Month: May 2015

Tuesday 12th May 2015 – 6.00am – Murray MacGregor.

A project designed to save dozens of lives across the West Midlands is already showing positive progress with a near 10% increase in the number of times a machine has attended an incident.

Towards the end of last year, West Midlands Ambulance Service embarked on a project to install no fewer than 500 automatic external defibrillators (AEDs)across the region at locations with high footfall such as shopping centres or places that see regular call outs on the 999 service, for example, nursing homes.

The plan was simple; if there are more AEDs out there, there is a higher chance of someone unlucky enough to suffer a cardiac arrest being saved.

The two things that will make the biggest differences in saving a life in such situations are starting CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) as soon as possible and early defibrillation. After a patient has collapsed following a cardiac arrest the chances of survival reduces by 10% per minute if nothing is done to help them. Every second really does count.

Community Response Manager, Matt Heward, said: “By installing the machines, which can be used by anyone, we have increased the chances of saving lives right across the region.

“At the start of the project we were seeing an AED deployed about 2700 times a month. That figure has now hit almost 3050 a month; that is about ten times a day more.

“This whole project was about getting defibrillators out into the community where they are going to benefit the public. We’ve seen them installed in golf clubs, leisure centres, town centres, local village communities. The 500th was placed with our colleagues in Central Motorway Police Group.

“We will continue to work with communities and organisations to increase the number of AEDs out there as they can only help save lives.”
If you would like to work with West Midlands Ambulance Service to place a defibrillator in your community, please contact:

Tel:        01384 215 855
Email:   CFRAdmin@wmas.nhs.uk

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Monday 11th May 2015 – 11.40pm – Murray MacGregor.

Ambulance staff have assessed and treated six patients from a three vehicle crash that resulted in the roof being removed from one of the vehicles.

The crash in Torcross Avenue in Coventry happened at about 6.45pm on Monday evening.

Two ambulances and a senior paramedic officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews found two cars with significant front end damage. The man driving the Ford Ka was trapped with a reduced level of consciousness.

“Working with firefighters, the man was extricated after the roof had been removed. He was immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board before being taken to University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire with potential head and back injuries.

“There were four people in the second car; two men and two women. All four had managed to get out of the vehicle themselves.

“The two men were complaining of back pain. They along with one of the women were taken to the same hospital as a precaution. The second woman was uninjured.

“The man driving the third vehicle that had stopped nearby was checked over but was uninjured and was discharged at the scene.”

 

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Monday 11^th May 2015 – 3.50pm – Claire Brown.

A woman whose car ended up on its side in Smethwick following a collision this morning was helped back onto four wheels by passers-by.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Manor Road and Victoria Road in Smethwick, Birmingham at around 11.30am earlier today to reports of a two car collision which had left one car on its side. An ambulance and a paramedic area support officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When emergency services staff arrived they found a car with damage to its side. The driver and single occupant, a woman in her 20s, had managed to climb out of the car and had sustained an arm injury and back pain.

“Ambulance staff were told by passers-by at the scene that the woman’s car had ended up on its side following the collision. Thinking that they could smell fuel leaking from the car, the passers-by quickly pushed the car back onto its wheels enabling the woman to climb out.

“The woman was given pain relief by the ambulance crew before being taken to Sandwell Hospital for further checks.

“The occupants of the second car left the scene without being checked over by ambulance staff.

“In potentially life threatening situations such as this case, the passers-by acted with good intentions. Members of the public are, however, asked to be careful when at the scene of road traffic collisions. Whilst it is always a welcomed sight for ambulance staff to see people helping patients, we advise against moving vehicles and patients to avoid further injury unless it’s a life threatening situation.”

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Would you like to play an important part in ensuring lifesaving care is provided to the people of the West Midlands?

We’re looking to recruit 15 Apprentice Ambulance Fleet Assistants who play a vital role in preparing our emergency vehicles.

The job includes preparing, re-stocking and cleaning the ambulance vehicles so that the patient environment in the back of a vehicle, wherever it has been, is still like a clinical area that you would find in a hospital or another healthcare facility.  This vital role also means that our crews can concentrate on their primary focus; treating patients.

Vacancies are available at the following hubs:
• Stoke
• Willenhall
• Coventry
• Warwick
• Hollymoor
• Erdington
• Shrewsbury
• Worcester

As an apprentice you will also complete an NVQ Level 2 in Health Care Support Services.  During the apprenticeship West Midlands Ambulance Service will support you to obtain a full C1 category driving licence which in turn will open up a whole range of job opportunities within the Ambulance Service on completion of the training programme.

In order to apply for this exciting new role you must have a full driving licence (showing no more than 3 points) and the willingness to complete the necessary training for the post.

No prior qualifications or experience are required and focus is on giving people the opportunity to secure permanent roles after the completion of the 12 month fixed term training contract.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 14th May and the anticipated start date is Monday 8th June 2015.

For more information on the roles or to apply, please go to NHS Jobs by clicking here and then search for ‘Ambulance Fleet Assistant‘ in the keyword section and ‘West Midlands‘ in the location section.

Sunday 10th May – 10.30pm – Steve Parry

Five people have been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision in Aston, Birmingham this evening.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Lichfield Road at just after 9.05pm.

Three ambulances and a paramedic support officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find two cars had collided.

“A man in his thirties was treated for facial and arm injuries.

“Three women and a child travelling in the second car were also treated at the scene.

“A female child was treated for abdominal pain. A woman believed to be in her fifties was treated for chest pain. A third female suffered leg and facial injuries and a woman in her thirties was treated for back and arm injuries.

“All five patients were transferred to the City Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“One patient was assessed at the scene and later discharged.”
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Sunday 10th May 2015 – 3.30pm – Steve Parry.

Two female motorcyclists has been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision in Stone near Chaddersley Corbett in Worcestershire, this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident at approximately 11.15am.

Two ambulances, a paramedic support officer; a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to a collision between a car and motorbike near the Stone Manor Hotel.

“A motorcycle rider and pillion passenger, believed to be in their sixties, were treated for a lower leg injuries. The patients was immobilised with the use of splints, neck collar and spinal board before being conveyed to Worcester Hospital by land ambulance.

“The male car driver was assessed at the scene but did not require hospital treatment and was later discharged.”
End

Saturday 9th May 2015 – 7.30pm – Steve Parry.

A horse rider has been airlifted to hospital after falling from her horse in Cannock Wood this afternoon.

The incident occurred at a location near Holly Hill Road at just before 3.20pm.

An ambulance, together with the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Ambulance crews had to negotiate difficult terrain to reach a woman who had fallen from a horse.

“The patient, believed to be in her forties, was treated for lower back injuries. She had to be carried for some distance through dense woodland to a field where the air ambulance had landed.

“The woman was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and placed on a spinal board as a precaution.

“She was also given pain relief before being airlifted to the Royal Stoke University Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

 

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Friday 8th May 2015 – 2pm – Steve Parry.

Two canoeists have been pulled from the River Severn near Hampton Loade after getting into difficulty earlier today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) was called to reports of an incident on the river at just before 11.30am.

West Midlands Ambulance Service sent two ambulances together with a paramedic support officer; the specialist Hazardous Area Responder Team (HART); two community first responders and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived on scene after reports of a capsized canoe near Hampton Loade.

“One canoeist had already made his way to safety when crews arrived. A second man was initially tangled in branches. He was later rescued from the water by emergency crews after a dramatic twenty minute search to locate him.

“A man in his sixties escaped the fast flowing water and was treated for hypothermia before being taken by land ambulance to Princess Royal Hospital.

“A second man was recovered from the water by a fire rescue boat. He was found to be in cardiac arrest and ambulance crews treated him with advance life support procedures before he was airlifted to the regional trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

“The hospital was pre-alerted to the serious condition of the patient.”
-ENDS-
Please note we do not have an update on the condition of the patient.

Friday 8^th May 2015 – 12.25pm – Chris Kowalik.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was on hand today to deal with a crash that closed the hard shoulder and one lane of the M5 southbound in Worcestershire.

The service was called at 10.05am today to the collision between junctions 6 and 7. An ambulance crew and a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “A total of thirteen people were in the vehicles involved. Two of them required assessment at the scene. A girl who was in the minibus was distressed but not injured. A man who was in one of the cars had discomfort to his chest. Both were discharged at the scene.”

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Friday 8th May 2015 – 6.00am – Murray MacGregor.

A pioneering project between West Midlands Ambulance Service and Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) means millions of drivers are a little bit safer.

As part of a project to install 500 automatic external defibrillators (AED) across the West Midlands, the Trust has installed one of the lifesaving machines in each of the 27 police vehicles that the police unit operates across the motorway network.

CMPG is made up of staff from West Midlands, West Mercia and Staffordshire Police Forces. The area covered stretches from the Welsh borders to the northern border with Cheshire. This patch covers approximately 400 miles of motorway including eight motorway service areas.

WMAS Community Response Manager, Matt Heward, said: “Tens of thousands of motorists use our motorways every single day. Some parts of the motorway network are very remote, so by having more AEDs out there, we are increasing the chances of saving a life if a very serious accident happens.

“We installed the first three machines a couple of years ago, but the current project has allowed us to finish off the programme. This move now means that every fire engine, ambulance and police car that attends an incident on the motorway will carry an AED.”

Inspector Paul Bennett, from the Collision Investigation Unit, said: “CMPG attends more than 300 fatal and life changing injury incidents every year.

“We have already had cause to use one of the AEDs, so by increasing the number we have can only increase the chances of saving a life.”

Jed White, Chief Inspector (Operations) with CMPG, added: We try and make the road network as safe as possible. We want everyone home safe every day, so if we can respond as police officers to an incident where a defibrillator is required then that will be of great benefit to the public. This is a really positive project that will undoubtedly benefit for the public.”
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Herefordshire Heartstart is supported by West Midlands Ambulance Service.

See their full story here: http://herefordshireheartstart.org/news/press-release-new-patron-for-herefordshire-heartstart-the-countess-of-darnley-jp-her-majestys-lord-lieutenant-of-Herefordshire/

Thursday 7^th May 2015 – 10am – Chris Kowalik.

Volunteer lifesavers in Redditch are appealing for your vote to help them buy new defibrillators.

The town’s Community First Responders (CFRs) have been shortlisted for the Aviva Community Fund and they need your votes to win £10,000

Community First Responders are members of the public trained by West Midlands Ambulance in a variety of assessments and treatments. They all carry a defibrillator, a device that could restart the heart of someone who suffers a cardiac arrest. They may be called to attend a medical emergency while a blue-light ambulance service vehicle is en-route.

If they win the £10,000 they will spend it on replacing their defibrillators for newer models.

To vote for Redditch Community First Responders, visit https://community-fund.aviva.co.uk/voting/project/view/1793 . You can vote up to ten times. Voting closes at the end of May.

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Thursday 7th May 2015 – 8am – Steve Parry.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to two road traffic collisions in south Shropshire overnight.

Emergency services responded to an incident a mile from Morville on the A458 near Bridgnorth at just before 10pm last night.

Two ambulances, a paramedic in a rapid response car and an ambulance support officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews attended to an incident involving a car and van just outside Morville last night.

“A woman in her thirties had managed to free herself from her car before crews arrived. She suffered minor injuries and was taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital as a precaution.

“The male van driver was assessed on scene but later released. A woman passenger in her fifties was treated for chest injuries and taken to Princess Royal Hospital.”

In a separate incident at 12.15am, a car was reported to have rolled over on the A49 at Overton near Ludlow. Two patients were treated at the scene for minor injuries before being taken to Hereford Hospital for further assessment and treatment. A third patient was assessed at the scene before being discharged.”

An ambulance and community paramedic attend the scene.

Wednesday 6th May 2015 – 7.30pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has been airlifted to one of the region’s major trauma centres after being trapped for an hour following a collision between a car and a heavy goods vehicle in Shropshire this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A41 in Grindley Brook, Whitchurch, shortly after 3.25pm and sent an ambulance, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford, with a doctor and a critical care paramedic on board, to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a car and a heavy goods vehicle, both with front end damage.

“The car had suffered significant damage in the incident and the driver of which, a man in his 70s, was trapped for approximately one hour as a result.

“The man, who was suffering from a reduced level of consciousness, was assessed by ambulance crews before carefully being freed from the vehicle with the help of the fire service.

“He was treated for a head injury as well as suspected fractures to his leg and hip. He was sedated in order to stabilise his condition and immobilised with the use of a scoop stretcher before being airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“The driver of the lorry, a man, was assessed and discharged on scene.”

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Wednesday 6th May 2015 – 1.25pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man was trapped in his vehicle for approximately 45 minutes this morning after it overturned in a single car collision in Herefordshire.

The incident happened shortly before 11.05am on the A449 in Ledbury and West Midlands Ambulance Service sent an ambulance, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham, which landed on a nearby field, to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a car on its side with a man trapped inside.

“Crews acted quickly to assess the 18-year-old man and thankfully were able to determine that his condition was not thought to be life threatening.

“They then worked closely with the fire service to carefully free the man, a sole occupant, from the vehicle. A procedure which involved cutting the roof off the car and lasted about 45 minutes.

“He was treated for a broken collar bone and a number of cuts and grazes, including to his head.

“He was immobilised with the use of a spinal board and taken to Hereford County Hospital by land ambulance for further assessment.

“It is not thought any other vehicles were involved in the incident which did cause the road to be closed.”

Ends

Notes to Editors:

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

Tuesday 5th May 2015 – 8.00pm – Murray MacGregor.

A cyclist has died after he was in collision with a van on a busy dual carriageway.

The crash happened on the westbound A5, just before the slip road to Glascote Island (Marlborough Way) under the pedestrian bridge.

Two rapid response vehicles, an ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, which was carrying two doctors were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a middle aged man who had been riding a bicycle who had suffered massive multiple injuries.

“Tragically, it very quickly became apparent that there was nothing that could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The man driving the van was uninjured and did not need any treatment.”

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Tuesday 5th May 2015 – 7.40pm – Murray MacGregor.

Thirteen certainly proved to be unlucky for drivers using the M42 after two separate crashes on the westbound carriageway this afternoon.

The incidents happened between junctions 2 and 1 at about 5.10pm on Tuesday.

Three ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and two paramedic officers were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The two collisions were close to one another.

“The first involved no fewer than nine vehicles. Some had suffered fairly significant damage, but thankfully there were no injuries.

“The second collision involved a van, a lorry and two cars. Two middle aged men had suffered neck and side pain. They were immobilised using neck collars and spinal boards and were taken by ambulance to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.

“Two women in their 20s also went to the same hospital; one, who was pregnant and was taken as a precaution, while the other was complaining of muscular neck pain.

“Due to the number of vehicles involved and for the safety of emergency services personnel, the motorway was closed for a period which resulted in extensive congestion in the area.

“However, considering the situation and number of vehicles involved, it is indeed fortunate that there weren’t more serious injuries.”

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Tuesday 5th May 2015 – 7.10pm – Murray MacGregor.

An elderly woman has died after a car and a small skip lorry were in collision at a crossroads.

The crash happened just after 3.30pm (Tuesday) on the A529 Market Drayton to Hinstock road at the crossroads for Lightwoods in Shropshire.

Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer and the MERIT Trauma Doctor on the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived, they found the elderly woman, who was a front seat passenger in the car, in cardiac arrest.

“They immediately started life support, but despite their best efforts it was not possible to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.

“An elderly man who was driving the car suffered serious chest injuries with suspected multiple fractures.

“Due to his condition, he was taken by land ambulance to the major trauma centre at the Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“The car had suffered significant front and rear damage. The skip lorry had front end damage.

“The driver of the lorry, a man estimated to be in his 50s was out of the vehicle when crews arrived. He had a minor head laceration but did not want to go to hospital.”
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Tuesday 5th May 2015 – 3.28pm – Murray MacGregor.

A worker who was part of the team renovating the aerial section of the M6/M5 motorway link has had to be rescued by ambulance staff and firefighters after suffering back spasms while almost 30 feet off the ground.

The incident happened on the section that runs from the southbound carriageway of the M6 onto the M5 at around 11.50am on Tuesday morning.

An ambulance was initially dispatched along with the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) who accessed the patient off Ray Hall Lane, Great Barr.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The man, who was in his 40’s had bent down to pick up a nail when he suffered a muscle spasm in his back that was excruciatingly painful.

“As if being unable to move wasn’t bad enough, the man was on a platform almost 10 metres off the ground.

“The initial crew used a stair case to get up to the man and started to provide pain relief. However, when the HART team arrived they took over as they are trained in working at height.

“They provided additional pain relief and got the man into a ‘Mibbs’ stretcher which allows them to manoeuvre the man more easily at height.

“They then worked seamlessly with the West Midlands Fire Service Technical Rescue Team to get the man off one platform onto another where he could be placed onto a ‘cherry picker’ machine which then lowered him to the ground.

“The man was then taken to Sandwell Hospital for further treatment.

“This was an excellent example of close working between the two specialist teams that allowed a patient to be rescued from a precarious position and taken to hospital in a timely manner.”

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Tuesday 5th May 2015 – 1.02pm – Murray MacGregor.

A worker has been critically injured after a roller shutter landed on him at an industrial unit.

The accident happened at a work unit on Sparrowhawk Close in Malvern at around 11.00am this morning, Tuesday.

Initially an ambulance and rapid response vehicle were sent to the scene, but they quickly asked for an air ambulance to be sent.

The Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham was tasked to the scene. However, on further examination, the ambulance staff further requested a doctor and the MERIT trauma doctor flying on the Midlands Air Ambulance from RAF Cosford was further dispatched.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, the crews were told that the man, who was in his 40s, had been struck by the roller shutter and had been trapped under it. Colleagues rescued him from underneath using a forklift truck but he had suffered significant chest injuries.

“He was sedated and then anaesthetised at the scene before being airlifted to the Major Trauma Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham by the Cosford aircraft with the doctor on board. Airlifting him meant he was able to get to specialist care in just 12 minutes.”
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Tuesday 5th May 2015 – 12.15pm – Steve Parry.

The Pride Network, which is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) staff group from West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) has been hard at work delivering basic life support and defibrillator training to a Dudley community group.

The comprehensive training programme has been particularly popular with organisations representing disabled groups. With the support of WMAS, the Pride Network group recently presented the first Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to Steve Daniels the Chairman of Dudley Disabled Learning Activities & Advice Centre based at Cable Plaza, on the Waterfront Business Park in Brierley Hill.

Gratefully accepting the AED from Diane Scott, WMAS Director of Corporate Services, Mr Daniels said: “The training courses have been well received and many different organisations have already taken part.”

Maria Watson, WMAS Workforce Manager, said: “The Pride Network is delighted to have been involved in the training programme at the Centre. We are also pleased to formally hand over the first AED to Centre staff, making the Waterfront area a safer place for all concerned.”

– End-
Editor Note:
• Pictured: Diane Scott, WMAS Director of Corporate Services, presenting the AED on behalf of the Trust to Steve Daniels. Pictured also (L-R) are Larry Homler with Stuart Hossack and Adam Aston

Tuesday 5^th May 2015 – 10.30am – Claire Brown.

West Midlands Ambulance Service is supporting the United Nations Global Road Safety week to encourage members of the public to be safer on the region’s roads.

The UN Global Road Safety week, from 4^th – 10^th May, is the third of its kind and this year seeks to highlight the plight of children on the world’s roads and generate action to better ensure their safety.

The Trust attended more than 17,000 road traffic collision in 2014, on average that’s 300 a week.

Over the course of this week, West Midlands Ambulance Service will be offering advice to road users via videos and facts in a bid to help members of the public avoid becoming a patient in the back of one of our ambulances.

Whether you choose a car, bicycle, motorbike or your own two feet to get around, use common sense to avoid becoming a statistic.

ENDS

Tuesday 5th May 2015 – 10.00am – Murray MacGregor.

A woman has been described as being ‘very lucky’ after escaping with relatively minor injuries after the 4×4 she was in rolled over and landed back on its wheels on a dual carriageway.

The incident happened on the A5, on the dual carriageway section about 200-300yds down from the Copthorne roundabout on the west side of Shrewsbury at about 8.20am on Tuesday morning.

The crash left the carriageway completely blocked with oil and debris on the road.

An ambulance heading towards Royal Shrewsbury Hospital with a patient on board stopped to help the woman who was driving. A further ambulance and a paramedic area support officer were also sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Witnesses suggested that a front tyre blew out causing the 4×4 pick-up to roll over. It was left with damage to the roof and the rear of the vehicle.

“Despite the damage, the woman did not appear to have suffered serious injuries, though there was a suggestion that she might have been knocked unconscious briefly.

“The 22 year old had a bruise to her forehead and was concussed. As a precaution she was immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board before being taken the short distance to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“The crash caused considerable tailbacks in the area.”
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Monday 4^th May 2015 – 7.20pm – Claire Brown.

A walker who ended up dislocating his ankle whilst in a wood in Hunnington this afternoon called 999 and directed ambulance staff to his location.

The 999 call came in at 4.15pm from a man who had been out walking and had fallen, causing a nasty injury to his ankle. Despite his pain, the man directed ambulance staff to his location which was in a wood off Frankley Green in Hunnington near to the RSPCA.

An ambulance, Hazardous Area Response Team paramedics and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “With the man’s excellent directions, ambulance staff left their vehicles and went on foot across a field and through several gates into the woods and found the man propped up against a stile.

“It was obvious to ambulance staff that the man, in his 40s, had sustained a fractured dislocation of his left ankle and immediately gave him pain relief to ease his discomfort.

“The ankle was splinted to immobilise it before the man was taken back to the ambulance using the same route. The man was conveyed by land ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.”

ENDS

Monday 4^th May 2015 – 7.00pm – Claire Brown.

A man who ended up being thrown over the handlebars of his motorbike on a motocross track in Shropshire had to be airlifted to a major trauma centre this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received a 999 call to a track in Hawkstone Park off the A49 in Weston-Under-Redcastle at 12.10pm (Monday). An ambulance 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 man in his 20s had reportedly been thrown over the handlebars of his bike whilst riding on the track. The man was in a lot of pain so ambulance staff and the doctor administered analgaesia before they examined his injury.

“The man suffered a dislocated and suspected fractured hip so he was immobilised and his hips supported before being airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital.”

ENDS

Monday 4^th May 2015 – 6.30pm – Claire Brown.

A young girl who was playing on metal gym equipment in a park in Stourport-on-Severn has been airlifted to hospital after suffering serious facial injuries.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to a park near Raven Street in Stourport-on-Severn at 11.00am this morning (Monday). A community paramedic, an ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The 12-year-old girl had reportedly been playing on metal bars in a park gym when she fell and hit her face on one of the bars.

“When ambulance staff arrived the girl had a nose bleed and, upon assessment, suspected she had a fractured nose and eye socket as well as a suspected neck injury.

“The little girl was given pain relief to help relieve the discomfort she was feeling before she was immobilised and transferred to the helicopter which had landed nearby. The girl was airlifted to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch for further assessment and treatment.”

ENDS

Sunday 3rd May 2015 – 6.45pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has been rescued from a burning vehicle by a community paramedic following a single vehicle collision near to Brierley Hill this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Smithys Lane and Coopers Bank Road in Pensnett shortly before 4.10pm and sent an ambulance, a community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer and the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “A car left the road and ended up in a ditch shortly after passing a community paramedic who was travelling in the opposite direction.

“Having seen the incident in his mirrors, the paramedic quickly turned around to check on the welfare of the single occupant in the car, a man believed to be in his 50s.

“The front end of the car had suffered significant damage and flames were instantly visible from the bonnet.

“The decision was quickly made to drag the man clear of the vehicle and to safety on a nearby grass verge. Shortly after getting the man to the grass verge, the entire car became engulfed in flames. The fire service was quickly on scene to put the fire out.

“The man was assessed by crews and found to be suffering a reduced level of consciousness. He was treated for a head injury and transported to Russells Hall Hospital for further assessment.”

ENDS

Sunday 3rd May 2015 – 5.15pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Two pedestrians, including a four-year-old girl, have been seriously injured after they were involved in a collision with a car in Birmingham this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Bosworth Drive in Chelmsley Wood just before 3.30pm and sent two ambulances, a rapid response paramedic, two paramedic area support officers and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford, with a doctor on board, to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Upon arrival crews found four pedestrians who had reportedly been in collision with a car in an incident which resulted in the road being closed.

“One of the patients, a four-year-old girl, was assessed and treated for a head injury and was also suffering from a reduced level of consciousness.

“She was transported to Birmingham Children’s Hospital by land ambulance with the air ambulance doctor travelling with her to continue treatment en-route.

“A second patient, a woman in her 20s, suffered a lower left leg fracture in the incident. She was also treated for cuts to her head and right arm. She was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and scoop stretcher and was given pain relief on scene.

“She was then transported to Heartlands Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

“Two other pedestrains, both children, were uninjured in the incident as was the driver of the car, a man.”

ENDS

Sunday 3^rd May 2015 – 1pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

West Midlands Ambulance Service is urging motorists to take extra care when approaching fords following an incident in Wolverhampton this morning.

Heavy overnight rainfall resulted in an increased depth level at a ford in Furnace Grange Road in Trescott and it was enough to catch one motorist out when they became stranded as they tried to drive through it.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident just before 8am and sent a paramedic area support officer and a community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff discovered a car that was stuck in a ford, with a woman, believed to be in her 30s, trapped inside.

“She was rescued by the fire service with the use of a ladder, before being assessed by ambulance staff. Thankfully she was uninjured in the incident and discharged on scene.

“A man, who had managed to free himself from the vehicle prior to the arrival of emergency services, was also uninjured.

“When approaching a ford, it is essential to slow down and check water levels on the relevant marker posts before attempting to pass through.

“If you are unsure of the depth and have no way of checking, it is advisable to try and find an alternative route.

“If safely negotiating a ford, always check your breaks once out of the other side as it is highly likely they will have got wet whilst passing through.”

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Notes to Editors:

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

Friday 1^st May 2015 – 5.40pm – Chris Kowalik.

A man and a woman who were enjoying the weather in an open-top classic Bentley required trauma care following a road traffic collision in Herefordshire this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a two car collision on the B4362 in Shobdon at 3.15pm (Friday). An ambulance, a community paramedic, a paramedic area support officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and two Midlands Air Ambulances were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The driver, a man in his 50s, suffered serious facial injuries including a fractured cheekbone. He was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“His passenger, a woman in her 40s, sustained a fractured jaw in the collision. She was also conveyed by air ambulance to the same hospital.

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Friday 1^st May 2015 – 5pm – Chris Kowalik.

An advanced paramedic from Worcestershire is to fly to Nepal to assist with the humanitarian rescue operation after he received an email from a friend there asking for help.

Phil Llewellyn who is based in Pershore will provide assistance following the powerful earthquake 80km northwest of the capital Kathmandu.

Phil said: “I have personal reasons in wanting to go to Nepal to help. When it happened, it felt to me like it happened to members of my family.

“I have been to the country several times over the past 12 years. I have a friend who is Nepalese who lives close to the epicentre of the earthquake. He has lost his parents and family members but his wife and children are alive. Most of his village has been wiped out. He has walked to Kathmandu – it took him 3-4 days to get there. He emailed me asking for help and I thought I need to go.

“I will fly to Kathmandu, then I will work with the Nepal Red Cross Society. I hope I will meet my friend there.”

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See this story about Redditch Community First Responders in The Redditch Standard:

http://www.redditchstandard.co.uk/2015/04/24/news-Lifesavers-like-driving-in-their-car-132543.html

 

Friday 1^st May 2015 – 10.30am – Chris Kowalik.

A paramedic from Shropshire is to go to Nepal to help with the humanitarian rescue operation.

Ed Hullah who is based in Craven Arms decided to swap his planned all-inclusive holiday next week for a self-funded trip to provide assistance following the powerful earthquake 80km northwest of the capital Kathmandu.

Ed said: “I had been planning a last-minute holiday to Turkey and thought that it might be an idea to go and render aid and care in the disaster zone instead. As I looked into it, I became more determined.

“I will arrive in Kathmandu, then go to the offices of the Nepal Red Cross Society where I will join a medical unit. Then I’ll be sent to wherever I’m needed.”

Ed has paid for the trip himself. Medical supplies company SP Services based in Hortonwood is helping with equipment.

Ed is also fundraising to buy more medical supplies. If you can help with a donation visit www.gofundme.com/medicalaidfornepal

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Friday 1^st May 2015 – 8.50am – Chris Kowalik.

Two women were injured when the car they were in left the M6 and overturned in a field near Corley Services.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called shortly before 12.15am today.

The MERIT trauma team consisting of a trauma doctor and a critical care practitioner attended along with a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle and two ambulance crews.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car that was upside down in a field.

“With the help of the fire service, two women in their twenties who were passengers in the car were freed.

“The front seat passenger had a back injury, a head injury and abdominal pain. She was given pain relief at the scene, was immobilised and taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“The rear passenger suffered a wound to her back and had pains in her chest, abdomen and a foot. She was also immobilised and taken to the same hospital.

“A man who was driving the car was uninjured.”

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