Month: July 2015

Wednesday 22nd July 2015 – 6.07pm – Murray MacGregor.

The wonderful scenery of Cannock Chase unfortunately became the scene of two incidents requiring ambulance attendance in quick succession on Wednesday afternoon.

The first one happened at about 2.20pm in the area not far from the rifle ranges after a 10 year old girl, came of her horse and had the animal land on her.

The youngster, who was with a number of other riders at the time was in an area with poor mobile phone coverage. Eventually, one of the other riders rode to the rifle range and escorted the ambulance to as close as it could get to the incident.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Due to the location, having to get an ambulance down a dirt track and the difficulties getting an exact location, it did take just over half an hour for the crew to get there.

“The girl was complaining of head and neck injuries and was immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board.

“The crew requested assistance and the paramedic area support officer (ASO) was sent to the scene in a 4×4 vehicle.

“Unfortunately, as he got to about three miles away from the location, he was flagged down by a mountain bike rider.

“The man was just about to dial 999 after the woman he was out riding with had come off her bike as they were riding on the Sherbrook Trail. She had suffered a broken right arm, facial injuries and gravel rash. The crews said, had she not been wearing a cycle helmet, her head injuries would have been more severe.

“As a result, an ambulance was dispatched to the second location. The woman who was in her 30s and from Telford had her arm splinted and was given pain relief before being taken to County Hospital in Stafford.

“As soon as the second crew arrived the ASO continued on to the first case.

“Together with the crew, the girl was carried down a grass track to the ambulance from where she was taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital.”

 

Ends

Wednesday 22nd July 2015 – 3pm – Steve Parry.

A pedestrian has been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision in Stourbridge this morning.

The incident occurred on The Broadway, Norton at just before 11.45am.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “A pedestrian was treated for her injuries following a collision with a car in Stourbridge this morning.

“The woman in her sixties was treated for a fractured leg and head lacerations.

“She was given pain relief and placed on an orthopaedic stretcher before being taken by land ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“The male driver of the car was uninjured.”

 

– End – .

Wednesday 22nd July 2105 – 2.30pm – Steve Parry.

Four people have received treatment from ambulance crews following a road traffic collision involving three cars on Dimsdale Parade West, Newcastle-under-Lyme this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident at just before 1.45pm.

Four ambulances; a paramedic support officer in a rapid response vehicle together a BASICS doctor attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to a road traffic collision involving three vehicles in Newcastle this afternoon.

“A woman in her twenties received arm, shoulder and wrist injuries. She was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board as a precaution.

“A man in his thirties, also travelling in the same car was treated for a laceration to his head.

“In the second car involved, Crews treated a man in his forties for lower back and neck pain. He was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board.

“An 18 year old man travelling in the third car was treated for neck pain

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

End                                                                                                                                        

 

 

Wednesday 22nd July 2015 – 12.30pm – Steve Parry.

An elderly pedestrian has died following a collision with a car in Ratliffe Road, Rugby this morning.

The incident occurred at just before 10.10am. An ambulance, together with a paramedic support officer; a community paramedic in a rapid response car; a BASICS doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill in Staffordshire attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived on scene to find a woman in cardiac arrest after being in collision with a car.

“Sadly, despite the best endeavours of medical staff, the pedestrian was confirmed dead at the scene.”

• End – .

 

 

Wednesday 22nd July 2015 – 7.30am – John Hawker.

A car has ended up on its roof following a two vehicle crash in Birmingham last night.

The crash occurred at the junction of Edward Road and Lincoln Street, Balsall Heath at around 8.25pm. Two ambulances and a paramedic officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car on its roof after being in collision with another vehicle.

“The two occupants of the upside down car had managed to free themselves from the vehicle and had fortunately suffered relatively minor injuries. One woman travelling in the car had suffered neck pain in the crash and was treated by paramedics at the scene. She was immobilised and transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment.

“The second woman travelling in the car declined assessment from ambulance staff for any injuries following the crash.

“Five people travelling in the second car were all checked over by ambulance crews but did not require further treatment at hospital and were discharged. Two were given medical advice for their minor injuries.”

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.

Tuesday 21^st July 2015 – 8.10pm – John Hawker.

A motorcyclist has received trauma care at the scene of an RTC in Stafford this evening.

The crash occurred on Beaconside at around 5.55pm. An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a trauma doctor on board attended the scene.

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

“The motorcyclist had suffered serious leg injuries and received trauma care at the scene from paramedics and then from the crew of the air ambulance.

“The man, believed to be in his 40’s, received pain relief and his condition was stabilised before being airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further emergency treatment.”

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.

To donate:

visit www.gofundme.com/RebuildInNepal

email Phil Llewellyn pmllewellyn@hotmail.com

email Ed Hullah soloecodry@hotmail.co.uk

Tuesday 21^st July 2015 – 11.50am – Claire Brown.

A car dealership in Birmingham has a shocking new installation in its showrooms thanks to West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Listers Group is one of the largest car dealerships in the West Midlands which now owns five sites in Birmingham and Solihull alone. Earlier this year, the company decided to approach the ambulance service to enquire about defibrillators after a recommendation from a member of staff.

Two of Listers dealerships located in Birmingham City Centre and on the Stratford Road are now the proud owners of an automated external defibrillator; a device used to help restart the heart of someone in cardiac arrest.

Last month, 20 staff were trained in CPR and how to use the life-saving devices by the Trust. Chris Thompson, Listers Quality and Safety Manager, was one of those trained and said: “The training has given me the confidence to step in and help someone in cardiac arrest. The defibrillator is a smart piece of kit and tells you exactly what to you.

“This is a fantastic program and Listers are proud to be a part of it. With more than 200 staff across Birmingham and Solihull and thousands of customers in our dealerships each week, we take their welfare very seriously. We hope the defibrillators will never be needed, but it is reassuring to know we are in a position to potentially save a life one day.”

Andy Jeynes, the Trust’s Community Response Manager, said: “The staff I trained were extremely enthusiastic and passionate about helping to save lives. I’m pleased that there are two more defibrillators out in the community in Birmingham as every second really does count when someone has a cardiac arrest.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Pictured left to right: Chris Thompson and Andy Jeynes.

Tuesday 21st July 2015 – 6.40am – Murray MacGregor.

A man has suffered critical injuries after being found unconscious in a road.

The man was found in Shobnall Street in Burton On Trent at just before 10.00pm on Monday evening.

Two ambulances were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The crew found a 49 year old man who was unconscious with heavy blood loss in street. It was not clear exactly what had happened.

“The crew stabilised his airway at the scene before taking him the short distance to Queens Hospital.

“The patient was anaesthetised in hospital and his condition stabilised further.

“The MERIT Trauma Doctor who was in the area after the earlier train crash, went to the hospital and then travelled with the ambulance as the patient was transferred by ambulance to the major trauma centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital arriving at 11.40pm.

“The man had very serious head, facial, chest and pelvic injuries.”
Ends

Monday 20th July 2015 – 9.50pm – Murray MacGregor.

Ambulance staff feared the worst after reports of a collision between a train and a car on a Staffordshire level crossing.

The incident happened at about 7.25pm on Monday evening near Meadow Lane in the Stretton area of Burton upon Trent.

An ambulance was first on scene and was backed up by the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire, a paramedic area support officer, three doctors and the Hazardous Area Response Team.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found the ‘Cross Country’ train approximately 500 yards from the level crossing. The car involved had been destroyed by the impact, but fortunately the train hadn’t derailed.

“An initial search of the area could find no sign of the car driver and he was later found nearby unhurt; he wasn’t in the car when the impact happened.

“There were 39 passengers and three crew on the train. All were offered a check-up. There were initially five people who required further assessment, three with back pain. Thankfully, after they were seen by medics, all were discharged at the scene.

“All ambulance staff were clear by 9.10pm.”
Ends

Monday 20th July 2015 – 8.45pm – Murray MacGregor.

A woman horse rider has been airlifted after coming off her horse and landing face first.

The incident happened on land off Station Road, Rolleston on Dove in Staffordshire at just after 4.00pm.

A rapid response vehicle, an ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The woman was jumping fences on her mount when she fell leaving her dazed after possibly being knocked out briefly.

“The 27 year old from Burton was complaining of lower back, pelvic and abdominal pain.

“She was immobilised and had a pelvic splint attached. She was also given pain relief before being airlifted to the Royal Stoke University Hospital for further assessment.”
Ends

Monday 20th July 2015 – 8.30pm – Murray MacGregor.

Two workers who were securing a leaking chemical tanker on a motorway service station have been given precautionary checks by ambulance staff after being decontaminated by firefighters.

The incident started at about 4.15pm at the southbound Frankley Services, just off the M5 between junctions 3 and 4.

An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer, the Hazardous Area Response Team and a National Inter-agency Liaison Officer (NILO) were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The initial call suggested that Hydrochloric Acid was venting off from a lorry that had stopped at the services.

“On arrival, ambulance staff worked jointly with fire and police colleagues to ensure the southbound services were evacuated and secure.

“Staff from the company that own the tanker brought in a second tanker and also handled the sealing of the leak using specialist protection equipment.

“Once finished, they were decontaminated by firefighters and given a full check over by ambulance staff as a precaution. They were discharged after assessment.

“All ambulance resources were clear of the scene by 7.45pm.”

 

Ends

Monday 20^th July 2015 – 2.25pm – John Hawker.

Two men who were believed to be working on an electrical communications box have suffered serious injuries after an incident in Coseley this lunchtime.

The incident occurred at Jack Holden Avenue at around 11.55am.  Two ambulances, a paramedic officer, members of the Trusts HART team and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find two men with serious injuries.  It is believed they were working on an electrical communications box when they were struck by a vehicle.

“One man, believed to be in his late 20’s, suffered serious head injuries and received emergency treatment from medics at the scene.  Due to his serious injuries the man was anaesthetised by the trauma Doctor and was then airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Major Trauma Unit for further treatment.  Unfortunately the mans condition was described as critical.

“A second man, believed to be in his early 20’s, suffered serious facial and arm injuries.  He also received treatment at the scene from medics and was transferred by land ambulance to Russells Hall Hospital for further treatment.

“Both hospital had been pre alerted to the patient’s arrival and their serious injuries.

“The air ambulance landed in playing fields adjacent to the incident.”

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.

Monday 20^th July 2015 – 1.25pm – Chris Kowalik.

Two West Midlands Service Ambulance paramedics who went to earthquake-hit Nepal earlier this year to help with the humanitarian rescue operation are now fundraising to help rebuild several villages.

Ed Hullah who is based in Craven Arms and Pershore-based Phil Llewellyn visited the country in May following its first earthquake 80km north-west of the capital Kathmandu. While they were there, there was a second earthquake near the Chinese border. They also persuaded the country’s Prime Minister to allow use of his personal helicopter to fly a badly injured woman to hospital.

They have now set up ‘Rebuild Nepal’, a not-for-profit organisation. It aims to raise funds to help rebuild the villages most affected by the earthquakes and aftershocks, by helping to provide safer earthquake-resistant houses and public buildings with links to different relief projects throughout Nepal.

‘Rebuild Nepal’ is hoping, with your help, to raise enough money to start a rebuilding project in October, after the monsoon season. This project is expected to take several years.

To donate:

visit www.gofundme.com/RebuildInNepal

email Phil Llewellyn pmllewellyn@hotmail.com

email Ed Hullah soloecodry@hotmail.co.uk

Ends

Monday 20^th July 2015 – 10.20am – Chris Kowalik.

With school holidays having started, West Midlands Ambulance Service is reminding children not to take the plunge in rivers, ponds, canals and open quarries.

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.

Throughout this week, on twitter and facebook, a series of short videos will again highlight the dangers of open water. They feature Gullet Quarry in Worcestershire where two people died two years ago and the River Severn in Shroshire in whose flast-flowing waters ambulance staff often train in order to perform rescues.

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) or ‘like’ us on facebook (officialwmas).

Ends

Monday 20^th July 2015 – 5.30am – Steve Parry.

A man has died after getting into difficulty in a Brierley Hill pool

West Midlands Ambulance Service can confirm it attended an incident at an area of water near Blewitt Street in Brierley Hill at just before 6.15pm. (Sunday)

Two ambulances together with a paramedic support officer; the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews attended an incident involving a person reportedly in difficulty in the water.

“A man was recovered from the water and found to be in cardiac arrest. Ambulance crews gave him advanced life support and he was airlifted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.”

“Sadly, the man died later in hospital.”

Sunday 19th July 2015 – 9pm – Steve Parry

A woman has been airlifted to hospital after the car she was driving collided with several street signs in Brownhills this evening.

The crash happened at the junction of the M6 Toll exit with the A5 at about 7.15pm.

Two ambulances and a community paramedic were joined at the scene by a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill in Staffordshire.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found a car that had collided with several street signs, resulting in significant damage to the vehicle.

“The driver, a woman in her forties, was treated for a head, leg, back and pelvic injuries.

“She was immobilised and given pain relief before being airlifted to the Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“A female passenger in her twenties received wrist and facial injuries. A male child aged 6 years suffered head injuries. A man in his twenties received neck pain.

All three patients were taken by ambulance to New Cross Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

-End-

 

Ends

 

Sunday 19th July 2015 – 5pm – Steve Parry

A cyclist has been taken to hospital after collapsing during what was thought to be an organised cycle event in Lapworth this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Station Road at the junction of Rising Road at just before 2pm.

An ambulance together with a paramedic support officer and a community paramedic attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Two nurses and a number of bystanders went to the aid of the cyclist to provide basic life support after he fell unconscious and went into cardiac arrest. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) located at the village hall was also sent for.

“Crews arrived shortly afterwards and gave the man, thought to be in his sixties, advanced life support shocking him five times with a defibrillator before taking him to Warwick Hospital.

“Ambulance crews praised the two nurses and several bystanders for the help and assistance given at the scene, which undoubtedly gave the patient the best possible chance of recovery.

“The condition of the patient is unknown at this time.”

End

 

 

Sunday 19th July 2015 – 6.30am – Steve Parry

Two men have been taken to hospital after their car left the road, went through woodland before crashing into a ditch.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Scot Hay Road, Silverdale near Newcastle at just after 10.30pm (Saturday) after a passing motorist had noticed debris in the road and went to investigate.

Two ambulances, a paramedic support officer in a rapid response vehicle together with two north Staffordshire BASICS doctors and community first responders attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Thankfully, a motorist noticed debris on the road and had the presence of mind to locate the car in woodland and call the emergency services.

“In difficult conditions, emergency crews worked to free the driver believed to be in his thirties and a front seat passenger in his twenties.

“The driver was treated for serious head injuries and the passenger also received serious head injuries together with multiple fractures.

“Both patients was sedated by medics and immobilised with the use of a neck collar and placed on an orthopaedic stretcher before being conveyed to the Royal Stoke University Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“The hospital was alerted to their critical condition”

 

Ends

Saturday 18th July 2015 – 10pm – Steve Parry.

A motorcyclist was found to be unconscious following a road traffic collision in Sutton Coldfield this evening.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Woodington Road at approximately 9pm.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “999 calls reported a collision involving a motorbike and stationery car in Sutton Coldfield.

“Crews treated a man in his forties for serious head and chest injuries.

“The patient was unconscious when crews arrived. His condition was stabilised and he was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board. The patient was also given pain relief before being conveyed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

“A doctor travelled with the patient to hospital and the trauma unit were alerted to the condition of the patient.”

End

 

Saturday 18th July 2015 – 9pm – Steve Parry.

A man has died in a road traffic collision in Smethwick this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident near the junction of Soho Street and Soho Way at just after 1.45pm.

Two ambulances together with a paramedic support officer in a rapid response vehicle, the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews attended a road traffic collision after reports that a motorcyclist had collided with a lamppost.

“The motorcyclist was found to be in cardiac arrest and despite the considerable efforts of the medical team at the scene nothing could be done to save the patient who was confirmed deceased.”

 

End

 

 

Saturday 18th July 2015 – 5pm – Steve Parry.

A woman has been taken to hospital with serious multiple injuries following a road traffic collision between a car and bus on a slip road off the A442 near Telford town centre this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A442 Eastern Primary slip road exit for the town centre and railway station at just before 2.45pm.

Two ambulances together with a paramedic support officer in a rapid response vehicle and two Midlands Air Ambulances attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Ambuance crews arrived within minutes of the incident to find a car significantly damaged after colliding with a bus on the slip road exit of the A442.

“The driver of the car, a woman believed to be in her fifties, was treated for serious head, chest, lower leg and pelvic injuries.

“The patient was trapped in her vehicle which was extensively damaged. She was anesthetised by a doctor before being immobilised with the use of a pelvic binder, neck collar and spinal board.

“The patient was airlifted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham where the trauma team were alerted to the serious condition of the patient.”

 

-END-

 

Saturday 18th July 2015  – 7am – Steve Parry

A pedestrian has been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision in Birmingham city centre last night.

The incident took place on Hollies Croft in the city at 11.30pm. (FRIDAY)

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Medics arrived to find a pedestrian had been in collision with a taxi in Birmingham city centre last night.

“A man, believed to be in his fifties, was treated for serious head and chest injuries.

“The patient was immobilised with the use of a pelvic binder, neck collar and placed on a spinal board. He was also anaesthetised before being taken by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“The hospital was alerted to the serious condition of the patient.”

 

• End –

 

 

 

 

Saturday 18th July 2015 – 6.30am – Steve Parry.

Five patients have been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision on the M6 near Stafford this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident near junction 14 southbound of the M6, at just after 2.30am.

Four ambulances; a paramedic support officer in a rapid response vehicle and three BASICS doctors attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to a road traffic collision involving a minibus and lorry on the M6 this morning.

“Five patients were taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital by ambulance and they included a 16 year old female with neck and shoulder pain who was trapped in the vehicle.

“Two females believed to be in their forties were treated for chest injuries. A 9- year old male suffered a head injury and was immobilised with use of a neck collar and spinal board as a precaution.

“A further child was also treated for head and facial injuries,

“The remaining ten passengers on the minibus were assessed at the scene by ambulance staff and doctors before they were taken off the motorway to a nearby hotel by ambulance minibus.

 

Ends

 

 

Friday 17th July 2015 – 8.30pm – Steve Parry

A young child has been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision close to the Worcestershire county border this evening.

The incident occurred in Badsey Lane, Willersey, Broadway at just after 6pm.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a child had been in collision with a car in Willersey.

“A male child, believed to be 3 years old, was treated for serious head injuries.

“The young child was anesthetised by a doctor before he was airlifted to the Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

• End – .

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday 17th July 2015 – 8pm – Steve Parry

A man has been taken to hospital after his cycle collided with a tree in woodland near Stourbridge this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to a wooded location near Hyperion Road, Stourbridge at just after 5pm.

An ambulance, together with the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to an incident in Stourbridge involving a cyclist and tree.

“A man in his twenties was treated for facial and shoulder injuries. The patient was immobilised and given pain relief before being conveyed from the woodland on the specialist ‘polaris’ stretcher vehicle.

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

End

 

Friday, 17^th July 2015 – 4pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedic is set to return to Nepal to teach locals how to cope should they ever suffer the trauma of another earthquake.

Steve Watkins, based in Stoke, is a member of the Search and Rescue Assistance in Disasters (SARAID) charity and was tasked to Kathmandu in April when the first of two devastating earthquakes struck the country.

He is now returning to the country as the SARAID representative to pass on advice and knowledge on a wide range of topics, all linked to locals knowing what to do whilst waiting for help to arrive, in the unfortunate event of another disaster taking place.

Audio: Steve explains why he is returning to Nepal

Steve, who is flying out today (Friday), will teach 20 students a variety of topics,  including what to do before international help arrives, emergency planning, how to search rubble piles, how to lift concrete and support search areas, first aid, water rescue and health and wellbeing.

The idea then is for the students to take the information away, translate it into Nepalese and teach it to approximately 700 youngsters of approximately sixth form age.

Speaking about the trip, Steve said: “It will be my job to teach them (the people of Nepal) every bit of information and knowledge I can, so they can be as well prepared as possible should they ever be unfortunate enough to suffer another disaster.

Audio: Steve explains why the first 48 hours are crucial in a rescue mission

“The first 48 hours in a rescue operation can be absolutely vital. So if the residents know what to do, and how to search for survivors effectively whilst waiting for help to arrive, the more chance there is of people surviving.”

On his first visit to Nepal, Steve spent eight days searching through huge piles of rubble as the search for survivors continued.

Audio: Steve reflects on his previous visit.

“Whilst it was a difficult environment due to the trauma and upset people were going through, my job as a paramedic helps with that type of situation as I have to be focussed on the task in hand,” he added.

“Ultimately, I was there for the people and you could see how grateful they were, which is why it will be rewarding to return and help give something back.”

Ends

Notes to Editors:

Picture caption – Steve Watkins (one from the left in the orange suit) is pictures on his previous visit to Nepal with fellow SARAID member Paul Inky (left). Picture by Will Oliver, Electronic Press Association.

Friday 17^th July 2014 – 3.30pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

If you have ever fancied becoming a life-saver then you could be just the type of person Rugeley and District Community First Responders (CFRs) are looking out for.

CFRs help to reach people suffering from medical emergencies in remote rural communities, prior to the arrival of an ambulance and Rugeley CFRs are looking for new recruits to help bolster the number of life-savers amongst their ranks.

If you think you have what it takes, Rugeley CFRs would love to see you at a recruitment evening they are holding in the Community Room at Rugeley Fire Station on Friday, August 7^th (7pm).

If life-saving is not for you, fund-raising might be more your thing and is an essential part of keeping the CFR group, which has been operation since August 2007, on the road. A registered charity, Rugeley CFRs have raised funds for the vehicle, equipment and uniforms they use, so you will be more than welcome to attend the recruitment evening if you think you can help.

In many illnesses or injuries the first few minutes are critical and simple interventions can be performed in order to save lives or prevent disability.

CFRs are trained by the ambulance service to a nationally recognised level. The First Person on Scene Intermediate qualification is delivered to new CFRs over a period of seven days. The week long course is assessed through a number of written and practical examinations. On successful completion of these, each CFR must undertake a number of observational shifts with ambulances crews before they are able to respond solo within their communities.

Victoria Tufail, WMAS Community Response Manager for Staffordshire, said: “West Midlands Ambulance Service prides itself on having excellent community schemes that are in place around the region. CFRs are vital in rural communities and it is without doubt that thanks to their efforts, dedication and actions, lives have been saved.

“CFRs can be called upon to attend to medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest, strokes, falls and breathing problems amongst others. With approximately 850,000 adults suffer a cardiac arrest every year and ninety percent of them have the ability to be corrected by defibrillation, the more quickly a patient in cardiac arrest can be defibrillated the greater the chance of survival. For every minute a patient is in cardiac arrest, their chance of survival decreases by 10 percent.”

If you are interested in becoming at CFR volunteer, you should be:
• Aged between 18 – 70
• Have a current clean driving licence
• Be physically fit
• Be able to provide time when you can to attend incidents whether at home or work
• Have a caring nature and be willing to help raise the profile of the schemes in local areas.

For more information, email coordinator@radcfr.com or call 07841 905917.

Ends

Notes to editors

The Community First Responder Schemes are entirely funded by charitable donations. Many CFRs actively carry out fundraising events to help raise money which goes towards funding responder kits, automated external defibrillators and some schemes even choose to purchase a car to aid them with their response.

Picture caption: Rugeley and District CFRs’ car.

Friday 17^th July 2015 – 2.40pm – Chris Kowalik.

West Midlands Ambulance Service can confirm it has left the scene of an explosion and fire at Wood Flour Mills in Bosley, near Macclesfield in Cheshire.

Picture: Midlands Air Ambulance

ENDS

Friday 17^th July 2015 – 12.00noon – Claire Brown.

West Midlands Ambulance Service are continuing to support North West colleagues at the scene of an explosion and fire at a Wood Flour Mill in Cheshire.

A 999 call was received at 9.12am this morning to Wood Flour Mills in Bosley near Macclesfield (Friday). A paramedic area support officer, a senior paramedic officer, Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) paramedics, a community paramedic, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill, an emergency preparedness manager and two ambulances were sent to the scene. A number of resources from North West Ambulance Service are also on scene together with police and fire colleagues.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Our staff are continuing to work closely with other emergency services on scene at this difficult incident to ensure patients receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.

“A 29-year-old woman has sustained serious burns and blast injuries to her head, face, arms and chest. She was given pain relief, her burns carefully dressed and she was immobilised before being airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham by the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford for further specialist treatment; the MERIT trauma doctor continued treatment en route.

“North West Ambulance Service have, so far, taken two patients to hospital with burns. One has been taken by land ambulance to Royal Stoke University Hospital and the other has been airlifted to Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester.

“A further 35 people have also been assessed at a triage unit set up on scene by ambulance staff. None of these were injured and have been discharged on scene.

“We urge residents near to the incident to remain indoors, close your windows and doors to avoid the smoke.”

ENDS

Friday 17^th July 2015 – 10.45am – Claire Brown.

West Midlands Ambulance Service are supporting North West colleagues at the scene of an explosion and fire at Wood Flour Mills in Cheshire.

A 999 call was received at 9.12am this morning to a Wood Flour Mill in Bosley near Macclesfield (Friday). A paramedic area support officer, a senior paramedic officer, Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) paramedics, a community paramedic, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill in Staffordshire are in attendance with further ambulances en route. A number of resources from North West Ambulance Service are also on scene together with police and fire colleagues.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Our staff are working closely with other emergency services on scene at this difficult incident to ensure patients receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.

“A number of people are currently receiving treatment by both ambulance services.

“If you’re a resident near to the incident we advise you to please close your doors and windows due to smoke.”

More details to follow.

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Thursday 16th July 2015 – 5pm – Claire Brown

A teenage boy who came off his bike on a hillside wood in South Staffordshire has been rescued and treated by ambulance staff.

The incident happened halfway up a densely wooded hill off Kingsford Lane near to the National Trust Car Park at around 1.30pm this afternoon (Thursday). A local community first responder (CFR) was first on scene and was joined by an ambulance crew and HART paramedics.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The CFR had to clamber up the steep hillside to reach the teenager who had reportedly fallen off his bike after hitting a tree whilst cycling.

“He was in a lot of pain after fracturing his collarbone. The teen had also suffered a head injury in the fall. The CFR worked to stabilise the boy whilst waiting for fellow ambulance staff to arrive.

“The team of medics administered pain relief to the teenager to help ease his discomfort before they began to treat his injuries. Once stabilised the teen was carefully transferred down the hillside to the ambulance which had parked at the bottom. He was then taken to Russells Hall Hospital for further treatment.”

 

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Thursday 16^th July 2015 – 5.30pm – Claire Brown.

A motorcyclist has suffered serious leg injuries following a collision with a car in Newcastle-under-Lyme this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of the A519 Clayton Road and Kingsbridge Avenue at 4.00pm (Thursday). A paramedic area support officer, a local community first responder, an ambulance and a BASICS doctor attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When crews arrived they found off duty nurses caring for the motorcyclist, a 51-year-old man, who had sustained multiple fractures to his leg as well as a suspected fracture to his chest, an arm injury and extensive bruising to his side.

“The man was given strong pain relief to help stabilise his condition by ambulance staff at the roadside to enable the doctor to further assess his nasty leg injury.

“The man was fully immobilised and his leg was splinted to prevent further movement before being taken to nearby Royal Stoke University Hospital for further emergency treatment.

“No one else required hospital care.”

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Thursday 16^th July 2015 – 4.20pm – Claire Brown.
A rock climber in the Peak District ended up leaving The Roaches by stretcher this afternoon after falling four metres down the rock face.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to The Roaches in Upper Hulme, Leek at around 12.45pm (Thursday). A paramedic area support officer, a community paramedic and an ambulance attended and were joined by Buxton Mountain Rescue Team.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The 23-year-old woman, who had come up from the South with a group of friends, had reportedly fallen around four metres down the rock face. Thankfully, her rope system prevented her from falling to the ground.

“The woman and her friends were reached by the ambulance staff and the mountain rescue team and she was assessed. She had sustained a suspected pelvic injury and an ankle injury in the fall. The medical team administered pain relief to the woman before she was immobilised with a pelvic splint, scoop stretcher and neck collar.

“Ambulance staff and the rescue team then carried the woman down to the awaiting ambulance, which was half a mile away on the road, before she was taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital.”

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Thursday 16^th July 2015 – 3.50pm – Chris Kowalik.

A bright yellow cabinet now hangs on the wall of the public convenience in a busy Shropshire village.

The box houses a defibrillator, a device that could restart the heart of someone who suffers a cardiac arrest.

 

Picture: West Midlands Ambulance Service

It was all bought as a result of the hard fundraising work of Ironbridge and Severn Gorge Lions, The Rotary Club of Ironbridge and The Gorge WI.

Pictured (courtesy West Midlands Ambulance Service) above:

Rear left to right: Christine Christian (President of The Gorge WI), John Marsh (Ironbridge and Severn Gorge Lions) and Ryan Kennedy (local resident and BBC Radio Shropshire presenter who performed the unveiling).

Front: Max Clowes (President of The Rotary Club of Ironbridge)

 

Kept within the secure key-locked cabinet outside the public toilets in ‘The Square’ near the Iron Bridge, the defibrillator is there in the event of someone having a cardiac arrest; when they stop breathing and their heart stops beating. The machine can be accessed by dialling 999 and following the advice from West Midlands Ambulance Service’s control room.

At today’s unveiling, John Marsh of Ironbridge and Severn Gorge Lions explained the importance of defibrillators: “There were two ladies here the other day when I was just kitting it up and they said: ‘It’s one of those heart things. They are springing up all over the country but why are they doing it because you need to be experienced?’ Of course, you don’t need to be experienced and that’s the reason they are there on the wall.”

Max Clowes, President of The Rotary Club of Ironbridge said: “It was John’s initiative and we were so pleased to be invited by John in installing this extremely useful and lifesaving piece of equipment.”

Chris Randall, former President of The Gorge WI: We started fundraising towards the costs of the new defibrillator two years ago by making crafts within the group and fundraising activities such as garden parties and the fashion show. We soon realised it was only by co-operating with the Lions, and the Rotary got involved as well, it enabled us to go together and get this wonderful machine installed.”

Pictures: West Midlands Ambulance Service

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Thursday 16^th July 2015 – 3pm– Jamie Arrowsmith.

A campaign aimed at saving lives kicked off with the installation of an automated external defibrillator (AED) at a Burntwood school on Tuesday.

The device, which was unveiled at Erasmus Darwin Academy in Burntwood, has been funded by the David Betteridge Community Defibrillator Charity and is poignantly located following a traumatic incident in 2013.

During a six-a-side football match at the school in September 2013, Mr Betteridge suffered a cardiac arrest moments after scoring a goal. Thankfully, he has since gone on to make a full recovery after receiving CPR at the scene from friends.

In an ironic twist, he also made his return to six-a-side football on Monday night, just hours before the defibrillator was unveiled.

As Mr Betteridge continued his recovery, his wife Debbie and sister-in-law Sarah Page came up with the idea of raising enough money to install an AED at the school and the charity was born.

Far from blowing the final whistle on their campaign, the charity has already raised enough money to purchase three more defibrillators, which will be placed throughout Rugeley, with another four for the Cannock area in the pipeline.

Speaking at the launch of the defibrillator, Mrs Betteridge said: “We are thrilled and proud to have raised the money to see our first defibrillator put in place.

“Obviously we hope it never needs to be used, but it is something that will benefit the school and local community and may just end up saving a life.

“What happened to David was a frightening experience for us all but thankfully he survived, even without an AED being in place.

“When we were told how an AED increases the chance of survival for someone suffering a cardiac arrest, we knew how important it was to try and install as many as possible in the local area.”

Mr Betteridge, who was unable to attend the launch due to work commitments, said: “It is a special day for the Charity to unveil its first defibrillator and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed for their donations and continued support.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) has supported the charity throughout and will offer training on how to use the AEDs to all locations that have one installed.

WMAS Community Response Manager Matt Heward, said: “We are pleased to have teamed up with the charity and the work they are doing is fantastic.

“We will provide training so that people are ready to start vital life-saving care whilst we are on the way, as in cardiac arrest cases, for every minute CPR is delayed the chances of a patient surviving rapidly decreases.”

Erasmus Darwin Principal, Bernice Astling, said: “We are delighted to support the work of the David Betteridge Community Defibrillator Charity and we were honoured to host the opening ceremony on the Academy site.

“Our students gained a great deal from listening to the information shared by our guests. The users of our sports facilities will be reassured to know that the defibrillator exists at Erasmus Darwin Academy, should it be required.”

For more information about the charity, or if you would like to join in with the fund-raising, email betteridges4@talktalk.net.

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Notes to Editors:

Picture caption – (From the left) John Holford (Committee Member), Matt Heward (WMAS Community Response Manager), Alyssia Roberts (Committee Member), Debbie Betteridge (Secretary), Jacob Betteridge (David’s son). Not pictured – David Betteridge (Treasurer) and Sarah Page (Chair). Please credit West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Wednesday 15 July 2015 – 7.45pm – Steve Parry.

A horse rider has been airlifted to hospital after falling from her horse in Baxterley, Atherstone in Warwickshire this afternoon.

The incident happened on Main Road at just before 5.45pm.

An ambulance, together with a community paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill in Staffordshire attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews treated a woman who had fallen from a horse in Baxterley this afternoon.

“The patient, believed to be in her fifties, was treated for neck and back pain after falling from her horse onto the road.

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

“The patient was also given pain relief before being airlifted to the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further assessment and treatment.”

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Wednesday 15th July – 7am – Steve Parry.

Ambulance crews have been called to a camping incident in south Shropshire overnight which resulted in two men being taken to hospital with serious burns.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to a woodland location near Bridgend Lane, Bucknell at just after 3am.

Two ambulances together with a paramedic support officer, a paramedic in a rapid response car; a community first responder and a community paramedic attended the isolated location.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to two men who had apparently thrown accelerant on a camp fire which then flared back, setting them alight.

“Both men in their thirties were treated by ambulance staff for serious partial thickness burns.

“One man received burns to his legs and was taken to Hereford Hospital.

“The second patient received burns to his hands, arm, chest and lower body. His burns were dressed and he was given pain relief before being conveyed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for further assessment and treatment.”

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Tuesday 14^th June 2015 – 9.00pm – Murray MacGregor

An elderly pedestrian has died after a collision with a car despite the best efforts of ambulance staff to save her.

The tragic incident happened on Burney Lane in Ward End, Birmingham at just after 2.00pm.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews found a woman who was unconscious and in a critical condition.  There was no car at the scene.

“Due to the level of injury, the two crews worked together on the same ambulance as she was rapidly conveyed to Heartlands Hospital on blue lights where she arrived just 23 minutes after the call.

“After being stabilised, the same crew then transferred her to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, but sadly she died later in the afternoon.”

 

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Tuesday 14th July 2015 – 6.50pm – Murray MacGregor.

A group of friends used jumpers and jackets to help guide an air ambulance to a friend who was lying injured in a remote location.

The incident happened near Thor’s Cave in the Dovedale National Nature Reserve in Staffordshire at about 11.15am this morning.

An ambulance and the Mayfield and Ellastone community first responder were dispatched along with the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire and the local mountain rescue team.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The 22 year old from Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, was out with a group of friends when he tripped, stumbled and dislocated his right knee cap.

“Unfortunately, access by road was not possible so the helicopter was well placed to get to the location quickly. The group were well prepared and were able to give a good location using an Ordnance Survey map reference and visual marks such as being by a cliff on top of hill.

“When the air ambulance got there, the friends had identified a good landing area and were able to flag their location to the aircrew. No other resources reached the scene before the helicopter arrived.

“The man had his knee cap put back by the aircrew paramedics after he had been given pain relief. He was then airlifted to the major trauma centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital for further treatment.

“Whilst not a serious injury, this was an excellent use of the helicopter to get to a patient quickly, who could have been left in the elements for a considerable period of time.”
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We keep seeing people mixing up cardiac arrests and heart attacks. Do you know the difference?

Sadly, too many people die from the first; but lots make a good recovery from the second.  Here’s a very simple explanation:

A heart attack happens when your heart muscle is starved of oxygen-rich blood. This causes damage to your heart muscle. In a heart attack you may feel tightness or pain in your chest, arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach. For some it’s severe, others less so. You may become sweaty, feel light-headed or dizzy, or become short of breath. You may also feel nauseous or vomit.

A cardiac arrest is where your heart stops pumping blood – the patient will be unconscious and won’t be breathing normally, if at all. If someone’s having a cardiac arrest, phone 999 and give the patient CPR. If you don’t know how, the ambulance call handler will tell you

Although a heart attack can result in a cardiac arrest, they’re not the same. Make sure you know the difference – it could save a life. There’s more information here.

Monday 13^th July 2015 – 7.45am – Claire Brown.

Team work between all three emergency services meant a man in cardiac arrest was rescued from a property fire and resuscitated in Birmingham in the early hours.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called by West Midlands Fire Service at around 2.40am this morning requesting our attendance at a property fire in Dogpool Lane, Selly Oak. An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and a MERIT trauma doctor attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Whilst ambulance crews were en route, the control room received an update from the fire service who advised a man had been rescued from the property which was ablaze and was in cardiac arrest.

“When ambulance staff and the doctor arrived they found fire and police colleagues, who had their own automated external defibrillator to hand, administering excellent CPR on the man. Advanced life support continued at the scene and the man was shocked once with the defibrillator which successfully restarted his heart.

“The man, who was still in a serious condition, was then taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham where medics were awaiting his arrival.”

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Monday 13^th July 2015 – 7.20am – Claire Brown.

A collision between a 4×4 and a minibus in the early hours has left one woman and six men injured in Cannock.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received a 999 call to reports of the collision at the junction of Broadhurst Green Road and Penkridge Bank, Hednesford, just after midnight making it our first 999 call of the day. Five ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and a responder paramedic attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff arrived on scene they found a 4×4 and a minibus which had left the road and ended up in a hedge row. Both sustained extensive damage.

“The driver of the car, a woman, was assessed by crews and was found to have head, back and chest pain. All other observations were normal and the woman was stable. She was immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board at taken to New Cross Hospital.

“The eight occupants of the minibus, all men, had self-extricated from the vehicle prior to our arrival. Six had suffered injuries and when ambulance staff arrived some had reportedly collapsed and were on the floor next to the minibus.

“One passenger upon assessment by crews had head, neck and shoulder pain and was suffering severe pain in his thigh and leg which the crew suspected was fractured. He was immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board and taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital, a specialist trauma centre, for further treatment.

“The driver of the minibus had head, neck and chest injuries. A second passenger had arm and shoulder pain and a third suffered head, neck, shoulder and leg pain. All three were taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further checks.

“A fourth passenger sustained a cut above his eye and knee pain and a fifth passenger had head, neck and chest pain following the collision. Both were taken to Walsall Manor Hospital.

“The two other occupants from the minibus did not require hospital treatment.

“This was a protracted case due to the number of patients involved and required good team work on scene by the emergency services. Thankfully no one suffered life-threatening injuries.”

 

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Sunday 12^th July 2015 – 7.00pm – Claire Brown.

A man and a woman have been injured after their cars collided in Kenilworth this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A452 Birmingham Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire at around 12.15pm (Sunday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The driver of one car, a woman in her 20s, was trapped in the wreckage. She had sustained serious pelvic injuries and was given pain relief by ambulance staff whilst the fire service worked around them to cut her out of the car.

“The woman was carefully lifted out of the car onto a scoop stretcher and she was further immobilised with a neck collar and pelvic splint to prevent further movement of her injuries. Once stable, the woman was taken by land to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, a specialist trauma centre, for further emergency care.

“The man, believed to be in his 30s, had self-extricated from his car prior to our arrival. He sustained chest injuries caused by his seatbelt during the collision and was immobilised as a precaution before being taken to the same hospital.”

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Sunday 12^th July 2015 – 7.20am – Claire Brown.

Two teenagers needed hospital treatment after their car rolled over and ended up landing on top of a parked car on a driveway in Ward End early this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Drews Lane in Ward End, Birmingham, at 1.00am (Sunday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and doctors from the West Midlands Central Accident Resuscitation Emergency (CARE) Team attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When crews arrived they found a badly damaged car which had left the road and landed on top of a parked car in a driveway. Thankfully, the parked car was unoccupied.

“The driver of the car had left the scene when emergency services arrived so assessment wasn’t possible. The two passengers from the car however, both teenagers, were already out of the vehicle.

“One teenager suffered a suspected fractured jaw, lacerations to his face and suspected fractures to his lower leg in the collision. Ambulance staff administered pain relief to the man before he was immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board and taken to Heartlands Hospital.

“The second teenager, upon assessment by medics, was found to have suffered suspected serious injuries to his leg and pelvis. The man was given pain relief to stabilise his condition on scene before the team worked to fully immobilise him with a neck collar, spinal board and pelvic splint. The man was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, a specialist trauma centre, for further emergency care. The doctor travelled in the ambulance to hospital to continue treatment en route.”
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Sunday 12^th July 2015 – 6.45am – Claire Brown.

A motorcyclist who collided with a car in Warwickshire last night couldn’t be saved by the ambulance service despite best efforts.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A423 Oxford Road in Princethorpe at around 9.15pm yesterday evening (Saturday). A local community first responder was first on scene and was joined by two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and a MERIT trauma doctor.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “An off duty community first responder (CFR) came across the RTC involving the motorcyclist and car and was first on scene to help. The motorcycle had travelled another 100 metres down the A423 following the impact.

“The motorcyclist, a man, had sustained multiple traumatic injuries and was in cardiac arrest. The CFR quickly commenced CPR on the man whilst other ambulance staff made their way to the scene. Resuscitation efforts continued with the CFR, ambulance crews and doctor working as a team to deliver extensive advanced life support at the roadside.

“Sadly, after more than 40 minutes of resuscitation, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead on scene.

“The driver and passenger in the car, a man and a little boy, were assessed by ambulance staff but did not require hospital treatment.”
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Saturday 11^th July 2015 – 2.30pm – Claire Brown.

A man who suffered a cardiac arrest at a golf club in Codsall this morning was successfully revived thanks to early CPR.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a man suffering chest pain at The Wergs Golf Club, Keepers Lane in Codsall just after 10.00am this morning (Saturday). An ambulance was first on scene and was backed up by a community paramedic, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When the ambulance crew arrived they found a man in his 50s near to the club house with chest pain.

“Whilst the crew began observations and started treatment, the man’s condition quickly deteriorated and he went into cardiac arrest. The medics commenced CPR and shocked his heart with a defibrillator. Thankfully, these quick actions meant that they managed to restart the man’s heart.

“Once stabilised, the man was taken by land ambulance to New Cross Hospital for further cardiac care.

“In cardiac arrest cases, early CPR really can make the difference between life a death.”

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Saturday 11^th July 2015 – 2.15pm – Claire Brown.

A motorcyclist had to be sedated by medics at the scene of a road traffic collision in Stoke-on-Trent this morning after a collision with a van left him with serious injuries.

The incident happened in Congleton Road, Biddulph at 8.15am this morning (Saturday). An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When crews arrived they found a motorcyclist and a van which had been involved in a serious collision. The motorcyclist, a man believed to be in his 30s, was unconscious and upon assessment was found to have sustained a nasty leg fracture, a head injury and suspected internal injuries.

“Due to the man’s serious injuries the trauma doctor decided to sedate the man on scene in order to stabilise his condition. An off duty GP, who stopped to help, worked alongside the medics to administer fluids and further drug therapy before he was immobilised and taken by land ambulance to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further emergency treatment.

“The man’s condition was described as critical.”

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Saturday 11^th July 2015 – 1.15pm – Claire Brown.

A six-year-old girl has suffered extensive facial injuries after being bitten by a dog in Staffordshire this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Pretoria Road in Etruria at 10.15am today (Saturday). An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a six-year-old girl who had sustained multiple bite wounds to her face after reportedly being attacked by a dog at the property.

“The girl, who was understandably upset, was given pain relief to help ease her discomfort before ambulance staff assessed her nasty wounds and carefully applied dressings. The little girl was then airlifted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further emergency care and surgery.

“The girl’s mum travelled in the helicopter to hospital and upon arrival in A&E the girls’ condition was said to be serious but stable.”

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