Month: January 2016

Sunday 31^st January 2016 – 7.00pm – Claire Brown.

Team work between the emergency services at the scene of a single car RTC in Warwickshire meant a man with multiple serious injuries got the care he needed.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Gipsy Lane in Nuneaton at 12.40pm this afternoon (Sunday). An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance with a doctor and critical care paramedic on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The car had been in collision with a tree causing significant damage to the car. The driver and single occupant, a man in his 20s, was trapped and had a number of serious injuries.

“Whilst the fire service worked to carefully release the man from the wreckage, ambulance staff and the doctor administered advanced drug therapy to him inside the enclosed space to help stabilise his serious condition.

“After around 45 minutes, the team of ambulance staff and fire fighters were able to carefully lift the man out of the car. He was then taken by land ambulance on alert to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire; the doctor and critical care paramedic travelled in the ambulance to continue trauma care.”

 

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Sunday 31^st January 2016 – 6.20pm – Claire Brown.

Ambulance staff together with two teams of advanced medics helped an injured woman following a road traffic collision in Staffordshire this morning.

The Trust’s control room received a 999 call to reports of a two car RTC at Wall Island in Lichfield at around 11.15am this morning (Sunday). Two ambulances, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board and the West Midlands Central Accident Resuscitation Emergency (CARE) Team attended with advanced paramedics on board.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff arrived they found one car off the road and in a bush and a second car with a woman trapped inside. Upon assessment, ambulance staff and medics were concerned that the woman driver had a reduced level of consciousness following the collision. The woman, who also sustained shoulder and chest injuries, was given oxygen and fluids by ambulance staff whilst the fire service worked around them to carefully cut away the cars roof. Once the roof was removed, the woman was lifted out of the car safely on a spinal board to keep her immobile.

“Due to deteriorating weather conditions, the helicopter was unable to airlift the woman so she was taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Medics from the CARE team travelled with the woman to hospital to monitor her condition en route.

“The driver of the second car, a man in his 20s, suffered minor injuries and was discharged on scene.”

 

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Notes to editors: Photo – please credit West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Sunday 31^st January 2016 – 12.15am – Claire Brown.

A collision between a motorbike and a car in the Black Country has left one man needing major trauma care by ambulance and hospital medics.

The incident happened at the junction of Rowley Village and Mackmillan Road, Rowley Regis, shortly after 9.15pm (Saturday). Three ambulances, a community paramedic, HART critical care paramedics and a MERIT trauma doctor were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The motorcyclist, a man, sustained serious injuries in the collision. His condition was such that it called for the specialist skills of the doctor and critical care paramedics together with help from their ambulance colleagues to stabilise him at the roadside.

“The man was given advanced medical care before being taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, a major trauma centre, for further treatment.

“One occupant from the car, which also collided with a wall in the collision, was assessed and treated by ambulance staff after suffering a facial injury as well as neck and upper back pain. The patient was conveyed to Russells Hall Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

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Saturday 30^th January 2016 – 5.15pm – Claire Brown.

A man remains in a critical condition in hospital following a collision with a vehicle in Coventry this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received at 999 call shortly after 1.00pm today (Saturday) to reports of a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian in Dame Agnes Grove, Coventry. An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance with a doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance staff arrived to find a pedestrian, a man in his 50s, who had been in collision with a vehicle which had since left the scene.

“The man needed emergency medical intervention due to his serious condition. The doctor sedated the man to help stabilise his condition for the journey to hospital. He was fully immobilised by ambulance staff before being taken by land ambulance on blue lights, under police escort, to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire. The doctor travelled in the ambulance to continue monitoring and treatment on the man during the journey to A&E.

“Upon arrival, the man was said to be in a critical condition.

“If you witnessed the collision or have any information to help the police with their investigation, please contact them on 101 or anonymously via crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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Saturday 30^th January 2016 – 10.20am – Claire Brown.

Two doctors and ambulance staff ended up anaesthetising a man after his car ended up on its roof in Stoke on Trent in the early hours.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a car on its roof near to the junction of Keelings Road and Cromer Road, by Northwood Stadium shortly before 5.00am this morning (Saturday). An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and two BASICS emergency doctors attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When emergency services arrived they found a car on its roof and a man lying on the floor near to the vehicle.

“The man, who had sustained a serious injury, needed advanced trauma care by medics and ambulance staff at the roadside. Medics took the decision to anaesthetise him to stabilise his condition before he was alerted to University Hospital North Staffordshire for further specialist care.

“The road remained closed for several hours following the incident but has since reopened.”

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Friday 29^th January 2016 – 3.10pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A generous donation from the operators of the M6 Toll has seen some Community First Responders (CFRs) provided with pre-paid Toll Tags.

The donation from Midland Expressway Ltd (MEL) will ensure CFRs are able to respond to call outs in the quickest possible time with groups including Burntwood & District, Rapid Aid, Brewood, TAME, Trent Valley, Penkridge & District and Rugeley benefiting.

Community First Responders are members of the public from all walks of life who give up their spare time to help make a difference in their communities. They offer an invaluable service by way of helping to reach those people suffering from medical emergencies in the remote rural communities, prior to the arrival of an ambulance. For many illnesses or injuries, the first few minutes are critical and simple interventions can be performed in order to save lives or prevent disability.

Rachel Graffy, West Midlands Ambulance Service Community Response Manager, said: “This offer of support from M6toll is great news for the CFRs and can only enhance the service already provided by the volunteers.”

Karen Johnstone, MEL’s Social Committee Member, said: “The CFRs provide an amazing service; assisting the wider ambulance service. The volunteers give their time to train and man the vehicles.

“Providing them with pre-paid tags was an obvious choice for us as they need to get to any casualties in as little time as possible, using the M6toll as an alternative route to their destination could save crucial time and save lives.”

The tag is a small electronic device which is fitted to a vehicle’s windscreen and allows users to pre-pay for passage on the M6toll and pass through a dedicated lane, usually without the need to stop.

MEL’s Social Committee is always on the lookout for local charities and community projects to support. To register your charity or community project for consideration, visit www.m6toll.co.uk.

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Notes to Editors:

This press release has been issued in conjunction with Midland Express Ltd.

If used, please credit the images Midland Express Ltd.

Picture captions:

Top (group pic) – From the left – Rachel Barron (Burntwood and District), Eddie Malpass (Burntwood and District), Karen Johnstone (MEL’s Social Committee member), Andrea Richards (Burntwood and District), Ann Peters (Brewood), Keith Dawson (TAME), Mark Walker (Trent Valley), Matt Heward (WMAS Community Response Manager – Staffordshire), Mike Tym (Penkridge and District), Sean Cooper (Rugeley), Fay Cooper (Rugeley) and Paul Dadge (Burntwood and District).

Row 2 – (l-r) Mike Tym and Ann Peters.

Row 3 – (l-r) Rachel Barron & Andrea Richards and Sean Cooper & Fay Cooper.

Row 4 – (l-r) Mark Walker and Keith Dawson.

Friday 29^th January 2016 – 12.20pm – Chris Kowalik.

A quarter of people in the UK will experience a mental health problem in any year. But research for the charity Mind shows that people who work and volunteer for the emergency services are at greater risk of experiencing a mental health problem than the general population.

Mind has been awarded LIBOR funding to develop the Blue Light Programme, to provide mental health support for staff and volunteers from ambulance, police, fire and search and rescue services across England.

At its meeting held in Brierley Hill on Wednesday 27^th January, the Board of West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust signed-up to the Blue Light “Time to Change” Pledge.

   

The Pledge reads: “There is growing understanding that good mental health underpins everything we do, how we act, think, feel and behave. The mental health and wellbeing of our staff needs to be protected, promoted and supported throughout the Trust.  By fostering a supportive mentally healthy workplace this will not only benefit our staff but enable staff to provide high quality service to our patients.  The Mind Blue Light Pledge has offered the Trust the opportunity to make a public statement of support to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination within the work place.”

 

Signed by Trust Chairman Sir Graham Meldrum and Chief Executive Anthony Marsh (both pictured above – picture: West Midlands Ambulance Service), the pledge commits West Midlands Ambulance Service to fostering a supportive mentally healthy workplace and, moving forward, will look at ways of improving support and services that all staff have access to.  The Trust has embraced the Mind Blue Light Project for several months during which staff have attended events as part of their personal development.

Anthony Marsh (pictured above – picture: West Midlands Ambulance Service) said: “The health and wellbeing of all staff is vitally important and I am delighted to sign the pledge on behalf of the Trust Board.  Working for an emergency service is both physically and mentally challenging, especially for frontline staff who are attending incidents and staff answering emergency calls in our control rooms.  The board is fully committed to providing support to all staff in a way which is the most appropriate, accessible and effective and which is also influenced by staff themselves.  Moving forward this best practice can then become embedded in the Trust’s culture.”

More information on the Mind Blue Light Time to Change Pledge can be found here:

http://www.mind.org.uk/news-campaigns/campaigns/bluelight/blue-light-time-to-change-pledge.aspx

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Friday 29^th January 2015 – 12.05pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman has been cut free from her car after a collision with a motorhome that overturned in the incident this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of the A5 and Woodford Lane in Mancetter, near Atherstone,  at 8.45am and sent two ambulances, a community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a motorhome that had overturned and a car that had suffered significant damage to the side of the vehicle. The incident resulted in the road being closed.

“The driver of the car, a woman believed to be in her 30s, was trapped as a result of the collision and had to be cut free through the roof.

“Crews worked with the fire service to get her out and then treated the woman for a serious leg injury and administered pain relief.

“She was immobilised with the use of a pelvic splint, neck collar and spinal board and taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire by land ambulance. The doctor from the air ambulance travelled with the patient to continue treatment en-route.

“The driver of the motorhome, a man in his 60s, had managed to free himself from the vehicle and thankfully was uninjured in the incident.”

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Notes to Editors:

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

Shrewsbury Community First Responder Danielle Rowark speaks to BBC Radio Shropshire:

Thursday 28^th January 2016 – 8.00pm – Claire Brown.

A woman who sustained serious injuries following a collision with a car this evening received emergency trauma care by the ambulance service.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A453 Sutton Road near to the junction of George Avenue, Tamworth, just after 6.00pm (Thursday). An ambulance, a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The woman pedestrian, believed to be in her 60s, had suffered multiple serious injuries in the collision.

“The ambulance crew, paramedic and doctor worked quickly to administer advanced trauma care to the woman ensuring her injuries were stabilised before being transferred, on blue lights, to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. The doctor travelled in the ambulance with the woman to continue assessment and treatment en route.

“Medics in A&E were pre alerted to the arrival of the woman.”

 

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Thursday 28^th January 2016 – 6.50pm – John Hawker.

West Midlands Ambulance Service can confirm it was called to Fillongley Road, Meriden, Coventry at 1.40pm to reports of a pedestrian that had been in a collision with a van.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a man that had suffered multiple serious injuries and was receiving CPR by bystanders.

“Medics took over resuscitation attempts and advanced life support was carried out.

“Unfortunately, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“A second man who was also a pedestrian was uninjured in the incident but was treated at the scene for shock.  The man did not require hospital treatment.

“Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance attended the incident.”

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We have no further details on this incident.

Thursday 28^th January 2016 – 3.40pm – John Hawker.

 

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

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Banbury Road, Gaydon, Warwickshire at around 8.25am.

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

“The motorcyclist, believed to be in his mid 20’s, suffered multiple serious injuries.  The man received emergency trauma care at the scene by medics and was airlifted to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.  The hospital has been pre alerted to the mans arrival and injuries.

“The woman driving the car, believed to be in her early 20’s, was treated at the scene for the effects of shock.  She did not require hospital treatment.

“An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance attended the incident.”

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We have no further details on this incident

 

Wednesday 27^th January 2016 – 3.40pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has died and a woman was trapped for more than an hour following a collision between a car and a tree this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A426 Leicester Road in Churchover, near Rugby, shortly after 11.45am and sent an ambulance, two community paramedics in rapid response vehicles, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulances from Staffordshire and Cosford to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered two patients following a collision between a car and a tree.

“Unfortunately it quickly became evident that nothing could be done to save the driver of the car, a man, and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The second patient, a woman who was a front seat passenger, was still inside the car and due to how it had come to rest near to the tree, it took over an hour to cut her free.

“Crews worked closely with the fire service to continually assess the patient whilst freeing her.

“She was given pain relief, immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board and treated for a leg injury before being taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire by land ambulance.”

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Wednesday 27^th January 2016 – 2pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman and child have been treated at the scene of a three-vehicle RTC on the M6 this afternoon and subsequently taken to hospital.

The incident, which involved two cars and a lorry, took place near to junction three on the northbound side of the carriageway.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called just after 12pm and sent two ambulances and a paramedic area support officer to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews were told that a car and a lorry had been involved in a collision with the third car becoming involved after hitting some debris that had been left on the road as a result of the initial incident.

“There were two patients, a woman in her 30s and a female toddler.

“The woman was treated for injuries to her side and back whilst the girl had suffered cuts.

“Thankfully, the girl was properly strapped into the vehicle with the appropriate car seat. A decision which has almost certainly helped to limit the injuries she has suffered in the incident.

“They were both taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further assessment.

“A woman from the second car and the lorry driver, a man, were both assessed and discharged at the scene.”

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Notes to Editors:

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

Sunday 24^th January 2016 – 7.00pm – John Hawker.

Three people have been injured after a milk tanker and a car were in a collision this morning.

The crash occurred on the A515, Draycott Cliff, Draycott in the Clay, Staffordshire at around 10.15am.  A rapid response vehicle, two ambulances, a Community First Responder, 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 milk tanker and a car that had been in a collision.  The milk tanker was on its side and the car had come to rest off the road down a grass slope.

“The driver of the milk tanker, a man believed to be in his late 40’s, received treatment at the scene from medics for a head injury and lacerations.  Following treatment the man was airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further emergency treatment.

“Two people were travelling in the car at the time of the crash.  A man in his 50’ suffer minor injuries and received treatment at the scene.  A woman believed to be in her 40’s had suffered leg and hip injuries.  Due to her injuries the woman was extricated from the car with the assistance of the fire service.

“Following treatment both patients were transferred by land ambulance to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further emergency treatment.

“The contents of the milk tanker had made its way onto the road adding an extra dimension to the incident for the emergency services to deal with.”

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Sunday 24^th January 2016 – 7.45am – John Hawker.

A man has died and two others have been injured following an RTC in Shropshire in the early hours of this morning.

The incident occurred on the A41, near to the Bell public house, Tong, Shifnal at around 1.00am.  A rapid response vehicle, three ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Trusts MERIT Team attended the scene.  The Police and Fire service were also in attendance.

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

“One man had suffered multiple serious injuries in the crash and was in traumatic cardiac arrest at the scene.  Advanced life support was immediately carried out by medics but unfortunately, despite everyone’s best efforts, nothing could be done to save him and sadly he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“A second man suffered head and leg injuries in the crash and received advanced trauma care at the scene of the incident.  He was then transferred to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further emergency treatment.

“A third man was treated at the scene for multiple minor injuries.  Following treatment the man was transferred to Princess Royal hospital for further emergency care.”

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Saturday 23^rd January 2016 – 7.00pm – John Hawker

 A farmer suffered serious injuries in an unusual incident in rural Shropshire this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to a farm near the Hinstock area at around 9.00am.  An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find the man who had suffered suspected back and pelvic injuries.  The farmer was in considerably pain after being injured by the bull.

“The man received emergency treatment at the scene by medics including pain relief.  Following treatment the man was airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further emergency treatment.”

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Saturday 23rd January 2016 – 8.15am – John Hawker.

Three people have been injured, one seriously after an RTC last night.

The crash occurred on the Wolverhampton Road, near to Himley Cricket Club at just after 6pm.  Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and the Trusts MERIT team attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We were called to reports of a two vehicle RTC with one vehicle having rolled over in the crash.

“The driver of the car that rolled over, a man believed to be in his 40’s, had suffered multiple lacerations in the crash and also a reduced level of consciousness.  The man received emergency treatment at the scene from medics and with the assistance of the fire service was removed from the vehicle.  He was trapped for around 30 minutes.

“Following further treatment at the scene, the man was transferred by ambulance to Russells Hall Hospital for further treatment.

“A woman travelling in the same car, believed to be in her 30’s, had managed to free herself from the overturned vehicle, and received treatment for minor lacerations to her hands.  She also travelled to the same hospital for further treatment.

“The man driving the second vehicle, believed to be in his 40’s, received treatment at the scene for chest and wrist injuries.  Following treatment he was also transferred by ambulance to Russells Hall Hospital for further treatment.

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

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Friday 22^nd January 2016 – 4.30pm – Claire Brown.

A man needed emergency trauma care at the scene of an RTC in which four other people escaped serious injury in Warwickshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A429 Fosseway near to Shipston-on-Stour at around 1.45pm this afternoon (Friday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance with a doctor on board were sent to the scene. Two ambulances and a paramedic officer from South Western Ambulance Service were also in attendance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Three cars and a HGV had been involved in a collision. The driver and passenger from one car, a man and a woman believed to be in their late 50s, were the most seriously injured. Their car had sustained significant damage and had trapped the man inside the wreckage.

“The cross-service team of ambulance staff and doctor worked together to assess and treat his injuries whilst working closely with the fire service at the scene. The man had sustained multiple serious injuries and required sedation by the doctor to help keep his condition stable as well as other vital trauma care. After an hour and a half, the man was released from the wreckage and once immobilised onto spinal board he was carried to the awaiting air ambulance. He was then airlifted to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, a major trauma centre, for further emergency treatment.

“The woman passenger had managed to get out of the car prior to our arrival. She suffered chest and neck injuries and was treated on scene before being taken to hospital by South Western Ambulance Service.

“The driver of the second car, an elderly woman, suffered a minor leg injury and received treatment on scene but did not require hospital care. The HGV driver, a man, and the driver of the third car, a woman, were uninjured.”

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Friday 22^nd January 2016 – 9.30am – Claire Brown.

A man received trauma care at the roadside by paramedics before being rushed to a major trauma centre following a serious collision.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Bilston Road outside Charles Clark Toyota in Wolverhampton shortly before 7.00am this morning (Friday). An ambulance and a paramedic area support officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance staff arrived to find a van which had sustained significant damage following a collision with a lamp post.

“The driver, a man believed to be in his 30s, sustained multiple serious injuries and was given trauma care on scene before being taken by ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.”

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Friday 22^nd January 2016 – 7.00am – John Hawker.

 

A pedestrian has been seriously injured after an incident in the Black Country last night.

West Midlands Ambulance were called to outside the Gospel Oak Public House, Bilston Road, Tipton to reports of a pedestrian having been struck by a car at just after 5.30pm.  An ambulance, a paramedic officer, a BASICS Doctor and the Trusts MERIT team attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a man who had suffered serious injuries in the incident.

“The man, believed to be in his early 20’s, received emergency trauma care at the scene by ambulance medics.

“Following treatment the man was transferred by land ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Major Trauma Unit for further emergency treatment.  The hospital had been pre alerted to the man’s arrival and level of injuries.

“Unfortunately the man’s injuries were classed as serious.”

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Thursday 21^st January 2015 – 4.45pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

 

A woman has been airlifted to hospital after her car overturned in a single vehicle road traffic collision this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Stubby Lane in Draycott in the Clay, Uttoxeter, shortly before 2.15pm and sent an ambulance, a BASICS doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance crew from Staffordshire, who attended in a rapid response vehicle, to the scene. The Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance was also in attendance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a woman, thought to be in her 50s, who was still in her car which had come to rest on its side on a grass verge.

“Crews assessed the woman before working closely with colleagues from the police and fire services to free her through the window of the car.

“She was treated by medics at the scene for serious injuries and once they had managed to stabilise her condition, she was moved on to the air ambulance, which had landed in a nearby field.

“She was then airlifted to Queens Medial Centre in Nottingham for further treatment.”

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http://www.sath.nhs.uk/media/news_archive/140115_norovirus.aspx

Wednesday 20^th January 2016 – 12pm – Chris Kowalik.

 

East met West on the M6 this morning as the Midlands’ two ambulance services joined forces to deal with a collision on the motorway.

It happened on the southbound carriageway at junction 1. West Midlands Ambulance Service was called shortly after 9.15am to assist. We sent a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance crew. East Midlands ambulance Service and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance also attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Two vehicles were involved in the collision. A lorry driver, a man in his twenties, had a serious leg injury. He was immobilised and given pain relief and was taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“A man who was driving the other vehicle involved was checked over and discharged at the scene.”

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Wednesday 20^th January 2016 – 9am – Chris Kowalik.

Volunteer lifesavers in Shrewsbury ‘rank’ this donation as one of the best ever.

The town’s Community First Responders are ‘hailing’ a local taxi company for their donation of a free car.

‘Go carz’ have given them a 58-plate Vauxhall Astra 1.3 diesel estate to respond to local medical emergencies while a blue-light ambulance is en-route.

Picture: West Midlands Ambulance Service

The donation of the liveried car came about through the involvement of an employee of the company who is the husband of one of the volunteers.

Community First Responder Danielle Rowark said: “My other half works for ‘Go carz’ as a Driver Manager. I asked him to have a word. He spoke to the owner who was more than happy to help. When Steve explained what the CFRs were all about he thought it was a great idea.

“I’m really happy, it’s so impressive what they have done in getting the car ready. It looks fantastic. It’ll certainly make people look when we go past and maybe it’ll raise more awareness of Community First Responders.”

Cindy Wilday, ‘Go carz’ Area Director, said: “We found out that the Community First Responders were using their own cars for emergencies. It was proposed to us that maybe we could donate a car. We were really happy and excited to be involved with the project and really pleased at the outcome.

“We execute about 15-20,000 journeys a week; taking people to hospital appointments, X-ray appointments and job interviews. We are very grateful that they use us and we appreciate their custom. It’s nice to put something back into the community. We’re not just saying that, we actually do mean it.”

   

Pictured left-to-right:

Michelle Bunyan (Shrewsbury CFR), Emily Edwards (‘Go carz’ Driver Manager Assistant), Steve Hughes (‘Go carz’ Driver Manager), Danielle Rowark (Shrewsbury CFR). Picture: West Midlands Ambulance Service

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Notes to Editors:

Shrewsbury Community First Responders is a registered charity (Reg No 1158418) operating in the Shrewsbury area of Shropshire. The volunteers are trained by West Midlands Ambulance Service to a nationally recognised standard. They may be called upon to provide immediate initial treatment to a patient nearby while an ambulance is en-route. For more information about Shrewsbury Community First Responders, visit www.shrewsburycfr.org.uk

For more information about ‘Go carz’ visit www.gocarz.co.uk/

 Tuesday 19^th January 2016 – 11.55am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman and child were both trapped in their car for about an hour following a road traffic collision with a HGV this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Longford Road and Windmill Road in Longford, Coventry at about 9.45am and sent two amulances and a paramedic officer to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The car had suffered significant damage in the collision and as a result the two patients were trapped inside. Thankfully they were not seriously injured.

“Once crews had assessed them, they worked carefully with the fire service to cut them both free.

“The woman, thought to be in her 30s, was treated for minor injuries, including cuts and bruises. She was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board and taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“The girl, a toddler, was treated for back pain as well as cuts and bruises. She was also immobilised before being taken to the same hospital.

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

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Notes to Editors:

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

 Monday 18^th January 2016 – 5pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A cyclist has been airlifted to hospital after receiving advanced trauma care following a collision with a car this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Longford Road Junction in Newport shortly after 2.20pm and sent an ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a cyclist, a man believed to be in his 70s, with a reduced level of consciousness following a collision with a car.

“Following assessment he was treated by medics for a serious head injury and once his condition was stabilised, he was transferred on to the air ambulance which had landed in a nearby field.

“The man was then flown to Royal Stoke University Hospital, which had been alerted to his injuries and imminent arrival.

“Unfortunately, the man’s injuries were considered very serious.

“There were four occupants in the car, two adults and two children, all of whom were assessed and discharged at scene.”

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 Monday 18^th January 2016 – 1.50pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A cyclist has been airlifted to one of the region’s major trauma centres following a collision with a car this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Seven Meadows Road in Stratford, at 9.50am and sent an ambulance, a paramedic area support officer, a community paramedic and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a man who had fallen from his bicycle following a collision with a car.

“The man, believed to be in his 50s, was treated for a serious head injury and given pain relief.

“He received specialist trauma care in order to stabilise his condition, was immobilised with the use of a scoop stretcher and neck collar and airlifted to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“The driver of the car was uninjured in the incident.”

Ends

Notes to Editors:

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

Monday 18^th January 2016 – 12.15pm – John Hawker.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Paramedic from West Midlands Ambulance Service will be back on your TV screens this week as part of a new 10 part series for children’s channel CBBC.

BAFTA award winning children’s programme ‘Operation Ouch!’ is a medical series fronted by identical twins Dr Chris and Dr Xand van Tulleken, and is packed with incredible facts about the human body.

The series will also de-mystify for younger viewers what happens when an ambulance is called to an emergency.

West Midlands Ambulance Service Paramedic Jan Vann was filmed responding to emergency calls for the series, and will be seen every week in a feature called ‘on call’.

Jan, who is based in Coventry, said: “It was very enjoyable being filmed doing my job as a paramedic and will hopefully help children understand the roll of the ambulance service in real emergencies.

“It will help take away the fear factor of some of the medical equipment we use and also going in an ambulance.  Hopefully it will also help educate youngsters on what kind of situation you should call 999 for medical help.”

In the programme, the two doctors experiment and explore their way through the fascinating world of medicine and biology, showing and explaining the amazing things the human body can do. The series also features animated inserts that explain just how cool the human bodies really is.

Operation Ouch! will be aired on CBBC every Monday, with the first episode of series 4 being tonight at 5.00pm. (Monday 18th January).

Notes to Editors:

The series is made up of 10 x 30 mins episodes with a feature called ‘on call’ which will show Jan responding to real life emergencies in her rapid response vehicle.

 

 Monday 18^th January 2016 – 11.45am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries following a collision with a bus this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Church Hill Way and Eagle Road in Moons Moat, Redditch, at 8.50am and sent an ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived at the scene to discover a pedestrian lying at the roadside following a collision with a bus.

“The man, thought to be in his 20s, was assessed by ambulance staff and treated for a serious chest injury.

“Crews worked quickly to stabilise his condition and administer pain relief before loading him on to the ambulance. The man remained conscious throughout.

“He was then transported to the waiting air ambulance, which had landed on nearby basketball courts, before being flown to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham for further treatment.”

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 Sunday 17^th January 2015 – 10.15pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

 

A man has suffered serious injuries after the car he was travelling in left the road, rolled and came to rest in a field.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A52, near to Kingsley Moor Petrol Station, in Stoke just before 6.10pm and sent two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and two BASICS doctors to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car that had suffered significant damage to the roof, but back on all four wheels.

“There was one patient, a man believed to be in his 30s, who was out of the vehicle on arrival.

“Following assessment he was treated for a serious head injury and once his condition had been stabilised, he was transported to Royal Stoke University Hospital, one of the region’s major trauma centres.

“One of the doctors travelled on the back of the ambulance to continue treatment en-route to the hospital.

“Two other occupants of the car did not require medical attention.”

Ends

Sunday 17^th January 2015 – 8.10pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman who had to be cut free from her vehicle following a two car RTC has been airlifted to a major trauma centre this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of the A4103 and Clapham Lane in Rushwick, Worcestershire, shortly before 1.35pm and sent two ambulances, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulances from Cosford and Strensham to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered two cars that had suffered significant front end damage in the collision, both with one patient inside.

“A group of A&E consultants from Leicester Royal Infirmary were already on scene prior to the arrival of crews and assisted throughout with the treatment of patients.

“A woman believed to be in her 50s had to be cut free through the roof of her car with the help of the fire service.

“She was treated by ambulance crews at the scene for a serious foot injury, immobilised with the use of a scoop stretcher and given pain relief before being airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

“From the second car, a 19-year-old man was assisted out of the vehicle by medics. He was treated for a leg injury and suspected pelvic injury, immobilised and taken to Worcester Royal Hospital by land ambulance.”

Ends

Friday 15^th January 2016 – 3.20pm – Chris Kowalik.

A driver has been rescued after his lorry ended-up in a ditch and pinned up against a tree in Herefordshire.

Picture credit: @scoobysteve999 from Midlands Air Ambulance

Concerned that the driver may have been seriously injured, West Midlands Ambulance Service had all levels of expertise ready at the scene in Old Colwall.

A paramedic area support officer, an ambulance crew, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford carrying a trauma doctor and critical care practitioner attended following the ‘999’ call made to the ambulance service control room at approx. 10.45am.

 

Picture credit: @scoobysteve999 from Midlands Air Ambulance

With the help of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and West Mercia Police, work began to free the man who was trapped in his crushed cab. Winches couldn’t move the cab nor the tree, so the tree had to be cut down.

Picture credit: @scoobysteve999 from Midlands Air Ambulance

With the tree felled, hydraulic jacks were used to push free the cab of the lorry. The driver managed to get out himself.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The man had leg injuries which, fortunately, appeared not to be serious. Considering the level of damage to the cab of his lorry, he was lucky. He was taken by land ambulance to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

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Friday 15th January 2016 – 10.15am – Chris Kowalik in conjunction with Wye Valley NHS Trust

As Herefordshire gets ready for its first taste of severe winter weather, healthcare professionals are urging people to take steps to stay safe and well.

With temperatures predicted to fall below freezing overnight and not rising much above freezing during the day, more people are at risk of injuries from slips, trips and falls. Those who need to take extra care are the elderly and people with a long term health condition, such as heart or lung disease.

The county’s health service is urging elderly and vulnerable people in particular to take extra steps to help protect their health as conditions become more wintry.

Sarah Parry, service delivery manager for urgent care at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “Cold weather can lead to serious health problems, such as heart attacks and strokes, and can make chest diseases worse, particularly for older people, the very young and those with pre-existing health conditions.

“Top tips to stay well in winter include keeping warm, eating well and staying active. Even a small amount of exercise, such as gentle movements inside the house when it’s icy and slippery outside, can bring health benefits.

“Avoid going out in the cold weather and icy conditions, wherever you can. If your journey is absolutely necessary, make sure you take extra care and wear flat, sensible shoes, as well as wrapping up warm. We are also asking people to help neighbours who are elderly or live alone.

“If your health deteriorates, call your GP in the first instance, visit the walk-in-centre in Hereford, or visit website www.taurushealthcare.co.uk for extended GP opening hours, including evenings and weekends.  Call NHS 111 if urgent advice is needed and it’s not an emergency”.

Nick Montandon, West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Area Manager for Herefordshire, added: “Don’t get caught by surprise. Monitor the weather and changing conditions. Watch out for areas where ice tends to form and beware of black ice.

“Wet and icy roads can have a huge impact on a vehicle’s stopping distance, so slow down and drive carefully even on roads that have been treated. In icy conditions it can take up to ten times as long to stop, so be very careful of the car in front.

“If walking or going out, wrap-up warm, use appropriate footwear and use designated walkways as much as possible. Taking shortcuts will greatly increase the chances of injury.

“Every non-essential call has the potential to delay a response to a serious emergency, so if it’s urgent but not an emergency, call NHS 111 for advice. Only call 999 if it is serious or life-threatening”.

Stay well this winter:

• Only go out in severe weather if absolutely necessary
• Visit herefordshire.gov.uk (visit transport) to view road closures and gritting routes.
• If you are going outside, make sure you wrap up well and wear flat, sensible shoes
• Take in lots of hot drinks and meals like stews and soups
• Keep your living room at 70°F (21°C)
• Keep your bedroom at 65°F (18°C)
• Keep your curtains open in the day, and closed at night
• If you can’t get out and about, speak to friends, family and neighbours to see if they can help you out.

Ends

For further information please contact:

John Burnett, Communication and Engagement Manager, Wye Valley NHS Trust: 01432 372928 or Fiona Gurney, Communications Assistant 01432 355444  ext. 5105.

Friday 15th January 2016 – 6.00am – Murray MacGregor.

A man has died after a crash on the Cheshire / Shropshire border.

The incident happened at about 8.50pm on Thursday evening on the A49 at New House just near where the road passes the Shropshire Union Canal, Llangollen Branch.

A rapid response vehicle from Whitchurch was sent to the scene and arrived within seven minutes of the call.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Although the incident was just into Cheshire, West Midlands Ambulance Service responded to it as the nearest ambulance resource.

“On arrival, the paramedic found a car that had suffered significant damage. Unfortunately, there was nothing that could be done to help the driver and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The paramedic stood down ambulance resources coming from North West Ambulance Service.”
Ends

Thursday 14^th January 2016 – 12.05pm – Chris Kowalik.

“No-one questions having a first-aid kit or a fire extinguisher on their premises, this is no different. It is an essential piece of equipment if you want to save someone’s life.”

     

Pictured left to right: Mike Burke (Community Defibrillation Facilitator, WMAS), Julie Cutts (Marina Manager for Diglis Basin, British Waterways Marinas Ltd.), Michelle Lewis (Community Defibrillation Facilitator, WMAS). Pictures: West Midlands Ambulance Service

Diglis Marina in Worcester is home to many residents who live on their boats. It is central to a growing population where new homes are being built. It is a hive of activity of passing walkers and cyclists and neighbours a sports field and gym.

“The nearest community public access defibrillators were in the city centre” said Mike Burke, Community Defibrillation Facilitator with West Midlands Ambulance Service on whose behalf he offered the device that could restart the heart of someone who suffers a cardiac arrest. Co-incidentally, British Marinas Waterways Ltd. which runs Diglis Marina, was also wanting to place a defibrillator at Diglis.

Mike said: “British Waterways Marinas Ltd. were very keen to get involved. They had already started to get defibrillators in their other marinas as part of their strategy to have them at all their marinas in the UK. After discussion with them they agreed to provide the secure cabinet and the electricity supply. West Midlands Ambulance Service provided the defibrillator and the training.

“We trained about a dozen people just before Christmas; they include some of the boaters, staff from the marina and local businesses and instructors at a local gym. It is the intention of the marina now to ask for more formal training for all boaters who have boats in the marina. That’s our project for 2016.”

Julie Cutts, Marina Manager for Diglis Basin, British Waterways Marinas Ltd. said: “We’ve been looking to put a defibrillator into Diglis Marina for a little while. We have 19 marinas in the group and eventually we want to have a defibrillator in all of them. I was approached by Mike Burke who said he could get a defibrillator for us so we provided the cabinet. It was always our desire to have a defibrillator here in Diglis and Mike’s timing in offering us one was brilliant.

“We are really pleased to have a defibrillator here. It’s just great to be working with West Midlands Ambulance Service. If we could do the same in other areas of the country where we have marinas, it would be really good. We are thrilled.”

Ends

Notes to Editors:

For more information about defibrillators, contact West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Community Response Department on 01384 215 855

For more information about British Waterways Marinas Ltd. visit www.bwml.co.uk

You won’t believe what people call 999 for. Need a New Year’s resolution? Appreciate your ambulance service.

Thursday 14th January 2016 – 7.25am – Murray MacGregor.

A man has died after a crash on a Midlands motorway.

The incident happened at about 1.10am on the northbound M40 between junctions 15 – 16 northbound just before bridge over Stratford Canal

Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, the doctor from the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and the MERIT trauma doctor attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived they found a car on the embankment at the side of the carriageway that had suffered considerable damage.

“The man was found on the carriageway. Sadly there was nothing that could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The northbound carriageway is still closed at present and will remain so for sometime for investigations to continue.”
Ends

Thursday 14th January 2016 – 7.15am – Murray MacGregor.

Three men have been injured after a crash that left two vehicles with significant damage.

The collision happened on the Hagley Road at the junction with Meadow Road in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham at about midnight.

Two ambulances, two paramedic area support officers and the MERIT trauma doctor were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When ambulance staff arrived they found a car that had suffered massive damage to the driver’s side. A people carrier had significant front end damage.

“Ambulance staff treated a man in the car. He had suffered a number of serious injuries. After being assessed and treated at the scene, he was taken to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“Two men from the people carrier were taken to Sandwell Hospital. One had shoulder and arm injuries, the other had rib pain.

“The road was shut in both directions for about 30 minutes while emergency services worked at the scene.”
Ends

Wednesday 13th January 2016 – 8.45pm – Murray MacGregor.

A builder who was working on a former garage premises has been airlifted to a major trauma centre after falling through the roof.

The incident happened in London Road, Shirleywich to the east of Stafford at about 11.45am on Wednesday morning.

An ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived, they found the man lying on the concrete floor of the premises after he had fallen around 5 metres / 16 feet through the roof.

“The 34 year old had a swollen jaw, a left ankle injury and was concussed. Ambulance staff immobilised him before he was airlifted to the major trauma centre at the Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“Considering the distance he had fallen, he was fortunate not to have been more seriously injured.”

Ends

Wednesday 13th January 2016 – 7.10pm – Murray MacGregor.

A man whose car was left a large ‘V’ in the front after colliding head on with a tree has been called “very lucky” by ambulance staff who attended.

The incident happened on Waggon Lane in Hurcott near Kidderminster at around 5.30pm on Wednesday evening.

An ambulance, the MERIT trauma doctor and a senior paramedic officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, staff found a car that had suffered very significant front end damage. There was a ‘V’ in thr front of the car which had pushed the bonnet up. There was also damage to the tree some distance from the ground.

“Although the initial 999 call suggested that the driver, a 32 year old man, had been unconscious, he was alert when crews arrived.

“Amazingly, on examination, the only obvious injury he had was a relatively minor one to his wrist and he was complaining of neck pain.

“When you look at the damage to car, he has been very lucky indeed not to have suffered more serious injuries.”

The man was immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board before being taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for further assessment.
Ends

 

 

Wednesday 13^th January 2016 – 2.20pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A teenage woman has received trauma care at the scene of a road traffic collision earlier this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a collision between a car and a motorbike near to Wattville Road Industrial Estate, Smethwick, shortly before 11.40am and sent an ambulance and the West Midlands CARE team to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to discover a woman motorcyclist lying in the road after a collision with a car.

“She was assessed by ambulance crews and given trauma care for a leg injury. She was immobilised with the use of leg and pelvic splints as well as a scoop stretcher and had pain relief administered.

“She was then transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, for further assessment.

“The driver of the car, a man, was uninjured in the incident.”

ENDS

Here’s two examples of 999 calls we really shouldn’t receive. Need a New Year’s resolution? Appreciate your ambulance service.

Tuesday 12th January 2016 – 9.45pm – Murray MacGregor.

Ambulance bosses are appealing to pedestrians to give motorists a chance, especially when it’s wet and windy as it seems to be most days at the moment.

The plea comes after a teenager escaped with only minor injuries despite ending half underneath a car after a collision in Stoke on Trent.

The incident happened at the roundabout where Dividy Road and Twigg Street meet in the Bentilee area.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “At the time of the incident it was raining heavily.

“The 15 year old girl was wearing dark clothes and had earphones in playing music and was crossing the road at the roundabout, about 50yards from a crossing.

“The initial 999 call described her being half under the car. Thankfully, when the ambulance and paramedic area support officer arrived, the girl only had cuts and bruises to her forehead, hands, elbow and hip, but it could easily have been considerably worse.

“She was taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further assessment but her injuries were not serious.

“What you wear and whether you listen to music is up to the individual, but clearly, making yourself visible at night, being aware of what is going on around you and using recognised crossings minimises the risk of getting hurt. However, it is also clearly important for pedestrians and motorists to be mindful of each other at all times.”
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Tuesday 12^th January 2016 – 5.25pm – Claire Brown.

Two women have been injured, one critically, following a two car road traffic collision in Wolverhampton this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Waterloo Road near to  Newhampton Road West at around 2.15pm earlier today (Tuesday). Two ambulances, a community paramedic and a paramedic area support officer attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The driver of one car, a woman, suffered serious injuries and received emergency treatment on scene by ambulance staff before being alerted to nearby New Cross Hospital. Upon arrival, her condition was said to be critical.

“The driver of a second car, a woman believed to be in her 50s, sustained a serious leg injury. She was given trauma care and was stabilised before being taken by land ambulance on blue lights to the same hospital.

“The road remains closed.”

ENDS

 

 

Listen to these two examples of inappropriate 999 calls. Need a New Year’s resolution? Appreciate your ambulance service.

Tuesday 12^th January 2016 – 1.30pm – Claire Brown.

Appreciate your ambulance service. This is the one New Year’s resolution the ambulance service would like you to keep not just for 2016, but for life.

You don’t need an ambulance if you’ve lost your keys. A scary hedgehog doesn’t equate to a medical emergency. If you need a lift home after a night out in the pub, call a taxi not 999.

As part of a week-long awareness campaign, we’ll be releasing audio clips from 999 calls to highlight the shocking examples of inappropriate calls. In addition, we’ll be tweeting live from one of the Trust’s control rooms later in the week to spend a day with a 999 call assessor.

Jeremy Brown, West Midlands Ambulance Service’s General Manager responsible for it’s Emergency Operations Centres, said: “My control room staff are currently dealing with around 3,000 999 calls a day. Despite us being an emergency service, it’s truly shocking what people consider to be appropriate to call 999 for.

“We’re here for genuine life-threatening emergencies such as chest pains, cardiac arrests and difficulty breathing.”

The audio will be released via our ‘officialwmas’ accounts on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

ENDS

Sunday 10^th January 2016 – 6.45pm – Chris Kowalik.

She was stuck in a cave, up a hill, deep in a valley with no mobile phone signal.

When she fell breaking a leg in Thor’s Cave in Staffordshire’s Manifold Valley, a person who was with her had to find a landline to make the ‘999’ call for help.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was notified shortly after 12.30pm today and sent two rapid response vehicles driven by a paramedic area support officer and an advanced community paramedic along with the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire. The Derby Mountain Rescue team was also on its way.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The rapid response vehicles parked at the bottom of the hill, while the Midlands Air Ambulance landed at the top.
“It was established the only way the womancould be removed from the cave was downhill, so while the Midlands Air Ambulance’s clinical crew slipped and slid their way down the hill to the entrance of the cave, the pilot flew the helicopter to a football field in Wetton and landed it there. At the same time, the community paramedic and paramedic area support officer were climbing up the hill to the cave.
“The injured woman who is in her fifties was given pain relief, her ankle was re-aligned and her fractured leg was splinted before she was wrapped up like a cocoon to be carried out of the cave and down the hill using the specialist equipment from the Derby Mountain Rescue team who by now had also arrived.

Pictures above: Midlands Air Ambulance

Pictures above: West Midlands Ambulance Service

She was taken down to the 4×4 vehicle brought by the mountain rescue team. She was then driven to the football field and the awaiting Midlands Air Ambulance.

  

Above pictures: Midlands Air Ambulance

“Following a rescue that took more than two hours, she was then ready to be flown to Royal Derby Hospital.”

Ends

Saturday 9th January 2016 – 11.15am – Chris Kowalik.

A man has died following a collision involving the bicycle he was riding and a car on the outskirts of Rugby.

West Midlands Ambulance was called at 8.20pm on Friday 8^th January to reports of a road traffic collision in the area of the junction of the A4071 and Lawford Road.

An advanced community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance crew attended. The crew of the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance also attended in a blue-light response vehicle. They were joined by two off-duty paramedics who stopped to help.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Advanced life support was administered to the manwho had suffered serious injuries. He was taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire which had been put on alert in anticipation of his arrival.

“Despite the collective best efforts of all involved, he was later confirmed dead at hospital.”

Ends

Friday 8^th January 2016 – 11.15am – Claire Brown.

Ambulance staff were relieved to find three men had escaped serious injuries after an RTC caused a fair amount of damage and left one car in a field.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a collision involving a van and a car on the Banbury Road in Warmington on the operational border separating West Midlands and South Central Ambulance Service. Two ambulances and a paramedic area support officer attended the scene along with police and fire colleagues.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The driver of the van, a man in his 50s, sustained minor chest injuries. His passenger, a man in his 40s, had to be cut out of the vehicle by the fire service as the mechanical damage caused in the collision meant his door wouldn’t open. He too suffered minor chest injuries. Both were taken to Horton General Hospital in Banbury for further precautionary checks.

“The driver of the car which ended up in a field, a man in his 30s, was assessed by ambulance staff and was found to be suffering with general aches and pains. He too was taken to the same hospital as a precaution.

“Considering the damage caused to both vehicles, it was remarkable that no one suffered more serious injuries.”

 

ENDS

 

Notes to Editors: Photographs – please credit West Midlands Ambulance Service