Month: December 2015

Wednesday 16^th 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 18^th, Saturday 19^th and Thursday 31^st December. The TMIU will be operational each of these nights between 8.00pm and 4.00am.

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Notes to Editor:

For interviews, please contact WMAS press office on 01384 246 496 or pressoffice@wmas.nhs.uk and we will endeavour to accommodate your request.

For media enquiries and interviews relating to St John Ambulance please contact Annette Massam, Regional PR Officer (West Midlands) on 07810 865332 or email annettemassam@cakepublicity.co.uk. For urgent out-of-hours SJA media enquiries please contact the SJA on call press officer on 07860 711679.

For media enquiries and interviews relating to the British Red Cross please contact Sunil Peck, media relations officer on 0161 8888 939 or sunilpeck@redcross.org.uk. For urgent out-of-hours British Red Cross media enquiries please contact the duty press officer on 07710 391 703. Follow them on Twitter via @RedCrossMidland.

 

Everything you need, from health advice to flooding and school closures  is here:

https://shropshire.gov.uk/stay-safe-and-well-this-winter/

Information supplied by Shropshire Council

 Wednesday 16^th December 2015 – 1.30pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Feeling a little bit merry?  Ringing your friends at 2am to tell them you love them?  Falling over a curb and twisting your ankle? Vomiting all over yourself and a paramedic? Trading blows with your best friend over a girl neither of you know?

Is it really worth it?

General Manager for West Midlands Ambulance Service, Nathan Hudson, said: “Every year over the festive period the ambulance service gets called to a large number of cases where people of all ages have had far too much to drink.

“Drinking causes people to do things they definitely wouldn’t do if they were more sober.  The knock on effect of this is that our highly trained medical staff are having to baby sit fully grown adults who don’t know when they have had enough alcohol.  These staff should be available to treat people who have suffered a life threatening emergencies.

“Whilst we do not wish to spoil people’s fun, we would just ask people to be sensible and take responsibility for themselves and their own actions when they are out celebrating this year.  What if an ambulance crew that was dealing with you vomiting on yourself lying in the street, wasn’t then available to treat your family member who needed lifesaving treatment?  We are quite sure you would be devastated that your irresponsible actions have directly had a negative impact on your loved ones chance of survival; your Christmas probably wouldn’t be quite so merry.”

So, we ask again, is it really worth it?

To help you have a safe fun festive Christmas party night out please following the top tips below:

• Eating isn’t cheating.
  Food helps slow the absorption of alcohol, stopping it going to your head too quickly.
• Pace your drinks.
  Drink at your own speed and don’t drink too much before you go out – the likelihood is you won’t last to the end of the evening. Why not break your alcoholic drinks up with water or soft drinks.
• Never leave drinks unattended and then return and drink them.
  Never leave drinks unattended or with strangers. There are some unsavoury people around who are more than willing to take advantage of the situation.
• Stick together.
  Look after your work colleagues and friends whilst out and where possible make sure friends get home safely – get them to text you when returning home. We have seen a number of people that have had too much to drink suffer from hypothermia after falling asleep outside.
• Going home in a cab?
  Make sure it’s a license black cab from an official taxi rank or call for a private taxi, you could even organise a cab before you go out for your return journey home. Never get in a taxi you haven’t called for, you aren’t insured and don’t know if the driver or vehicle is safe.
• Violence related injuries.
  Christmas is the season to be jolly – don’t fight!
• Hungry at the end of the night?
  Why not get something from a reputable food outlet – often we see people attempting to cook at home and falling asleep. Fires can spread quickly and the smoke can also kill people very rapidly!

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Tuesday 15th December 2015 – 9.15pm – Murray MacGregor.

A three car crash that left one man needing to be cut out has brought delays to a busy commuter route.

The crash at the junction of Coventry Road and Berkeley Road in Yardley happened at about 7.30pm on Tuesday evening.

An ambulance was on scene within 5 minutes of the call and was backed up by a second ambulance and a paramedic area support officer.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crew found two cars that had collided head on and a third car that had hit railing around a traffic island.

“There were two men in their 20s in the car that had hit the traffic island. One, complained of feeling dizzy initially and also had a fractured collar bone. Ambulance staff worked with firefighters as the roof was removed and the man was extracted onto a spinal board. The front seat passenger had a suspected fracture to his right hand. Both were taken to Heartlands Hospital.

“There was a woman in her 20s in a BMW. She was complaining of spinal tenderness and was also immobilised before being taken to the same hospital.

“A man estimated to be 40s was in an Audi. He got out of the car himself and after a check-up for minor facial injuries from the airbag, was discharged on scene.”
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Tuesday 15^th December 2015 – 4.00pm – Claire Brown.

A young man needed help from us earlier today after he was injured in a road traffic collision.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the Pershore Road in Selly Park, Birmingham just after 11.30am (Tuesday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the West Midlands Central Accident Resuscitation Emergency (CARE) Team attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The man had reportedly collided with a car which knocked him unconscious. When ambulance staff arrived he had recovered and was conscious and breathing. Upon assessment, it was clear the man had sustained a nasty lower leg injury which required some immediate treatment at the roadside to make the man more comfortable. Crews were also concerned that he had also suffered a head injury.

“The man was given pain relief and, once it had taken affect, the CARE team critical care paramedic worked with colleagues to carefully immobilise his leg with a splint. Once staff were happy that the man was stable for transport, he was taken by land ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further trauma care.”

ENDS

 

 

Tuesday 15th December 2015 – 2.50pm – Murray MacGregor.

West Midlands Ambulance Service has scooped its first out of area non-emergency patient transport service contract in a deal worth almost £25million over five years

The Trust has been chosen by NHS Blackpool Clinical Commissioning Group (BCCG), Lead ambulance commissioners for the North West, to run the service for Cheshire, Warrington and the Wirral starting in July 2016.

The decision comes after a rigorous competitive tendering process and evaluation of potential providers.

WMAS will now work with BCCG and Cheshire commissioners as part of a mobilisation process to ensure a smooth transition takes place with the current provider, North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).

WMAS Commercial Services Director, Mark Gough, said: “We are delighted to have won this contract. We have a very strong team with vast experience in running PTS operations. Currently we complete around 700,000 PTS journeys per year.

“We will be implementing a tried and tested service delivery model that is used elsewhere including neighbouring Staffordshire where we operate a Patient Transport Service, Courier Transport Service and Commercial Services.

“We are particularly pleased that we have been able to keep this important contract within the NHS family and will be working with staff to ensure that we have a very strong presence in the county.

“We know that this will be an unsettling time for staff so will be doing everything we can to ensure that we work as closely as possible with them to reassure them that jobs are safe and that we want to work with them to take the service to the next level.”

The new contract incorporates a number of quality improvements following engagement with hospitals, patients and commissioners. These include:
• Text ahead service, to inform patients when their transport will arrive
• Streamlined quality standards, particularly around the journey arrival and collection times
• Revised process for applying the eligibility criteria to ensure equitable access to the service
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Tuesday 15^th December 2015 – 12.30pm – Claire Brown.

After providing thousands of quotes, interviews and stories to the media, one of the longest serving press officers in the NHS is set to retire from West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) on Friday after a career spanning 39 years.

Steve Parry, 58 from Shrewsbury, started his career as a control assistant at the former Shropshire Ambulance Service headquarters in Abbey Foregate. He later qualified as an ambulanceman and was based at the former Tweedale ambulance station in Telford.

In the 1990s, Steve became the first appointed media officer for the 999 service and was instrumental in winning national recognition for Shropshire’s fledgling volunteer community first responder scheme with a coveted NHS Health and Social Care award.  When Shropshire Ambulance Service merged with its larger neighbour in the West Midlands, he became its Head of Press and Communications.

In 2006, Steve became Head of Press for County Air Ambulance and was responsible for rebranding the popular helicopter service to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

In recent years he has been credited with organising the highly rated WMAS award ceremonies and the National Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence in London.

Contemplating his retirement, Steve said: “When the office apprentice tells you that she was far from a twinkle in her parent’s eye, and they themselves had just started primary school when I first joined the Service, then it’s time to call it a day and retire gracefully to enjoy the finer things in life.”

WMAS Communications Director, Murray MacGregor, said: “Steve has always shown great compassion when dealing with often tragic and complex incidents as well helping to highlight the excellent work carried out by our staff.

“He has been such an important part of the team using his experience to provide help and advice to newer members of staff over the years.  I know everyone in the team will miss him, but we wish him well in his retirement.”

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Tuesday 15th December 2015 – 10.45am – Murray MacGregor.

New figures show more people that suffer a cardiac arrest in the West Midlands are surviving than ever before.

Last year (2014-15) West Midlands Ambulance Service staff attempted resuscitation on over 4000 patients, a significant rise on the previous year. Better still, the number that arrived at hospital who were breathing for themselves (Return of Spontaneous Circulation – ROSC) rose by 223 compared to the previous year.

In total, Trust staff and volunteers tried to resuscitate 4040 patients that had had a pre-hospital cardiac arrest. Over a quarter of them, 1150, arrived at hospital with a ROSC.

Trust Medical Director, Dr Andy Carson, said: “This is a tremendous achievement and cannot be underestimated. If we look back just two years, there has been a 40% increase in the number of ROSCs at hospital. To achieve such an improvement has taken a lot of skill and hard work by staff and volunteers.

“Our research suggests that part of the reason for the rise is that staff have been able to use their advanced skills more often due to a rise in the number of members of the public who are prepared to have a go at CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) and also the increase in the number of public access defibrillators available for them to use.

“These figures are a real indication of the improvements made across the region. Please accept my thanks for all that you are doing to achieve such a result.”

Year                  Cardiac Arrests              ROSC at Hospital           Discharged
2012-13            2909                                 820                                    217
2013-14            3861                                  949                                    256
2014-15            4104                                  1179                                   340

The Trusts Cardiac and Stroke Lead, Matt Ward, added: “I’d like to add my thanks to all of the staff and volunteers involved whether on the road, in the control room or work in support roles – it is a team effort that is allowing these results to increase so dramatically.

“At the end of the day, we are making the difference between life and death – giving families possibly years of extra time with their loved one, the importance of which cannot be over stated.”

Trust Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh added: “Please also accept my thanks. This is such good news for patients and their families. Whilst we will always strive to do even better, these figures are something to celebrate. Many congratulations.”
Ends

Monday 14th December 2015 – 9.20pm – Murray MacGregor.

Three people have been injured after a four car ‘shunt’ that left a major road with long delays.

The crash on the southbound A444 between Nuneaton and the M6, close to the Sutherland Drive turning happened at about 4.50pm on Monday afternoon.

Four ambulances and a paramedic area support officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found four cars that had been involved in a shunt leaving them with a variety of front and rear end damage.

“A 46 year old woman in the first car, who was suffering back and neck pain, was immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board before being taken to the George Eliot Hospital.

“The 64 year old man driving the second car was suffering from chest and neck pain. He was immobilised as was a 70 year old woman in the same car. Both were taken to University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.

“The third car had a 24 year old woman in it who had shoulder and neck pain.

“The fourth car had a 29 year old man with lower back pain and a 26 year old woman with chest pain. All three were treated at the scene by ambulance crews but were discharged without the need to go to hospital

“Crews reported that roads in the area were extremely busy in the aftermath of the crash.”
Ends

 

Monday, 14^th December – 1.50pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Vandalism has resulted in a defibrillator that has the potential to save lives being taken out of 24/7 use.

Based outside Barclays Bank on Breadmarket Street, Lichfield, the cabinet that protects the defibrillator has been damaged which has resulted in the life-saving device being left open to the elements.

As a result of the damage, which occurred overnight on Thursday, the defibrillator is now having to be kept inside the bank and therefore is only available for the community to use whenever it is open.

West Midlands Ambulance Service Community Response Manager Matt Heward, said: “This is extremely frustrating and could potentially end up costing a life.

“Lichfield is a busy area and somewhere we would ideally like to install more defibrillators. However, this means that temporarily there will be less available for members of the public to use in case of an emergency, the complete opposite of what we are trying to achieve.

“Defibrillators are there in the event of someone having a cardiac arrest; when they stop breathing and their heart stops beating.

“Unfortunately, if a cardiac arrest takes place in Lichfield whilst the bank is closed, we currently have one less defibrillator available to potentially save a life.”

Jamie Richards (pictured), from Defibrillator Charity AEDdonate, said: “It is incredibly disappointing that this has happened and will cost approximately £700 to replace, money that could have been put towards installing another defibrillator within the area.

“Obviously it will take some time to sort out the funding and replacement cabinet, so it is not yet possible to say how long it will be until the defibrillator is available 24/7 again.”

Ends.

 

Sunday 13^th December 2015 – 10.50pm – Chris Kowalik.

 

The blue car pictured had to be winched to safety after a collision with another car near a railway bridge in Canley.

Picture: West Midlands Ambulance Service
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Stoneleigh Road shortly before 8.05pm today.

Two rapid response vehicles driven by an advanced community paramedic and a paramedic area support officer attended along with two ambulance crews.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The driver of the blue car had pains to his wrist, neck and leg.

“The driver of the other car pictured had neck pain.
“Both were immobilised with the use of spinal boards and neck collars and were taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.”

Ends

Friday 11^th December 2015 – 9.30pm – Chris Kowalik

Two motorcyclists have been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision involving a car in Erdington this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident on Marsh Hill at just before 3.30pm.

Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle and the West Midlands CARE Team attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews responded to a collision between a car and two motorbikes.

A male motorcyclist in his twenties was treated for shoulder, arm and back pain. He was immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board before being taken to Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham.

“A second rider, also a man in his twenties was immobilised after suffering arm and leg injuries. He was also taken to Heartlands Hospital.

“The driver and passenger in the car were assessed t the scene but did not require any further treatment.

Picture: West Midlands Ambulance Service

End

Friday 11^th December 2015 – 8.35am – Chris Kowalik.

A man has suffered a suspected head injury after the car he was in overturned in Worcestershire.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Buckle Street, Honeybourne, shortly after 10pm on Thursday 10^th December.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The man had a bruise to his head and a number of other bruises. His car was badly damaged.

“As a precaution, he was immobilised at the scene before being taken to the Alexandra Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

Picture: West Midlands Ambulance Service

Ends

Thursday 10^th December – 7pm – Chris Kowalik.

A man has been injured in a collision with a car in Worcester.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to City Walls Road shortly after 4.35pm today.
An ambulance crew and a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle attended.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The pedestrian, a man in his thirties, had head and pelvic injuries.
“He was immobilised at the scene before being taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

Ends

Thursday 10^th December 2015 – 2.20pm – Chris Kowalik.

 

A man has been injured in a collision with car in Kenilworth.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Warwick Road, shortly after 10.55am today.

Two rapid response vehicles driven by an advanced community paramedic and a paramedic area support officer attended along with an ambulance crew and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The pedestrian had head injuries. He was treated at the scene by the ambulance crews and the doctors who were on board the air ambulance before being taken land ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.
“The car driver was in shock but otherwise uninjured.”

Ends

Wednesday 9^th December 2015 – 2.20pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has been anaesthetised following a collision with a lorry this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Enterprise Trading Estate in Brierley Hill shortly before 10am and sent two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a senior paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival at the scene crews discovered a pedestrian, a man believed to be in his 60s, who was suffering from a reduced level of consciousness.

“He was treated for serious injuries to his head and chest. In order to stabilise his condition he was anaesthetised at the scene by the doctor from the air ambulance.

“He was then transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham by land ambulance on alert. The doctor travelled with the patient on the back of the ambulance to continue treatment en-route.”

ENDS

Wednesday 9^th December 2015 – 9.45am – Claire Brown.

Emergency services worked as a team to rescue and treat a seriously injured man following a road traffic collision in Staffordshire last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Sandy Lane in Rugeley shortly after 10.10pm yesterday (Tuesday). An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer, a responder paramedic and a MERIT trauma doctor attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Fire and ambulance staff arrived to find two cars which had been involved in a collision. One man, believed to be in his 30s, was trapped in one car and upon assessment by ambulance staff was found with serious head and chest injuries.

“The 999 team worked together to quickly extricate him from the car. Once released, the man was immobilised and given advanced trauma care before being blue-lighted to Royal Stoke University Hospital. The doctor travelled in the ambulance to continue treatment and assessment en route.”

ENDS

Tuesday 8^th December 2015 – 4.45pm – John Hawker.

A man had to be cut from his vehicle following a two vehicle RTC in Rugby this afternoon.

“An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic officer attended the crash at the junction of the A423 and Rugby Road, Princethorpe at around 2.05pm.

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

“The man driving one car had suffered chest, arm and head injuries and received emergency treatment from medics whilst still in the vehicle.  Following treatment he was released with the assistance of the fire service.

“The man, believed to be in his 80’s, was then transferred by land ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further emergency treatment.

“No other person was injured in the crash.”

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.

Tuesday 8^th December 2015 – 4.25pm – John Hawker.

A teenager has been trapped under a van for around 30 minutes following an incident in Nuneaton this afternoon.

Medics were called to the junction of Oaston Road and St Nicholas Road at around 2.10pm.  An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a 14 year old boy that was trapped under the rear of a van.

“The boy received treatment at the scene by medics as he was carefully released from under the vehicle with the assistance of the fire service.  He had suffered serious leg injuries.

“Following treatment by medics including pain relief, the teenager was transferred by land ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further emergency treatment.

“All three emergency services worked seamlessly together to ensure the patient was released as quickly and safely as possible.”

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.

 Tuesday 8^th December 2015 – 12.15pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

 

A group of motorway service stations have made sure they are in pole position to save a life in the future after taking delivery of lifesaving machines.

Moto has taken delivery of four Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), donated by West Midlands Ambulance Service, at sites on the M42 and M6.

Service stations at Tamworth (M42, junction 10), Cannock (M6, between junctions 10a and 11 – north and southbound) and Stafford (between junctions 14 and 15 – northbound) are now equipped with AEDs that can restart a person’s heart following a cardiac arrest.

The defibrillators will help to give the tens of thousands of motorists who use the region’s motorways each day the best chance of survival should they suffer a cardiac arrest and comes on the back of a pioneering project launched with the Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) in May. As part of that project, AEDs were installed in all 27 police vehicles that the CMPG operates across the motorway network.

West Midlands Ambulance Service Community Defibrillator Facillitator, Keith Dawson, said: “The chance of a person surviving a cardiac arrest falls by 10 per cent for every minute that passes without an AED being used.

“Survival rates can be as high as 75 per cent when patients are treated with the right care and a defibrillator in time.

“Therefore it is excellent news that Moto are now housing AEDs at their sites across the West Midlands to help give motorists the best chance of survival.”

Jonathan Hayes, Moto Risk Management Director said: “We recognise the importance of being able to administer immediate help to someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest and are therefore delighted to play a role in bringing valuable life-saving equipment to our Midlands service areas.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service will also be offering training to Moto staff on how to use the AEDs, which will be available 24/7.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

Picture – WMAS’ Keith Dawson hands over a defibrillator to Moto Area General Manager Ian Kernighan at Tamworth Services on the M42.

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

Tuesday 8^th December 2015 – 11.20am – John Hawker.

 

A motorcyclist has been seriously injured in an RTC in Shropshire this morning.

The crash occurred near the junction of the A4169 and The Wyke, Shifnal at around 7.30am.  A rapid response vehicle, an ambulance and the Trusts MERIT team attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a motorcyclist that had suffered serious head injuries.

“The man, believed to be in his 20’s, received trauma care at the scene by medics and his condition was stabilised.

“Following treatment, the man was transferred by ambulance to Royal Stoke University Hospital or further treatment.

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

Ends

We have no further details on this incident.

 

Monday 7^th December 2015 – 8pm – Chris Kowalik.

 

A Newport man who collapsed while running on a treadmill and suffered a cardiac arrest has survived because the gym he was in had a defibrillator.

Last October, staff at Newport Swimming Pool sprung into action, giving 47 year old Steve Price CPR and applying the machine that can restart the heart of someone who suffers a cardiac arrest.

Less than two months later, Steve was back at the centre to thank the two staff members involved and meet one of the ambulance crew who attended to him at the time.

Pictured left-to-right: Harriet Harvey-Bebbington, Tony Womersley, Steve Price, John Young.

Pictures: West Midlands Ambulance Service

Steve said: “I was on the treadmill doing a bit of interval training. I just blanked out and can’t remember a great deal after that. I do remember coming round and they were saying to me ‘Steve, save your breath’ and the next thing I knew I was at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.”

Steve had been seen at Princess Royal and Royal Shrewsbury Hospitals before being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital where he had a triple heart by-pass operation. Hoping to return to training next year, he said: “I feel 110% better. Hopefully there’s no damage to the heart and I can get on with a normal active life.”

The two staff members involved, Duty Officer John Young and Lay Assistant Harriet Harvey-Bebbington recalled the events of less than two months ago. Harriet said: “I remember a lady coming to the desk while I served a customer saying that a gentleman had just collapsed in the gym. I then got the attention of my colleague who was on poolside to come over as quickly as he could and bring the defib. I had rung for the ambulance at that point. At the point of John arriving, the gentleman had stopped breathing. John started CPR and I set up the defib.” John added: “I canonly emphasise how important the first aid training is. The defib on site I think is the biggest hero here. These are very valuable and important things to have around because they save lives.”

Picture: West Midlands Ambulance Service

The value of the defibrillator was reinforced by West Midlands Ambulance Service Clinical Team Mentor Tony Womersley who also praised the work of the pool’s staff: “There’s a known thing within the out-of-hospital cardiac arrest scene which is the ‘chain of survival’. The staff here did the first three links which are early recognition, early CPR and defibrillation and that’s what ensured his survival. It’s thanks to them.”

Steve reflected: “To think that the defibrillator and the members and staff saved my life is quite special. I owe them a great deal. Thank-you to everyone for saving my life. “

 

Ends

Monday 7^th December 2015 – 3.30pm – Claire Brown.

A harrowing video of a cardiac arrest survivor was all it took to persuade a watersport’s centre in the Black Country to get a defibrillator.

After seeing the story about Stourport rower Ian Hough on the local news, Chairman of Dudley Rowing Club Tina Boothroy decided it was time to think about saving lives and contacted the ambulance service.

Ian Hough suffered a cardiac arrest during a race at Stourport’s regatta and, fortunately for Ian, there was a defibrillator on site that day which helped to save his life. Earlier this year Ian’s story was turned into a powerfully emotional short film called ‘Pull Through’, produced by his employer drpvideo, to encourage as many clubs, groups, businesses and communities as possible to consider getting a defibrillator.

Andy Jeynes, the Trust’s Community Response Manager provided a free defibrillator to Dudley Watersports Centre, in Highbridge Road, which has around 150 members from various sports disciplines and ages. On the 21^st November, 34 of its members were trained in basic CPR and how to use the automated external defibrillator.

Tina Boothroy was one of the members trained in November and said: “It’s the best bit of equipment we could possibly have and I think every sports venue should have one. It’s absolutely brilliant and is going to make such a difference to someone’s life one day.”

ENDS

 

 

Sunday 6^th December 2015 – 6.30pm – John Hawker.

A pedestrian has been injured in an RTC in Staffordshire this morning.

The incident occurred on St Peters Bridge, Burton on Trent at around 9.30am.  An ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a woman who had suffered a head and leg injury after being struck by a car.

“The woman received emergency treatment at the scene by medics and her condition was stabilised.

“Following treatment the woman, believed to be in her 40’s, was airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further emergency treatment.

“The hospital had been pre alerted to the patient’s arrival and her injuries.”

Ends

 

Sunday 6^th December 2015 – 7.45am – John Hawker.

 

Four people have been injured, one seriously in an RTC in the Black Country in the early hours of this morning.

The crash occurred on Tinsley Avenue, Old Hill, Cradley Heath at around 1.40am.  Four ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Trusts MERIT Team attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find two cars that had been involved in the collision.

“Two men and a woman were trapped in one car with one man having suffered serious injuries.  All three received treatment whilst they were all extricated from the vehicle with the assistance of the fire service.

“One man, believed to be in his 20’s, suffered multiple serious injuries and received trauma care at the scene by medics.  Treatment continued as he was transferred by ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Major Trauma Unit who were awaiting his arrival.  The MERIT trauma Doctor travelled on board the ambulance to hospital.

“The two other people travelling in the car, a man and a woman, both suffered multiple minor injuries, and received treatment at the scene from medics.  Following treatment both were transferred by ambulance to Russells Hall Hospital for further assessment.

“The man driving the second car, believed to be in his 20’s, also received treatment for multiple minor injuries and was transferred by ambulance to Sandwell Hospital for further assessment.

“All three emergency services worked seamlessly together on scene to ensure the patients received treatment as quickly and safely as possible.”

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Sunday 6^th December 2015 – 7.30am – John Hawker.

 

Two people have been injured after a car left the road and ended up in some trees last night in Worcestershire.

The crash occurred on the A4133, between Ombersley and Droitwich at around 8.30pm.  Two ambulances and a paramedic officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The car had come to rest in some trees and suffered substantial damage.

“One man, believed to be in his late teens, suffered serious arm injuries in the crash and received trauma care at the scene.  Following treatment and pain relief the man was transferred to Worcester Royal Hospital for further emergency treatment.

“A second man travelling in the car suffered a shoulder injury and was also treated at the scene by medics.  He was also transferred by ambulance to the same hospital for further treatment.

“The third man travelling in the car declined assessment from medics and did not go to hospital.”

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Saturday 5^th December 2015 – 7.55pm – John Hawker.

 

The driver of a car has been injured after her vehicle left the road and hit a tree in Warwickshire this morning.

The crash occurred on the A46 near the junction with Gospel Oak Lane, Snitterfield at around 11.50am. An ambulance and a paramedic officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car that had suffered significant damage.

“The woman driving, believed to be in her 40’s, was already out of her vehicle and had suffered a head laceration and suspected rib injuries.

“She received emergency treatment at the scene from medics for her injuries and she was then transferred by ambulance to The Alexandra Hospital, Redditch.”

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Saturday 5^th December 2015 – 7.20pm – John Hawker.

(Stock image)

A man has had a very fortunate escape after driving through a ford in Worcestershire and his vehicle becoming completely submerged.

West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to Walcot Lane Ford, Pershore at around 10.30am.  An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a vehicle that had attempted to drive through the ford and had become completely overwhelmed by the depth of the water.

“The elderly man driving had managed to get himself out of the vehicle and was treated at the scene by medics for being cold and wet.  Following checks and being warmed up, the man was transferred by ambulance to Worcester Royal Hospital for further assessment.

“The man was extremely fortunate that he managed to escape from vehicle very quickly.

“We would like to remind motorists to exercise extreme caution and not attempt driving through flooded roads.  This not only puts their life at risk, but also the ambulance staff and other emergency service personnel called to provide a service in these most challenging of conditions.”

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Saturday 5^th December 2015 – 8.50am – John Hawker.

 

West Midlands Ambulance Service can confirm it was called to the A41 Soho Road, Handsworth at around 5.35pm last night to reports of a serious RTC.

Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a BASICS Doctor attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Medics arrived to find a woman with serious injuries and immediately started emergency treatment.

“Unfortunately, despite everyone’s best efforts, nothing could be done to save the woman and sadly she was confirmed dead at the scene.”

If you have any information regarding this incident please contact West Midlands Police Collision Investigation Unit by dialling 101.

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Saturday 5^th December 2015 – 8.05am – John Hawker.

 A car has overturned this morning in Coventry leaving a passenger with a serious leg injury.

The crash occurred on the Fletchamstead Highway, Eastern Green, near to Wing Wah, at around 5.30am.  A rapid response vehicle, an ambulance and a paramedic officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find car that had overturned with three occupants.

“All three men managed to get out of the vehicle with assistance and two were uninjured.

“Unfortunately, one man believed to be in his 30’s, suffered a serious leg injury and received trauma care at the scene by medics.

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

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Saturday 5^th December 2015 – 7.40am – John Hawker.

 

A pedestrian received trauma care by medics at the scene of an RTC in Warwickshire last night.

The incident occurred on Birmingham Road, Kings Coughton, Alcester at around 11.40pm.  An ambulance and a paramedic officer attended the scene along with a Community First Responder who was passing and was flagged down by the fire service.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a man with multiple injuries including head injuries and a reduced level of consciousness after being struck by a car.

“The man, believed to be in his late teens, received emergency treatment at the scene from medics and his condition was stabilised.

“Following treatment the man was transferred to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further emergency treatment.  The hospital were on standby awaiting his arrival.

“The elderly gentleman driving the car was uninjured in the incident.”

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Thursday 3^rd December 2015 – 4.55pm – Chris Kowalik.

A motorcyclist has been flown to a major trauma centre after colliding with a car.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the B4224 at Mordiford at approx. 1pm.

A paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance crew and the Midlands Air Ambulances from Strensham and Cosford attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The motorcyclist, a man in his twenties and who wasn’t wearing leathers had a bad knee injury and a suspected fractured pelvis.
“He was immobilised, a pelvic binder was applied and he was given pain relief before being flown to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“He was in a stable condition during the flight and on arrival at the hospital.”

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Wednesday 2^nd December 2015 – 7.30pm – John Hawker.

 

A pedestrian has received trauma care by medics at the scene of an RTC in Worcestershire this afternoon.

The incident occurred on Hanbury Road, Droitwich Spa, outside the Eagle and Sun Public House at around 4.20pm.  An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and critical care paramedics in an RRV from Strensham Air Base attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a man in the road with serious injuries after being struck by a car.

“The man, believed to be in his 60’s, suffered serious head, arm, pelvic and back injuries and received emergency treatment at the scene.

“The man’s condition was stabilised and he was transferred by ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Major Trauma Unit for further emergency treatment.  Unfortunately the man’s injuries were considered serious.”

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Wednesday 2^nd December 2015 – 5.20pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

“She is incredibly lucky to be alive.”

The words of a paramedic in relation to the female driver of a car which ended up on its roof and in a front garden this afternoon.

The car eventually came to rest after overturning and rolling through a hedge and a fence, a collision which resulted in the woman being airlifted to hospital.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Main Road in Newton Regis, Tamworth, shortly after 12.50pm and sent an ambulance, a community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire to the scene. The police and fire services were also in attendance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car that had suffered significant damage and one patient, a woman believed to be in her 20s.

“Thankfully the woman, who remained conscious throughout, was not trapped in the vehicle despite the damage, having been freed by bystanders.

“She was assessed and treated for a head injury, a suspected fractured wrist and numerous cuts.

“It is quite remarkable that thankfully, she did not suffer much more serious injuries in the incident.

“She was then loaded on to the air ambulance before being flown to Royal Derby Hospital for further treatment.”

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Notes to Editors:

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

Wednesday 2^nd December 2015 – 10.45am – John Hawker.

A woman was rescued from a lake last night after being in the water for around 40 minutes.

The rescue took place near Whittleford Park, off Haunchwood Road, Nuneaton at around 5.55pm.   An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer, the Trusts Hazardous Area Response Team attended the scene along with colleagues from the Police and Fire service.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “It is believed the woman, believed to be in her late 20’s, had suffered a medical episode and subsequently fallen down a bank into the water.

“She had initially managed to call 999 and alert the emergency services to her situation but then became uncontactable.

“Following an extensive search by all three emergency services, including the Police helicopter, the woman was located by heat seeking camera and then pulled from the water by the ambulance crew and police officers.  The fire service and HART Team then ensured the patient was safely transferred back up an embankment to flat ground.

“Following assessment by medics the woman was treated for the effects of hypothermia but fortunately had no serious injuries.

“She was then transferred to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further treatment.

“From the time of the initial 999 call it took around 40 minutes to search and locate the patient.

“This rescue shows just how effectively the three emergency services work together in such a situation.”

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We have no further details on this incident.

 

 

Wednesday 2nd December 2015 – 9.00am – John Hawker.

A pedestrian has been seriously injured following an RTC in Worcestershire last night.

The incident occurred on Bromsgrove Road, near to Redditch Rugby Club, Redditch at around 7.10pm.  Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and the Trusts MERIT Team attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a pedestrian that had been struck by a minibus.

“The man, believed to be in his 20’s, suffered serious head injuries in the incident and received emergency treatment at the scene by medics.

“Treatment continued whilst the patient was transferred by ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Major Trauma Unit.

“A team of medics were on standby awaiting the arrival of the man at hospital.  Unfortunately, the man’s injuries were very serious.”

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We have no further details on this incident