Month: June 2015

Tuesday 16^th June 2015 – 4.50pm – John Hawker.

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

The incident occurred at the junction of The Parade and St James Road at around 3.10pm.

A rapid response vehicle, an ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

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

“The woman had suffered serious head injuries in the collision and received emergency treatment at the scene by medics, including being sedated.

“Following treatment the woman was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Major Trauma Unit.  The hospital had been pre alerted to the womans arrival and her condition.

“Unfortunately, the womans injuries were considered very serious.”

The air ambulance landed on a nearby school field.

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.  We do not have an age for the woman injured.

Tuesday 16th June 2015 – 2.00pm – Murray MacGregor.

When you’re approaching the end of a shift helping people, the last thing you expect is that some mindless teenagers will shoot a firework at your response car.

Shockingly, that is exactly what happened to a Birmingham paramedic late last night in Ladywood.

Mel Fox, who is based at Aston Fire Station, was walking back to her response car at about 11.15pm on Monday evening after treating a patient at an address in Acorn Grove when she saw three older teenagers sitting on a wall.

She had just put her equipment away and was finishing her paperwork inside the car when she heard an enormous bang.

She said: “It really made me jump when it happened, I didn’t know what had happened, but out of the corner of my eye I spotted the three youths running away.

“It was then that I spotted the firework beside the rear door of the car. As it hadn’t exploded I immediately thought that it was about to, which made me really scared. Thankfully nothing else happened.

“After taking a moment to pull myself together, I got pretty angry. What sort of mentality to people like this have? Were they just ‘messing about’ and thought they’d try and scare me? Were they trying to hurt me?

“I just can’t work out what sort of person would do something like this.”

LISTEN: Mel speaks to Richard Wilford on BBC WM:

WMAS Deputy Chief Executive, Diane Lee, said: “This sort of action is completely out of order and is something that we will not tolerate.

“How anyone could think that this sort of act is appropriate is beyond me. Our staff are there to help people in their hour of need. Thankfully Mel wasn’t hurt and actually continued working, helping another patient before she finished her shift, but no member of staff should have to suffer this sort of experience.”
Ends

Tuesday 16^th June 2015 – 11.30am – John Hawker.

A woman and a child have been involved in an unusual crash this morning which saw their car leave the road and crash into a nearby underpass.

The incident happened near Thatchers Place in Droitwich Spa at around 9.15am.  Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find the car which had left the road, travelled around 50 yards and crashed down into the underpass below.

“The driver of the car, a woman in her 30’s, was already out of the vehicle and being assisted by a passing nurse.  The woman had suffered a serious ankle injury, back pain and a nose injury.

“She received emergency treatment from ambulance crews including pain relief and being immobilised using a spinal board and neck collar.

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

“The passenger in the car, a boy believed to be two years old, suffered minor facial injuries and also received treatment from paramedics before being transferred to hospital.  Thankfully the child was in an appropriate child safety seat and fully restrained.

“Considering the circumstances of the crash it is extremely fortunate that no one suffered more serious injuries and no one was walking in the underpass at the time it happened.”

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.

Tuesday 2nd June 2015 – 7.30pm – Murray MacGregor.

Two young girls have been hurt after a collision with a car in Nuneaton. The incident happened in Marlborough Road at about 5.25pm this afternoon (Monday).

A rapid response vehicle was on scene 90 seconds after being alerted to the incident and was joined shortly afterwards by an off duty paramedic who was on his way to work.

They were backed up by two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and two air ambulances, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire and the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance which had a doctor on board.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived they were told that the two girls had been crossing the road when the collision happened.

“A nine year old girl was initially unresponsive and agitated. However, she started to come round but had been injured on her right side.

“She was immobilised before being airlifted by the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. However, the initial update from the doctor on board is that her injuries do not appear to be too serious.

“The second girl, who is believed to be 10 years old, suffered injuries to her right leg. She too was immobilised and was taken by land ambulance to University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire. Her condition is not thought to be serious.”

“The car had suffered very little damage. The driver was uninjured.”

 

Ends

Tuesday 2nd June 2015 – 7.00pm – Murray MacGregor.

You’ve probably heard the emergency services saying if you break down, you should get out of your vehicle. For the occupants of one car, it could well have saved their life.  Here’s why:

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A45 Coventry Road in Solihull, just next to Birmingham Airport runway at 3.30pm on Monday afternoon.

When the single ambulance that was dispatched arrived, the crew found a Citroen Xsara Picasso with massive rear end damage. It had broken down on a corner on the dual carriageway and been struck by a flatbed van carrying tree trunks.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Fortunately, the occupants of the Picasso were on the verge and were uninjured.

“It is more than fortunate that they were out of the vehicle. Anyone who had been in the rear would have been very badly injured as everything up to the driver’s seat, essentially disappeared.

“The driver of the van, a 20 year old man, was taken to Heartlands Hospital with burns to face from the airbag and chest bruising from seatbelt. Thankfully the injuries were relatively minor.

“The van itself had suffered considerable front end damage from the collision.

“If anyone ever wondered why you should get out of a broken down vehicle, this is it. You can see the level of damage involved. It doesn’t bear thinking about what would have happened to someone in the back.”

Note to Editors

Picture 4 should be credited to @HaymillsFire

Ends

Sunday 14^th June 2015 – 8.45pm – Claire Brown.

Despite the best efforts of bystanders and medics, a lorry driver has died at the wheel of his HGV in Tamworth this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received a 999 call to reports of a HGV which had left the carriageway and collided with trees on the A5 between Wilnecote and Tamworth, shortly before 5.00pm (Sunday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance crews arrived they found a HGV which had collided with trees at the side of the road. The lorry driver was in cardiac arrest and was being given CPR by bystanders.

“Ambulance crews took over resuscitation attempts administering advanced life support. Sadly, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead on scene.”

 

ENDS

Sunday 14^th June 2015 – 7.15pm – Claire Brown.

A motorcyclist who ended up in a ditch following a collision in Stratford-upon-Avon had to be anaesthetised on scene before being airlifted to A&E.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a road traffic collision involving a motorbike and a car on the Birmingham Road in Bishopton at 2.45pm this afternoon (Sunday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance with a doctor on board were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival at the scene ambulance staff found a motorcyclist who had come off his bike and had landed in a ditch at the side of the road. Upon assessment by the team of medics, he was found to have sustained multiple traumatic injuries.

“Due to the man’s serious injuries, the doctor took the decision to anaesthetise him at the roadside in order to try to stabilise his condition.

“The man was then quickly transferred to the awaiting helicopter before being airlifted to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, a major trauma centre, for further emergency care.

“The man was in a critical condition upon arrival at hospital.”

ENDS

Saturday 13^th June 2015 – 6.50am – Claire Brown.

One woman has died and two other people required treatment at a major trauma centre following a collision involving two cars and a lorry in Staffordshire last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of the A515 and B5017 in Draycott in the Clay, near Newborough in Burton-on-Trent shortly before 10.00pm (Friday). Three ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a senior paramedic officer, a community paramedic, a North Staffordshire BASICS doctor and a MERIT trauma doctor were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival ambulance staff found two cars and a lorry which had been involved in a significant collision at a cross roads.

“The driver of one car, a woman, was in traumatic cardiac arrest. Sadly despite resuscitation attempts at the roadside by ambulance staff nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The driver of the second car, a 42-year-old man, was trapped due to significant damage to the front of the car. Upon assessment the man was found to have suffered a chest injury and abdominal pain. Whilst ambulance staff and medics began treatment, the fire service worked to carefully extricate him from the car.

“After around 40 minutes the man was released from the wreckage and immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board before being taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital, a major trauma centre, for further assessment and treatment.

“The passenger, a 54-year-old woman, had managed to get out of the car despite suffering pain in her pelvis. She too was fully immobilised before being taken to the same hospital for further specialist trauma care.

“A doctor travelled with the patients to hospital to assist the ambulance crews en route.

“The driver of the lorry, a man, was uninjured.”

ENDS

Friday 12^th June 2015 – 4.50pm – Claire Brown.

A man on a motorcycle has had to be sedated by doctors at the scene of a road traffic collision which left him trapped beneath a van in Woodseaves this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A519 in Woodseaves, Staffordshire at 2.45pm (Friday). Two local community first responders, an ambulance, a community paramedic, a senior paramedic officer, a North Staffordshire BASICS doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a motorcyclist and a van which had been involved in a collision. The motorcyclist, a 50-year-old man, was trapped underneath the van.

“Whilst ambulance staff and the medics began to assess and treat the man, the fire service worked quickly to lift the van to release him. The man had sustained serious pelvic, chest, face and leg injuries. The doctors and ambulance staff worked as a team to administer pain relief and fluids. Due to the man’s condition, the doctors sedated him to help stabilise him on scene. Once stable, the man was immobilised with a neck collar and scoop stretcher and carried to the awaiting air ambulance.

“The man was then flown to Royal Stoke University Hospital, a major trauma centre, for further emergency care. A doctor continued treatment and monitoring en route to A&E.”

ENDS

Thursday 11^th June 2015 – 9.15pm – Claire Brown.

An elderly biker could have suffered more serious injuries after a collision with a car and a hedge in Newcastle-under-Lyme but his leathers did just the trick.

The incident happened on the A53 in Butterton shortly after 6.15pm this evening (Thursday). An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and a North Staffordshire BASICS doctor attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff arrived they found a biker being cared for by off duty medical staff. The man in his 70s had come off his bike and had ended up in a hedge at the side of the road following a collision with a car.

“The man had been wearing full protective gear which had been shredded during the impact with the dense hedge.

“Upon assessment ambulance staff found he had sustained shoulder and arm injuries and a suspected fractured leg. He was given pain relief before being carefully immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board. The man was then taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further treatment.

“If the man didn’t have biker gear on his injures would have been more serious.”

ENDS

Thursday 11^th June 2015 – 2.30pm – Chris Kowalik.

A man has been injured in a collision involving the van he was driving and a flatbed lorry.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A53 between Hodnet and Edgebolton, shortly after 9.05am today.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The van driver, a man in his fifties, had no obvious signs of injury but he did have pain to his side and leg. He was immobilised with the use of a spinal board and neck collar. A pelvic splint was applied and he was given pain relief.
“He was then taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

Ends

Thursday 11^th June 2015 – 12.45pm – Chris Kowalik.

A lorry carrying manure ended up on its side on a motorway island this morning.

Its contents were shed on the road at Junction 1 above the M5.

Picture: West Midlands Ambulance Service
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called shortly before 11am and sent an ambulance crew and a paramedic area support officer to the scene.

The lorry driver, a man in his forties, was checked over, found to have only minor injuries and was discharged at the scene.

Ends

Wednesday 10^th June 2015 – 2.45pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A biker has been treated for numerous injuries, including a suspected fractured jaw, after two motorbikes collided in Birmingham this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Cheverton Road in Northfield, shortly after 12.55pm and sent an ambulance, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic officer to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find one patient, a man in his 40s, who had fallen from his motorbike as a result of the collision.

“The man, who remained conscious throughout, was assessed by ambulance staff and treated for a suspected fractured jaw, injuries to his mouth and cuts and grazes on his body that he had suffered after coming into contact with the road.

“He was immobilised with the use of a scoop stretcher and taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham for further treatment. The hospital had been alerted to the man’s condition prior to his arrival.”

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.

Wednesday 10^th June 2015 – 12pm – John Hawker.

A cyclist has died following an RTC in West Bromwich this morning.

The incident occurred on the junction of the A41 Birmingham Road Island, near Junction 1 of the M5 at around 6.45am.

Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and the Trust’s MERIT team attended the scene.

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

“Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save the man riding the bicycle and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The man driving the HGV was treated by ambulance crews for the effects of shock but did not require hospital treatment.”

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.

Tuesday 9^th June 2015 – 11.45am – Jamie Arrowsmith

A Staffordshire Community First Responder has completed a gruelling fund-raising mission by cycling more than 850 miles as he travelled from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

Steve Cartlidge, of Gnosall and District Community First Responders, set off with friends Nigel Maddox and Gary Fear on Friday, May 22^nd, and completed the journey eight days later having ridden 876 miles.

A keen fund-raiser for Gnosall CFRs, Steve raised about £2,500 throughout his trip, taking his personal total across the years to approximately £15,000.

Despite having done the journey on his own before, in the opposite direction, Steve said it was not all plain sailing this time around.

“We were lucky that we had fairly good weather, apart from a drenching we received on the last day, but this time we used A-roads as opposed to B-roads last time, so there was a lot more traffic to overcome.

“Gary’s back wheel also buckled very early on so we had to get that replaced before he unfortunately fell ill with the end in sight, which sadly meant he wasn’t able to ride the last stretch with us.”

The trio cycled about 110-miles per day, often leaving at 5.30am in the morning and not reaching their next hotel until 9pm at night.

“It was tough, there was no doubt about it, but we had some great support from the Blood Bikers who travelled with us, and the welcome we received when reaching Stafford was great,” Steve added.

“The highlight for me, aside from the valuable money raised, would be the support we had throughout and seeing my two colleagues work incredibly hard and become extremely good cyclists when it isn’t something they have had a massive amount of experience in.

“Hopefully the money raised will be a big help to the CFR group and help contribute towards new equipment. I’m extremely grateful to all of those who have donated.”

If you would like to sponsor Steve, find out more information about the bike ride or see more pictures from the trip, visit www.end-2-end.co.uk.

Ends.

Notes to Editors:

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

Captions

Top: Steve Cartlidge with fellow members of Gnosall and District Community First Responders.

Bottom: Steve Cartlidge (second left), Gary Fear (to Steve’s immediate left) and Nigel Maddox (second right) celebrate completing their journey with the support team.

Tuesday 9^th June 2015 – 10.20am – Claire Brown.

A little boy from Solihull has been hailed a ‘super star’ for calling 999 after his mum collapsed in the bathroom of their home in February.

Tuesday February 3^rd started as just an ordinary school day but as 11-year-old George Johnson was getting ready downstairs at his home in Olton, Solihull, he heard something wasn’t quite right upstairs.

When he called his mum and got no reply George became concerned so ran upstairs and found her unconscious on the bathroom floor. George remembered watching a news story about how a little boy had called 999 so immediately picked up the telephone and called the ambulance service.

Rachel Johnson, 45, was at home with George and her four-year-old son Sam when she felt unwell. Rachel said: “I was in the bathroom when all of a sudden I had a very painful headache and must have lost consciousness because the next thing I remember is waking up with George on the phone to the ambulance service.

“He was so mature and was explaining what had happened to me and even helped me to get to the bedroom so that I was more comfortable. He’s always been my hero but now he’s my super hero, he really did save my life that day and we’re all incredibly proud of him.”

Erdington-based Paramedics Naomi Adams and David Pledge were the ambulance crew who responded to the 999 call. Naomi said: “George had got everything covered, whilst we treated Rachel, he was looking after his younger brother and had even called his Nan and Grandad to tell them what had happened so that they could come over and look after them as his dad was away in Ireland at the time. He was so calm and so mature. He was a complete super star.”

Naomi and David took Rachel to Heartlands Hospital as they were concerned with her condition. Rachel was transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham before undergoing surgery for a subarachnoid haemorrhage (bleeding on the surface of the brain). She spent two weeks in hospital and is continuing to recover well.

George, who is a pupil at Lyndon Secondary School in Olton, visited Erdington Ambulance Hub with his parents and little brother last week (Thursday 29^th May). The family had a tour of the hub and George and Sam explored the back of an ambulance and even got to sit in the drivers’ seat to imagine driving to an emergency.

Naomi and Dave presented George with a Chief Officers Commendation to praise him for looking after his mum. Talking about his visit, George, said: “Sitting in the ambulance was really good and having a look at everything was amazing.”

ENDS

Monday 8th June 2015 – 11.00pm – Murray MacGregor.

A teenager who fell halfway down a steep embankment that ends up in a canal has had to be rescued by specialist ambulance staff using ropes.

The incident took place in Judkins Quarry, Tuttle Hill in the Camp Hill area on the outskirts of Nuneaton at around 8.00pm on Monday evening.

A paramedic in a rapid response vehicle was first on scene but had to walk a fair distance through undergrowth and across slag heaps to get to the 15 year old.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The teenager was with a friend when the incident happened.

“Fortunately, the lad was able to stop himself before he reached the bottom of the embankment, but had still fallen about 20 feet down the bank, which is muddy with some shrubs on it.

“He had suffered a nasty dislocation to his left knee and was unable to climb back up.

“Due to the location, the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) was sent to the scene along with an ambulance and a paramedic officer.

“The paramedics on scene put the teenager’s knee back in place but he still needed to be rescued. He was placed in a specialist MIBBS stretcher that keeps him safe while the HART Team used their rope rescue skills to bring him back up to the top of the embankment.

“The terrain was so tough that even their Polaris six wheel vehicle couldn’t get through so they used a special off road stretcher to get the teenager to the ambulance. He was then taken to University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.

Ends

(HART Team members practice their rope skills)

Monday 8th June 2015 – 7.30pm – Murray MacGregor.

A motorcyclist has been airlifted to hospital in a critical condition after a crash with a car.

The collision happened at about 5.45pm on the A49 in Shropshire at the junction for Grinshill, to the north of Shrewsbury.

Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and the MERIT trauma doctor in the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The rider was found some distance from his bike and the car.

“On arrival, the crews found a man, who was estimated to be in his 20s, who had suffered very significant injuries; CPR was being carried out at the scene by other motorists.

“The man was resuscitated and his condition stabilised before he was airlifted to the Major Trauma Centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“On arrival, his condition was said to be critical, but the quick actions of other motorists have given him the best possible chance of survival.”
Ends

Monday 8^th June 2015 – 2.05pm – Chris Kowalik.

Four people have been taken to Walsall Manor Hospital following two crashes in Walsall today.

Three of them were as a result of a collision involving a car and a van in High Street, Bloxwich this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called shortly after 8.40am and sent two ambulance crews and a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle to the scene.

The van driver had to be cut free. The fire service cut the side of his van in order for him to be removed safely with the use of a specialist piece of ambulance service equipment called a Kendrick Extrication Device and a spinal board.

In the car were a man and a woman, both believed to be in their sixties. The man had a pain in an arm, the woman had pain to her chest. Their trips to hospital were both precautionary.

This afternoon, in Brickyard Road, Aldridge a classic mini crashed with a Citroen. West Midlands Ambulance Service was called shortly before 12.40pm and sent two ambulance crews and a paramedic area support officer.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The mini was badly damaged. It’s driver, a young man, had grazes and was experiencing some discomfort. He was fully immobilised and was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital.

“A couple who were in the other car involved were checked over and discharged at the scene.”

Monday 8^th June 2015 – 1.45pm – Chris Kowalik.

Two people have been injured in a collision involving the car they were in and a van in Warwickshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Ryton Road, Bubbenhall shortly after 10.25am today.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The car had left the road and gone through some trees. Its occupants, a man and a woman in their forties, both got out. She had chest and back pain, he had lower back pain. Both were taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“The driver of the van was checked over and discharged at the scene.”

Ends

Thank-you to Tracy Lowe of Menithwood in Worcestershire who raised £860 funds for Community First Responders.

The money was raised through a dinner and play at Rock Village Hall in April which also fundraised for Midlands Air Ambulance.

Tracey is pictured presenting the cheque to Martin Bennett, a Community First Responder from Eardiston.

For more information about the work of Community First Responders, visit:

http://www.wmas.nhs.uk/Pages/Community-First-Responders.aspx or

http://www.hwcfr.org.uk/

Monday 8^th June 2015 – 11.30am – Chris Kowalik.

A motorcyclist has suffered serious leg injuries in a collision with a car in Herefordshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A4110 at Kingsland shortly after 8am today.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The 18 year old motorcyclist suffered potentially life-changing leg injuries.

“He was sedated at the scene, a pelvic binder was applied and he was immobilised before the flight to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.”

Ends

Monday 8^th June 2015 – 10.45am – Chris Kowalik.

Monday morning began with delays on the M6 southbound carriageway in Warwickshire following a four-car collision.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the motorway between junctions 3 and 2 at 8am.

Three ambulance crews and a paramedic area support officer attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Fortunately there were no serious injuries. One woman driver had neck pain. She was immobilised as a precaution and was taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“A couple in another car were shaken by what had happened and were taken to the same hospital for checks.

“A fourth person was checked over and discharged at the scene.”

Ends

Sunday 7^th June 2015 – 10.30pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A teenage boy has been airlifted to hospital after falling from his mountain bike in Coventry tonight.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Brandon Woods in Brandon shortly before 7.15pm and sent an ambulance, a paramedic area support officer, a community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a MERIT trauma doctor, the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team and the Midland Air Ambulance from Staffordshire to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews were called to reports of a teenage boy who had fallen from his mountain bike, but quickly discovered on arrival that accessing the patient was not an easy task due to the woodland where they boy had fallen.

“After locating the boy and carefully negotiating the terrain, crews began assessing him and treating him for back and shoulder injuries.

“He was given pain relief and immobilised before being airlifted to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“The Air Ambulance was able to land in the wooded area nearby, ensuring the boy was transported to hospital as quickly as possible.”

ENDS

Sunday 7^th June 2015 – 5.45pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman has been rescued from a hillside with the use of specialist equipment after being thrown from a horse near Halesowen earlier today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the Clent Hills shortly after 10.30am and sent an ambulance, two community paramedics in rapid response vehicles and the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival it quickly became evident it was going to be difficult to access the patient who had reportedly been thrown from a horse. It is believed she hit her head upon landing and was dragged for a distance before coming to rest. Thankfully she was wearing a riding hat to help prevent more significant injuries.

“Initially paramedics had to walk a short distance to access and assess the patient, who had suffered head and shoulder injuries in the incident.

“Whilst treating her, the HART team arrived on scene and were able to get their vehicles closer to the woman.

“They were then able to bring her down from the hillside by using their six-wheel drive vehicle, and transport her back to the waiting ambulance.

“From there she was transported to Russell’s Hall Hospital for further assessment.”

ENDS

Sunday 7^th June 2015 – 5.30pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

The Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham has made two separate visits to a Herefordshire Motocross event today to airlift two unfortunate competitors.

The first call to Downwood Farm Motocross track in Leominster was received at 11.05am and West Midlands Ambulance Service sent an ambulance to assist the Air Ambulance crew. Private medical cover at the event was also on hand and already treating the patient when crews arrived.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a 19-year-old man who had fallen from his bike whilst riding.

“With treatment having already started, crews assisted to treat the man for a leg fracture and suspected pelvis injuries.

“The man was immobilised and had pain relief administered before being airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.”

A second 999 call to the same venue was received just before 2.10pm and a community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle was sent to assist the Air Ambulance crew.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a second man who fallen from his bike, thought to be in his 50s.

“Once again he was already receiving treatment from medics based at the event and crews assisted in treating the man for a fractured leg.

“He was also given pain relief and immobilised before being air lifted to Hereford County Hospital.”

ENDS

Sunday 7^th June 2015 – 2.30pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A car driver was trapped in his vehicle for approximately 40 minutes following a two-car collision on Broad Street, Birmingham, shortly before 11.35am this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service sent two ambulances, a biker paramedic, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford to the scene, just outside Revolution Bar.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When the biker paramedic arrived on scene he discovered two cars that had been involved in a significant collision, one with front end damage and one with damage to the driver’s side of the car.

“There were three patients, one of whom was the driver of the car with damage to its side, a man thought to be in his 30s. Ambulance crews worked closely to with the fire service to treat the man as he was freed from the vehicle, a process which took approximately 40 minutes and involved the roof having to be cut off his car.

“He was treated for a fractured leg, immobilised and transported to Sandwell General Hospital. The doctor from the air ambulance travelled with the patient to continue treatment on route to the hospital.

“From the second car, a man and woman, both thought to be in their 40s, were treated for minor injuries and taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham as a precaution.

“The incident caused significant disruption in the area with the road having to be closed.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

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

Sunday 7^th June 2015 – 7.00am – Claire Brown.

A collision involving two cars in Warwick last night left one boy requiring advanced pain relief by medics and three women needing hospital treatment.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the Coventry Road, outside The Saxon Mill public house, in Guys Cliffe, Warwick shortly after 11.00pm (Saturday). Three ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and a MERIT trauma doctor attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When the paramedic area support officer arrived he found two cars which had been involved in a significant collision. Thankfully the occupants of both cars, five in one and a driver in the second, were all out of the vehicles and were being cared for by passers-by who had stopped to help.

“Whilst further ambulance staff quickly made their way to the scene, fire fighters who were already in attendance helped to look after each patient whilst the paramedic focused his attention on an eight-year-old boy who had sustained the most serious injury in the collision.

“The boy was in severe pain and very distressed after suffering a nasty fracture to his leg. Ambulance staff and the medic administered advanced pain relief to sedate the boy before he could be immobilised and his injury stabilised. The boy was taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital on blue lights. The doctor travelled with the boy in the ambulance to continue treatment and monitoring en route.

“Two women from the same car also required treatment at the scene. The driver, an elderly woman, suffered chest pain. A passenger, a second woman, had cuts to her face and a burn injury to her back. She was immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board before both women were taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further treatment. The two other occupants from the same car were checked over by ambulance staff but didn’t require hospital treatment.

“The driver of the second car, a woman, suffered shoulder and leg injuries. She was immobilised before being taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further care.”

ENDS

Sunday 7^th June 2015 – 6.20am – Claire Brown.

One man has died and another has been taken to a specialist trauma centre following a road traffic collision in Staffordshire last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Market Lane in Newcastle, Stoke-on-Trent at around 10.15pm yesterday evening (Saturday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a senior paramedic officer and two North Staffordshire BASICS doctors were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance staff arrived to find two men who had been in collision with a car. Sadly, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save one man and he was confirmed dead on scene.

“The second man, believed to be in his 30s, sustained extensive grazes to his face and body and was suffering pain in his abdomen and pelvis. He was given pain relief at the scene before being immobilised with a neck collar, spinal board and pelvic splint. The man was taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Royal Stoke University Hospital; a doctor travelled with the man to continue treatment en route.

“The car which had been involved in the collision had already left the scene when emergency services arrived but was later found by police. The occupants didn’t require hospital treatment.”

ENDS

Saturday 6^th June 2015 – 9.00pm – Claire Brown.

A motorist has died in a single car road traffic collision on the M6 motorway in Staffordshire today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the southbound carriageway of the M6 between junctions 16 and 15, about a mile and a half from Keele Services, shortly after 5.30pm this evening. Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and a North Staffordshire BASICS doctor attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “One car had left the carriageway and landed upside down in a wooded area at the side of the road after colliding with the central reservation.

“A motorist, who had witnessed the collision, dialled 999 and pulled over onto the hard shoulder in order to flag down the ambulance crews and medic.

“Sadly, it quickly became apparent to ambulance staff that nothing could be done to save the driver who was confirmed dead on scene. No one else was in the car at the time of the collision.”

ENDS

Friday 5th June 2015 – 7.30pm – Steve Parry.

A motorcyclist has been taken to hospital with serious injuries following a road traffic collision in Coventry this evening.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Stretton Avenue, Willenhall, Coventry at approximately 5.45pm.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Two ambulances and a paramedic responder were sent to a collision between a car and motorcycle.

“Crews treated a man in his twenties for serious head and facial injuries. He was also treated for internal injuries and multiple leg fractures. The patient was immobilised with the use of splints, a neck collar and spinal board. The patient was also given pain relief before being conveyed to the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“A female car driver in her sixties was assessed for pelvic and back pain. She was also immobilised before being taken to the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire.

 

End

 

 

 

Friday 5^th June 2015 – 5pm – Chris Kowalik.

There has been a second death on a railway line in Worcestershire today.

This afternoon, West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the line near Chawson Crossing shortly before 2.30pm.

An advanced paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle attended.

A person was confirmed dead a short distance from the crossing.

Ends

Friday 5^th June 2015 – 4.05pm – Chris Kowalik.

A passing doctor who spotted an upside down car in a hedge in Shropshire, stopped to help its woman driver.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was also called to the scene on the A458 near Cross Houses shortly after 1.50pm today.

A rapid response vehicle, an ambulance crew and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended. Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service also attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The woman who is in her sixties was freed with the help of the fire service. She had cuts, grazes and back pain.

“She was treated at the scene, which included the administering of pain relief, and was taken by land ambulance to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.”

Ends

If you are going to Throckmorton Airshow tomorrow, go and see West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedic Phil Llewellyn.

Phil has just returned from Nepal where he spent his annual leave helping with the humanitarian rescue mission following an earthquake there.

A second earthquake occured during the trip.

The organisers of the airshow have given Phil an exhibition stand where he will show and talk about the work he and colleague Ed Hullah did in Nepal.

Look out for Phil between 10am and 5.30pm tomorrow. He may also be joined by Ed Hullah.

Friday 5^th June 2015 – 2.45pm – Chris Kowalik.

A man has died after the van he was driving collided with three lorries on the M40 in Warwickshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the northbound carriageway of the motorway between junctions 11 and 12 shortly after 11.15am today.

Two ambulance crews, an advanced community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance attended. South Central Ambulance Service also attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The van was badly damaged. Its driver was sadly confirmed dead at the scene. His woman passenger had managed to get out and was sitting on a grass verge when crews arrived. She had pains to a knee, an elbow and her neck.

She was immobilised with the use of a spinal board and neck collar and was taken by land ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“The drivers of the lorries involved were uninjured.”

Ends

Friday 5^th June 2015 – 1pm – Chris Kowalik.

A woman has died following a collision with a train in Worcestershire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the railway line at Rushwick shortly after 9.25am today.

Two advanced community paramedics in rapid response vehicles, a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle, members of the Hazardous Area Response Team and an ambulance crew attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Following a search of the line, the body of a woman was found and she was confirmed dead at the scene. The driver of the train and its passengers were all checked over at the scene and were all uninjured.”

Ends

Thursday 4th June 2015 – 10pm – Steve Parry

A jogger has been brought to safety after falling down a steep slope in Sedgley this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to a pathway near Northway, at just after 6.30pm.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to Sedgley following reports of a jogger falling 2 metres down a steep slope.

“A woman, believed to be 17 years old, was treated for neck and back injuries. She had fallen down a slope and out of sight of the main pathway. The patient eventually used her mobile phone to alert a friend who called the emergency services.

“The HART team and ambulance crews brought the woman to safety using a specialist stretcher.

“The patient was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and given pain relief before she was taken by land ambulance to New Cross Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

 

-Ends-

 

 

Thursday 4^th June 2015 – 4.00pm – John Hawker.

A lorry driver has been trapped in the cab of his lorry after it overturned in Atherstone this afternoon.

The crash occurred on the A5, Mancetter roundabout, Westbound at around 1.50pm.  A rapid response vehicle, an ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a lorry on its side on the roundabout. 

“The man driving the vehicle, believed to be in his 50’s, received emergency treatment at the scene for injuries to his back, arm and thigh.  He was then removed from the vehicle with the assistance of the fire service.

“Following treatment, the man was transferred by land ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further treatment.”

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.

Thursday 4^th June 2015 – 12.20pm – John Hawker.

A man and woman had a lucky escape this morning after the car they were travelling in hit a concrete road barrier and launched into an overhead gantry in Coventry.

The crash occurred on the St Nicholas section of the ring road at around 10.30am.  A rapid response vehicle, two ambulances, and two paramedic officers attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “A passing ambulance came across the crash and started treated the patients whilst awaiting back up.

“The car had apparently hit the concrete road barrier that separates the carriageways and then hit the gantry above the road.  It then came to rest on its roof on the road.

“The driver of the car, a man believed to be in his mid 20’s, received emergency treatment at the scene for multiple minor injuries and was then extricated from the car with the assistance of the fire service.

“The passenger, a woman in her mid 50’s, suffered neck and back injuries and also received emergency treatment at the scene.  The woman was immobilised using a spinal board and neck collar.

“Both patients were transferred by land ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further treatment.

“Considering the circumstances of the crash the occupants of the car were extremely fortunate not to have suffered more serious injuries.”

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.

Wednesday 3rd June 2015 – 7pm – Steve Parry

Five people and a baby have been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision on the A53 at Astley near Shrewsbury this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident at just before 4.30pm.

Six ambulances; a paramedic support officer in a rapid response vehicle together with a paramedic officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to a road traffic collision involving four vehicles near Astley this afternoon.

“The male driver of a car, believed to be in his forties, received neck and back injuries. A woman passenger in her forties also received similar injuries. Both patients were immobilised with the use of a neck collar and orthopaedic stretcher. A third passenger in the car, a woman in her twenties, sustained minor injuries.

“In the second car involved, Crews treated a man in his twenties for neck and back injuries.

“A woman in her fifties, travelling in the third car involved, was also assessed and treated for neck injuries.

“A man travelling in the fourth car was treated for neck and back injuries and immobilised at the scene. A baby was also assessed by ambulance staff and taken to hospital as a precaution.

“All the patients were taken by ambulance to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.”

 

Ends

 

 

 

WMAS Assistant Area Manager, Pete Howell, says crews worked hard at the scene:

Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, Steve Wheaton, says working at height does add to the challenge of the job:

Dean Stevens, the Director of Prevent and Protect, at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue explains how joint working and training paid dividends:

Some footage from the scene during the resuce:

Tuesday 2nd June – 9.30pm – Steve Parry

A woman has died following a collision involving a car and a heavy goods vehicle on the M6 in Staffordshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the southbound carriageway between junctions 15 and 14 shortly before 4.30pm today.

A senior paramedic officer, a BASICS emergency doctor and an ambulance crew attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The woman passenger was sadly confirmed dead at the scene. A man who was driving the car was treated for shock and was taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital for checks.

“The driver of the lorry which had jackknifed was also in shock. He was checked over and discharged at the scene.”

 

Ends

 

Tuesday 2nd June – 9pm – Steve Parry.

Two men and two women have been airlifted to major trauma centres with significant leg injuries and 12 other people have been brought to safety after a collision on a ride at Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire this afternoon (Tuesday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Alton Towers Resort at 2.09pm to reports that a carriage of “The Smiler” had collided with a stationary unoccupied carriage. Community first responders based at the theme park were first on scene. Four ambulances, three Midlands Air Ambulances from Strensham, Cosford and Tatenhill, the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, a MERIT trauma doctor and three BASICS doctors, paramedics from the Trusts Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and several senior paramedic managers are currently in attendance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “There were 16 occupants on board the carriage which collided with a stationary unoccupied carriage. A platform was built in order for emergency services to reach the occupants on the ride who were approximately 25 feet up in the air at an angle of about 45 degrees.

“The Trust’s HART paramedics, doctors, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Alton Towers’ rope rescue staff worked at height to carefully release and treat the occupants. The focus on the emergency services was to treat and release four of the occupants who were the most seriously injured.

“Two males (18 years and 27 years) and two females (19 years and 17 years) sustained lower leg injuries. All four were given advanced trauma care, pain relief and immobilisation and were each carefully extricated from the ride and onto the platform before being lowered to the ground.

“The 27 years ole male was then airlifted to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire whilst the others were flown to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further emergency treatment.

“The remaining 12 occupants, six women and six men, suffered less serious injuries. They were released one at a time over a time period of four hours and lowered to the ground in order for a further assessment of their condition. One of the twelve, a male in his 20s was treated for neck and abdominal injury and was taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital by land ambulance for further assessment and treatment.”

 

-ENDS-

 

 

Tuesday 2^nd June 2015 – 5.55pm – Claire Brown.

West Midlands Ambulance Service, Staffordshire Fire, Staffordshire Police and Alton Towers Resort will be conducting a joint media briefing at Alton Towers Resort at 6.15pm today.

ENDS

Picture from West Midlands Ambulance Service:

Pictures from West Midlands Ambulance Service:

Tuesday 2^nd June 2015 – 4.20pm – Claire Brown.

Four teenagers have been seriously injured in a collision on a ride at Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire this afternoon (Tuesday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 2.09pm to a report that a carriage of “The Smiler” had collided with a stationary unoccupied carriage. Community first responders based at the theme park were first on scene. Four ambulances, three Midlands Air Ambulances from Strensham, Cosford and Tatenhill, the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, a MERIT trauma doctor and three BASICS doctors, paramedics from the Trusts Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and several senior paramedic managers are currently in attendance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Of the 16 occupants on board the ride, two teenage boys and two teenage girls, have sustained serious leg injuries.

“A platform has been built up in order for emergency services to reach the occupants on the ride who are approximately 25 feet up in the air at an angle of about 45 degrees.

“Our HART paramedics, doctors, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Alton Towers’ rope rescue staff are working at height to carefully release and treat the four seriously injured teenagers. The 12 other occupants on the ride are said to have suffered minor injuries and it’s hoped that they will be discharged from the scene.

“Once released from the ride, all four seriously injured teenagers will be airlifted to major trauma centres at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire and Royal Stoke University Hospital for further emergency treatment.”

More details will follow in due course.

ENDS

Tuesday 2^nd June 2015 – 3.00pm – Claire Brown.

West Midlands Ambulance Service can confirm that we are in attendance at an incident involving The Smiler ride at the Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire.

A 999 call was received from the resort at 2.09pm reporting that a carriage of The Smiler had collided with a stationary carriage. Community first responders based at the theme park were first on scene and four ambulances, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board, two further BASICS doctors and several senior paramedic managers have been sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “There are 16 patients on board The Smiler requiring triage, four of which have reported serious injuries.

“Ambulance staff and medics are working quickly with resort staff to gain access to the seriously injured.”

More details will be issued shortly.

ENDS

Tuesday 2^nd June 2015 – 10.00am – Claire Brown.

Three men needed extricating from their vehicles after a collision involving a car and two HGVs during this morning’s rush hour on the M6 in Great Barr.

The incident happened on the northbound carriageway of the M6 in Great Barr near junction 7 just after 7.00am (Tuesday). Three ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a community paramedic and paramedics from the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) were sent to the scene. A passing MERIT trauma doctor on his way to work and an off duty paramedic also stopped to provide assistance at the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Two HGVs and a car had been involved in a collision which had caused extensive damage to the car.

“The driver of the car, a 52-year-old man sustained facial and dental injuries in the collision. He was treated for his injuries by ambulance staff whilst the fire service extricated him from the vehicle. The man was immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board as a precaution before being taken to Sandwell Hospital.

“The driver of one lorry, a 48-year-old man, was suffering from neck pain. With an extensive history of neck and back problems, the man was given pain relief to help stabilise his injury before the fire service and HART paramedics worked to extricate him from the cab of his lorry. The fire services’ technical rescue unit used a platform lift to enable them and HART to work at height to extricate the man on to a spinal board. Once out of the cab and onto the platform, paramedics and fire fighters carefully lowered him to the ground. The man was then taken by land ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further assessment and treatment.

“The second lorry driver, a man believed to be in his 50s, was suffering with neck and back pain. He too was extricated in the same way as the other lorry driver with excellent team work between the fire and ambulance service. Once on ground level, the man was transferred to the awaiting ambulance and taken to Sandwell Hospital as a precaution.”

ENDS

Tuesday 2nd June 2015 – 8.55am – Murray MacGregor.

Ambulance staff resuscitated a young man who suffered a cardiac arrest after a crash that saw the vehicle he was in go through a wall into a tree.

The crash happened at just after 6.00am thie morning (Tuesday) on a country lane outside Sycamore Farm in Ramshorn near Oakmoor in North Staffordshire.

A community first responder from the Alton Towers scheme was first on scene and was backed up by a rapid response vehicle, two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and a Emergency Doctor from the North Staffordshire BASICS scheme

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

“The man was trapped for a period and suffered significant injuries.

“Working with firefighters, the man was rapidly extricated from the vehicle and treated by the doctor.

“He was then taken on blue lights to Royal Stoke University Hospital with the doctor travelling with the crew.

“On arrival, his condition was said to be life threatening.”

 

Ends