Month: June 2015

It’s a defibrillator at Rubery Community and Leisure Centre.

See the full story in the Bromsgrove Advertiser here:

http://www.bromsgroveadvertiser.co.uk/news/13349994.Life_saving_equipment_installed_at_Rubery_centre/

Tuesday 30^th June 2015 – 12pm – Chris Kowalik.

Part of the M5 northbound carriageway was blocked this morning after a collision involving a van and a car.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the motorway between junctions 2 and 1 at 7.15am today.

Two ambulances attended.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “There were major delays in the area this morning. There were no serious injuries. Two people were taken to Sandwell Hospital, a third was discharged at the scene.”

Ends

Monday 29^th June 2015 – 10.30pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Four people have been treated by ambulance staff and taken to hospital after the car they were travelling in ended up in a river near Walsall Football Club tonight.

The incident occurred near to a retail park in Bescot Crescent, shortly before 7.40pm and West Midlands Ambulance Service sent three ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and a community paramedic to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car that had come to rest in a river. All four patients were out of the vehicle and on the embankment, having been helped to safety by passers-by.

“There were four female patients. The driver, a woman in her 30s was treated for a cut to the head and minor neck pain.

“An 11-year-old girl was treated for an injury to her forehead and a suspected fractured leg.

“A 12-year-old girl was also treated for an injury to her forehead as well as wrist, knee and ankle pain. She was also treated for back pain and as a result was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board.

“Finally, a five-year-old girl was treated for injuries to her nose and lips as well as to her forehead.“All four patients were then taken to Walsall Manor for further treatment.”

-END-

Monday 29^th June  2015 – 10.30am – Jamie Arrowsmith

With the heatwave set to begin across the region this week, West Midlands Ambulance Service is urging the public to use restraint in calling 999 for an emergency response.

The ambulance service is bracing itself for a challenging week with temperatures set to hit 30 degrees by day and remain high during night-time.

One of the concerns for WMAS is the number of calls to serious breathing problems resulting from the increasing warm conditions.

WMAS Medical Director, Dr Andrew Carson, said: “A prolonged heatwave poses a real danger to those patients with emphysema, asthma and long term breathing problems.

“The hot weather makes breathing difficult even for healthy individuals. That’s why we suggest people with respiratory illnesses should remain indoors as much as possible.

“It is vital that we get to these patients as quickly as possible and would therefore ask the public to assist us by only calling 999 in life threatening situations.”

Helpful hints this during the heatwave:

• If you’re out in the sun make sure you apply plenty of sun cream, wear a hat and light, loose fitting cotton clothes. Avoid being out between 11am and 3pm, which is the hottest part of the day.
• Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, to keep yourself hydrated. Remember, caffeine and alcohol can have the opposite effect and can actually dehydrate you.
• Fancy a swim? Then please do so in a supervised swimming pool. No matter how tempting it is to cool off in rivers and lakes. The Trust has sadly dealt with a number of incidents in open water.
• If a barbecue is on the cards, please ensure that it is lit safely and in the correct manner. Avoid burn injuries by using the correct utensils and don’t let children play too closely to the hot barbecue. Lastly, please make sure that all food is cooked through properly to avoid any food poisoning incidents.
• If you’re taking advantage of the sunshine and are going out for a walk or hike in the countryside, please make sure you wear the appropriate footwear to avoid any slips or trips.
• If you’re planning on hitting the road for a trip away, make sure you’re prepared for your journey, take food and drinks and remember to break the journey up. If driving in residential areas, please watch out for ice cream vans and any children that may be distracted around them.
• We would also ask bikers to be careful and wear appropriate safety clothing. Equally we ask car drivers to look out for bikers, as the number of these on the road will be significantly higher when the weather is good.”
• Ends –

Monday 29th June 2015 – 8am – Steve Parry.

A mother and baby have been taken to hospital after they were involved in a two-car collision on a country lane in south Shropshire yesterday evening.

The incident occurred on the B4385 near Heblands Bank End at just after 5.30pm. (Sunday)

Three ambulances, together with a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.   A local GP also attended the incident.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a two car collision which also resulted in a pushchair being pinned against a hedge.

“The mother was treated for minor injuries and a 4 month old child in the pushchair escaped unhurt from the ordeal. They were both taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

A woman car driver was treated for knee and facial injuries and taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

“The male car driver of the second car involved was treated by a local GP and later discharged. Two other people were also assessed at the scene and later discharged.”

Crews also attended to a scooter rider who collided with a road sign near Stitt, Rattlinghope at 6.30pm. (Sunday)

An ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire attended the scene.

A woman in her twenties received treatment for a head laceration, pelvic and arm injury. She was immobilised and given pain relief before being airlifted to the Royal Stoke University Hospital.

 

-End-

Sunday 28th June 2015 – 3.30pm – Steve Parry.

Two off-road bikers have been injured after their machines collided near Warndon in Worcestershire this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to an area near Trotshill Way, Warndon at just after 12.30pm.

A Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford; a paramedic support officer; an ambulance; a paramedic in a rapid response car and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews were alerted to a collision involving two scramble bikes at just before 12.30pm.

“A 19 year old man received treatment for chest injuries. He taken to Worcester Hospital by land ambulance.

“Medics also treated the second rider, a male in his twenties. The patient was treated for facial injuries and a fractured leg. He was immobilised using splints, neck collar and an orthopaedic stretcher.

“The patient was also given pain relief before being airlifted to Worcester Hospital.”

End

 

 

 

Sunday 28th June 2015  – 2.30pm – Steve Parry

Four adults and a child travelling in the same car have been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision in Coleshill this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Blyth Road at just before 8am.

Four ambulances and a paramedic support officer in a rapid response vehicle attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to a road traffic collision involving two vehicles in Coleshill this morning.

“The male driver of the family car, believed to be in his forties, received minor injuries. A woman front seat passenger, also in her forties, was treated for back pain. A child aged 9 years received back and leg injuries.

A rear seat passenger, a woman in her sixties, sustained abdominal and leg pain. A further female in her twenties was also trapped in the rear of the car and was later treated for back and leg injuries. The patients were immobilised with the use of a neck collar and orthopaedic stretcher.

“A man travelling in the second car involved was uninjured and did not required further hospital treatment.

“All the patients were taken by ambulance to Heartlands Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

Ends

 

Saturday 27th June    – 7.45pm – Steve Parry

A motorcyclist has died in a road traffic collision near Warwick this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident on the B4455 Fosse Way, Moreton Morrell at just before 2pm.

An ambulance together with a paramedic support officer in a rapid response vehicle, community paramedic and the air ambulance attended the scene.

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

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

 

-END-

 

 

 

Saturday 27th June – 6.15pm – Steve Parry.

Two off-road bikers have been seriously injured after their machines collided near Stafford this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to woodland off Within Lane, Hopton, Stafford at just before 2.55pm.

Two Midlands Air Ambulances; a paramedic support officer; BASICS doctor and two ambulances attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews were alerted to an incident involving two scramble bikes at just before 3pm.

“A male in his twenties received treatment for a serious head and pelvic injury. He was anaesthetised by a doctor before being airlifted to the Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“Medics also treated the second rider, also a male in his twenties. The patient was thrown from his machine into a nearby pond on impact. He was treated for a serious arm injury.

The patient was immobilised and given pain relief before being taken by land ambulance to Royal Stoke University Hospital. A doctor also travelled with the patient. “

 

End

 

Saturday 27th June 2015 – 4.30pm – Steve Parry.

A cyclist has died in a road traffic collision near Kenilworth this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident on Honiley Road, Honiley at just after 10.30am.

An ambulance together with a paramedic support officer in a rapid response vehicle and the air ambulance attended the scene.

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

“Despite the CPR efforts of an off duty police officer, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the man who was confirmed dead at the scene.”

“The male car driver was assessed at the scene and later discharged.”

-END-

 

Saturday 27th June 2015 – 2.30pm – Steve Parry.

A motorcyclist has been taken to hospital with serious injuries following a road traffic collision near Alderminster, south of Stratford this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to New Road, Alderminster at approximately 10.30am.

Two Midlands Air Ambulances together with an ambulance and a paramedic support officer in a rapid response car attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Two air ambulances responded to a collision between a car and motorcycle which resulted in significant damage to both vehicles.

“Crews treated a man in his fifties for multiple leg fractures, pelvic and wrist injuries. The motorcyclist was immobilised with the use of splints, a neck collar and spinal board. The patient was also given pain relief before being airlifted to the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“A male car driver in his forties was assessed at the scene but later discharged.”

End

 

Saturday 27th June 2015 – 7.30am – Steve Parry

A woman has been rescued from the Roaches district on the Staffordshire border after a three hour rescue operation overnight.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to a location near the Winking Man, Upper Hulme, between Leek and Buxton at 10pm.yesterday evening.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to an area near the Winking Man rock after reports of a disabled woman in her forties feeling unwell and stranded near the beauty spot.

“A multi-agency operation swung into action as police, fire service, mountain rescue services and WMAS worked together to bring the woman to safety.

“It is understood that the woman was returning from a walk when she felt unwell and then became disorientated in the darkness.

“The patient alerted the emergency services and she was eventually found on the moorland by the light of her mobile phone.

“Her condition was stabilised and she was immobilised with the use of a specialist rescue stretcher before being taken by land ambulance to the Royal Stoke University Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

-End-

 

 

 

 

Saturday 27th June 2015 – 6.30am – Steve Parry

Three people have been assessed and two taken to hospital following a road traffic collision on the M54 yesterday evening.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the M54 junction 3 – 2 eastbound at Codsall at just before 6.10pm.

Three ambulances and a paramedic support officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car had collided with the central reservation on the M54.

“Two men, thought to be in their twenties, were treated for lower back and chest injuries. They were conveyed to New Cross Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“A third man travelling in the car was assessed at the scene and later discharged.”

 

Ends

Saturday 27th June 2015 – 6.30am – Steve Parry

A family escaped a house fire after jumping from an upstairs window in Whitmore Reans, Wolverhampton yesterday evening.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to premises in Newhampton Road at approximately 8.10pm. (Friday)

Two ambulances, together with a paramedic support officer and a community paramedic attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “A man in his thirties was treated for a fractured arm after he jumped to safety from a second floor window.

“A two-year old child was handed down from the upstairs window and caught by a bystander. A woman in her thirties also escaped the smoke filled premises suffering slight smoke inhalation.

“The family were treated at the scene by ambulance staff before being taken to New Cross Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

 

-END-

 

Friday 26th June 2015 – 10am. Steve Parry.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) has scooped three top awards at a prestigious ceremony held yesterday at the House of Lords in London.

The main focus of the Ambulance Service Institute (ASI) Awards is to award outstanding work in the out-of-hospital care arena and encourage and promote the highest quality of treatment and effectiveness of out-of-hospital care. Those recognised yesterday included ambulance staff, community first responsers and the military.

Presenting the awards, Baroness Browning, said: “What a privilege it is for all of us to hear these wonderful accounts of the bravery, professionalism and dedication of the people who will receive their awards today and of course the people in the teams they work for.”

The following citations were given for those award recipients from West Midlands Ambulance Service:

Steve Harris WMAS Motorcycle Unit –  ASI President’s Awards

Motorcycle paramedic Steve Harris from Smethwick was presented with the ASI Presidents Award for his long serving contribution to WMAS. Steve has served over 36 years with WMAS and has worked an impressive 18 years on the bikes. Affectionally known as a ‘Forest’ by his colleagues as well as fans of Channel 5’s Emergency Bikers TV series, Steve was honoured for his outstanding service to WMAS, the motorcycle unit and the people of Birmingham.

Neil Ashmore and Sarah Lawrence – ASI Frontline Ambulance Persons of the Year.

Neil and Sarah were first on scene at a serious fire in Tipton in the West Midlands in August 2014. They were faced with a second floor apartment well alight when they arrived. The two occupants managed to leap from the second floor and Neil and Sarah immediately went to their assistance and started to treat them where they fell. However, they were forced to carry the patients to safety after the intense heat of the fire blew the windows out of the building. Neil and Sarah were praised for their bravery at the scene and have both been awarded the ASI Frontline Ambulance Persons of the Year Award.

Mental Health Intervention Unit – ASI Innovation Award

The Unit started as a trial scheme and has led to close collaboration between West Midlands Ambulance Service, West Midlands Police and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust. The multi-agency scheme has resulted in a dramatic reduction in the number of people suffering a mental health episode and ending up in police custody. Since January 2014, the ‘Mental Health Intervention Unit’ has seen police officers crewed with mental health nurses and paramedics in a responder vehicle, seven days a week in Birmingham the Black Country as well as Coventry and Solihull. So successful has the Unit become it is now plays an active part in supporting vulnerable patients in communities across the main centres of population.

 

Ends

 

 

Friday 26^th June 2015 – 8.00am – Murray MacGregor.

A woman has had a lucky escape after her car rolled over and ended up on its roof.

The incident happened at about 10.25pm on Thursday evening on Fairfax Road in the Longbridge area of Birmingham.

An ambulance and a paramedic area support officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews found the silver car on its roof with damage around the front left wheel. A parked car was damaged nearby.

“The 22 year old woman driving had managed to get out herself. Although disorientated, thankfully she had only suffered a minor injury to her elbow.

“After assessment by ambulance staff she was discharged at the scene.”

 

Ends

In our final video clip for Drowning Prevention Week, West Midlands Ambulance Service water safety expert John Woodhall explains the training our Hazardous Area Response team paramedics get in river rescues.

Friday 26th June 2015 – 7.00am – Murray MacGregor.

One person has died and six others have been assessed by ambulance staff after a crash on the M40 sparked two separate incidents.

The crashes at just before midnight (11:58pm on Thursday) on the southbound M40 about half a mile before junction 15 have left the motorway closed.

Three ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, two paramedic area support officers, the Hazardous Area Response Team and the MERIT trauma doctor were all deployed to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The initial incident involved a collision between an HGV lorry and a car. When crews arrived at the scene, they found wreckage over three lanes and the lorry was on fire. The car was also destroyed by fire.

“Tragically, the driver of the car was confirmed dead at the scene of the incident.

“The lorry driver, a man in his 50’s was very shaken by what had happened but was uninjured. After assessment and treatment at the scene, he was discharged.

“Thermal imaging cameras on the police helicopter and also hand held units from the fire service were used at the scene but no other casualties were found.

“The second incident was about a mile back from the first in the traffic. Ambulance staff were told that initially two cars collided. This resulted in the first car leaving the carriageway and going about 3-4 metres down the embankment at the side. It also suffered a small engine fire. The second car spun and collided, side on, with the rear of an HGV.

“By chance, a fire engine that was going to the first incident came past the second and very rapidly dealt with the car fire. Although there was damage to outside of the vehicle, the inside was largely undamaged.

“In the first car there were a couple in their 70s with their granddaughter who was in her 20’s. The couple were assessed at the scene and discharged. The granddaughter was complaining of abdominal pain. She was taken to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch; her grandparents travelled with her.

“There were two women in their 20s in the second car. It had suffered fairly extensive damage, but fortunately, there was no intrusion into the passenger area. One of the women was complaining of lower back pain, while the other had chest pain. Both were taken to the Alexandra Hospital as a precaution though their conditions were not serious.

“This was a very complex and distressing incident, but all three emergency services worked extremely well together to deal with it as rapidly as possible.”
Ends

(Library Picture)

Wednesday 25th June 2015 – 1.20pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A motorcyclist has been fatally injured following a road traffic collision with a lorry near Lichfield this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received a call to the A513, between Croxall and Elford at about 8.45am. An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a senior paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

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

“The man riding the motorcycle had suffered serious injuries and was in cardiac arrest.

“Advanced life support was carried out by medics, with the support of an off duty fireman and retired police officer, but unfortunately despite their best efforts, sadly nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

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

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.

West Midlands Ambulance Service water safety expert John Woodhall on the banks of the River Severn in Shropshire, where paramedics are being trained in river rescue.

Wednesday 24th June 2015 – 10.15pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A horse rider who was thrown from her mount in Shipston this afternoon has been rescued with the help of a specialist 4×4 ambulance.

The ambulance travelled across a number of fields, bridleways and uneven ground to access the woman, who was approximately two miles away from a tarmac road.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to a field in Tidmington, near Shipston, shortly after 4.20pm and sent an ambulance, a community first responder and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Due to the 4×4 ambulance’s capability to cope with difficult terrain, crews were able to access the patient as quickly as possible to begin administering treatment, alongside medics from the air ambulance.

“On arrival, they discovered a woman in her 60s who was unconscious after reportedly being thrown from her horse that had become spooked.

“She was unconscious for approximately ten minutes and received treatment for a head injury. Thankfully it is not believed the head injury is significant and the fact she was wearing a riding helmet may well have helped reduced the seriousness of the injury.

“The woman was then transported to Warwick Hospital by the 4×4 ambulance, once again negotiating difficult terrain, for further assessment.”

Ends

Notes to Editors:

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

Wednesday 24th June 2015 – 6.10pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A four-car collision left four people needing treatment from ambulance staff and hospital care in Worcestershire this afternoon.

The incident happened at about 3.35pm outside the Travelodge Hotel on Rashwood Hill in Droitwich. West Midlands Ambulance Service sent three ambulances and a paramedic area support officer to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find four cars with significant damage and four patients, all of whom were conscious throughout and had managed to free themselves from their vehicles.

“One of the cars contained two patients, a male and female, both of whom were in their 80s.

“They were both treated for chest injuries and minor cuts. They were then both transported to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch on the same ambulance.

“There were an additional two patients from a second car. The driver, a woman in her 30s, was treated for cuts to her face whilst the passenger, a woman in her 60s, was treated for neck and chest injuries. The latter was immobilised before they were both taken to Worcester Royal Hospital by the same ambulance.

“A fifth patient, a man from a third car, was assessed and discharged at scene.

“Given the high speed nature of the road all involved are lucky not to have suffered more serious injuries in the incident.”

Ends.

Notes to Editors:

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

Wednesday 24th June 2015 – 6.00am – Murray MacGregor.

Another motorcyclist has his helmet to thank for saving his life.

When ambulance staff arrived at the scene of the crash outside the Winking Man pub on Buxton Road, Upper Hulme near Leek in the Staffordshire Moorlands, they found the helmet had actually cracked by the force of him hitting the ground.

A rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire attended the scene after a call at 11.00am on Wednesday morning.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The incident involved a collision between the motorcycle and a car which resulted in damage to the front of the car and the bike.

“The rider, who was approximately 40 years old, ended up on one side of the road while the bike was on the other side.

“A fellow motorist reported that when he had arrived at the injured rider he was initially unconscious but came round.

“He had suffered a potentially serious chest injury, had grazing to both legs and was treated for a potential head injury due to the damage to the helmet.

“He was immobilised before being airlifted to the Major Trauma Centre at the Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“The car driver was uninjured.”
Ends

Wednesday 24th June 2015 – 1.20pm – Murray MacGregor.

An unfortunate collision between a car and an elderly woman resulted in no fewer than 14 999 emergency calls to West Midlands Ambulance Service.

The incident happened near to the Santander Bank Branch in Worcester Road, Malvern at about 11.55am on Wednesday morning.

A rapid response vehicle was on scene within four minutes and was backed up by an ambulance and a paramedic area support officer. The Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham was also en-route but was stood down.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The initial calls suggested that the incident was more serious than it thankfully turned out to be.

“On arrival, there were over 100 people in the vicinity. The collision involved an 83 year old lady and a car which resulted in slight damage to the bonnet.

“The woman was conscious but had suffered a probable fracture to her left shoulder as well as left hip pain.

“She was immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board and given pain relief before being taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“The man driving the car was unhurt but was understandably shaken by what had happened.”

Ends

Wednesday 24^th June 2015 – 9.00am – John Hawker.

The driver of a car has been fortunate not to have suffered serious injuries after his car left the road, collided with a lamp post and a van and rolled over last night in Shropshire.

The crash occurred on Ironbridge Road, Broseley at around 9.10pm.  Two ambulances and a paramedic officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car that had come back to rest on its wheels after crashing and rolling over.

“The driver, a man in his 60’s, is believed to have suffered a medical episode at the wheel before the crash.  He received treatment at the scene by medics and fortunately suffered no serious injuries.

“The man was transferred by ambulance to Princess Royal Hospital for further treatment.

“The man driving the van was treated for a minor head injury by medics and did not require further treatment, and was discharged at scene.”

“Considering the circumstances of the crash it is extremely fortunate that no one suffered more serious injuries.”

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.

West Midlands Ambulance Service’s water safety expert John Woodhall at Gullet Quarry where two people died in 2013.

Tuesday 23rd June 2015 – 8.40pm – Murray MacGregor.

A motorcyclist has his helmet to thank for not suffering more serious injuries after a crash with a van.

The collision happened at about 2.30pm on Tuesday afternoon on the A458 Stourbridge to Bridgnorth road at Cote Cottages near Enville.

A rapid response vehicle was quickly on scene and was backed up by an ambulance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When ambulance staff arrived they found the rider, a man in his 40s, half on the verge and half on the road.

“The motorcycle had suffered significant damage to the left hand side.

“Initial reports suggested that the rider had lost consciousness briefly after a collision with a van; a lorry was also at the scene.

“The motorcyclist’s helmet had a 2 to 3 inch dent in it, but he’d managed to get it off himself. He was also complaining of a right shoulder injury. He was immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board and underwent a full trauma assessment on the back of the ambulance.

“He was given pain relief before being taken to Russells Hall Hospital.

“The man driving the van was unhurt and discharged on scene.”
Ends

Tuesday 23rd June 2015 – 3.50pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Three people have been treated by ambulance staff and taken to hospital following a collision between a car and a pedestrian in Birmingham today.

The crash happened at about 10.45am on Lordswood Road in Harborne, just outside a vet’s surgery. West Midlands Ambulance Service sent two ambulances and a paramedic area support officer to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a pedestrian, a man in his 80s, who had been injured after being in collision with a car, which had a damaged windscreen.

“The pedestrian was believed to be on the pavement at the time of the incident.

“The man was treated for a head injury and shoulder pain, immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board and taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, for further treatment.

“The driver of the car, a woman in her 60s, and her passenger, a man in his 60s, were both treated by medics for chest pain and taken to the same hospital.”

Ends

Tuesday 23rd June 2015 – 10.00am – Murray MacGregor.

A man who crashed his car into undergrowth so deep that the vehicle couldn’t be seen from the road, has been saved by a sharp eared paramedic.

The incident happened at about 8.25pm on Monday evening on the A3400, Liveridge Hill, about 2 miles out of Henley in Arden towards the M40 in Warwickshire.

Two rapid response vehicles, an ambulance and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The silver Honda Civic had left the road at a bend and gone about 20 yards up an embankment through young trees and bushes.

“Unfortunately, it was almost impossible to see the car from the road. Ambulance staff followed the directions given by the driver over the phone, but an initial search found no trace.

“Eventually, when a paramedic in one of the response vehicles was turning around to continue searching he heard the horn of the car being sounded and followed the noise.

“Staff said that the car was so far in that you could barely see where it was even when you knew it was there. The young trees and bushes had sprung back up largely covering the track that the car had taken.

“The 27 year old driver from Birmingham was trapped in the car, which was still on its side. Ambulance staff worked with firefighters, who removed the roof, to get him out of the car.

“The man was complaining of shoulder pain and had suspected broken fingers. He was taken to Warwick Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“Ambulance staff said, that it was fortunate that the man was conscious and able to phone as otherwise the car might not have been found for a very considerable time.”
Ends

West Midlands Ambulance Service water safety expert John Woodhall explains the effect cold water has on the body:

Monday 22nd June 2015 – 6.56pm – Murray MacGregor.

A car driver has been airlifted to a major trauma centre after a collision between a car and an HGV.

The crash happened at about 4.30pm at the junction of Weaver Avenue and Thimble End Road in the Walmley area of Sutton Coldfield.

A rapid response vehicle, two ambulances and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT Trauma Doctor on board were sent to the scene after no fewer than six 999 calls.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews found a car that had suffered very significant damage.

The man driving was disorientated and trapped by his legs. He had suffered potentially serious injuries to his pelvis and right leg. He also had facial injuries.

“While firefighters removed the roof of the vehicle, the man was treated by the ambulance staff and doctor.

“After having a neck collar fitted he was removed on a spinal board before being airlifted to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“The lorry driver had managed to get out of the cab himself although it had suffered front end damage. He was complaining of neck and back pain and was taken to Heartlands Hospital as a precaution by land ambulance.”
Ends

Picture courtesy of @ErdingtonFire

Monday 22nd June 2015 – 4.15pm – John Hawker.

The driver of a car was trapped for 50 minutes following a crash in Warwick this afternoon.

The crash occurred on Compton Hill at around 1.15pm.  One ambulance, two rapid response vehicles, a paramedic officer, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended the crash, along with a Trauma Doctor from WNAA in a rapid response vehicle.

“A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car and a van that had been in a serious collision.  The car had suffered substantial damage and the van had ended up in some trees.

“The driver of the car, a man believed to be in his 40’s, suffered serious chest, pelvic and leg injuries in the crash and was trapped in the vehicle.

“He received emergency treatment including pain relief from medics whilst still trapped and his condition was stabilised.

“Once released from the vehicle, the man was transferred by air ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“The man driving the van was checked over at the scene by ambulance crews but did not require further treatment.

“Considering the circumstances of the crash it is extremely fortunate that no one suffered more serious injuries.”

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.

Monday 22^nd June 2015 – 12.05pm – Murray MacGregor.

A pedestrian has been serious injured following a freak road traffic incident in Walsall this morning where she was struck on the head by a steel girder.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Bescot Road at the junction of Wallows Lane, shortly after 9.30am.

An ambulance together with a paramedic officer in a rapid response vehicle; a community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to be told that a girder on a lorry had struck the woman, who was in her 20s.   The girder was still on the lorry.

“The patient was treated for a fractured skull.  She was anesthetised by the doctor from the air ambulance and immobilised with the use of a neck collar and orthopaedic stretcher.

“She was taken to the Major Trauma Centre  at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham by land ambulance.

“The hospital was alerted into the hospital where she was said to be in a critical condition.”

Ends

Monday 22^nd June 2015 – 8.40am – Chris Kowalik.

As summer begins, West Midlands Ambulance Service is warning you of the dangers of unsupervised open waters such as rivers, ponds, canals and quarries.

A week-long social media campaign will feature videos from Gullet Quarry in Worcestershire where two people died after jumping into the deep water two years ago. It will also highlight the River Severn, the country’s fastest flowing river, and the training ambulance staff undergo in order to perform water rescues.

Information from the Royal Life Saving Society UK shows around 400 people drown in the UK every year and thousands more are injured. Drowning is the third highest cause of accidental death of children in the UK. The series of videos co-incides with the Society’s ‘Drowning Prevention Week’.

In one of the videos West Midlands Ambulance Service’s water safety expert John Woodhall who was involved in both incidents at Gullet Quarry said: “As soon as you jump in something as cold as this, what you get is a physiological response. When the cold water hits your chest you will … almost gasp. If you take any water in during that, it will cause you to cough, splutter. You will quickly get into difficulty and you may potentially drown.”

If you want to cool off this summer, take a dip in water that is supervised by lifeguards.

To see the videos, follow us on twitter (@OFFICIALWMAS), like us on facebook (officialwmas), or visit our wordpress website www.officialwmas.wordpress.com

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Sunday 21^st June 2015 – 3.55pm – John Hawker.

Five pedestrians have been seriously injured following an RTC in Handsworth this lunchtime.

The incident occurred near the junction of Grove Lane and Antrobus Road at around 12pm midday. Five ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene. Trauma medics in a rapid response vehicle also attended from the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car that had been in collision with a group of pedestrians.

“Five pedestrians were injured in the collision; a girl believed to be seven years old suffered serious head injuries and went into cardiac arrest at the scene. Advanced life support was carried out by medics. This continued as she was transferred by ambulance to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

“A boy, believed to be four years old, suffered serious head injuries and was resuscitated by medics at the scene after he stopped breathing for a short time. The boy was transferred by ambulance to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

“A woman in her 30’s suffered serious head and pelvic injuries in the crash. She received emergency treatment at the scene from medics and was transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Major Trauma Unit for further emergency treatment

“A girl, believed to be 12 years old, suffered serious head injuries and also back injuries. She also received emergency treatment at the scene by medics to stabilise her condition.

“A boy, believed to be 14 years old, also suffered a head injury. Following treatment from medics, both older children were also transferred by ambulance to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

The hospitals had been pre alerted to the five patient’s serious injuries and trauma teams were on standby awaiting their arrival. Unfortunately the patient’s injuries are considered life threatening.

“West Midlands Ambulance Service would like to pay tribute to its staff for their professionalism and the excellent treatment they provided at what was an extremely difficult and distressing incident. The Trust would also like to thank an off duty nurse and Police Officers who assisted with treatment at the scene.”

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.

Saturday 20^th June 2015 – 9.30pm – John Hawker.

The occupants of at least 11 vehicles are fortunate not to have suffered more serious injuries following a crash on the M6 near Coventry.

The incident occurred between junctions 2 and 1, southbound, at around 6pm. Four ambulances and a paramedic officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find at least 11 cars that had been in collision during wet weather on the motorway.

“Eight patients received treatment at the scene of the crash, all having suffered multiple minor injuries.

“Of the eight, four adults were treated and then transferred by ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“The four others were treated and discharged at the scene.

“Considering the number of vehicles involved in the crash, it is fortunate no one suffered more serious injuries.”

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.

Saturday 20^th June 2015 – 7.45pm – John Hawker.

A man has been resuscitated with the help of bystanders at the scene of a crash this afternoon in the Black Country.

The incident occurred on Oakham Road at around 3.00pm this afternoon. A rapid response vehicle, three ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a man that was in traumatic cardiac arrest following a collision and was being given excellent CPR by bystanders.

“It is believed the man was with his family getting into their parked car on the road, when another vehicle crashed into it.

“The man, believed to be in his 30’s, suffered serious head injuries and continued to receive emergency treatment at the scene by Medics. The man’s condition was stabilised and he was transferred by land ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Major Trauma Unit for further emergency treatment. The trauma Doctor and Air Crew travelled with the patient on the land ambulance to hospital.

“Unfortunately, the man was still in a very serious condition.

“A woman who was in the parked car suffered an arm injury, and two young children both suffered minor injuries. All three received treatment at the scene before being transferred by ambulance to Russell’s Hall Hospital for further treatment.

“The driver of the car which was travelling along Oakham Road was checked over at the scene by medics but did not require further treatment.

“Thanks to the actions of the bystanders, the seriously injured man has been given the best possible chance of survival by them quickly carrying out CPR.”

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.  We do not have any contact details for the bystanders to contact them on behalf of the media.

Saturday 20^th June 2015 – 7.45pm – John Hawker.

A man has been resuscitated with the help of bystanders at the scene of a crash this afternoon in the Black Country.

The incident occurred on Oakham Road at around 3.00pm this afternoon. A rapid response vehicle, three ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a man that was in traumatic cardiac arrest following a collision and was being given excellent CPR by bystanders.

“It is believed the man was with his family getting into their parked car on the road, when another vehicle crashed into it.

“The man, believed to be in his 30’s, suffered serious head injuries and continued to receive emergency treatment at the scene by Medics. The man’s condition was stabilised and he was transferred by land ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Major Trauma Unit for further emergency treatment. The trauma Doctor and Air Crew travelled with the patient on the land ambulance to hospital.

“Unfortunately, the man was still in a very serious condition.

“A woman who was in the parked car suffered an arm injury, and two young children both suffered minor injuries. All three received treatment at the scene before being transferred by ambulance to Russell’s Hall Hospital for further treatment.

“The driver of the car which was travelling along Oakham Road was checked over at the scene by medics but did not require further treatment.

“Thanks to the actions of the bystanders, the seriously injured man has been given the best possible chance of survival by them quickly carrying out CPR.”

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.  We do not have any contact details for the bystanders to contact them on behalf of the media.

Saturday 20^th June 2015 – 7.50am – John Hawker.

Two adults and two children have been injured following a serious RTC on the M5 in Worcestershire in the early hours of this morning.

The crash occurred between junction 7 and 6 northbound at around 1.15am. Four ambulances, a paramedic officer and two BASICS Doctors attended the scene.

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

“Two children, a four month old boy and a two year old girl both suffered serious injuries in the crash. The two year old was trapped in the vehicle for around 50 minutes.

“Both children received emergency treatment at the scene from medics and both were transferred by ambulance to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further emergency treatment.

“The hospital had been pre alerted to the children’s arrival and their serious injuries.”

“The woman travelling in the car, believed to be in her 20’s, suffered serious neck and pelvic injuries. The man also believed to be in his 20’s, suffered multiple minor injuries.

“Both received treatment at the scene by medics and were transferred by ambulance to Worcester Royal Hospital for further treatment.

“The two lorry drivers were checked over by ambulance crews but did not require further treatment and were discharged at the scene.”

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.

Saturday 20^th June 2015 – 7.45am – John Hawker.

Three people have died and two others seriously injured in a RTC in Leamington Spa in the early hours of this morning.

The incident occurred on Radford Road at around 2.45am. Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and a BASICS Doctor attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car that had left the road and been in collision with a tree and wall.

“Two men and one woman suffered multiple serious injuries in the crash, and unfortunately nothing could be done to save them and all three were confirmed dead at the scene by medics.

“Two further men were injured in the crash; a man believed to be in his 20’s suffered serious leg and head injuries. He received emergency treatment at the scene from medics including being sedated. The man was then transferred by ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further treatment.

“Another man believed to be in his 20’s suffered back and neck injuries. He also received emergency treatment at the scene from paramedics and was transferred to the same hospital for further treatment.”

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.

Friday 19th June 2015 – 2.30pm – Steve Parry.

A motorcyclist has been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision on the A426 at Birdingbury this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A426 Rugby Road, Birdingbury at just before 12.30pm.

An ambulances together with a community paramedic in a rapid response car and the air ambulance attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews attended a collision between a motorcyclist and car.

“Crews treated a man in his thirties for chest injuries. The patient was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board. He was also given pain relief before being airlifted to the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further assessment and treatment.

“A male car driver was uninjured and did not require hospital treatment.”

 

End

Friday 19^th June 2015 – 8.50am – Claire Brown.

A paramedic from Wolverhampton is embarking on a gruelling 3,000 mile row across the Atlantic Ocean in December and needs your help!

Tom Hodgson, aged 41 and lives Walsall, is based at Willenhall ambulance hub and has worked for West Midlands Ambulance Service for almost eight years.

In December he is going to be part of a four-man crew named ‘Square One Atlantic Team’ to take part in the Talisker Atlantic Challenge; one of the Worlds’ toughest competitions that consists of over 20 teams aiming to be the first to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

The team, who are raising money for Rape Crisis England and Wales and Sport For Freedom charities, will embark on their 90 day challenge from La Gomera in the Canary Islands in December.

Tom said: “We have so far raised just over £7,000 towards our £10,000 target to make it into the challenge, the deadline to reach the target is the 22^nd June! The hardest part of this journey is raising the funds to get us to the start line and we can only do this with your help.  After that, we will need to continue fundraising in the months leading up to the race itself. The number of people to have rowed across the Atlantic Ocean is roughly equal to the number of people who have been into space so, if you can donate anything we’d be immensely grateful.”

Please visit www.squareoneatlantic.com  site for further information or http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/squareoneatlantic.

Ends

Thursday 18^th June 2015 – 6.00pm – John Hawker.

A moped rider has been seriously injured following an RTC in Cannock this afternoon.

The incident occurred at around 4.25pm on Longford Road, Cannock. A rapid response vehicle, an ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a moped that had left the road and been in a significant collision with a telegraph pole.

“The rider, a man in his early 60’s, was being helped by two district nurses who had stopped to assist.

“The man had suffered serious leg injuries and a suspected head injury and received treatment from paramedics. Due to his injuries the man was anaesthetised by the trauma Doctor and was then airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further emergency treatment.

“Unfortunately, the man’s injuries were very serious.”

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.

Thursday 18^th June 2015 – 12.35pm – Chris Kowalik.

The M6 southbound carriageway was closed earlier today after a collision involving a lorry, a car and the central reservation.

It happened between junctions 8 and 7. West Midlands Ambulance Service received a number of calls from eyewitnesses, the first being just after 11.10am.

An ambulance crew attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “One person was cut free from the car. Assessments at the scene found head and facial injuries that weren’t life-threatening. The injuries were treated at the scene and the patient was taken to City Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

Ends

Thursday 18^th June 2015 – 9.40am – Chris Kowalik.

For Telford-based paramedic Darren Hall, meeting patient Darren Whitehead was a first in his 23-year career.

On April 8^th 2013 Mr. Whitehead from Trench first had chest pain, then multiple pulmonary embolisms and several cardiac arrests.

He spent 22 weeks in hospital and six weeks in rehab. A hospital doctor warned Darren’s mother that he would either die or “be a cabbage in a nursing home.”

But he got through as a result of being “strong-minded” as described by hospital nurses.

More than two years later, Darren is back at home. At the suggestion of another paramedic, Darren’s mother Shiela Whitehead wrote to West Midlands Ambulance Service asking if the family could meet those who saved his life initially. In her letter, she wrote: “Darren has hypoxic brain damage and epilepsy – needs 24/7 care but is happy and has a quirky sense of humour.”

On Saturday, June 13^th Darren and his family visited Donnington ambulance hub to meet paramedic Darren Hall. They discussed what happened to Mr. Whitehead two years earlier, his initial and longer-term recovery and how Headway Shropshire is helping in his rehabilitation. He is looking forward to his second summer holiday in Wales in as many years.

Darren Hall said: “I’ve been doing this for quite some time. I can say hand-on-heart that you are the very first person in 23 years who has been able to and had the courage to come here and do what you’ve done. It’s really good for me to see you sitting here.”

Darren Whitehead replied: “It’s really good to be here.”

Ends

Wednesday 17th June 2015 – 7.03pm – Murray MacGregor.

A workman who fell from the roof of a house, has a bush to thank for reducing the level of his injuries.

The incident happened at about 2.25pm on Wednesday afternoon in Elm Grove, Codsall near Wolverhampton.

An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire, which landed in a nearby playing field, were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The man, who was in his 20’s, fell approximately 25 feet from the roof landing on his back in a bush.

“Ambulance staff said that he was complaining of back and pelvic pain, but that it could have been worse had he not landed in the bush.

“The man was immobilised and had a pelvic binder put in place before he was taken by the ambulance to the nearby helicopter from where he was airlifted to the Major Trauma Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.”
Ends

Wednesday 17th June 2015 – 3.45pm – Steve Parry.

A horse rider has been taken to hospital after a protracted rescue from a wooded location on the Shropshire / Staffordshire border near Market Drayton this afternoon.

The incident occurred in woodland between Langot Lane and Moss Lane at Fair Oak, near Market Drayton at just after 12.10pm.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews negotiated difficult woodland terrain to reach a man in his twenties who had fallen from a horse.

“The patient was treated for a fractured arm and dislocated shoulder injury. He was transferred to the all-terrain ‘polaris’ vehicle that was brought to the scene by the HART team using a secondary access route.

The patient was stabilised and then carried to safety on the specialist vehicle to a waiting land ambulance.

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

 

• End – .

Wednesday 17^th June 2015 – 7.00am – John Hawker.

A man has been resuscitated after being pulled out of a canal in Leamington Spa last night.

The incident occurred at the canal near Althorpe Street, Leamington Spa at around 7pm. Two ambulances, two paramedic officers, a BASICS Doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “A man out jogging spotted the man floating in the canal and called 999. The Good Samaritan managed to pull the man out of the water just before medics arrived.

“The man, believed to be in his 40’s, was not breathing and immediately paramedics started carrying out advanced life support. CPR continued and after a short time the man started to make respiratory effort. Due to the patients serious condition the BASICS Doctor anaesthetised the man at the scene before he was then transferred to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire by ambulance for further emergency treatment.

“The hospital had been pre alerted to the man’s arrival and his condition.

“Unfortunately, the man’s condition was described as critical.

“Thanks to the passer-byes actions of rescuing the man from the canal, medics were able to resuscitate him and give him the best possible chance of survival.”

Ends

We do NOT have any contact details for the Good Samaritan, so are therefore unable to contact him on behalf of the media.