Wednesday 16th December 2015 – 3.00pm – Claire Brown.
With the Christmas party period in full swing, paramedics and volunteer medics will be on hand to help revellers in Birmingham.
The Trust’s Temporary Minor Injuries Unit (TMIU) will return for its ninth year near Broad Street in the City Centre to help treat worse for wear revellers to avoid A&E attendances.
The unit will once again take up residence in Cambridge Street in space provided by the Library of Birmingham and will operate on three evenings after the library has closed.
The space will be transformed into a makeshift treatment unit to provide patients who arrive at the unit by ambulance or by foot with fast and efficient treatment.
As in previous years, this successful partnership venture will be running with WMAS paramedics, technicians, Central Accident Resuscitation Emergency (CARE) Team nurses and doctors, Community First Responders and volunteers from the British Red Cross and St John Ambulance. As well as medical staff, the unit is supported each night it operates by special constables from West Midlands Police.
Paramedic Mike Duggan, who runs the Trust’s smaller-scale City Centre Treatment Unit each Friday and Saturday night on Broad Street, said: “This weekend and New Year’s Eve will see the return of the traditional TMIU to help us deal with the increase in 999 calls we historically experience during the festive party season.
“Just over 100 revellers were seen at the unit during the weekend before Christmas last year with the similar numbers treated on New Years’ Eve. The types of patients we expect to see are those who have suffered minor injuries, are feeling unwell or have had too much to drink and are in no fit state to be left alone.
“It’s always unpredictable in terms of what the TMIU staff will see but, what’s always certain is a steady stream of patients to keep the multi-agency team of medics busy to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.”
Sue Roberts, Regional Director for St John Ambulance, said: “St John Ambulance is always pleased to work in partnership with WMAS and other organisations so the public can have fun safely. We have a team of highly trained volunteers who will be on hand to support party goers or anyone who requires first aid support in the city centre during the busy festive period.
“Having this unit means people can get treatment quickly, which could be the difference between a life lost and a life saved in an emergency. It also alleviates pressure on ambulance and hospital services.”
Dan Watterson, British Red Cross service manager for ambulance support in the West Midlands, said: “We work closely with WMAS in the city centre on Broad Street every weekend, but we’ll be increasing our support for the TMIU over Christmas and New Year. Festive spirit will be flowing, but our team of volunteers are highly trained to treat a range of injuries and conditions, helping to keep revellers safe and reduce pressure on A&E, which is often busier at this time of year.”
The TMIU will be located on Cambridge Street and will be accessible via the Library of Birmingham services reception, on Friday 18th, Saturday 19th and Thursday 31st December. The TMIU will be operational each of these nights between 8.00pm and 4.00am.
Ends
Notes to Editor:
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