Month: March 2015

Tuesday 31^st March 2015 – 4.35pm – Chris Kowalik.

A man has been seriously injured after a tree landed on the car he was driving in Birmingham.

A passing ambulance stopped and its crew began to give help moments after it happened in Shenley Fields Road in Selly Oak shortly before 1.40pm today.

A further two ambulances and a paramedic area support officer attended. Despite the strong winds, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford carrying the MERIT trauma team was also sent to the scene because of the seriousness of the incident.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The driver who had numerous injuries including a head injury was trapped in his car. With the help of the fire service, he was freed, placed on a scoop stretcher and, accompanied by the trauma team from the air ambulance, he was taken by land ambulance on blue lights to the major trauma centre at the nearby Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.”

Ends

If you want to know what is open where and when over Easter, visit http://choosewellmidlands.nhs.uk/news/63-easter-opening-times

Tuesday 31^st March 2015 – 12.15pm – Chris Kowalik in conjunction with Thomas Adams School (via J&PR Ltd.)

An Automatic External Defibrillator has been installed at a boarding house in Shropshire whose students and staff have been trained in how to act if anybody ever suffers medical problems.

The machine, which could restart the heart of someone who suffers a cardiac arrest, will be kept at Adams House, the boarding home for pupils at Thomas Adams School and Adams College in Wem, after a first responder began working there.

Lynne Stokes, of Prees, suggested a HeartStart Course and the defibrillator once she became a house parent in January.

She said: “I love working here and helping to make sure the pupils settle in, I want to make a positive contribution to their lives.

“I heard about the defibrillator at the school which was installed last year and realised that as this is a different site, it would not be able to help anyone here.

“This is a 24 hour site. It is important because you just never know, hopefully it won’t need to be used.”

The defibrillator has been installed with the help of the North Shropshire Community First Responders and West Midlands Ambulance Service.

It follows a machine which was installed at the school site in Lowe Hill in November.

Eleven members of staff there have been trained how to use it following the death of English Teacher Gareth Utting, who died suddenly from a suspected heart attack on April 2 (2014), aged just 37.

Richard Bebbington, of Tilstock, is a community paramedic with West Midlands Ambulance Service and said installing machines on different sites is a good idea.

He said: “It’s time critical if someone collapses, the defibrillator needs to be with the person as fast as possible.

“The more defibrillators there are around the better, they should be on every street corner”.

Pictured left to right: Milagro Kasese, Paul Schilling, Lynne Stokes, Temitope Adeyem, Emmanuel Ayeni, Blake Heyne and Rich Bennington.

 

Nicki Cooper, head of boarding, said this new addition means all pupils across Thomas Adams School, Adams College and Adams House are reachable within three minutes if they need treatment.

She said: “It is something we have been discussing for quite a long time, we are really grateful that we can have it here.

“We going to be trained by Richard and the Community First Response HeartStart team in the defibrillator but also choking, CPR, major bleeds, recovery position and how to recognise a heart attack.

“Nine members of staff at the boarding house will have training and some sixth formers will be trained as well.

“We wouldn’t expect them to take the lead but to assist if there were ever an instance that we needed to put our training to use, we hope it would mean they are just less likely to panic.”

Ends

 

Tuesday 31^st March 2015 – 10.40am – Murray MacGregor.

As an NHS organisation, listening to the views and feedback of our patients and their families is a vital part of what we do.

But listening is not enough; it’s what we do with the information that is important, which is why we have just launched a series of information sheets on our website for people who have a learning disability.

West Midlands Ambulance Service interacts with nearly two million patients and their families a year, whether that is face-to-face after a 999 call, as part of a non-emergency pre-planned journey to hospital or on the phone providing help and advice.

In addition we speak to dozens of patient groups every year to find out about what they think of us and what we can do to improve the service we provide.

As part of that learning we have been talking to groups who represent patients who have a learning disability or profound multiple learning disabilities (PMLDs).

 

WMAS Deputy Chief Executive, Diane Scott, said: “Being able to communicate with people in their hour of need is clearly of the utmost importance for an organisation like ours.

“This is one of the reasons why we have been updating the information that we have available for this group of patients. Hopefully we can ensure that if the worse were to happen, they have had a chance to read and understand what is about to happen.

“Equally, for our staff, ensuring they know what to do is just as important. Some use mini computers, others story boards while some may prefer pictures.

“We train our staff that body language, tone of voice and the words they use may be the only way the patient will understand them.

“The new pages provide some basic awareness for communication and information about Carers Rights.

“Whilst these pages are new, we recognise that this is an on-going process and we aim to add more and more to this important area of our site over time.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with learning disability groups in the region so that we can continue to improve the way we provide our service to each and every one of our patients.”

If you run a learning disability group and would like to work with us, please contact: maria.watson@wmas.nhs.uk or call 01384 215 555.

You will find a link to the pages from the front page of our website: www.wmas.nhs.uk

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Tuesday 31^st March 2015 – 8am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has been anaesthetised and taken to one of the region’s major trauma centres after the car he was travelling in overturned in a single vehicle collision in Staffordshire last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Dingle Lane and Sandon Road in Hilderstone shortly before 10.30pm and sent an ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and a BASICS doctor to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a car that had come to rest on all four wheels despite reportedly overturning after leaving the road and colliding with a tree. There was significant damage to the passenger side of the car.

“The sole occupant of the car, a man in his 20s, was treated by ambulance staff for a serious head injury before being anaesthetised.

“He was then taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further assessment and treatment. The hospital had been alerted to the man’s condition prior to his arrival.”

Ends.

Monday 30^th March 2015 – 9.30pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Two women had to be cut free from their vehicles and required treatment from ambulance staff following a three-vehicle collision near to Alcester this evening.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the Alcester Bypass in Oversley Green, shortly before 5.55pm and sent two ambulances, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic area support officer to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered three vehicles that had been involved in a significant collision, two cars and a van.

“The two cars both contained women patients, both of whom were mechanically trapped as a result of the collision.

“Ambulance staff worked carefully with the fire service to cut them free, but one of the women had to be freed with the use of specialist equipment in the form of a Kendrick Extrication Device. This device secures the upper body and allows the patient to be removed from the vehicle in an upright, seated position.

“The woman, who is believed to be in her 40s, was treated for chest injuries and back pain and had pain relief administered before being transported to the Alexandra Hospital.

“The second woman, believed to be in her 30s, was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board. She was treated for injuries to her face, back and legs before also being taken to the Alexandra Hospital.

“There were two male patients in the van, neither of whom required treatment.”

Ends.

Notes to Editors:

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

Monday 30^th March 2015 – 2.20pm – Claire Brown.

A paramedic from Birmingham is one of the first to graduate from a programme for aspiring NHS leaders.

Joshua Miller, who lives in Kingswinford, and works as a community paramedic in Oldbury, graduated from the NHS Leadership Academy’s Mary Seacole Programme last week on Monday 23^rd March at a prestigious ceremony held in Birmingham Council House.

Mary Seacole was a Jamaican woman who overcame racial and sexual discrimination to become a pioneer of modern nursing. Mary pushed the frontiers of emergency care and worked tirelessly to bring care for frontline troops during the Crimean War; skilfully caring for soldiers during the deadliest outbreaks of cholera under open fire.

The 12-month postgraduate programme, wholly funded by the NHS Leadership Academy and delivered by the Open University Business School, is for people who are new in a leadership position or are aspiring to be a leader in the future.

Joshua said: “The NHS Leadership Academy funded a suite of programmes to develop leadership capability within the NHS after the Francis Report into Mid Staffordshire Trust highlighted problems in leadership.

“The Mary Seacole Programme aims to develop first-line leaders who recognise that targets are useful in benchmarking performance, but that information about a service can come from a range of sources, of which the most important are probably the views of patients and staff at its heart. I spoke to and surveyed a number of staff across the Trust about their experiences delivering care to cardiac arrest patients, and have begun passing this knowledge not only to our Trust but to other ambulance services around the country.

“I am proud to be part of the first cohort of Mary Seacole Programme graduates and am keen to put my theory into practice to improve patient care in the West Midlands.”

ENDS

Pictured: Josh with Joan Myers OBE, keynote speaker at graduation ceremony.

Sunday 29th March 2015 – 6pm – Steve Parry.

Two people have been taken to hospital following a road traffic incident in which they appear to have been run down by their own car.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Lid Lane, Cheadle at just after 1.50pm.

Two ambulances, a paramedic support officer, a community paramedic; two BASICS doctors and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to an incident following reports that two people had been injured by their own car.

“The couple appear to have got out of their vehicle as it rolled forward causing injury to both of them.

“A man in his twenties was treated for a fractured leg at the scene. He was immobilised with the use of a neck collar, splint and spinal board. Pain relief was administered before he was conveyed to the Royal Stoke University Hospital by land ambulance.

“A woman also in her twenties received leg injuries and she was taken to the University hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

Ends

 

Sunday 29th March 2015 – 12.30pm – Steve Parry.

A man has died following a road traffic collision on the M54 this morning..

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to junction 2/3 westbound at 8.20am.

An ambulance together with a paramedic support officer, paramedic in a rapid response car; and the Midlands Air Ambulance team travelling in a response car attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews attended to a single vehicle incident on the M54 near Coven.

“Sadly, it quickly became apparent to crews that nothing could be done to save the person involved. He was confirmed dead at the scene.”

Ends

 

 

Saturday 28th March 2015 – 4.30pm – Steve Parry

Three patients have been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision between a car and bus on London Road in Worcester.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident at just before 1.30pm.

Two ambulances; a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and two paramedic officers attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car in collision with a double-decker bus carrying 45 students and teachers.

“Two people from the car were taken to Worcester Hospital. One patient received minor injuries and the second was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board before being taken to hospital

“A teenager travelling on the bus was treated for shoulder pain and she was taken to Worcester Hospital as a precautionary measure.

“In total five further passengers were assessed on the bus. They were all later released to continue their journey. “

-END-

 

 

Saturday 28th March 2015 – 3.30pm – Steve Parry.

A walker has been rescued from a Malvern beauty spot after fracturing his leg near the Worcester Beacon this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the Malvern Hills at just after 11.30am.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived at the Beacon following reports of a walker injuring himself near the summit.

“A man in his sixties was located at the top of the Beacon. He was treated for a fractured leg.

“The patient was assessed at the scene by ambulance staff before fire service colleagues used specialist equipment to bring the man to safety.

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

-Ends-

 

 

Saturday 28th March 2015-  8.15am – Steve Parry

Three teenagers has been taken to hospital after their car overturned in a road traffic collision near Alcester.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of an incident near Haselor, Alcester, just before 10.50pm last night.

Three ambulances, a paramedic support officer in a rapid response car; a community paramedic and the MERIT team were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews found a car had overturned in Wilmcote Lane between Aston Cantlow and Haselor.

“The driver had extricated himself from the vehicle and was treated for minor injuries before being taken to Warwick Hospital.

“Crews also treated two further patients for serious head injuries.

“A 17 year old was trapped for approximately thirty minutes. She was treated for a serious head injury a fractured right arm and suspected back and pelvic injuries. The patient was immobilised with the use of a neck collar, spinal board and pelvic splint. The MERIT Doctor anaesthetised the patient before she was pre-alerted to the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“A man was also trapped and treated for serious head and facial injuries as well as chest and suspected back and pelvic injuries. The patient was also immobilised and anesthetised before being conveyed to the University hospital. “

 

-END-

Friday 27^th March 2015 – 4.30pm – Chris Kowalik in conjunction with NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group, NHS South Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS Wyre Forest Clinical Commissioning Group

The contract to transport thousands of clinically eligible patients to and from routine hospital appointments in Worcestershire has now been awarded.

The existing provider of PTS services, West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) will begin to provide the enhanced, 7 day service which transports over 82,000 people per year from Wednesday 1st April 2015.

The Patient Transport Service is in place for patients with a medical need requiring transport to and from premises providing NHS healthcare and between NHS healthcare providers. For example an individual may need to be transported lying down or to have oxygen while travelling.

Before the procurement process began, patients and stakeholders were asked through a survey and at public meetings to provide their experiences of using the service and what improvements they wanted to see from the service.

Following the feedback, the three Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in Worcestershire have been able to develop a contract to offer a more timely and joined up service, to provide the best possible service across the county.

Chris Emerson, Head of Commissioning and Service Redesign for the three Worcestershire CCGs said: “This is a very important service for many people across Worcestershire who because of clinical circumstance require transport assistance to and from healthcare facilities. The enhanced service will provide a more responsive and cohesive service both to patients and healthcare professionals who book transport for their patients.

“We very much look forward to working with WMAS to ensure that the thousands of patients who use the Patient Transport Service every year have access to a high quality dynamic service.”

WMAS Trust Chief Executive Anthony Marsh said: “It is very encouraging to have won a contract in what is a tough market place. I am delighted for all our staff and I am sure we will continue to provide an excellence service to the people of the county.”

Ends

Friday 27th March 2015 – 5.30am – Steve Parry

A cyclist has died following a road traffic collision in Wednesbury last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Walsall Road, Friars Park at just after 7.30pm.

An ambulance together with a paramedic Area Support Officer and a paramedic in a rapid response car attended the scene.

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

“Sadly, despite the efforts of ambulance crews nothing could be done to save the cyclist involved. He was confirmed dead at the scene.”

 

Ends

 

 

Thursday 26th March 2015 – 4.30pm – Steve Parry.

An elderly man has been injured after falling into a pub cellar in the High Street, Chasetown, Burntwood this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to a public house located in the High Street in Chasetown at just before 11.15am.

An ambulance together with the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill in Staffordshire attended the incident.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a man had fallen over 2 metres into a pub cellar in the High Street.

“A man in his eighties was assessed at the scene and found to be conscious. He was treated for a head injury. The patient was immobilised with use of a neck collar and orthopaedic stretcher before being airlifted to the Royal Stoke University Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“The air ambulance landed on a nearby bowling green.”

 

-Ends-

 

Thursday 26th March 2015 – 9.30am – Steve Parry.

A man is lucky to have walked away from his crashed car without serious injury after it collided with a tree and overturned in Frankley Hill Lane, Frankley this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of the incident at just before 8am.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Emergency services attended a single vehicle incident in Frankley Lane this morning. On arrival, crews discovered a car had collided with a tree and overturned.

“The male driver, believed to be in his twenties, was assisted out of the vehicle by ambulance staff. Fortunately he was found to be uninjured as a result of the incident.”

 

Ends –

 

Wednesday 25th March 2015 – 9pm – Steve Parry.

Two people were fortunate to escape serious injury after their car went through two brick walls and overturned in Dudley this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident in Warrens Hall Road, Dudley at just after 4.30pm.

Two ambulances and a paramedic support officer in a rapid response car were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews discovered a car had overturned after colliding with two brick walls.

“Two males believed to be in their twenties miraculously escaped serious injury. They extricated themselves from their vehicle before the emergency services arrived.

“After being fully immobilised as a precaution, with the use of a neck collar and spinal board, they were conveyed to Russells Hall Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

 

Ends

 

Wednesday 25th March 2015 – 4.15pm – Murray MacGregor.

A cyclist has been anaesthetised at the scene of a crash in Sheldon this morning, Wednesday.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction Coventry Road and Horseshoes Lane at just after 5.40am.

Two ambulances; a paramedic area support officer together with the MERIT Trauma Doctor were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Ambulance staff were called to reports of a collision between a car and cyclist in Sheldon.

“The man cycling had suffered a serious head injury. The patient was sedated by the doctor at the scene due to the nature of the injury he had sustained.

“He was also immobilised using a neck collar and placed on an orthopaedic stretcher before being taken to the Major Trauma Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further assessment and treatment.

“The car driver was assessed at the scene and later released.

“The road remained closed for some time following the incident.”
End

Wednesday 25th March 2015 – 8am – Steve Parry

Two people has been taken to hospital after a car collided with a wall in Birmingham city centre earlier today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Great Coleman Street at just before 3.30am.

Two ambulances together with a paramedic support officer in a rapid response car attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews assessed four patients after a car collided with a wall.

“A female passenger in her twenties was treated for a head laceration and a man was treated for minor facial injuries.

“The patients were taken by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“Two further patients were assessed at scene and later released.”

 

End.

Tuesday 24th March 2015 – 9.30pm – Murray MacGregor.

A man has suffered potentially life changing leg injuries after becoming trapped under the wheels of an HGV tanker.

The man was injured on one of the main routes into Birmingham city centre this afternoon.

The incident occurred on Bristol Road at just before 4.10pm.

An ambulance together with a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and a BASICS doctor were sent to the scene. A further response vehicle came across the incident as it was ongoing.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When ambulance crews arrived, the man, who was estimated to be in his sixties was trapped under the first set of wheels of the trailer unit.

“Ambulance staff worked with firefighters to rescue the man. He received treatment for his injuries as the fire crew used lifting air bags to raise the trailer about six inches for the man to be pulled clear.

“His legs had suffered serious crush injuries. He was immediately loaded onto the ambulance and taken on blue lights the mile and a half to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital with the doctor travelling with the ambulance crew. A trauma team was on standby for their arrival.

“Due to the rapid action of both fire and ambulance staff the man was able to receive the best care possible in a major trauma centre within only 34 minutes of the incident happening.”

 
Ends

Tuesday 24^th March 2015 – 4.30pm – John Hawker.

The occupants of a car have been injured following a crash in Shropshire this morning.

The incident occurred on the B4387 between Westbury and Yockleton at around 8.30am.  Two ambulances, a paramedic Officer and the Welsh Air Ambulance attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car and a large tractor that had been in a collision.

“Three people who had been travelling in the car were all out of the vehicle being looked after by an off duty nurse.

“Ambulance crews started treating the patients; a boy believed to be ten years old and the front seat passenger suffered potentially serious leg injuries, the woman in her 30’s who was the driver was treated for multiple minor injuries and the rear seat passenger, a boy believed to be in his early teens, was treated for a shoulder injury.

“Following treatment all three were transferred by ambulances to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further emergency treatment.  The Hospital had been pre alerted to the patients and their injuries.

“The driver of the tractor was uninjured in the crash.”

Ends

Tuesday 24^th March 2015 – 3.30pm – Claire Brown.

Staff from a train maintenance company in Wolverhampton have been praised by the ambulance service for helping to save the life of a colleague.

On the 3^rd November last year, a member of staff collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest at Alstom in Wolverhampton. The quick thinking of three members of staff ultimately helped to save their colleagues life.

Andy Wall, a Senior Production Manager, is 49 and has worked for Alstom for 27 years. He recalled what happened that morning: “We were sitting in the office when one of our staff members ran in to tell us that a colleague had collapsed. I went round and saw him on the floor gasping for breath. Russell and Barry quickly joined me and as they assessed him, I went to call 999.”

Barry Parkes, 49, is one of the members of the Train Maintenance teams and has worked for Alstom for 14 years. Like many other staff, Barry is a trained First Aider.

Russell Rowley, 42 and a Health and Safety Manager, had only worked at the Traincare Centre for a week and said: “Being my first week at the company I didn’t really know many people and didn’t know Barry, Andy or the gentleman who had collapsed very well. But nevertheless, whilst Barry stayed with him, I ran to get the defibrillator from the office.

“When I came back, he had stopped breathing. As he’d collapsed in an awkward position by a table and some chairs, Barry and I had to quickly pull him clear so that I could start CPR. Whilst I did CPR Barry opened up the defibrillator to get it ready. No sooner had we started CPR than we were joined by a paramedic who told us to keep doing resuscitation whilst he got his medical equipment out.”

The paramedic shocked the man’s heart on scene and, thanks to the efforts of the trio, the man started to breathe for himself. He was taken to New Cross Hospital for emergency treatment and has since made a full recovery.

Andy Jeynes, the Trust’s Community Response Manager, visited Alstom on Wednesday 18^th March to present commendations to recognise their fantastic achievement. Andy said: “The actions of Andy, Russell and Barry are extremely commendable as saving a life is the best gift you can give. This case just shows how important early CPR is when someone is in cardiac arrest. If it hadn’t been for their decisive actions, the outcome would’ve almost certainly been less positive.

“The quicker you start CPR and shock a patient in cardiac arrest with a defibrillator, the better the chances they have of surviving.”

Richard Woodroofe, Operations Director for Alstom said: “Thankfully situations like these are few and far between in the business but the training and the speed of response of our staff in conjunction with the paramedics made the difference.  It’s an amazing achievement and we’re extremely grateful for Andy, Barry and Russell’s prompt actions.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Picture of two – Barry Parkes being presented with commendation by colleague.

Picture of three (kneeling down) – Andy Wall, Andy Jeynes and Russell Rowley

Tuesday 24^th March 2015 – 2.20pm – John Hawker.

A pedestrian has suffered serious injuries after being in collision with a vehicle this lunchtime.

The incident occurred on Stratford Road, Shirley at around 11.45am.  An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a woman lying in the road being cared for by an off duty nurse and Patient Transport Service member of staff.

“The woman, believed to be in her 90’s, had suffered serious head, ankle, and knee injuries.  The woman received emergency treatment at the scene by medics and her condition was stabilised.

“The woman was then transferred by land ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Major Trauma Unit for further emergency treatment.  The hospital had been pre alerted to the woman’s arrival and her serious condition.

“Unfortunately, the woman injuries were described as life threatening.”

Ends

Tuesday 24^th March 2015 – 10.45am – John Hawker.

A teenage cyclist was unconscious following an RTC in Walsall this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service dispatched an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford to the scene of the incident on the A34 Upper Green Lane, near the Birchills Junction at around 7.45am.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived on scene to find a boy believed to be 13 years old who had been in collision with a car whilst riding his bike.  The teenager was initially unconscious but after treatment from medics regained consciousness.  He had also suffered suspected hip injuries.

“The boy continued to receive emergency treatment at the scene by ambulance crews and his condition was stabilised.  He was then transferred by land ambulance to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further treatment with the Air Ambulance Doctor accompanying him to hospital.

“The driver of the car, a woman believed to be in her 30’s, was uninjured in the crash but was checked over for the effects of shock.  She was discharged at scene.”

The air ambulance landed in the car park of a nearby Harvester restaurant.

Ends

Tuesday 24^th March 2015 – 10.10am – Chris Kowalik.

A red telephone box in a village in Worcestershire is to become the latest place in the county to house a defibrillator.

19 members of Mamble Village Community were trained by West Midlands Ambulance Service in CPR and in the use of the device that could restart the heart of someone who suffers a cardiac arrest.

Advanced Community Paramedic Dave Rowley who provided the training said: “For every minute someone is in cardiac arrest, their chance of survival diminishes by ten per cent. The more defibrillators we have in the community, the greater the chance of saving a life. I would appeal to all communities, groups and organisations to embrace this opportunity and technology that can really make a difference.”

Dave is pictured presenting the village defibrillator to John Pepper, Mamble Parish Council Chairman. The machine will be housed in a renovated red telephone box next to the village hall.

Listen to Dave speaking to BBC Hereford & Worcester’s Andrew Easton:

For more information about learning to do CPR and getting a defibrillator, contact Noel Orbell, West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Community Response Manager for Worcestershire via noel.orbell@wmas.nhs.uk or 07980 094808 or the CFR Admin Office via CFRAdmin@wmas.nhs.uk or 01384 215 855

Ends

When one of the most beautiful women in the world talks about cancer, people tend to listen. Hollywood A-Lister, Angelina Jolie has just announced that she has had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed, just two years after having a double mastectomy over fears about developing breast cancer.

If you would like more information about either condition, then please click on this link which will take you to the NHS Choices website which has a wide range of information about the symptoms to look for, a range of videos about people who have developed the conditions, advice on the care and support that is available and links to support groups.

              Monday 23rd March 2015 – 7.00pm – Suzie Wheaton. A man was taken to hospital with critical injuries while three others suffered non life threatening injuries after a significant road traffic collision on one of the busiest roads in Birmingham today. West Midlands Ambulance Service dispatched three ambulances, a motorcycle paramedic, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford, carrying a critical care paramedic and a trauma doctor, to the A38M at the junction of the M6 shortly after 12.30pm this afternoon. A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived on scene to find three cars that had been involved in a serious collision. One car was believed to have been travelling the wrong way along the Expressway. “The first car, had sustained significant damage. The driver, a man, was found in cardiac arrest with bystanders carrying out resuscitation. Ambulance crews immediately commenced advanced life support and conveyed him, via land ambulance, to the Major Trauma Centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. “The crew from the air ambulance travelled on board the ambulance continuing to provide advanced medical treatment whilst en-route to hospital. “The driver of the second car, a man, was out of the vehicle on the crew’s arrival. He was treated for a fractured collar bone and finger before being conveyed to City Hospital for further assessment and treatment. “The third car had also been carrying a single occupant. The man driving was treated for minor injuries and was discharged at the scene. “A fourth patient, who had not been directly involved in the collision, was also treated at the scene after becoming unwell. The man was taken to City Hospital for further assessment and treatment.” Ends

Monday 23^rd March 2015 – 6am – Chris Kowalik.

The picture shows a badly damaged car that had collided with a HGV on the M42.

 Picture: West Midlands Ambulance Service

An off-duty paramedic saw the wreckage on the northbound carriageway at junction 4 just before 8pm on Sunday 22^nd March and stopped to help.

West Midlands Ambulance Service also sent a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance crew to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The car driver, a man in his forties, only had a shoulder injury. As a precaution, he was immobilised with the use of a spinal board and neck collar and he was taken to Heartlands Hospital.

“Given the level of damage to his car, he was considered very lucky not to have been more seriously injured.”

Ends

Monday 23^rd March 2015 – 6am – Chris Kowalik.

Three people have been taken to hospital, two of them on alert, following a collision involving two cars in Warwickshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Campden Road, Lower Quinton, south of Stratford Upon Avon shortly after 7.20pm on Sunday 22^nd March.

Two ambulance crews, a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle and the MERIT trauma team consisting of a trauma doctor and critical care practitioner attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “A man in his thirties who was a lone driver of one of the cars was initially unconscious and was trapped. With the help of the fire service, he was rapidly cut free from his car. He had serious leg injuries and was taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire which had been put on alert in anticipation of his arrival.

“In the other car were a three year old girl and her mother who is in her thirties. The girl had facial injuries and neck and back pain. An assessment from the MERIT trauma doctor also raised concerns about her condition and, having been immobilised, she was taken to the same hospital under alert.

“Her mother had abdominal pains and travelled in the same ambulance as her daughter to the same hospital.”

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Sunday 22^nd March 2015 – 3.30pm – Chris Kowalik.

When a woman slipped from her narrowboat at a marina in Warwickshire inuring her arm, the owner of another narrowboat stepped in to help the ambulance service with the rescue.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Wigrams Turn Marina at Napton-on-the-Hill at 10am today.

 Picture: West Midlands Ambulance Service

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The husband of the woman who is in her fifties managed to get her out of the water before crews arrived. On our arrival, she was back on her own boat, cold and in pain. It appears she dislocated and possibly fractured her arm as she fell. She was given pain relief at the scene.

“With no immediate road access to the marina, it would have been very uncomfortable for the woman to have been carried along the towpath to the ambulance that was parked some distance away.

“The kind owner of another narrowboat brought his vessel alongside that of the patient and offered to take her and the crews to the ambulance which then took her to Warwick Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

 Picture: West Midlands Ambulance Service

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Sunday 22^nd March 2015 – 3.30pm – Chris Kowalik.

A man has suffered a serious head injury in a collision involving the quad bike he was riding and a car in Worcester.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the Rainbow Hill area of the city shortly after 10am today.

An advanced paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance crew and the Midlands Air Ambulances from Strensham and Cosford attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The rider of the quad bike, a man in his twenties, had a serious head injury. He was anaesthetised at the scene and his airway maintained and he was flown for a CT scan and surgery at the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.”

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Saturday 21^st March 2015 – 4pm – Chris Kowalik.

A man has died after suffering a cardiac arrest on a golf course in Herefordshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to a golf club in Wormsley at 10.10am where a golfer had taken ill on the tenth hole.

Two ambulance crews, a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “There was a defibrillator in the clubhouse which someone went to get and club members performed CPR while ambulance crews were en-route.

“When crews arrived, they continued attempts to try to resuscitate him but despite all those best efforts of everyone involved, he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“Although on this occasion the man couldn’t be saved, members of the club should be commended for giving CPR and for having a defibrillator on site. We would encourage all clubs and groups to consider getting a defibrillator to give a cardiac arrest sufferer the best chance of survival.”

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Saturday 21^st March 2015 – 4pm – Chris Kowalik.

A man has died after the car he was driving ended up on its roof on the outskirts of Ledbury

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the B4216 shortly before 9.45am today.

An advanced community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance crew and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews at the scene administered advanced life support to try to resuscitate the man.

“Despite prolonged efforts, nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

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Saturday 21^st March 2015 – 4pm – Chris Kowalik.

A motorcyclist who came off his bike and skidded approx. 60 yards averted serious injury thanks to his leathers and helmet.

The biker, a man in his twenties, was thrown from his machine and came to rest on a grass verge off the B4176 near Claverley. West Midlands Ambulance Service was called shortly after 11.10am today. An advanced community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic medical first responder, an ambulance crew and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The motorcyclist was involved in a collision which resulted in him coming off his bike and skidding along the road for approx. 60 yards.

“Fortunately he had only a minor leg injury which was treated at the scene and he was taken to Princess Royal Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“Had he not been wearing his leathers, his injuries would have been far more serious.”

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Friday 20^th March 2015 – 1pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Two people were left trapped in their vehicles and requiring treatment from ambulance staff following a collision between a van and a car in Coventry this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Smorral Lane, near to Corley Services, shortly after 8.30am and sent two ambulances and a paramedic area support officer to the scene. The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance crew, which included a doctor, also attended the scene in a rapid response vehicle.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a car and a van that had been involved in a serious collision, both of which had suffered significant front end damage.

“There were two patients, the drivers of both vehicles, and both were mechanically trapped as a result of the incident. Ambulance crews worked carefully with the fire service to cut them free.

“The van driver, a man in his 50s, was treated for leg injuries and chest pain. He was given pain relief and immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board before being taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“The driver of the car, a woman, was immobilised as a precaution and also taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further assessment.”

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Thursday 19^th March 2015 – 10pm – Chris Kowalik.

Working in the dark in the middle of a field, West Midlands Ambulance Service was helped by lighting from its own Hazardous Area Response Team vehicles and from the fire service to free a woman from her car

Ambulance crews were called to a field off the M40 southbound carriageway between junctions 16 and 15 shortly before 6.30pm today. It was after a car left the motorway and went through some fencing coming to rest in the field.

The Hazardous Area Response Team, an ambulance crew and a paramedic area support officer attended. Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service also attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The emergency services worked together under their own illumination to cut the roof off the car and free its driver, a woman in her thirties.

“She had pains to her neck, back and chest and a number of minor cuts. She also had pains to her shoulder which may have been fractured.

“She was given pain relief at the scene and was immobilised before being taken to Warwick Hospital.”

Pictures: West Midlands Ambulance Service

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Thursday 19^th March – 4.20pm – John Hawker.

A pedestrian has been injured following an RTC in Worcestershire this afternoon.

The incident occurred on Martley Road, Lower Broadheath at around 2.15pm. A rapid response vehicle and an ambulance attended the scene.

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

“The pedestrian, a woman believed to be in her 20’s, suffered facial, shoulder and leg injuries. She received emergency treatment at the scene by medics and her condition was stabilised.

“The woman was then transferred by ambulance to Worcester Royal Hospital for further emergency treatment.”

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Thursday 19^th March 2015 – 4.10pm – Chris Kowalik.

Mike Belcher is a paramedic in Worcester and a Clinical Team Mentor to the current influx of student paramedics joining West Midlands Ambulance Service.

But recently, he was teaching much younger pupils about the work of the ambulance service when he visited a junior school at the foot of the Malvern Hills.

Mike was at Welland Junior School to show the children there a frontline ambulance and the equipment used by staff. His visit was part of the school’s “people who help others” curriculum.

Mike, pictured with Class 2 Maple Class, said: “For most of the children it was the first time they had set foot in an ambulance and they clearly enjoyed the experience – especially the lights and siren!

“The children have clearly done a lot of work this term and their knowledge of how the body works and the role of the ambulance service is a credit to both the children and their teachers.”

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You’ve probably seen the news reports about the smog that is affecting the UK today. The map below shows you where the highest rates are expected, though rural areas will have lower levels than towns and cities.

Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors. If you have any concerns, please ring 111 in the first instance which will provide help and advice for your condition. If it is more serious this option will not delay an ambulance being dispatched.

For more specific advice from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Air Quality Service click here.

 

Ambulance staff are playing a key role in identifying cases of child sexual exploitation or CSE.

Because of the access staff get to homes because of the unique nature of the 999 emergency service, ambulance staff are perfectly placed to spot cases.

Wednesday 18th March is National CSE Awareness Day. You can get more information here.

The Trust’s Head of Safeguarding, Andy Proctor, said: “All of our staff, both 999 and non-emergency patient transport services, are trained to recognise a range of Safeguarding issues such as child sexual exploitation.

“We have a very effective way of reporting concerns which are then passed to the relevant authority for further investigation where appropriate.

“Our staff are very skilled at assessing situations, but we always recommend them to report concerns if they have any as we know previous referrals have resulted in lives being saved.

“I would recommend everyone to take the time to look at what the signs of CSE are so that each and every one of us can help to give victims a voice.”

CSE is a crime that can affect any child, anytime, regardless of their social or ethnic background. Why not get involved – write a personal pledge on your hand and then post a photo of it on social media using the hashtag #HelpingHands

No-one can have missed the horrific reports of child abuse that have been in the media recently. Child sexual exploitation or CSE is a form of sexual abuse.

Children or young people may be tricked into believing they’re in a loving, consensual relationship. The perpetrators groom their victims in a variety of ways: sometimes it is face to face but it can also involve the use of mobile phones and online so that the victim trusts the perpetrator.

CSE can take place in many forms, whether through a seemingly consensual relationship, or a young person being forced to have sex in return for some kind of payment, such as drugs, money, gifts or even protection and affection.

Other children and young people are trafficked into or within the UK for the purpose of sexual exploitation. It can also happen to young people in gangs.

CSE is a crime that can affect any child, anytime, regardless of their social or ethnic background.

Wednesday 18^th March is National CSE Awareness Day. You can get more information here.

Why not get involved – write a personal pledge on your hand and then post a photo of it on social media using the hashtag #HelpingHands. The pledge can be anything, from speaking out, to educating others.

You can help to give victims a voice. Pledge your support and help raise awareness of this despicable crime.

 

 

Wednesday 18^th March 2015 – 7.20am – Chris Kowalik.

A man has died and another has been taken to hospital following a collision involving three lorries on the M6.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the northbound carriageway between Catthorpe Interchange and junction 1 shortly after 11.35pm on Tuesday 17^th March.

An ambulance crew, a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle and the MERIT trauma team consisting of a trauma doctor and a critical care practitioner attended from West Midlands Ambulance Service. A paramedic and a paramedic officer from East Midlands Ambulance Service also attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “One of the lorry drivers was sadly confirmed dead at the scene.

“A second lorry driver had leg and back pain and bruising to his abdomen. He was given pain relief and was immobilised before being taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further assessment and treatment.

“The third lorry driver was uninjured.”

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Wednesday 18^th March 2015 – 7.15am – Chris Kowalik.

A pedestrian has died following a collision with a Range Rover in Shropshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A442 near Sutton Maddock shortly after 11pm on Tuesday 17^th March.

Two ambulance crews, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The male pedestrian was sadly confirmed dead at the scene.

“A man who had a pre-existing medical condition and who witnessed the incident was taken to Princess Royal Hospital for a precautionary check-up. The driver of the car involved was checked-over and discharged at the scene.”

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West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the M5 northbound entry slip road at junction 3 shortly after 6.20pm on Tuesday 17th March to a crash involving two cars, pictured here:

Two ambulance crews, an advanced community paramedic officer in a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle attended.

Two men were taken to City Hospital with minor injuries,

 

 

Tuesday 17^th March 2015 – 10.25pm – Chris Kowalik.

The picture shows a car, badly damaged after colliding with a van on the A38.

 Picture: West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Attending crews to the crash on the southbound carriageway between Bassetts Pole and Minworth were left wondering how he emerged from it relatively unscathed.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the scene at 7.45pm today. Two ambulance crews, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle attended.

James Williams, paramedic area support officer, said: “The car driver had got out. How did he walk away from this? How he escaped that, pretty much unscathed, is an absolute miracle.”

The driver had leg and back injuries, was immobilised and taken to Heartlands Hospital.

Two men who were in the van had superficial injuries and were taken to Good Hope Hospital as a precaution.

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Tuesday 17^th March 2015 – 8.30pm – Claire Brown.

A man has died following a single car road traffic collision in Redditch this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A441 Alcester Highway at 2.30pm (Tuesday). An ambulance, a senior paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board attended the scene.

A second ambulance and a patient transport services vehicle came across the incident and both stopped to administer basic life support at the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “A car had gone across the central reservation and collided with a lamppost before coming to rest on the opposite side of the road.

“The driver and single occupant of the car, a man, was unconscious. His condition quickly deteriorated on scene as ambulance staff began to assess him and he went into cardiac arrest.

“The passing ambulance staff pulled him clear from the car to commence CPR. They were quickly joined by a second ambulance crew and the trauma doctor.

“Advanced life support continued on the man at the roadside but sadly, despite the teams’ best efforts, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

ENDS

Tuesday 17^th March 2015 – 12.30pm – Claire Brown.

A two car road traffic collision left two drivers mechanically trapped in the wreckage requiring trauma care in Coventry this morning.

The incident happened on Brinklow Road, near to the Coombe Abbey Hotel in Binley, at 9.20am (Tuesday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and a doctor from the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance base attended the scene by car.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The two car collision resulted in both drivers being trapped in the wreckage.

“The driver of one car, a man believed to be in his 40s, suffered a head and pelvic injury. The driver of the second car, a 72-year-old man, had sustained an injury to his chest.

“Both drivers required extrication from the vehicles with the help of the fire service whilst ambulance staff and the doctor worked to stabilise their conditions.

“Once released from the cars, the men were immobilised with neck collars and spinal boards. The younger driver of the two was also immobilised with a pelvic splint.

“Both patients were taken by land ambulance on blue lights to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further assessment and treatment.”

ENDS

Steve Thompson, West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedic and union representative with Unite has been speaking to the Coventry Telegraph:

Read his story here:

http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/i-felt-thump-punched-back-8837112

Tuesday 17^th March 2015 – 11.00am – Claire Brown.

An unconscious man and a passer-by needed treatment by the ambulance service this morning following a road traffic collision in Birmingham.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a car versus wall in Vicarage Road in Oldbury at 8.30am (Tuesday). An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer, paramedics from the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team and a MERIT trauma doctor were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “A car had left the road and collided with the garden wall of a property. When ambulance staff arrived a passer-by was administering excellent first aid to the driver of the car.

“The driver, a man in his 30s, was unconscious but had sustained no apparent injuries.

“Ambulance staff administered treatment to the man, who regained consciousness at the scene, and removed him from the car before immobilising him with a neck collar and spinal board. The man was taken to Sandwell Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“The helpful passer-by, who reportedly smashed a window to gain access to the car in order to help the man, sustained a hand injury. Ambulance staff cleaned and dressed his wound on scene and didn’t require hospital treatment.”

ENDS

Read the full story here:

http://www.herefordtimes.com/news/11858853.County_medic_learns_to_cry_again_on_the_Ebola_frontline/

Picture: Hereford Times