) plus an A – Level qualification or equivalent. In addition, successful applicants must demonstrate a passion to deliver excellent patient care and hold a full UK driving licence with no more than 3 points. You must also have a Category C1 licence, a provisional C1 or have applied to gain one with DVLA.

Candidates are requested to complete the application form via NHS Jobs. There are two adverts: one for those who hold a C1 licence; and one for those who have either a provisional licence or have applied for one.

Applications can be made until 11.59pm on Tuesday 6th January 2015.

Appointments will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, references and medical clearance (you will be advised of the process by WMAS).

For more information, go to http://www.jobs.nhs.uk/

Keyword: student paramedic
Location: West Midlands

Good luck.
Ends

Sunday 4th January 2015 – 5pm – Steve Parry.

A man has been rescued from a Black Country beauty spot after falling down an embankment this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve in Dudley at just before 2.15pm.

An ambulance together with a paramedic officer and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived at the beauty spot following reports of a man falling down an embankment.

“A man in his twenties was located and treated for pelvic pain.

“The patient was assessed at the scene before being brought to safety after a two hour search to locate him. The HART team worked with ambulance and emergency service colleagues to bring the man to safety.

“The patient was eventually taken by ambulance to Russell Hall Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

 

-Ends-

Sunday 4th January 2015 – 2pm – Steve Parry.

A ‘base jumper’ has escaped serious injury after his parachute failed to fully deploy as he fell from a telecommunications mast near Tamworth.

West Midlands Ambulance Service can confirm it attended a location near a transmitting station off Watling Street, Hints near Tamworth at just after 8.30am.

One ambulance together with a paramedic officer in a rapid response car and BASICS doctor were sent to the scene. The Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) was also in attendance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a man had been injured after his parachute failed to fully deploy following reports of a base jump attempt from a telecommunications mast.

“The man in his thirties was fortunate to escaped serious injury after he reportedly fell over 300 feet. He was treated for a pelvic injury at the scene.

“Medics stabilised his condition with the use of pain relief and he was immobilised with the use of a neck collar, pelvic splint and spinal board before being taken by land ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.”

 

-Ends-

 

Saturday 3rd January 2015 – 3.30pm – Steve Parry.

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

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Walwyn Road, Colwall at just after 10.35am.

An ambulance; a paramedic officer; a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and the Midlands Air Ambulance team travelling in a car from Cosford attended the scene.

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

“A male cyclist in his seventies was treated for a serious head injury. The patient was immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board before being taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

End

 

Saturday 3rd January 2015 – 11.30am – Steve Parry.

Two motorists have been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision near Worfield in Shropshire this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the B4176 near Worfield at just before 7.25am.

Two ambulances and the Midlands Air Ambulance medical team travelling in a rapid response car from Cosford were sent to the scene.

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

“A man in his fifties was treated for a head injury and chest pain. He was given pain relief and immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board before being conveyed to the Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“The woman driver of the second car involved was believed to be in her forties. She was trapped for nearly forty minutes and treated for chest and pelvic injuries.

“The patient was given pain relief and immobilised before being transferred to the Royal Stoke University Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

End

 

Thursday 1st January 2015 – 4.15pm – Steve Parry.

Two people have been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision on the A449 near Ledbury this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A449 near Much Marcle at just before 11.25am.

An ambulance; a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle; a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to a road traffic collision following reports of a two-vehicle collision involving a vintage car.

“One vehicle was found on top of the vintage car, trapping the driver and passenger.

“Both the driver and passenger were fortunate to escape serious injury. The driver, a man believed to be in his sixties was treated for a hand injury.

“A woman passenger also believed to be in her sixties was treated for leg, back and neck pain.

“Both patients were taken to Hereford County Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

Ends

Thursday 1st January 2015 – 11am – Steve Parry.

A pedestrian has been airlifted to hospital after an incident involving a tram in Wolverhampton this morning.

The incident was reported in Bilston Road, Ettingshall at just after 8.30am.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Ambulance crews arrived to find a pedestrian had been in collision with a tram.

“A man in his twenties was found to be unconscious at the scene but didn’t appear to have suffered any obvious external injuries.

“The patient was anaesthetised by an air ambulance doctor. He was also immobilised with the use of a neck collar and placed on a spinal board before being conveyed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

 

• End – .

Thursday 1^st January 2015 – 5.00am – Claire Brown.

Whilst most people were raising a glass to celebrate the New Year, it was business as usual for our staff who were on hand to respond to 999 calls as the clock struck midnight.

As is tradition, the last four hours of 2014 (from 8.00pm – midnight) and the first four hours of 2015 saw the Trust respond to more alcohol related calls which included assaults, falls and unconscious patients. Compared to the previous year, however, the Trust didn’t experience the usual surge in 999 calls after midnight regionally making for a calmer start to 2015.

Between 8.00pm New Year’s Eve and 4.00am New Year’s Day, the Trust responded to 1,436 999 calls.

The Temporary Minor Injuries Unit (TMIU) in the Library of Birmingham returned for its 8^th year to help revellers. Staffed by WMAS paramedics, technicians, Central Accident Resuscitation Emergency (CARE) Team nurses and doctors, Community First Responders and volunteers from the British Red Cross and St John, the TMIU saw a smaller number of patients than in previous years. Just over 35 patients were seen and treated at the unit; three of which required hospital treatment.  All patients were suffering from the effects of too much alcohol or drug use. Ambulance staff based in the City Centre responded to an additional 70+ patients.

Chief Executive Anthony Marsh said: “The plans and preparations for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day have, once again, been second to none. Thank you to staff and volunteers for giving up spending time with their loved ones this New Year to provide additional support at work.

“Staff on the road and in our control rooms have been working flat out during December which saw the Trust break records in terms of demand.

“As we start 2015, it’s a chance to reflect on what has been an incredibly challenging year. I cannot remember a year like 2014; demand just kept increasing with more pressure in the system that I can recall for a very long time.  Despite this, I am immensely proud of the way that, as a Trust, we have met this challenge and continued to provide a very high standard of service to patients. This would not have been possible without the hard work, dedication and passion of my staff and I am extremely grateful for their continued efforts.

“I would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.”

Incidents of note:

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the following incidents:

Severn Side, Stourport on Severn (9.42pm)

Called to reports of two patients who had been stabbed. Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a responder paramedic and medics from the Central Accident Resuscitation Emergency (CARE) Team attended and treated two men who had sustained stab wounds to upper body. Both men were taken on alert to hospital for further treatment.

Pub in Shrewley, Warwick (11.22pm)

999 call to reports of a man who had been glassed. Patient bleeding heavily from neck. Ambulance attended along with the police. A man in his 30s was treated on scene before being taken to hospital.

Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham (3.30am)

Ambulance crew driving back to base in Chelmsley Wood when a pint glass was thrown at their windscreen. The windscreen has been damaged and the ambulance is now off the road awaiting repair and therefore cannot respond to 999 calls. The ambulance crew were thankfully uninjured but understandably shaken.  The offender was found and arrested by the police.

Hill Street, Birmingham (3.35am)

An ambulance, a paramedic officer, a responder paramedic and a MERIT trauma doctor attended a man who had reportedly fallen over sustaining a significant head injury. Due to the man’s serious condition, the medic decided to anaesthetise him on scene before he was transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. His condition was said to be serious.

 

Ends

Notes to Editors:

With reference to incidents listed above – no further information is available. Interview requests – Interviews may be possible from 9.00am onwards on New Year’s Day only.

The press office reopens on Friday 2^nd January for day-to-day regular enquiries.