Saturday 14th November 2015 – 9.00pm – John Hawker.
A teenager has been seriously injured after being struck by a car in Birmingham this afternoon.
The incident occurred on the A452 Chester Road, Chelmsley Wood at around 4.50pm. A rapid response vehicle and an ambulance attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a teenage girl that had suffered serious head injuries in the incident.
“Emergency treatment was carried out at the scene by medics and the girl was transferred by land ambulance using blue lights & sirens to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further emergency treatment.
“The hospital had been pre alerted to the teenager’s injuries and her serious condition.”
Saturday 14th November 2015 – 8.30am – John Hawker.
Three people have been injured, one seriously following an RTC in Birmingham last night.
The crash occurred near the junction of Bristol Road and Cob Lane, Bourneville at around 8.25pm. Four ambulances, two rapid response vehicles, a paramedic officer and the Trusts CARE team attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Ambulance crews on route to work at the City Centre Treatment Unit came across the three vehicle crash and started treating patients at the scene.
“A woman driving one car suffered multiple serious injuries in the crash and received emergency treatment by medics whilst being rapidly extricated from the vehicle.
“Due to the nature of the woman’s injuries, she was anaesthetised at the scene by medics and was then transferred by ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Major Trauma Unit for further emergency treatment. The hospital were awaiting the woman’s arrival.
“Unfortunately, the woman’s injuries were very serious.
“The drivers of the two other cars both suffered injuries and were treated at the scene by medics. The man suffered a head laceration and a wrist injury and the woman suffered a laceration to her back.
“Following treatment both were transferred to the same hospital by ambulance for further treatment.
“All emergency service staff worked seamlessly together at a difficult incident to ensure all patients received the best treatment as quickly and safely as possible.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) attended two incidents within a couple of hours on a stretch of the M5 in Worcestershire today.
Four people and a child were treated by ambulance staff following a road traffic collision on the M5 near junction 5 northbound this morning.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident at just before11.30am. Three ambulances and a paramedic officer in a rapid response vehicle attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to a road traffic collision involving five cars and two vans this morning. A couple of hours later, Crews were back on the motorway dealing with a separate incident involving a van and lorry.
“In the first incident, a man believed to be in his forties received neck pain and was treated by medics before being taken to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch for further assessment.
“Crews also assessed a mother and child and two elderly patients for minor injuries. They were later discharged from the scene.”
At just after 1.30pm, Crews were called to a location on the M5 between junction 8 and 7 northbound following reports of a collision between a lorry and van in which the van came to rest in a ditch.
A man, believed to be in his fifties was trapped in the van and later released. He was treated for back pain and taken by ambulance to Worcester Royal Hospital.
An ambulance support officer together with an ambulance and a paramedic in a rapid response car attended the scene.
Friday 13th November 2015 – 12.30pm – Steve Parry.
A teenage cyclist has been airlifted to hospital following a serious road traffic collision in Warndon, Worcester this morning.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Tolladine Road and Holly Mount Road at just before10.30am.
An ambulance; a paramedic support officer; a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle together with two Midlands Air Ambulances from Strensham and Cosford attending the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to a collision between a car and cyclist near Worcester this morning.
“A female cyclist, believed to be sixteen years old was found to have a low level of consciousness at the scene and she was treated by ambulance medics for serious head injuries.
“The patient was immobilised using a neck collar and placed on a spinal board. She was anaesthetised by a doctor at the scene before being airlifted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for further assessment and treatment.
“The hospital was alerted to the serious condition of the patient.
“The car driver was assessed by ambulance staff but did not require hospital treatment.”
Thursday 12th November 2015 – 8.25am – John Hawker.
A man has been rescued from a canal by good Samaritans in Warwickshire last night.
The incident occurred at a canal off Southam Road, near to The Two Boats Inn, Long Itchington at around 9.05pm. An ambulance, a rapid response paramedic, a paramedic officer and a BASICS Doctor attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We were called to reports of a man that had been heard shouting for help from in the canal. He was pulled out by passers-by before emergency services arrived but he had become unconscious.
“The man received emergency treatment at the scene from medics for a head injury and also suffering hypothermia. Treatment continued at the scene and the patient’s condition was stabilised.
“The man, believed to be in his 60’s, was then transferred by ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further emergency treatment. A trauma team were on standby awaiting his arrival.
“The man’s condition was still very serious but his chance of survival were dramatically increased thanks to the actions of the good Samaritans before medics arrived.
“It is unknown why the man ended up in the canal and how long he had been in there before being rescued.”
Thursday 12th November 2015 – 6.20am – John Hawker.
A cyclist has died following an RTC in Birmingham last night.
The incident occurred on Gilhurst Road, Harborne at around 6.45pm. A rapid response vehicle, an ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Trusts MERIT Trauma team attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car and a cyclist that had been in a significant collision.
“The man riding the bicycle was in traumatic cardiac arrest and CPR was being carried out by passers-by.
“Medics took over resuscitation attempts and advanced life support was carried out at the scene.
“Resuscitation attempts continued but unfortunately, despite everyone’s best efforts, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead shortly after arriving at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
For 62 students who enrolled on the paramedic sciences degree course at Staffordshire University in September, the future became a whole lot clearer or them when they visited our Tollgate Hub in Stafford for an introduction to the Trust. Over the coming years they’ll get more than familiar with our rapid response vehicles and ambulances, but this was their first chance to see them up close and personal. We wish them every success in their training.
Wednesday 11th November 2015 – 7.30am – John Hawker.
A woman received treatment from medics whilst trapped in her car following a serious RTC in Warwickshire last night.
The crash occurred on the B4100, Gaydon at around 6pm. Three ambulances, two rapid response vehicles and a paramedic officer attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find two vehicles that had been in collision, with both suffering substantial front end damage.
“A woman travelling in one car, believed to be around 30 years old, suffered multiple serious injuries and also a reduced level of consciousness. She received emergency treatment by medics whilst trapped in the vehicle and then emergency services worked together to free her as quickly and safely as possible.
“Once released, the woman was transferred by ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire where a trauma team were awaiting her arrival. Unfortunately her injuries were very serious.
“The occupants of the second car, a man in his 50’s and a young boy believed to be nine years old, both received treatment at the scene for multiple injuries. The man suffered shoulder and abdominal injuries, and the child suffered chest and neck injuries. Both were transferred to the same hospital for further emergency treatment.”
Tuesday 10th November 2015 – 7.00pm – John Hawker.
A cyclist has been seriously injured after an RTC in Rugby this afternoon.
The crash occurred on High Street, Hillmorton at around 4.20pm. A rapid response vehicle, a community first responder, 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 cyclist and a car that had been in a significant collision.
“The boy that was riding the bicycle had suffered serious head injuries in the crash and had a reduced level of consciousness.
“The teenager received emergency treatment at the scene from medics including being anaesthetised by the trauma Doctor.
“Following treatment the boy was transferred by land ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further emergency treatment.
“The hospital had been pre alerted to the patient’s arrival and his serious condition.”
Tuesday 10th November 2015 – 4.55pm – Chris Kowalik.
A man in his eighties who was pulled from beneath a lorry by members of the public only had minor abrasions to his head.
It happened in Cannock Road, Wednesfield. West Midlands Ambulance Service was called shortly after 3.35pm today.
A paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance crew attended. The Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford was initially assigned based on the original reports of a man being hit by a lorry but was later stood down from the case.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The man had gone right under the vehicle and was pulled out by passersby.
“Assessments at the scene found he had just minor injuries to his head and, as a precaution, he was taken to New Cross Hospital.”
Tuesday 10th November 2015 – 11.20am – Murray MacGregor.
A group of life saving volunteers have been ‘prescribed’ a cash boost thanks to the generosity of a Coventry based company.
Celesio UK, parent company of LloydsPharmacy and AAH Pharmaceuticals based in Coventry, has presented a cheque for £2,000 to Coventry Community Responders (CCR).
CCR is a Community First Responder scheme whose volunteers are trained by West Midlands Ambulance Service to a nationally recognised standard. They can be called upon to attend medical emergencies in their area while a blue-light vehicle is en-route.
Carl Rose, who’s been involved with the Coventry responders for about 2 years, said: “Being a CFR means that I have the opportunity to give something back to the community I work in. It is very satisfying knowing that you have made a difference to someone’s life.
“I am heavily involved in the fundraising we carry out so that we can provide the best service we can. We are very grateful to Celesio UK for such a generous donation. We’ll be able to buy even more equipment which means more people are available to respond to incidents such as cardiac arrests, heart attacks and strokes, where every second can make a difference.”
CCR Group Chairman, Mark Tolan, added: “Being a CFR is hugely rewarding; knowing that you’re helping someone who is in need of medical assistance. As a professional first aid trainer, my volunteering as a CFR also presents me with a range of medical experiences which I can pass on to those people I teach.
Cormac Tobin, Managing Director at Celesio UK, commented: “I admire the volunteers, who despite having full time jobs, give up their time to help local emergency services look after their patients.
“I believe we need to raise awareness of such notable causes and recognise the people doing incredible work at a local level.
“We are very pleased to support such an honourable cause. The work undertaken throughout Celesio UK is about helping patients directly within their communities; we feel the work the Coventry Community Responders undertake is vital for the health of those people living within a community we serve.”
Cllr. David Skinner, Westwood Ward in Coventry, said: “When I was taken ill, the First Responders arrived before my wife had even finished the 999 call. I was in University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire within 40 minutes or so. I have the most profound respect for the first responders and West Midlands Ambulance Service overall.”
Carl added: “We’ve also had a second funding boost; Shiraz & Sons Pharmacies across Coventry will place collecting tins in their stores to allow members of the public to support the good work of the Coventry Community Responders.”
If you would like to volunteer as a community first responder for West Midlands Ambulance Service, you can find out more details here. All vacancies are advertised via the NHS Jobs website.
Mark says it’s fantastic that Celesio have presented the group with a cheque for £2,000:
Carl explains why it is important to have CFRs in the community:
Carl (left) and Mark (right)
Carl Rose, Cormac Tobin, Mark Tolan, Adam Aston
Paul Smith (Celesio), Chris Gordon (Celesio), Carl Rose (CCR), Cormac Tobin (Celesio), Mark Tolan (CCR), Adam Aston (WMAS), Chris Frost (Celesio)
Tuesday 10th November 2015 – 10.45am – Chris Kowalik.
A man in his twenties was freed from his overturned car by a paramedic area support officer with the help of off-duty firefighters.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Yarnfield Road, Swynnerton, Staffordshire shortly before 8am today.
In addition to the paramedic officer, a British Association for Immediate Care (BASICS) Emergency Doctor and an ambulance crew attended.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The driver, a man in his twenties, was release from his car and assessed and monitored by ambulance service clinicians at the scene. He was found to have bruising to his chest, a neck injury and a suspected spinal injury. He was immobilised with the use of a spinal board and neck collar and given pain relief before being taken on alert to Royal Stoke University Hospital.”
A pedestrian has been seriously injured following an RTC this evening.
The incident occurred on Myton Road, Warwick at around 5.15pm. Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a BASICS Doctor attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a woman in the road that had been struck by a car.
“The woman had suffered serious head injuries and received emergency treatment from medics. Due to her serious condition the woman was anaesthetised by the trauma Doctor and ambulance crews at the scene.
“Following treatment, the woman was transferred to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further emergency treatment.
“The hospital had been pre alerted to the woman’s serious injuries and a trauma team were on standby awaiting her arrival.
Monday 9th November 2015 – 1.45pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.
A car driver has been dragged to safety by a lorry driver on the M40 this morning, moments after their two vehicles had collided on the hard shoulder.
The collision on the northbound side of the carriageway, just before junction 13, left the man’s car bonnet trapped underneath the lorry, but he was still able to free himself.
However, crews were told that shortly after getting out of the vehicle the man fell to the floor at the side of the motorway and was quickly dragged to safety by the lorry driver.
West Midlands Ambulance Service received a 999 call to the incident just before 9am and sent an ambulance, a paramedic area support officer, a community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a man who had been moved to the safety of a roadside embankment after falling to the floor shortly after getting out of his vehicle.
“The man, thought to be in his 30s, was assessed and treated for abdominal and pelvic injuries.
“He was immobilised with the use of a neck collar, scoop stretcher and pelvic binder before being transported to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire by land ambulance. Thankfully, his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
“The driver of the lorry, a man, was uninjured in the incident.”
Monday 9th November 2015 – 11.30am – Claire Brown.
With the night’s drawing in and the weather taking a definite autumnal turn, now is the time to prepare your health for the winter months ahead.
Whilst some think it’s just a bad cold, flu really isn’t fun to have. Each year hundreds of thousands of people see their GP and tens of thousands are hospitalised because of the flu.
Diane Scott, Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, said: “Flu is often underestimated and for older people, the very young, pregnant women and those with a chronic respiratory or cardiovascular health conditions it can sometimes be very serious.
“We’ve already vaccinated almost 800 ambulance staff and volunteer Community First Responders over the past few weeks as part of the Trust’s flu programme. Not only will the vaccine keep our staff and their families well, it also means that they’ll be fit and well to respond to patients over the winter period.
“As an ambulance service we’re urging the old, the young, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions to book in for a flu jab. Not only will it help to protect your own health but it’ll also stop you from spreading the flu to your loved ones this winter.”
Reasons why you don’t want the flu:
You’ll be in for a miserable one or two weeks! Symptoms usually start with a high temperature (more than 38 degrees Celsius) which will make you feel groggy and you’ll probably start to develop a nasty cough. Other symptoms you can enjoy can include a headache, feeling cold and shivery, aching muscles, limb or joint pain, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, loss of appetite and diarrhoea or an upset stomach. A recipe to make you feel completely rubbish!
What do I do if I get flu?
Sadly, for the majority of people, there’s not a lot the ambulance service can do to help you if you’ve got the flu. If you’re otherwise fit and healthy, there is no need to visit your GP either with flu-like symptoms. The best thing you can do is tuck yourself up in bed, rest, drink plenty of fluids, take paracetamol and remember, don’t take over the advised dosage. Help ease a sore throat and cough with lozenges, mixtures or sprays too. If you are buying over the counter remedies, make sure you check with the pharmacist first to ensure they don’t affect medication you’re already taking.
Monday 9th November 2015 – 9.45am – Chris Kowalik.
“It’s rewarding helping people. I try to carry on my normal life. I’ll put my wellies on and I’ll go and sort the horses and the sheep out. If I get a call, I just kick my boots off and I’ll run from there!”
Dave Fulton is one of the founding members of Highley’s Community First Responders. Now, 68 and retired, he still responds to medical emergencies.
The scheme’s other still active founder, Nigel Preece, 56, works for the nearby Manuscript Pen Company. Dave and Nigel each volunteer up to seventy hours every week awaiting the call from the ambulance service control room to attend an incident nearby while an ambulance is en-route.
Pictured left-to-right: Nigel Preece, Dave Fulton. Picture: West Midlands Ambulance Service
Dave explained how he first got involved: “I was on the parish council. A couple of guys from the ambulance service gave a presentation to the parish council asking for help to set up a scheme in the area. I thought that was something that interests me and it went from there.”
Nigel blames his wife! He said: “The ambulance service put a flyer through my door. The wife said: ‘Why don’t you go for it?’ I thought it was a good thing for the village so I went along and did the training. It was the wife’s fault really!”
They got started with equipment bought using a grant from the parish council. For them both, their most memorable case is their first successful resuscitation which they attended together.
“We managed to bring him back” recalled Nigel. Dave added: “The ambulance crew came in and one of the paramedics was expecting to see a dead body but we got him back, in the recovery position, breathing on his own with no problems. I occasionally see him walking around the village, it’s just brilliant to see him.”
The scheme now continues thanks to the contributions of two additional volunteers and the support of villagers.
Dave: “Most of the people in the village are our friends and a lot of them donate. A lot of people donate to CFRs instead of sending out Christmas cards. You carry on because you know they appreciate it. It’s a good thing for the village. It’s nice to help people. They respect and appreciate what you do.”
Neither Dave nor Nigel have any intention of stopping and would encourage others to try volunteering for their community.
Dave said: “It’s not just using your skills when you’re on call. You could be in town somewhere and someone could collapse in front of you. Once you’ve learnt the skills, you could use them anywhere, even at home. If one of your family collapses you will know what to do. You can help that person until we get there or the ambulance gets there.”
Community First Responders are volunteers trained by West Midlands Ambulance Service to a nationally recognised standard. They can be called upon to attend medical emergencies in their area while a blue-light vehicle is en-route.
West Midlands Ambulance Service is currently recruiting for CFRs across Shropshire in preparation for its next course in the New Year. For more information, visit the NHS Jobs website www.jobs.nhs.uk .
Being half an hour late for your shift doesn’t usually go down well, but, one paramedic had a good excuse yesterday after coming across a two car RTC.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of the Ludlow Road and Vaughan Road in Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire, at around 6.15pm on Sunday. An ambulance was sent to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The paramedic was heading to Stourport for his night shift when he came across two cars which had collided. After a quick assessment of the patients, the paramedic called 999 to requested an ambulance and advised our control room that he would be delayed starting his shift.
“The driver of one car, a woman in her 20s, escaped with minor leg injuries. A man and a woman in their 30s from the second car were said to be walking wounded. All three were given treatment by the paramedic and ambulance crew but didn’t require hospital treatment.
“Once clear from the incident, the paramedic continued his journey to work.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor: Photograph credit West Midlands Ambulance Service
One man has died and another has been treated for smoke inhalation following a house fire in Shrewsbury this evening.
West Midlands Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 5.45pm to Westbury Road. A paramedic area support officer and an ambulance attended.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The fire service entered the house and extinguished the fire, finding a man inside. Sadly, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save him and ambulance staff confirmed him dead on scene.
“A second man, who went into the property after discovering the fire, suffered mild smoke inhalation and was given oxygen therapy by staff before being taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.”
A two car collision involving two families this morning sadly left one girl dead and three children and four adults needing hospital treatment in Warwickshire.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the B4642 Coventry Road in Cawston, Rugby at 11.10am (Sunday). A paramedic area support officer, a community paramedic and several ambulances attended and were joined on scene by helicopters from the Midlands Air Ambulance and the Air Ambulance Service.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff arrived they found two cars which had been involved in a significant collision. A girl from one of the cars was in cardiac arrest and was being given CPR by bystanders. Ambulance staff immediately took over resuscitation efforts and quickly transferred her by land ambulance on blue lights to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire. CPR continued en route to hospital but sadly, despite best efforts nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed dead at hospital.
“A young boy from the same car, believed to be under the age of two, suffered a head injury. He was given immediate treatment on scene before he too was taken by land ambulance to the same hospital.
“The children’s mother and father were trapped in the wreckage and had to be extricated with help from the fire service. The mother suffered pelvic and abdominal injuries and the father had upper limb injuries. Both were given pain relief and immobilised before being taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.
“In the second car, the family of four had less serious injuries. An 11-year-old boy and 7-year-old-girl were checked over but appeared to be uninjured. Their mother and father suffered seatbelt related injuries and all four were taken to the same hospital by land ambulance as a precautionary measure.
“The road has since reopened after being closed by police for much of the day.”
A train isn’t our usual mode of transport but when ambulance staff were called to help an injured man on a railway line, they used their initiative to speed up his journey to hospital.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Ludlow Railway Station in Station Drive, Ludlow, Shropshire at 10.15am this morning (Sunday). An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham with two critical care paramedics on board and our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) paramedics were sent to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The man had reportedly jumped down onto the tracks at the end of a tunnel, significantly underestimating the length of the drop, and consequently injured himself.
“The air ambulance landed on the cricket pitch and the paramedics walked about ½ mile to the station. In order to reach the patient, ambulance staff then walked about 200 metres down the track and through a tunnel where, at the other end, they found the patient.
“Upon assessment, it was clear that the 28-year-old man had a serious chest injury but was conscious, breathing and talking and had suffered no other apparent injuries despite the six metre drop. Ambulance staff gave the man pain relief and fluids before the team carefully immobilised him using HART’s specialised MIBS stretcher; a multi integrated body-splint stretcher which is made of tough fabric and has carry handles for easy use.
“Due to their location and the difficult terrain, staff decided to use a train to safely transport the patient back to the station. The team then carried the man to the land ambulance which then drove him to the helicopter. Once on board the air ambulance, the man was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, a major trauma centre, for further emergency care.
“This was a protracted and complex case due to its location, but the patient received seamless treatment thanks to excellent team work between different ambulance teams and the station staff.”
ENDS
Notes to editor:
PICTURED: The team at work on the railway track, aerial view of cricket ground where air ambulance landed and helicopter ready to lift off with patient on board. Please credit West Midlands Ambulance Service. Special thanks to @scoobysteve999 and the Area Support Officer for providing photos.
Sunday 8th November 2015 – 12.50pm – Claire Brown.
Despite their car overturning after colliding with a wall, two men and a woman miraculously avoided serious injuries in Staffordshire in the early hours.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Station Road in Cheddleton, Leek shortly before 1.00am (Sunday). Two ambulances, two BASICS emergency doctors, a responder paramedic, a local community first responder and a paramedic area support officer attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When crews arrived, all three occupants were already out of the wreckage. One passenger, a man, had initially been unconscious immediately after the collision but quickly regained consciousness. He was assessed by ambulance staff and was immobilised as a precaution.
“The driver, a woman, had helped to get the unconscious passenger out of the car before we arrived. She too was given a top to toe assessment and was also immobilised. Both were taken by land ambulance to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further assessment.
“The third occupant, a man, was uninjured and didn’t require hospital treatment.
“Considering the type of collision, it was lucky that no one was more seriously hurt.”
Saturday 7th November 2015 – 9.10am – Claire Brown.
Saturday 7th November 2015 – 9.10am – Claire Brown.
A man in a serious condition was rushed to a major trauma centre earlier this morning by ambulance staff.
West Midlands Ambulance Service received a 999 call to reports of a road traffic collision involving a pedestrian in Whitehall Road, West Bromwich at 5.15am (Saturday). An ambulance and a paramedic area support officer were quickly on scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The pedestrian, a man, sustained a serious head injury and was in a critical condition. The ambulance crew and paramedic officer quickly transferred him to the ambulance and administered treatment to help stabilise him.
“The man was blue lighted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, a regional trauma centre, where upon arrival his condition was said to be critical.”
Saturday 7th November 2015 – 8.50am – Claire Brown.
Three men were at the centre of a complex case early this morning after their car ended up teetering in a tree after colliding with a metal fence.
The incident happened outside a football training facility in Park Road, Cradley at 0.40am this morning (Saturday). Three ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic and medics from West Midlands CARE team were sent to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Emergency services arrived to find a car had left the road, gone through a metal fence and came to rest in a tree on the other side of a wall.
“The two passengers, both men believed to be in their 20s-30s, had got out of the car and had suffered relatively minor injuries. One had a facial injury which required some dressings on scene before both were taken to Russells Hall Hospital.
“The driver, a man in his 30s, was trapped in the wreckage. Upon assessment ambulance staff found he had severe back pain but were concerned there were other injuries due to the damage to the car. The man was given pain relief and the fire service worked to stabilise the precariously positioned car before working to cut the man out of the wreckage. After about half an hour, he was released, placed onto a spinal board and given a top to toe assessment which thankfully found no other serious injuries.
“He was given pain relief before being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.”
ENDS
Notes to editor
Photograph – please credit West Midlands Ambulance Service
Saturday 7th November 2015 – 8.15am – Claire Brown.
Despite teamwork at the scene, a pedestrian sadly died in the Black Country last night.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of an RTC at the junction of Marriot Road and Cradley Road in Netherton, Dudley at 11.45pm (Friday). An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and medics from the West Midlands Central Accident Resuscitation Emergency (CARE) Team attended.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff arrived they found passers-by, who had found the man in the road, performing excellent CPR. The man had sustained multiple injuries and ambulance staff quickly took over resuscitation efforts with help from police.
“Advanced life support continued at the roadside but sadly, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead on scene.”
Saturday 7th November 2015 – 7.40am – Claire Brown.
A man, who remains in a serious condition following an RTC, had not one but two doctors jump on board the ambulance taking him to hospital to provide advanced trauma care along the way.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a two car RTC on the A49 in Much Birch, Hereford shortly before 9.30pm last night (Friday). Two ambulances and a paramedic area support officer were first to the scene. A BASICS doctor from Mercia Accident Rescue Service (MARS) and a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic met the ambulance crew whilst en route to A&E.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Two cars had been involved in a significant collision. A man and woman from one car had managed to get out of their vehicle and were said to be ‘walking wounded’ whilst the single occupant of the second car was still inside and in a bad way.
“Ambulance staff and firefighters on scene quickly pulled the man from the wreckage as a quick assessment found he was unconscious and in need of immediate medical intervention. He had sustained a serious head injury and a pelvic injury and was transferred to the back of the ambulance so that crews could begin a range of treatment before heading to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham on blue lights and sirens.
“Two doctors had already been requested to meet the ambulance at different stages of their journey due to the man’s condition. The MARS doctor jumped on board the ambulance first, about a mile and a half into the journey, and sedated the man in order to try to stabilise his condition.
“Once more stable, the ambulance crew and doctor continued to hospital and were met at the half way point by the MERIT doctor and critical care paramedic.
“At this point the man had deteriorated further and the team administered advanced medical treatment in the back of the ambulance. The doctors swapped over so that the crew and MERIT could finish the last leg of the journey to A&E where, upon arrival, the man’s condition remained serious.
“In contrast, the two occupants of the second car suffered minor injuries and were taken to Hereford County Hospital.
“This case highlights the innovative work of the ambulance service providing advanced trauma care to patients in a pre-hospital environment when they need it the most.”
Friday 6th November 2015 – 11.00pm – Claire Brown.
A total of seven patients needed assessing by ambulance staff this evening after the Trust received four separate 999 calls to cases involving fireworks.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The first case came in just before 8.00pm in Worcester where a man had suffered facial injuries from an exploding firework. He was given treatment on scene by the attending ambulance and responder paramedic before being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
“At around 8.15pm an ambulance and rapid response vehicle were tasked to Erdington where, upon arrival, they found a young lad with an ankle injury. He had fallen awkwardly off the kerb into the road after reportedly throwing a firework. He was taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
“A paramedic area support officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and a critical care paramedic were sent to a firework’s display in Trysull in Wolverhampton just before 8.40pm to reports that a firework had exploded injuring several people. When ambulance staff arrived, thankfully it wasn’t as bad as they were expecting. Four children, aged between six and twelve, were assessed but escaped with just very minor injuries and didn’t require hospital treatment.
“Five minutes later at 8.45pm, a 999 call came in from Brownhills in Walsall reporting a firework had exploded in someone’s face. An ambulance, a community first responder and a paramedic area support officer treated a man who had sustained superficial burns to his hands and face. He was treated on scene before being taken to Walsall Manor Hospital.
“If you’re attending an organised firework display or are planning on holding a party at home this weekend, please stay safe by following the Firework Code.”
Firework Code:
Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114 – it means they conform to British safety Standards
Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
Keep fireworks in a closed box.
Follow the instructions on each firework.
Light at arm’s length, using a taper.
Stand well back.
Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
Thursday 5th November 2015 – 9.20pm – Claire Brown.
A man has died in a road traffic collision in Wolverhampton during rush hour earlier this evening.
West Midlands Ambulance Service received several 999 calls from passers by reporting a road traffic collision involving a pedestrian on the Birmingham New Road near to Spring Road in Wolverhampton shortly before 6.00pm this evening (Thursday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic from Cosford attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival it quickly became apparent to ambulance staff that the pedestrian, a man, was in a bad way and had suffered multiple injuries.
“Paramedics and the doctor worked as a team to provide life-saving trauma care to the man at the scene. Once immobilised and packaged, he was rapidly transferred on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, a specialist regional trauma centre. Whilst en route, the man’s condition deteriorated further.
“Sadly, despite the best efforts of ambulance staff and medics in A&E nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at hospital.”
Thursday 5th November 2015 – 3.45pm – John Hawker.
A woman has been trapped in a car for around 50 minutes after a two vehicle crash in Staffordshire this morning.
The incident occurred on the A513, near to Shugborough Hall at around 11.50am.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find two cars that had been in a significant collision. Both vehicles had suffered substantial damage.
“The woman driving one car, believed to be in her mid 20’s, had suffered head and suspected pelvic and abdominal injuries.
“The woman received emergency treatment by medics whilst trapped in the car and working with the fire service she was carefully cut free from the vehicle.
“Once released, the woman was transferred by land ambulance to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further emergency treatment. The trauma doctor travelled on board the ambulance along with paramedics continuing treatment.
“The hospital had been pre alerted to the womans arrival and her injuries.
“An elderly woman travelling in the second car suffered multiple minor injuries including an ankle injury and also received treatment at the scene. She was also transferred by ambulance to the same hospital for further treatment.”
Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and a BASICS Doctor attended the scene.
Thursday 5th November 2015 – 3.15pm – John Hawker.
A man has died following a house fire in Stoke on Trent this morning.
The incident occurred in a residential property in Louise Street, Burslam at around 8.10am. Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a BASICS Doctor attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find an elderly man that had been rescued from the property by the fire service who were carrying out CPR.
“Medics took over resuscitation attempts and carried out extensive advanced life support.
“Unfortunately, despite everyone’s best efforts, nothing could be done to save the man and sadly he was confirmed dead at the scene.”
Yvonne & David Smart, Cathy Glear and Mary Nicholls, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity – Stourbridge
Yvonne and David Smart, Yvonne’s sister, Cathy Glear, and Mary Nicholls have jointly volunteered for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity for over 15 years and, to date, have raised over £45,000 helping to fund 18 lifesaving air ambulance missions across the region.
Their incredible dedication to helping others is hugely appreciated by everyone at the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. The foursome together with a group of almost 30 volunteers from the local area, knit and sell items at a charity stall at Russells Hall Hospital. They have a great relationship with their local community. It was therefore fitting for their dedication to be recognized at this award ceremony.
St John Ambulance
Rosemary Roberts, Steve Morris. St John Ambulance, West Bromwich
In June 2015 and on a West Midlands Ambulance Service call-out, Rosemary Roberts and Steve Morris were called as backup to the Community Paramedic who was attending to a man in cardiac arrest.
At the scene Rose and Steve became crucial to the man being resuscitated. They were commended by the on-scene paramedic for their professionalism and dedication to patient care at a very stressful situation.
They are awarded a Chief Officer Commendation for their outstanding work at the scene.
Heather Griffiths. St John Ambulance, Birmingham
Heather Griffiths stopped to help a man who became unwell in the street. When he fell unconscious she called an ambulance and got him into the recovery position. When he stopped breathing she got him on his back and commenced CPR. A First Responder arrived and delivered two shocks. The patient fully recovered fully. Heather was awarded a Chief Officer Commendation.
Neil Hadley, Jon Mannion, Ana Ferguson, Ben Turner. St John Ambulance, Birmingham
After being alerted to a road accident that had taken place just around the corner from their offices, St John personnel quickly made their way to the scene of the incident which had resulted in a car being flipping on to its roof.
They arrived on scene within minutes of the incident occurring and liaised with a junior doctor who had been walking-by at the time.
They quickly established what had happened and went about trying to see what they could do to help.
The team provided initial medical help and assisted emergency services as they arrived.
The speedy response and professional care to the patients given by these individuals showed SJA acting in a highly professional way.
They were presented with Chief Officer Commendations for their outstanding work.
Heather Sharp
St John Ambulance covers all of Worcester Warriors’ home games at the Sixways Stadium. They provide a controller, while West Midlands Ambulance Service provides a Bronze and Silver Officer in the control room for match days.
Heather Sharp has worked tirelessly to get things working smoothly between the organisations. She has developed a fantastic working relationship with WMAS. For her valuable work she was presented with a Chief Officer Commendation.
Members of the public and colleagues in other blue light services
PC Alan Figueiredo, PC Susan Goddard, PC Richard Rees, PC Adrian Weaver
Four officers from West Mercia Police were commended for their outstanding assistance to ambulance staff at an incident in Worcester during April. The officers were called to a serious mental health incident at a house in the town and being first on scene they were immediately faced with the resuscitation of a patient. They were soon joined by ambulance staff and together the patient received the necessary treatments and was later taken to hospital. Chief Officer Commendations were awarded to them for the important part played by the officers at this difficult and demanding incident.
Ruth Adams, Samantha Murray, Bethany Jesson, Jonathan Hunt
Portway Lifestyle Centre in Oldbury was the scene of frantic efforts to treat a man who collapsed in cardiac arrest in January. Ambulance staff praised the Leisure Centre team for their exceptional presence of mind in providing a defibrillator, initial first aid and CPR to the patient before the arrival of ambulance staff. It was a successful resuscitation. The Portway Leisure staff were presented with Chief Officer Commendations for their prompt actions in treating the patient
Emma Dale, Sean Burrell, Martin Wright, James Kennedy
Staff from the Power League Recreation Centre in Cradley were on hand to come to the aid of a young patient who collapsed on the premises earlier this year. The alarm was raised when centre staff quickly responded to assist a 17 year old man who was found to be in cardiac arrest. Using the defibrillator and basic life support the team gave the young man the best possible chance of life. On behalf of all the team members involved, Chief Officer Commendations were awarded to Emma Dale, Sean Burrell, Martin Wright and James Kennedy .
Bob Smith
A member of Stratford Boat Club suffered a cardiac arrest whilst rowing on the Avon near the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in July. The single scull capsized leaving the man submerged underwater. He was spotted by a Royal Shakespeare Company member of staff who noticed he was in trouble and raised the alarm.
The quick thinking and actions of staff contributed to the saving of the patient. Both CardioPulmonary Resuscitation and the defibrillator were administered to the patient with the support of his fellow boat club colleagues before emergency services arrived.
Bob Smith collected Chief Officer Commendations on behalf of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Elizabeth Cater, Worcestershire
In September a gentleman collapsed next to his vehicle in a Worcestershire car park. Fortunately for him, Elizabeth Cater was close at hand. A Community First Responder was mobilised to the incident as well as a paramedic. They both state that it was the actions of the lady who was doing CPR when they arrived that greatly improved his chance of recovery. Her swift actions in helping to save this gentleman is a tremendous example of team work for which she was awarded a Chief Officer Commendation.
AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Trainer in Excellence Award
Rob Underwood
Rob Underwood from Redditch created a charity ‘Charlotte and Craig Saving Hearts Foundation’ which campaigns for CPR education and the placement of Defibrillators. He has placed over 40 defibrillators and trained people in the lifesaving skills needed when someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest. He continues to work with schools and has assisted with the Golf Club and 500 Defib Projects in conjunction with West Midlands Ambulance Service.
Stuart Grainger
Stuart Grainger is no stranger to our award ceremonies. He was our Volunteer of the Year last year. This year he is back to be commended for his dedication to recent AED projects across Coventry and Warwickshire especially by delivering the training required. A lot of patience and personal sacrifice has been made by Stuart to support the Golf Club AED project for the Trust where he has excelled in helping to place defibs and save lives on golf courses.
Mick Duncan
Mick Duncan is a Community First Responder with the Rugeley CFR group but also organises and supports HeartStart courses within Staffordshire. Mick has given up many hours travelling far and wide to courses using his own vehicle at his own cost in order to provide vital emergency life skills training. Mick has also provided huge amounts of support to the Crucial Crew that is delivered in Staffordshire offering 10 and 11 year olds a snapshot training session in CPR. Vital awareness training wouldn’t be possible without volunteers like Mick. He is a great help to the Community Response team.
Community Initiative Awards
Inspector Paul Bennett
The Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) covers the busiest section of Motorway within the country attending all personal Injury and life threatening emergencies. The CMPG in partnership with West Midlands Ambulance Service has installed an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on every response car on the Motorway network and additionally have been instrumental in placing AEDs in service stations and other motor providers ensuring that the motorway network in the West Midlands is the safest in the UK.
These initiatives have brought about a step change in delivering patient care in a difficult and often remote road network increasing the chance of survival for all road users.
Business Support Awards
drpvideo: Dale Parmenter, Ian Hough
In August 2011, Ian Hough suffered a cardiac arrest at Stourport rowing Regatta in Worcestershire.
Ian was lucky. Stourport Boat Club didn’t have its own defibrillator and had this happened on a normal day, Ian knows he would probably now be dead. But because the club was hosting a regatta that day, event medical provision was laid on – and that meant there was a defibrillator on site.
Ian has gone on to make a full recovery. He is living his normal life. He enjoys a drink. He still races … and wins.
His employer, a company called drpvideo produced a film about Ian’s cardiac arrest as part of its 35th anniversary marked by 35 Corporate Social Responsibility projects. This video will go on to help and support the placement of AEDs in public places for the treatment of out of hospital sudden cardiac arrest.
Ian Hough received a Chief Officer Commendation.
Dale Parmenter of drpvideo received a Business Support Award.
The film can be seen on youtube by entering “Pull Through NHS”.
Guest Motors: Rob Spittle
Guest Motors in West Bromwich has supported FastAid since its beginning approx. 10 years ago. They have kindly provided FastAid Birmingham & Solihull with scheme responder cars. The first was an Alfa Romeo. This was then replaced by a second Alfa. After this the dealership provided a 4×4 Fiat Panda which has just been replaced by a Jeep Renegade. We acknowledge their help and support which has contributed to the success of the CFR schemes in so many ways.
In recognition of their support Rob Spittle, MD from Guest Motors was presented with a Business Support Award.
Beechenhill Farm: Sue & Terry Prince
Sue & Terry Prince run Beechenhill Farm (an organic farm) in Ilam. The farm is also a B&B, self-catering and wedding venue. They have raised hundreds of pounds for the CFR scheme from variety of sources – donations from guests; Sue providing a taxi service; donations in lieu of payment for various lectures that they give; art exhibitions; afternoon teas and much more. They are very supportive of all that we do despite running a demanding business.
They were presented with a Business Support Award in recognition of their hard work and dedication to the CFR scheme.
Community First Responders – Distinguished Service Awards
Heather Stone, Worcester
Heather Stone is commended for her work in the Worcester area, not only for her work as CFR but also her commitment to attending engagement events. Heather is passionate about the ambulance service and the role of CFR. She is fantastic at events showing children how to do CPR and giving tours of the vehicle.
Heather was awarded in recognition of her support.
Tim Hodges, Upton-upon-Severn
The local community and ambulance staff have nothing but praise for Tim Hodges’ commitment and drive for the local CFR scheme and for the high degree of patient care that is administered by him. In some cases due to its rural location those skills have had to be done to a level and skill to be commended.
His commitment is far beyond what is normally expected for a volunteer responder and is recognised by the presentation of this Distinguished Service Award.
Dave Harford
Dave Harford Joined the scheme in September 2010 and is a community first responder for the Worcester/Malvern area.
Dave has since become a Coordinator and has been instrumental in obtaining a CFR car and improved overall awareness of the scheme. He continually works on-call five days a week from work and also weekends.
Dave rarely misses a training session and attended numerous scenario days in order to enhance his learning. He has also arranged with the local fire service various road traffic collision exercise events that has been well supported.
Nick Freeman
Nick Freeman has been a very active CFR for the Shrewsbury scheme since he joined in 2011. Nick devotes many hours to his community and is always eager to assist in supporting the training of new CFRs. Nick is a very active fundraiser for the group securing Lottery funding for the purchase of new defibrillators for the Shrewsbury CFR Scheme and then donating the older but still serviceable units to the communities of Shrewsbury and Rea Valley for use as Automated External Defibrillator sites that are accessible 24 hours a day by the local community.
Nigel Keighley
Nigel Keighley has been a CFR since 2011 and dedicates many hours to his community of Oswestry. In addition, Nigel is the coordinator of Oswestry and District CFR Group. Since Nigel has taken over the coordination, the group has moved from strength-to-strength and now has a scheme car in Oswestry and St Martins. Nigel is pivotal within the group’s engagement with the local communities and is also a Heartstart instructor, teaching members of the community how to be confident with basic life support skills to help save a life.
Tina Thomas
Tina Thomas supports CFR schemes all across Worcestershire but particularly the Kington area. She also gives support to the new CFRs which is far and beyond what is expected from any member of the CFR team.
Tina is commended for such hard work so please come forward to accept your Distinguished Service Award.
Dave Tew
Dave Tew works tirelessly in the Redditch area, showing tremendous dedication to the role of a CFR and supporting the local area with continued volunteer operational hours.
Dave is an avid supporter of the CFR scheme, which takes a great deal of time, travelling and dedication to both local and regional issues. Dave is commended for his efforts in the Hereford &Worcester Community with a Distinguished Service Award.
Mark Axeby, Long Compton
With just over a years’ service to the community as a CFR, Mark Axeby has certainly made an impression. A dedicated CFR who has built up his skills and knowledge to the extent that when crews arrive to see a CFR there they are reassured it is Mark. His full time job is in transporting passengers as he is a bus driver and these communication/customer-facing skills transfer into the CFR world; he goes beyond the required hours and has attended many serious cases where the extra pair of hands were really appreciated.
Mark also this year ventured abroad to Uganda as part of a team helping communities develop. Mark was in the community teaching First Aid and working with the A&E Doctors. The team is trying to get 75% of youths all over Uganda taught first aid as well as trying to set up a national base for emergencies.
Mark’s dedication to his community and the communities abroad makes him a CFR who always goes that extra mile and deserving of his Distinguished Service Award.
Harry Smith, Coventry
Harry Smith has been a CFR for just over one year and has established himself as a dedicated CFR. His full time job is in sales management and these personable skills transfer easily into the CFR world; he goes beyond the required hours and has attended many serious cases of Trauma and Cardiac Arrests. So Harry, please come forward to accept your Distinguished Service Award.
Ann Peters
Ann Peters became a responder in 2005 and helped to set up the Brewood CFR group and is still its Chair. Ann puts in many voluntary hours every month to help her community by responding, fundraising and supporting behind the scenes. Ann also provides life support awareness training to the general public and fully supports the community response team. Ann shows a calm, enthusiastic, professional manner and her commitment and dedication is clear for all to see and is fully deserving of her Distinguished Service Award.
Kim Jefferies
Kim Jefferies has been pivotal to the Telford CFR group since joining in 2011. The hours Kim has committed have been unmeasurable with behind-the-scenes support to the communities of Telford. Kim has just completed a three-year role as the scheme coordinator and continues to be a very active CFR today.
Liz Quickenden
Liz Quickenden is the coordinator for Cleobury Mortimer CFR Group and dedicates many hours cover to her community. Liz’s passion, professionalism and drive is first class. Beyond the CFR role, Liz also teaches Heartstart within and around the community of Cleobury Mortimer; helping all age groups to learn lifesaving skills.
Russell Brookes
Russell Brookes has been involved with Shropshire CFRs since the early days back in 2001 and was one of the members on the very first training course based in Shropshire. From this, Russell became a member of the very first scheme in Newport in Shropshire in May 2001. Today, Russell continues to show immense commitment to his role as a CFR and furthermore, is Newport’s coordinator and represents Shropshire on the CFR Regional forum. In addition, Russell helps with interviews for new CFR recruits and still manages to commit over 30 hrs a week to his community on call as a CFR.
His commitment is far beyond what is normally expected for a volunteer responder.
Community First Responders – Chief Officer Commendations:
Karen Ratcliffe
Although Karen Ratcliffe is now an ex-CFR she is still a keen supporter of FastAid and regularly helps with events and fundraising. However, once a CFR – always a CFR!
Karen is involved with a series of ‘Park Runs’ which take place every Saturday morning in Solihull. In May, Karen was not running as she was taking her turn to marshall the event and was equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator from FastAid. Suddenly a 60-year-old runner passed her and collapsed. Karen immediately identified that the gentleman was in cardiac arrest and applied the pads, the first time ever despite her years in FastAid. A shock was advised by the defibrillator. By the time the first paramedic arrived the man was conscious and talking.
Martin Hill, Bridgnorth
A nine-year-old girl with severe learning difficulties had fallen and cut her head. She and her foster carer were very distressed. The girl was fine apart from her wound and needed to travel to hospital to have treatment. However, it was felt that an ambulance would distress the patient therefore CFR Martin Hill very kindly offered to travel with the parents for the 25 minute journey to Russells Hall hospital to reassure and entertain the girl and offer peace of mind to the foster parent who was driving. This is an act of kindness and compassion from a highly regarded CFR.
Barry Cattan
Barry Cattan has over 5 years’ service and is the co-ordinator for the Stratford-upon-Avon Scheme. In June 2015 he was first on scene to a four year old child in difficulty in a swimming pool in Morocco. Barry was on holiday and heard the commotion and went to see. He got involved in the rescue and started CPR. He was then assisted by another tourist from the fire service based in Ireland. This had become serious as there was no AED provision at the hotel. An Ambulance was called but there was no paramedic…just a bed in a van marked Ambulance. They themselves moved the boy and continued CPR en-route to hospital. By then, the boy was breathing. Later that day Barry heard that the child was responsive. Barry was commended for his actions in the most demanding of situations.
Elizabeth Fisher
The actions and conduct of CFR Elizabeth Fisher when she came across a road traffic accident while off duty went above and beyond.
South of Coventry, a motorcyclist was in collision with a turning car, his bike travelled 100 meters down the road. She quickly assessed the patient who was not breathing, turned him over and started CPR until the crew arrived.
The crew and the Merit doctor carried on with the resus attempts.
Although the outcome for the patient was not positive, the actions of Elizabeth Fisher as a CFR to attempt to save this man’s life were described as outstanding.
Steve Wilde, Penkridge
Early this year Steve Wilde was responded to a collision involving a motorcycle and a large 4×4 vehicle. The patient was being resuscitated by two police officers. Steve immediately took over basic life support. He continued to work with the doctors and ambulance crews throughout the incident providing any help he could. The patient was transported to hospital but later died. As a result of the efforts from all on scene the patient’s organs were made available and donated to five recipients, some of whom were children. A week after the accident, Steve took flowers to the local police station for the two women police officers who had been first on scene as a thank you for the help they’d given him. Steve’s quick thinking calm approach to a very challenging job was rewarded with a Chief Officer Commendation.
Eddie Malpass
In August, Eddie Malpass responded to a young child found face down in a garden pond. Eddie immediately started basic life support until paramedics arrived. Reports from the paramedic officer in attendance said that Eddie was providing excellent CPR, with good airway control. The child was later flown to hospital. It has since been reported that the child is now running around. An amazing result for all concerned thanks to the initial work undertaken by Eddie.
Eddie conducted himself professionally and calmly at a very stressful time and undoubtedly contributed to the fantastic recovery of the child.
Paul Grove
Paul Grove, a CFR in the Black Country was asked to attend an emergency call to a male in cardiac arrest in a supermarket in Stourbridge. Paul was on scene within minutes and delivered the first shock from his defibrillator prior to the paramedic arriving on scene. The shock was successful. Paul continued to assist the paramedic. The patient made a good recovery and Paul received a glowing comment from paramedic Lee Farley: “As you know I am a great fan of our CFRs and very proud of Paul and his swift response which in this case has made a fantastic outcome”.
Margaret Shermer, Denstone
In August there was a serious road accident in Staffordshire. Margaret Shermer arrived shortly after the paramedic. In the words of the paramedic: “After I had triaged the two patients I was able to leave Margaret to look after the less injured (although still badly injured) casualty leaving me free to deal with the more seriously injured. Margaret exuded confidence and was a huge help on scene providing both medical assistance and a great deal of reassurance to a very distressed patient. Margaret was very kind and reassuring to passers-by who had also witnessed the event.”
Alan Bartlett, Kings Norton
In July of this year there was a serious road traffic collision on the M5 in Gloucestershire. The incident involved 5 cars and 2 lorries. One of the cars had been pushed under the back of a fuel tanker with two people trapped in the front. Alan ‘Alfie’ Bartlett was just behind in the traffic and was on scene almost immediately dealing with the trapped patients. The senior operations officer from the South West Ambulance Service described his actions as beyond the call of a Community Responder.
Chief Officer Commendation:
Mick Slater
In one of the most harrowing cases of recent years, a Community First Responder and an ambulance crew went to the aid of a Grandmother who desperately defended her 3 year old grand-child from a vicious dog attack on their farm near Stoke. For over an hour the grandmother battled to prize the child away from the dog. She eventually managed to escape by getting into a car. Arriving first on scene was the CFR who bravely fought off the dog and managed to start treating both patients until help arrived. Ambulance crew Mick Slater and a colleague arrived shortly after and all three were commended for their bravery and safeguarding actions during this extremely dangerous incident. Eventually the patients were taken to hospital for treatment for bite extensive injuries. Only Mick was able to attend the ceremony.
Posthumous awards
Jeff Watkins
Jeff Watkins joined Fastaid in January 2008. He was a quiet but dedicated man who forged links not only within the ambulance service but also the fire service. Eager to acquire new skills he rarely missed a training session and attended numerous scenario days in order to enhance his learning. When confronted with illness Jeff continued to give his time and efforts by helping to organise and attend fundraising events and driving other responders to calls. When he moved to Birmingham two years ago he continued to respond in the Black Country as he didn’t want to lose the strong friendships he had made over the years and subsequently became a committee member, overseeing uniform supplies. Responding was a large part of Jeff’s life.
The Trust would like to thank Jeff for all the time and energy he gave to Community Response, he was a true gentleman and a team player who will be sadly missed.
An award dedicated to Jeff was presented to Dawn Watkins.
Kate Hardwicke
Kate Hardwicke was a registered nurse and midwife, yet she dedicated most of her spare time to saving lives and educating the community as a CFR. In 2011 she was awarded a Chief Officer Commendation, she was a key part of the Long Compton CFR Scheme and an immensely dedicated and well respected CFR in her home village of Brailes. Kate will be enormously missed by all who knew her, she was a totally dedicated First Responder. Kate passed away in June. An award dedicated to Kate was presented to Tony Hardwicke.
Outstanding Achievement Awards presented to individuals who have given long and distinguished service.
Ian Thompson
Ian Thompson became a responder in 2000 before making it a career move and joining WMAS to realise his ambition to become a paramedic. Ian has never forgotten his roots and continues to make himself available to respond in the community and he also supports and coordinates the work of 25 CFRs in the Bridgnorth district of South Shropshire. For his long commitment to the essential work of the Community First Responder schemes in South Shropshire, Ian Thompson was presented with an Outstanding Achievement Award.
Keith Higginson
Keith has served as a CFR for 10 years and has decided to at the end of this year. He holds a Queen’s Emergency Services Medal and has been previously honoured with a Chief Officer Commendation.
Keith is a very dedicated CFR who has raised the awareness of CFRs in the community alongside immense amounts of fundraising to keep the scheme running. As a CFR he has helped hundreds of patients in and around Shipston and he has shown the utmost care and compassion for every case he has attended.
Steve Parry, Shrewsbury
Steve has literally done it all in the ambulance service. From control operative to ambulance officer, Air Ambulance to Press Office. Perhaps he is best known for organising regional, national and international events as well as this event over the past couple of years. For once he is not in charge this evening. He is a guest and as such is unable to ‘order’ the Chief Executive and Chairman to stand there and say that! We simply couldn’t let this evening pass without paying tribute to his achievements and contributions in a career spanning 39 years.
Special Awards
Richard Stanton, Rhiannon Davies
When an infant dies, it is one of the most difficult experiences imaginable. Tragically, in 2009 that is exactly what happened to Richard Stanton and Rhiannon Davies. Their daughter Kate was born at Ludlow Midwife-Led maternity unit. Unfortunately, Kate’s condition deteriorated rapidly and she was airlifted to hospital. Sadly Rhiannon was also unwell and only Richard was able to be with Kate in her final moments. Richard and Rhiannon have been campaigning since the death of Kate for improvements in the care and treatment that new-borns receive.
West Midlands Ambulance Service has worked closely with Rhiannon and Richard to listen to their concerns and have implemented improvements. For example, with any maternity emergency, if the call indicates either an imminent birth or an obstetric emergency, then two ambulances are sent. Other changes include the introduction of new medical equipment and additional obstetric and gynaecological training for staff. Another key change has been the introduction of Family Liaison Officers who provide information to bereaved parents from a medical perspective and are someone to talk to.
For their help in improving the way the Trust deals with maternity cases, Richard and Rhiannon received a Special Award for ‘Significant contribution to patient care and safety’.
Richard and Rhiannon said: “We were honoured to be invited and humbled to find ourselves in the company of such selfless individuals, who deservedly received commendation from the Trust’s Chief Executive, Dr. Marsh, for their staggering acts of bravery or philanthropy.
“We have enormous respect for Dr. Marsh, with whom we have been privileged to work since 2013 to enable him to improve his Trust’s handling and management of maternity and neonatal cases. We are very grateful for the award, and for the recognition from the Ambulance Trust of the commitment we continue to make to ensuring best care is delivered to infants and their families.
“The work we continue to do, and the causes and issues we continue to highlight, are done in memory of our daughter Kate whose life was avoidably lost in 2009. We want every possible lesson from her death to be learned and acted upon so that no other baby is harmed, and no other family has to suffer the tragedy of losing their child following avoidable harm.
“Since 2013 when he learned about Kate’s case Dr. Marsh has listened, learned and taken positive action. We publically commend him for everything he has done, and we personally thank him from our hearts for committing to never forgetting Kate. “There is still work to be done, and West Midlands Ambulance Service remains dangerously underfunded and under-resourced, which particularly affects our local and rurally isolated community in Ludlow. As a result we have lobbied the CCG and our MP to address this critical issue.”
Victoria Barrett, Ray Lloyd, Phil Crowther
The Staff Advice and Liaison Service, known as ‘SALS’ offers confidential advisors, counselling, post-incident support, mediation and a number of other services to our staff. The confidential advisors are located across the region and staff can contact them directly with all concerns dealt with sensitively. I’m sure our guests will appreciate the time and effort taken to ensure staff safety and wellbeing is met. Victoria Barrett, Ray Lloyd and Phil Crowther received Outstanding Achievement Awards on behalf of SALS for all the services and support it offers staff.
Volunteer Team of the Year
Alton Towers Community First Responders: Darren Adamson, Caroline Smith, Caroline Storer and Chris Brian
These Community First Responders were the very first on scene at a serious incident at Alton Towers Theme Park earlier this year. They had to climb up onto the scaffolding platform where they were desperately trying to stem the blood loss from two of the 16 casualties. These volunteers put themselves at risk as they were not clipped into any retaining safety system. Once the ambulance crews, air ambulance and doctors arrived on scene the team continued to support WMAS by moving vehicles and carrying equipment to ensure the whole process moved as smoothly as possible. All four conducted themselves in a calm and professional manner under extremely challenging circumstances. The CFRs’ actions were above and beyond the call of duty as employees of Alton Towers and volunteers for West Midlands Ambulance Service, they were simply brilliant.
Pictures of all the award winners can be downloaded from http://www.flickr.com/photos/officialwmas/sets/
Left-click on the appropriate gallery (defined by geographical area)
Left-click on the appropriate thumbnail to reveal a full-size picture.
Left-click on the download icon (downward pointing arrow to horizontal line) if present .From the resultant list of picture file sizes, select “original”. Select “Save” or “Save As”.
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Please credit “West Midlands Ambulance Service”.
An awards ceremony has been held to honour members of the public from across the West Midlands region who have gone beyond the call of duty to help save lives and support the work of West Midlands Ambulance Service’s 4,500 staff.
The event, sponsored by Cardiac Science and Ferno UK at The Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill on Wednesday 4th November recognised the efforts of Community First Responders, St John Ambulance, other emergency services and other voluntary organisations, businesses and individuals.
Addressing the audience, West Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive Anthony Marsh said: “It is a great opportunity for all of us to celebrate the excellent work that you all do every single day of the year. It is truly, truly outstanding. All of our staff and all of our volunteers being the best they can be will result in better patient outcomes and saving more lives.”
Presenting some of the awards Janet Bell Smith, the High Sheriff of Warwickshire, said: “We all know that the financial contribution made by the NHS to the operation of the West Midlands Ambulance Service is obviously vital and enormous, but it is the extra support provided by people like those receiving awards today that gives the icing on the cake. I’d like to personally take this opportunity to thank everybody and also on behalf of the people of the West Midlands to thank you all, all the volunteers for everything you have done. You should be hugely proud of what you achieve. ”
Thursday 5th November 2015 – 9.20am – Claire Brown.
An early morning RTC in Wolverhampton saw ambulance staff and firefighters work seamlessly together to release a man who ended up trapped in a van for two hours.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Old Health Road in Wolverhampton at around 2.15am this morning (Thursday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a community paramedic and a MERIT trauma doctor attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The van had ended up in a precarious position on its side leaning against metal railings. The impact had caused significant damage to one side which meant the passenger, a 27-year-old man, was trapped inside.
“Ambulance staff weren’t able to reach the man initially due to the vehicles position but could see that his legs and arm were trapped and he was fully conscious. Whilst the fire service worked to right the vehicle back onto its four wheels, ambulance staff talked to the man to reassure him whilst carefully monitoring his condition as well as the progress of the work being undertaken around him.
“Once back on its four wheels, a more detailed assessment by ambulance staff found the man had sustained a suspected head injury and a fractured arm. He was given pain relief before the team of emergency staff were in a position to finally start cutting him out of the van and lifting him onto a spinal board.
“After more than two hours, the man was finally released from the wreckage and taken by land ambulance on blue lights to New Cross Hospital for further assessment and treatment.
“The driver of the van, a man thought to be in his 20s, had miraculously managed to get out of the van. He was assessed on scene and sustained a minor head injury. He too was taken to New Cross Hospital.
“This was a protracted case for the emergency services but excellent teamwork ensured the patient received the very best care.”
Wednesday 4th November 2015 – 5.30pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.
Four children have been treated at the scene and transported to hospital after the car they were travelling in collided with a lamppost this morning.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Merritts Hill in Weoley, Birmingham, near to Ley Hill Recreation Ground, at 8.10am and sent two ambulances and a paramedic area support officer to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The car suffered damage to the driver’s side having left the road and travelled down a grass bank before colliding with a lamppost.
“There were five patients in total, a man who was driving the car and four young boys. All five were breathing and conscious throughout and managed to free themselves from the vehicle.
“Two of the boys were treated for injuries to their face whilst a third suffered neck injuries. Together with the fourth boy, who was taken as a precaution, they were all transported to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further assessment.
“The driver of the car was uninjured in the incident.”
Wednesday 4th November 2015 – 9.45am – Jamie Arrowsmith.
An elderly football fan was trapped in his car for about an hour and had to be cut free through the roof following a collision with a shipping container last night (Tuesday).
The incident happened on a car park at the Ricoh Arena after Coventry City’s home match with Barnsley, shortly before 9.45pm.
West Midlands Ambulance Service sent an ambulance and a paramedic officer to the scene. They were supported by a private medical company who were on duty at the match, whilst the police and fire services were also in attendance.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The car suffered significant damage in the collision and that, together with the injuries suffered by the man, meant it was a difficult procedure to free him.
“Following assessment in the vehicle, it became apparent the man had suffered two separate head injuries and a suspected fractured hip. Crews began treating the man and immobilised him in order to ensure he was kept as still as possible whilst being freed from the car.
“He was freed through the roof of the vehicle, which had been cut off by the fire service.
“Following further treatment at the scene, he was transported to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further assessment.”
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Notes to Editors:
If used, please credit the images to West Midlands Ambulance Service.
Tuesday 3rd November 2015 – 7.20pm – Claire Brown.
A man and a woman needed the help of all three emergency services this rush hour after a two car RTC left one vehicle in a ditch.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of the Birmingham Road and Stonebridge Road in Coleshill at 4.50pm this afternoon (Tuesday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and a senior paramedic officer attended.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find two cars which had been involved in a collision; one was on the road whilst the other was in a ditch.
“Police diverted traffic away from the scene to give the ambulance service and fire service access and space to help the patients.
“The occupant of the car in the ditch, a man believed to be in his 30s, was trapped. Whilst ambulance staff assessed the man for injuries, the fire service carefully began to cut away parts of the car to extricate him from the vehicle. The man had sustained neck, rib and knee pain and was removed from the car onto a scoop stretcher. Once stable and on board an ambulance he was conveyed to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.
“The driver of the second car, a woman in her 30s, had managed to get out of her vehicle following the collision. She was found to have sustained back and abdominal pain and was treated on scene before being taken to Heartlands Hospital by ambulance.”
Tuesday 3rd November 2015 – 6.35pm – Murray MacGregor.
New figures show the stark contrast between the reducing number of complaints and the increasing number of compliments received by West Midlands Ambulance Service.
For the first half of the year (April – September 2015) the number of compliments came in at a staggering 642, a 10% increase on last year.
For the same period, the Trust received 169 complaints, a decrease of 4.5% on the first half of 2014.
The figures were presented to the Trust Board last week.
Director of Nursing and Quality, Mark Docherty, said: “These figures are tremendous news and show just how much the public appreciate the work staff do on a daily basis.
“Whilst celebrating the fantastic work of our staff, we must also recognise that even one complaint, is one too many.
“We will redouble our efforts to reduce complaints. We already look at each and every one and assess if there is learning that can be taken from the case and passed on to staff. This work appears to be having the desired effect.
“Given how challenging our work is, these figures show just how hard our staff in all areas of the organisation, work to ensure patients get the very best care possible. Congratulations to each and every one of them.”
Trust Chairman, Sir Graham Meldrum, added: “The increase in compliments is a superb reflection on the very high levels of care provided by the staff of the Trust to patients in their hour of need.
“When you consider each day we receive about 3,000 emergency calls and deal with thousands of non-emergency patient transport service patients, we should all be very proud of these figures.”
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Tuesday 3rd November 2015 – 2.40pm – Claire Brown.
A Birmingham paramedic swapped patients for pupils last month as he embarked on a mission to teach first aid to schools in India.
Sam Duplessis Grimson, 24 from Erdington ambulance hub, joined six other ambulance and fire colleagues from across the UK to embark on a three-week mission to teach students in Jamshedpur basic first aid and CPR.
The team departed on Tuesday 29th September and touched down in Delhi before heading to Calcutta to jump on a train for the remainder of the journey to Jamshedpur. When the team arrived at St Mary’s English School they went straight to work teaching students from St Mary’s and other neighbouring schools in blistering 30 degree heat. Over the course of the three weeks, the team ran several courses in basic first aid which included bandaging skills, dealing with patients fitting and CPR.
Sam said: “Education like this isn’t provided in India due to a lack of clinical staff and money. With no ambulance service or National Health Service, basic medical treatment in hospitals is expensive and, for some, they simply cannot afford it which is why we decided to help make a small difference.”
Before Sam and the team left for India they each raised money through charity events to help pay for training mannequins, first aid books and medical kits. Each school who took part in the training were given a kit so that they could pass on their newly acquired skills to other local communities.
Sam continued: “We were so surprised at the enthusiasm of the classes and their hunger to learn, alternating between students and teachers from local schools in the area, everyone was ready to get stuck in! News of our classes quickly spread and soon the whole city wanted to join our workshop. It was a real honour to teach something so close to my heart to people who have a real need. Thank you to everyone who donated money, it really did make a difference. We’re keen to return again soon to do it all over again!”
Tuesday 3rd November 2015 – 10.50am – Chris Kowalik.
Members of a north Shropshire football club swapped training on the pitch for some training in saving lives.
FC Oswestry Town officials were taught by West Midlands Ambulance in how to give CPR and use a defibrillator, a device that could restart the heart of someone who suffers a cardiac arrest.
The training took place at The Black Lion, the club’s main sponsor.
The defibrillator will follow the team on match-days, otherwise it will stay at the pub.
FC Oswestry Town is the latest organisation to get a defibrillator. West Midlands Ambulance Service is encouraging all community-based groups and clubs to get one.
The British Heart Foundation has been given £1million by the Department of Health to offer free defibrillators and CPR training to communities across England. As your local ambulance service we’ll support your application.
If you have somewhere which is accessible to the public and are committed to training your local community, visit http://www.bhf.org.uk/defibs to apply for a free defibrillator.
Pictured left to right: Matt Williams (Assistant Manager, FC Oswestry Town), Ian Jones (Chairman, FC Oswestry Town), Terry Foster (Community Paramedic Officer), Terry Rogers (landlord of The Black Lion and FC Oswestry Town player), and Nick Maguire (FC Oswestry Town First Team Manager).
Note to media: Do not replace the words “cardiac arrest” with “heart attack”.
Monday 2nd November 2015 – 5.25pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.
A man has been rescued from a third storey building at approximately 75ft after a wall collapsed on him this afternoon.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a man who had suffered a back injury after a number of bricks hit him whilst working at height shortly before 3.25pm. An ambulance, a rapid response paramedic, a paramedic area support officer and the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) attended the scene on Lickey Road in Rednal, near to St Columba’s Catholic Primary School.
A West Midlands Ambulance service spokesman said: “On arrival, it quickly became apparent that getting the man, believed to be in his 20s, down to the ground was going to be difficult due to the pain he was suffering.
“Crews assessed the man at height and administered pain relief, ensuring his condition was stable before continuing with the rescue.
“In order to keep him as still as possible he was immobilised with the use of a spinal board and rescue sleeve.
“The HART team then carefully lowered the man down access ladders that were already in place and loaded him on to the back of the ambulance once back on the ground.
“He was then transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, for further treatment.”
