Month: September 2016

 

Thursday 29^th September 2016 – 2.05pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A lorry driver has died following a collision involving two HGVs and two cars on the M6 this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident near to junction 3A on the southbound carriageway, shortly after 9.25am, and sent an ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene. The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance also attended together with the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered two HGVs and two cars that had been in collision in lane one of the motorway.

“The driver of one of the HGVs, a man, had suffered extremely serious injuries in the collision.

“Unfortunately it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The second lorry driver, also a man, was uninjured.

“One of the cars contained two men who were treated at the scene for minor injuries but they did not require hospital treatment.

“Neither did the driver of the second car, an elderly man, who was uninjured in the incident.”

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Thursday 29^th September 2016 – 10.30am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A car driver was cut free through of his car after it left the motorway and hit a tree following a collision with a lorry this morning.

The incident, which led to significant traffic disruption in the area, happened on the southbound sliproad of the M5, near to the M6 link, shortly after 7.50am and West Midlands Ambulance Service sent one ambulance and the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car that had suffered significant damage after leaving the motorway and crashing into a tree.

“There were two patients inside, a man thought to be in his 30s and a young boy.

“The man was cut free through the roof of the vehicle with assistance from the fire service.

“Thankfully he appears to have escaped serious injury in the collision but was treated for back pain and cuts to his head.

“He was immobilised as a precaution with the use of a neck collar and spinal board before being taken to Sandwell Hospital for further assessment.

“The boy was uninjured in the incident, as was the lorry driver.”
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Notes to Editors:

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

 

 

 

Wednesday 28^th September 2016 – 9.50am – Claire Brown.

A collision between a motorbike and a car left one man needing a flight in an air ambulance yesterday.

The incident happened outside Stonydelph Lane in Wilnecote, Tamworth at around 5.15pm (Tuesday). Two ambulances, a community paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The motorcyclist, a 26-year-old man, sustained serious leg injuries and pelvic pain in the collision. Ambulance staff administered pain relief to the man to help ease his discomfort before working to carefully immobilise his injuries. Once stable, the man was transferred by land ambulance to the awaiting helicopter, which had landed in a nearby school, before being airlifted to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“The driver of the car, a 25-year-old woman, was out of the car upon the arrival of ambulance staff but was suffering with neck pain. She was given pain relief before being immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board and taken to Good Hope Hospital by land ambulance.”
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Tuesday 27^th September 2016 – 9.48am – Murray MacGregor.

A motorcyclist has suffered potentially serious head injuries after a crash involving a people carrier.

It happened this morning at about 7.40am at the junction of Ansty Road and Hall Lane in Coventry, not far from University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.

An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the doctor from the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, who responded in a response vehicle, were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews found a silver people carrier that had significant damage to the nearside; there was about 6 inches of intrusion.  The motorbike had also suffered considerable damage.

“The rider, an 18 year old man, had suffered a potentially nasty head injury and was also complaining of back and leg pain.

“He was immobilised, given pain relief and taken the short distance to hospital.

“The driver of the people carrier, a man of about 60, was uninjured.”

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Picture from Willenhall Fire Station

Monday 26^th September 2016 – 10.00am – Claire Brown.

A two car collision yesterday evening saw three people received trauma care by the ambulance service.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the island where the A454 Willenhall Road meets the B4464 Somerford Place, Willenhall at 6.30pm yesterday (Sunday). Three ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and two Midlands Air Ambulances, one with a MERIT trauma doctor on board, were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival crews found two cars and street furniture which had been damaged following a collision.

“One man in his 20s sustained serious lower leg injuries. Whilst ambulance staff and the doctor worked to treat the man, the fire service worked around the team to carefully extricate him from the wreckage.

“Once released, the man was taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham; the trauma doctor travelled in the ambulance to continue treatment en route.

“Upon assessment ambulance staff found the driver of one car had suffered abdominal pain. He was treated on scene before being taken by land ambulance on blue lights to New Cross Hospital.

“A third patient was also treated on scene by ambulance staff before being taken to the same hospital for checks.”

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Monday 26^th September 2016 – 9.45am – Murray MacGregor.

A motorcyclist has died after a collision with a car on a corner.

It happened on the A5 between Queens Head and Oswestry at 7.28am this morning (Monday)

A rapid response vehicle was on scene within seven minutes and was backed up by an ambulance and a paramedic area support officer.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived they found members of the public and police officers carrying out CPR on the motorcyclist.

“Ambulance staff took over and carried out advanced life support but sadly, despite best efforts, it wasn’t possible to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The man driving the car was understandably shaken by what had happened, but was uninjured and was discharged.”

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Monday 26^th September 2016 – 9.10am – Claire Brown.

A man riding a bicycle required advanced trauma care by ambulance staff before being airlifted to hospital from Telford yesterday.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a man who had come off his bicycle on Teagues Crescent in Trench at 1.30pm yesterday (Sunday). An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival ambulance staff found a man, believed to be in his 40s, who had come off his bicycle and had sustained a serious head injury.

“The man was given advanced trauma care at the roadside and his condition was stabilised before being airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further trauma care.”

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Thursday 22^nd September 2016 – 11.22am – Murray MacGregor.

Four people have been hurt, two seriously after a two car collision.

Two air ambulances with doctors on board, the aircrew of another aircraft that responded by land, three ambulances and a paramedic area support officer were all sent to the scene.

The crash happened at just after 8.00am this morning (Thursday) close to Belmot Golf Club in Belmot Road, Needwood, near Burton On Trent.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived they found a black car some distance into a field and a red car, both which had extensive damage.

“An ambulance was first on scene and was quickly backed up by the crew of the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire in a response vehicle as they are based just three minutes away at Tattenhill.

“There were three people in the black car.  A young girl had suffered serious injuries. She became unconscious while being treated.  She was airlifted by the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance to the regions paediatric major trauma centre at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

“A man estimated to be about 40 who was in the back of the car was treated for serious injuries.  He was anaesthetised at the scene, immobilised and had a pelvic binder put in place before being airlifted by the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford to the major trauma centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“The driver, a 46 year old man, was taken by land ambulance to Burton Queens Hospital with a knee injury and abrasions to his head.

“There were two people in the red car.  A 10 year old boy in the back suffered minor chest pain from seatbelt and was taken by ambulance to hospital in Burton.

“The boy’s father, who was driving, was uninjured but was travelling to the hospital to be with his son.”

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(Library Picture)

Wednesday 21^st September 2016 – 5.28pm – Murray MacGregor.

Two elderly men have been injured after a crash between a small car and an HGV, but the situation could have been considerably worse.

The collision happened at just after 2.00pm at the junction of the A4103 and B4220 at Stony Cross in Worcestershire.

Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews found a car that had lost most of the bonnet.  There was also a lorry that had front end damage which had ended up in a brick wall.

“The front seat passenger of the car, a man in his 70s, had suffered serious chest injuries as well as abrasions.  He was treated at the scene and immobilised before being airlifted to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“The driver of the car suffered minor injuries and was shaken by what had happened.  After being assessed, the man who was in his 80s, was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital as a precaution.

“The man driving the lorry was uninjured.  However, the situation could have been very different.  A trampoline that was just behind the wall the lorry collided with had been crushed.  Had there been anyone on it the situation could have been very serious.”

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Wednesday 21^st September 2016 – 11.47am – Murray MacGregor.

A woman was trapped for about an hour after a car and van were involved in a collision on a rural road.

It happened on the A488 From Nags Head To Plealey to the south west of Shrewsbury at about 6.20pm on Tuesday night.

An ambulance and a paramedic area support officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews found a silver Ford Fiesta with significant rear end damage. A blue van had front end damage.

“A 29 year old woman who was in the front passenger seat of the car had chest and back injuries.  Working with firefighters, it took about an hour to free her.  She was taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

“A man and two children in the car were also assessed but did not need hospital treatment

“The man driving the van had been taken to a nearby property where he too was assessed but also did not need hospital treatment.”

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Wednesday 21^st September 2016 – 9.32am – Murray MacGregor.

A teenage boy has been airlifted after going over the handlebars of his BMX bike at high speed and landing head first on concrete.

The incident happened in the area around Newbold Park in Leamington Spa at about 6.15pm last night (Tuesday).

An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived they were told by friends of the patient that he had come down a hill, gone over a mound and lost control before going over the handlebars and landing on a concrete surface.  He was not wearing a helmet.

“They said that he had been unconscious for a couple of minutes and was not fully conscious at the scene.

“The lad was confused, and had obvious head injuries.  He was immobilised before being airlifted to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.”

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Wednesday 21^st September 2016 – 9.14am – Murray MacGregor.

A man has suffered serious injuries after the car he was driving crashed into a tree.

It happened at about 9.40pm on Tuesday night on Walsall Road in the Perry Barr area of Birmingham.

An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer 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 very significant damage, leaving the driver trapped.

“The man, who was approximately 40 years old, had suffered a badly broken leg, a chest injury and was semi-conscious.

“Ambulance staff worked with firefighters to extricate the man.  He was immobilised and the doctor decided to anaesthetise him at the scene before he was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.”

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Friday 16^th September 2016 – 4.15pm – Claire Brown.

A woman has been airlifted from the scene of a collision involving a car and a lorry in Whitchurch this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a collision involving a car and a stationary lorry on the A41 Heath Road in Whitchurch, Shropshire, at around 2.30pm (Friday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When crews arrived they found a car which had been involved in a collision with the rear of a lorry.

“A passenger from the car, a woman in her 40s, was out of the vehicle when emergency services arrived. Upon assessment by ambulance staff and the doctor, they found the woman had sustained a number of serious injuries. She was given pain relief and fluids before being carefully immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board. Once stable, the woman was airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further trauma care.

“The driver of the car, an elderly woman, together with a second passenger, a young girl, were assessed by ambulance staff on scene. Thankfully, they had escaped with just minor injuries and both were taken by land ambulance to Royal Stoke University Hospital as a precaution.

“The lorry driver was uninjured.”

 

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Friday 16^th September 2016 – 11.15am – Claire Brown.

A church at the heart of helping people in Dudley is the latest community location to house a defibrillator.

Dudley Community Church on Salop Street is not only a place of worship but it’s also home to a range of support services for the local community. As well as hot meals for the homeless at Heaven’s Kitchen, Dudley Counselling Centre which is on the same site provides play therapy for children as well as advice on housing, addiction support and other counselling services.

Last month, West Midlands Ambulance Service donated a defibrillator to the church and provided first aid training to staff based there. The defibrillator, a device used to help restart the heart of someone in cardiac arrest, is now on hand at the church to help anyone in the community.

Andy Jeynes, the Trust’s Community Response Manager, provided first aid and defibrillator training to staff at the church and counselling centre on the 4^th August. Andy said: “With so many people visiting the church and counselling centre each day it’s an ideal place for a defibrillator to be.”

Jeanette Jones from Heaven’s Kitchen, said: “As project manager with my husband, Malcolm, we have managed the project for almost nine years and have seen a tremendous increase in people who are in need during this time. As a community Church we are now able to offer life-saving equipment thanks to the NHS.”

During the defibrillator training, Andy was joined by paramedic Emma Bogle. Emma, who works closely with alternative care pathways in the Black Country, has now signed up to take part in the Great Birmingham Run in October to raise money for the church. Emma said: “I am hoping to raise over £1000 to help them re-build part of their unit and carry on the fantastic work they do for the community. If you’d like to sponsor me, please visit https://my.give.net/keep_on_running_emma1.”

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Pictured (left to right): Emma Bogle, Jeanette Jones, Andy Jeynes and Malcolm Jones.

Friday 16^th September 2016 – 8.45am – Claire Brown.

A motorcyclist needed advanced trauma care by ambulance staff in the early hours of this morning following a collision involving a car in Sutton Coldfield.

The incident happened on the Chester Road in Streetly at 0.30am (Friday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and a MERIT trauma doctor were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When crews arrived they found a motorcyclist off his bike following a collision with a car. The biker, a man, was in a serious condition and had sustained multiple injuries. The doctor and ambulance staff worked as a team to administer advanced pre-hospital care to help stabilise the man’s condition at the roadside.

“The man was then transferred by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, a specialist trauma centre, for further treatment.

“The car driver was uninjured.”

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Wednesday 14^th September 2016 – 4.40pm – Claire Brown.

A motorcyclist has died following a collision on the M6 in Warwickshire this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the southbound carriageway of the M6 between junctions 1 and 2 near Rugby shortly before 1.00pm (Wednesday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a community paramedic and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance with a doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Emergency services arrived to find a collision involving a motorcyclist. Upon assessment by ambulance staff the motorcyclist, a man, was found to be in cardiac arrest. The team of ambulance staff immediately commenced advanced life support on scene and continued resuscitation efforts in the land ambulance en route to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“Sadly, despite the best efforts of ambulance staff and hospital medics, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead in hospital.”

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Tuesday 13^th September 2016 – 2.45pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A taxi driver was trapped for almost 50 minutes, suspended in the air, following a collision with a car this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to St Lukes Road in Coventry just after 10.30am and sent an ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance crew, in a rapid response vehicle, to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a taxi wedged up in the air, on top of a car and against a wall following the collision. Both vehicles had suffered significant damage.

“The taxi driver, a man believed to be in his 40s, was trapped inside his vehicle. All three emergency services worked closely together in order to determine the best way to get him out and to safety.

“The man, who crews were told had initially been knocked unconscious in the incident, was conscious when ambulance staff arrived.

“He was cut free from the taxi, assessed and treated for a suspected head injury as well as right arm and right leg fractures.

“In order to stabilise the man’s condition he was anaesthetised at the scene by a doctor from the air ambulance crew before being transferred by land ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire with a police escort.

“The driver of the car, a man believed to be 17-years-old, was out of his vehicle on arrival of ambulance staff and had escaped with very minor injuries.”

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Notes to Editors:

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

 

Tuesday 13^th September 2016 – 12pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A motorbike passenger, who was one of two men to have suffered serious injuries, has been airlifted to hospital following a collision between a motorbike and a car this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Beaconsfield Drive in Stoke on Trent, shortly after 9.45am and sent two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a BASICS doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived they discovered two patients who were riding on the motorbike at the time of the collision.

“The pillion passenger, a man believed to be in his 20s, had suffered a serious head injury in the collision and was suffering from a reduced level of consciousness.

“In order to stabilise his condition, the man was anaesthetised at the scene before being airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“Unfortunately, his condition is thought to be extremely serious.

“The driver, a man who is also thought to be in his 20s, had suffered a fractured elbow and fractures to both arms.

“He was immobilised and given pain relief at the scene before being taken to the same hospital by land ambulance.

“The man driving the car was uninjured in the incident.”

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Monday 12^th September 2016 – 6.02pm – Murray MacGregor.

As the advert used to say: “That’s more than lucky!”

Three men have had an astonishing escape after a tree fell early on Saturday morning taking out power cables and landing on the van that they were in.

The incident happened on Main Road in the Betley area of Newcastle Under Lyme at just after 8.00am on Saturday morning.

An ambulance and a paramedic area support officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When we arrived it was a scene of devastation with a large tree in the road.  As well as taking down the power cables, which knocked the electricity off to a number of neighbouring properties, the tree had landed on the ‘Luton’ style box van.

“It had completely destroyed the box section, pulling the tail lift off, smashing the windscreen and denting the ‘A’ pillar; it had completely blocked the road with debris.

“Amazingly, the three men in the van were uninjured, though it must have been a real shock to them.

“A matter of seconds either way and the van might have escaped completely undamaged; but equally, the large tree trunk could have landed on the cab with potentially devastating consequences.  All in all, they are three very lucky guys.”

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Monday 12^th September 2016 – 11.37am – Murray MacGregor.

A woman cyclist has been airlifted with multiple serious injuries after a collision with a cement mixer.

It happened at the junction of the A41 and A525, on the Whitchurch bypass at about 8.15am this morning (Monday).

A rapid response vehicle was on scene within 8 minutes and was backed up by an ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire.  A doctor who was passing also stopped to offer assistance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The woman had suffered very significant injuries to her pelvic area as well as multiple other injuries.

“She was immobilised and had a pelvic binder put in place as well as having her leg splinted.  She was then airlifted to the major trauma centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“The cement mixer driver was uninjured.”

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Monday 12^th September 2016 – 8.45am – Murray MacGregor.

A mother and two children have each been airlifted to hospital after a two vehicle crash.

It happened just after 1.00pm on Sunday afternoon at the junction of Watery Lane and Holly Lane at Loxley Green near Uttoxeter.

In total, three air ambulances, three land ambulances, two BASICS Emergency Doctors and a paramedic area support officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived, they found a car that had suffered very significant intrusion to the driver’s side, and a second car with front end damage.

“There were three people in the first car – a mother and two young children; a boy and a girl.

“Members of the public had pulled both of the children from the car.  The girl had significant injuries.  After being assessed at the scene she was anaesthetised at before being airlifted to the region’s Paediatric Major Trauma Centre at Birmingham Children’s Hospital by the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.

“Her brother had potential pelvic and abdominal injuries and was airlifted by the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire to the same hospital.

“The children’s mother was trapped for a period.  Ambulance staff worked with firefighters to extricate her from the wreckage.  She had multiple injuries and was also anaesthetised at the scene before being airlifted to the Major Trauma Centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital by the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance.

“The elderly man driving the other car had no obvious injuries but due to the level of damage, he was taken by land ambulance to County Hospital, Stafford as a precaution for further assessment.

“Due to two casualties being flown to the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, the Midlands Air Ambulance completed a ‘hot unload’ where the pilot keeps the rotors turning and lifts off as soon as the patient has been taken out of the aircraft.  This allowed the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire aircraft to land and shut down at the landing site with the more serious patient.

“This was an extremely complex and difficult incident which required excellent teamwork from all three emergency services at the scene. Thanks also to the members of the public for their assistance.”

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Above pictures from the scene

Library picture

Friday 9^th September 2016 – 2.00pm – Claire Brown.

A pub is the latest location to house a defibrillator in a village in Solihull after a library installed a life-saving device recently.

The Bulls Head in Barston is the first pub in the borough to have a life-saving piece of kit. The defibrillator was provided by West Midlands Ambulance Service who trained staff and locals in basic life support and how to use the device last month. In July, Meriden Library became the first location in the village to house a defibrillator.

The defibrillator, which is a device used to help restart the heart of someone in cardiac arrest, is in a secure metal box at the front of the pub which can be accessed by anyone in an emergency, after calling 999, and is available to the community 24/7.

During the August Bank Holiday weekend, the pub held its annual village fete which regularly sees more than 1,000 attendees and was the perfect opportunity to show off the new device.

Andy Jeynes, Community Response Manager, said: “The Pub is very popular not only with locals, but is also a drinking hole for passing walkers and visitors. As a Trust we provided the AED whilst the Parish Council and Barston Association raised the funds to purchase the external cabinet to house the device which now sits proudly on the wall of the pub. In August I provided training to a number of community members in basic life support and how to use the device. It’s a great location for a defibrillator, particularly for a rural spot such as Barston.”

Barston resident Trixie Harman said: “It was very reassuring at the fete on Bank Holiday Monday to know that the defibrillator was available in an emergency.   We hope that it will not be needed, but with the training that villagers have been given, we, as a community are far more prepared to help if needed.  We are very grateful to West Midlands Ambulance Service and FastAid for all the help that they have given us, and to Brad for allowing us to put it on the wall of the pub.”

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Notes to Editors: Pictured (left to right) Residents Martin Bradley and Trixie Harman with Andy Jeynes in front of the Bulls Head in Barston.

 

 

Friday 9^th September 2016 – 10.00am – Claire Brown.

A two car collision during rush hour in Shropshire has left two men in hospital this morning.

The incident happened on the A454 in Swancote, Bridgnorth at 6.50am (Friday). Two ambulances and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The cars were left some distance away from each other following the impact of the collision. The driver of one car, a man in his 20s, was mechanically trapped in the wreckage. Upon assessment, ambulance staff found he had sustained chest and abdominal injuries and whilst they administered treatment to the man, fire fighters worked to cut him free from the wreckage.

“Once released, the man was immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board and taken by land ambulance to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further trauma care.

“The second driver, a man also in his 20s, sustained injuries to his chest and ankle. He was given pain relief by ambulance staff to help ease his discomfort whilst medics administered further trauma care. The man was then taken on blue lights by land ambulance to the same hospital.”

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Friday 9^th September 2016 – 8.45am – Claire Brown.

A woman was airlifted to a major trauma centre following a two car collision in Worcestershire yesterday.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A46 Evesham Bypass, Evesham at 6.20pm on Thursday afternoon. Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The emergency services arrived to find one car which had ended up in a field following a serious collision.

“One driver, a 48-year-old woman, was trapped in the wreckage and, upon assessment by ambulance staff, they suspected she had suffered chest and pelvic injuries. Once pain relief had been administered to the woman, ambulance staff worked with the fire service to extricate and immobilise her. Once stable, the woman was airlifted to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“From the other car, a man in his 20s required treatment by ambulance staff for minor injuries before being taken to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch. A woman in her 40s was also assessed but was discharged on scene.”

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Notes to Editors

 Photo of scene – please credit West Midlands Ambulance Service

Friday 9^th September 2016 – 8.00am – Claire Brown.

Despite the best efforts of ambulance staff, police and hospital medics a motorcyclist sadly died following a collision in Birmingham yesterday.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received multiple 999 calls to reports of a collision involving a motorcyclist and a double-decker bus on the Pershore Road in Selly Park at 2.45pm (Thursday). A passing senior paramedic officer came across the incident and was quickly backed up by an ambulance, a responder paramedic and a MERIT trauma doctor.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The paramedic officer first on scene found a biker who had been seriously injured following a collision with a bus. The paramedic, with help from an off-duty police officer, began to administer trauma treatment to the injured biker and was quickly joined by ambulance colleagues thanks to the swift coordination of the Trust’s control room.

“The motorcyclist, a man, was in a critical condition and required advanced trauma care at the scene before being taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. The doctor travelled in the ambulance to continue treatment en route.

“Sadly, the man’s condition deteriorated upon arrival at hospital and despite resuscitation efforts nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead a short time later.”

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Thursday 8^th September 2016 – 12.30pm – Claire Brown.

A motorcyclist involved in a collision with a tractor needed advanced trauma care by ambulance staff this morning in Staffordshire.

The incident happened on the B5027 in Bramshall, Uttoxeter at around 10.15am this morning (Thursday). An ambulance, a community paramedic, a MERIT trauma doctor and two Midlands Air Ambulances were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival ambulance staff found an unconscious man who had come off his motorcycle and had ended up in a garden following a collision with a tractor.

“Due to the man’s serious condition, ambulance staff worked together closely to administer advanced trauma care at the roadside to help stabilise his condition.

“The motorcyclist was then airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital, a specialist trauma centre, for further emergency care.”

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Thursday 8^th September 2016 – 9.30am – Claire Brown.

Three ambulance staff were injured last night by the very people they were trying to help in Staffordshire.

At 9.00pm, an ambulance crew was called by the police to treat a man who had been injured after a fight in Newcastle. Whilst they treated the man for a head injury in the back of the ambulance, he started to become aggressive. In an attempt to get off the ambulance, the man caused injuries to both staff resulting in the paramedic suffering a fractured hand and a technician receiving a facial injury. The man was arrested by police at the scene.

Shortly after 10.30pm another ambulance crew responded to a man suffering breathing problems at an address in Lichfield. Whilst transporting the man to Burton Hospital, he became agitated in the back of the ambulance and assaulted a technician causing facial injuries. The man was later arrested by police at hospital.

Nick Henry, the Trust’s General Manager for Staffordshire and Arden said: “It is hugely disappointing that yet again our staff, who are there to help people in their hour of need, have once again become patients themselves. The Trust operates a zero tolerance policy against violence towards our staff and we will be doing everything in our power to help police prosecute these individuals.”

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Notes to Editors:

Pictured – Paramedic receiving treatment in hospital for fractured hand.

Please contact Staffordshire Police for further details about the arrests.

Thursday 8^th September 2016 – 8.00am – Murray MacGregor.

A motorcycle rider suffered multiple injuries and was anaesthetised at the scene of a serious crash.

The incident happened at about 3.15pm on Wednesday afternoon on the A4189 at Oldberrow at a junction.

An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived at the junction, there was a LandRover that had significant damage to its rear and a motorcycle with considerable damage.

“The rider, an 18 year old man, had suffered multiple injuries.  The doctor from the air ambulance anaesthetised him at the scene before he was airlifted to the major trauma centre at University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.

“The man driving the LandRover was shaken but otherwise unhurt.”

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Wednesday 7^th September 2016 – 2.40pm – Murray MacGregor.

An elderly motorbike rider has suffered multiple injuries after a collision with a van.

The crash happened at the junction of Coventry Road and Nuneaton Road in Fillongley near Coventry at around 9.45am this morning (Wednesday).

An ambulance and a paramedic area support officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The man, who was in his 80s, was fully conscious but had a head injury as well as a broken ankle and possible hip injuries.

“He was given pain relief and was immobilised with the crew also using a pelvic binder and splint to stabilise his injuries.  He was then taken by ambulance on blue lights to the Major Trauma Centre at University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.

“The van driver was uninjured.”

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Picture courtesy of @OPUWarks on Twitter

Wednesday 7^th September 2016 – 12.20pm – Murray MacGregor.

A cyclist who was initially in a critical condition was taken to the nearest A&E before being transferred to a major trauma centre after his condition was stabilised.

The initial incident saw a collision between a car and a bicycle outside the Mcdonalds in Kent Street in the Upper Gornal area of Dudley at about 6.15pm on Tuesday evening.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Initially, the rider, a man in his 50’s was in a critical condition with a potentially serious head injury as well as internal injuries.

“Due to his condition, crews rapidly treated him at the scene before taking him on blue lights to the nearest A&E Department, Russells Hall Hospital.

“After further assessment and treatment at the hospital, the man was transferred by ambulance to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham where he arrived at 1.17am this morning (Wednesday).

“The driver of the car involved in the collision refused any treatment.”

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Wednesday 7^th September 2016 – 8.55am – Murray MacGregor.

A man was trapped for about 90 minutes in the wreckage of a car after a collision with a van.

The crash happened at 9.15pm last night on the A41 at Sandford to the south of Whitchurch in Shropshire.

An off duty community first responder from Albrighton came across the crash only a few minutes after it had happened and stopped to provide assistance.

Three ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer, a BASICS Emergency Doctor and the MERIT Trauma doctor were all sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews found two vehicles that had both suffered considerable damage.

“The driver of the car was the most serious.  The man, estimated to be in his 20s, had suffered multiple injuries.  Working with firefighters, it took about an hour and a half to extricate him due to the damage to the vehicle and his injuries.

“He was immobilised, had a pelvic binder put in place and had his leg splinted before being taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“The front seat passenger, a woman who was estimated to be in her late teens had also suffered multiple injuries and after treatment at the scene was taken to the same hospital by an ambulance travelling on blue lights.

“The man driving the van had managed to get out of the vehicle himself.  He had some facial lacerations and ankle pain.  After assessment, he was taken to Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.”

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(Library photo)

Tuesday 6^th August 2016 – 3.50pm – Murray MacGregor.

“There is a great deal to be proud of, even though it has been an extremely challenging year.”  That is the message Anthony Marsh, the Chief Executive of West Midlands Ambulance Service, will be giving at the Trusts Annual Meeting of the Membership next week.

The event provides the Board of Directors the chance to provide members of the Trust, staff and the public with an update on how the organisation performed in 2015-16 and an insight into what challenges we face during the current year.

The meeting takes place at our Training Academy, Dudley Road, Brierley Hill, DY5 1LQ at 6.30pm on Wednesday 14th September.

Doors will open at 5.30pm with attendees able to see a number of staff, including the Hazardous Area Response Team and patient experience showcasing their work, vehicles and equipment.

The meeting itself will include presentations on the Trust’s activities during the year and formally present the Trust’s annual report, including the Quality Account and financial statements.

Trust Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh said: “Despite the pressures our staff now work under it is to their immense credit that they continue to operate to the highest standards and give everything in order to improve the quality of care for patients.  I would therefore like to take this opportunity to record my gratitude to them all as well as the hundreds of volunteers who help us every single day of the year.

“I’m proud to say the Trust remains one of the top performing NHS organisations in the country.  This doesn’t happen by accident; a huge amount of effort and planning goes into keeping WMAS at the forefront of clinical care.

“For example, we continue to recruit many new paramedics and have the best skill mix in the country with many of our current staff successfully completing courses increasing their level of qualification. We also have one of the best fleets in the UK and continue to invest heavily in ensuring we have the most up-to-date equipment possible.”

WMAS Chairman, Sir Graham Meldrum, added: “The high quality clinical care that is given to our patients on a daily basis remains exceptional and I wish to thank all of our staff and volunteers for their dedication and hard work.

“I would also pay tribute to the role that our Council of Governors has played.  They play a vital part in helping the trust achieve some of its goals and have helped us to capture feedback from patients about their experiences of using our services.”

Anyone wishing to attend should email: foundationtrust@wmas.nhs.uk by Monday 12th September to reserve a seat, as space at the venue is limited.

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Tuesday 6^th September 2016 – 3pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

An elderly man and woman were fortunate to escape serious injury when their car landed on its roof in a single vehicle collision this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Stafford Road in Cannock, at 11.55am and sent two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a BASICS doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews were told that the car had come to rest on its roof after colliding with the central reservation.

“There were two patients, one of whom, an elderly woman, had already been moved out of the vehicle and to safety by the fire service.

“Crews then worked closely with the fire service to assist the driver, an elderly man, out of the vehicle.

“He was treated for cuts to his head but thankfully remained fully conscious throughout.

“The woman was treated for a minor chest injury before both patients were taken to New Cross Hospital on land ambulances.

“Both patients are lucky to have escaped more serious injuries in the crash given the fact the car ended up on its roof.”

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Friday 2nd September 2016 – 8.40am – Murray MacGregor. 

An elderly man has been airlifted after falling unconscious shortly after he got out of a car that had been involved in a collision with another car.

The crash happened outside the Tesco on Birmingham Road, Shenstone, Lichfield at 2.15pm on Thursday afternoon.

An ambulance, a senior paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulances from Cosford and Staffordshire were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found two cars that had been involved in a collision. Although both had substantial damage, the safety systems had done their job and the passenger compartments were largely undamaged.

All three occupants of the two cars had managed to get out of the vehicles themselves, but the passenger in the red car, a 74 year old man collapsed shortly after getting out of the car and was said to have been unconscious for a short time.

“Given the symptoms, crews took no chances and airlifted him to the major trauma centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital so that he could be assessed fully for the cause of the collapse.

“The elderly woman in the same car, who was driving, was upset but otherwise uninjured.

“The woman driving the silver car was shaken up by what happened but again was uninjured and was also discharged at the scene.”

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