Month: October 2016

Monday 31^st October 2016 – 3.15pm – Claire Brown.

Ambulance bosses are praising staff for their incredible efforts during one of the busiest weekends of the year so far.

A combination of Halloween, Diwali, a payday weekend and an extra hour due to clock change meant the ambulance service dealt with hundreds of additional call compared to an average Sunday. In total, the Trust received 3,591 emergency calls during Sunday which saw control room staff and front-line crews work the third busiest day of the year so far, beaten only by New Years’ Day (3,807) and the 19^th July (3,797) when temperatures soared across the Region.

Mark Gough, the Trust’s Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, said: “The combination of a payday weekend, the clock change and various celebrations meant we had put additional resources on to cope with the expected extra demand. Despite the number of 999 calls, staff worked incredibly hard to ensure patients continued to receive excellent care.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Monday 31^st October 2016 – 12.50pm – Claire Brown.

A motorcyclist involved in a collision with a car required advanced trauma care by ambulance staff last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the Birmingham Road in Rowley Regis shortly after 7.30pm on Sunday evening. An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and a MERIT trauma doctor attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival ambulance staff found a motorcyclist, a man, unconscious with multiple serious injuries.

“The man required advanced trauma care by ambulance staff and the doctor at the scene in order to stabilise his condition before he was taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham; the doctor travelled in the ambulance to continue treatment en route.”

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Monday 31^st October 2016 – 11.10am – Claire Brown.

Despite the best efforts of passers-by and ambulance staff, nothing could be done to save a motorcyclist who died in a road traffic collision in Birmingham yesterday morning.

The incident happened on Manor Way in Halesowen at around 9.30am (Sunday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance with a MERIT trauma doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance crews arrived to find passers-by administering CPR to a motorcyclist, a man, who had been involved in a collision. Ambulance staff immediately took over resuscitation efforts and commenced advanced life support.

“Sadly, the motorcyclist couldn’t be saved and he was confirmed dead on scene.”

ENDS

Monday 31st October 2016 – 10.10am – Murray MacGregor.

West Midlands Ambulance Service is joining with Warwickshire and West Mercia Police, and the Safer Roads Partnership to urge drivers to avoid deadly distractions at the wheel. Together, they’ll be running a targeted mobile phone enforcement and education campaign which is running throughout November to crack down on people who continue to flout the law.

Using a mobile phone while driving is a potentially fatal distraction and has been illegal since December 2003. Studies show that drivers using a mobile are slower at recognising and reacting to hazards. Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or a text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a collision.

The penalty for using a mobile phone while driving has steadily increased over the years and is now a £100 fine and three penalty points on the offender’s licence. However, the government has recently proposed that this should increase to six penalty points and a £200 fine; ensuring drivers face much tougher penalties. These changes are expected to take effect in the first half of 2017.

A recent 2016 annual report on motoring, by the RAC, suggests the number of motorists who illegally use mobile phones while at the wheel is rising. 1,714 motorists were surveyed and 31% of motorists said they used a handheld phone behind the wheel compared with 8% in 2014. The number of drivers who said they had sent a message or posted on social media rose from 7% to 19%, while 14% said they had taken a photograph or video while driving.

With this in mind, officers from West Mercia Police and Warwickshire Police will be out on the roads over the coming weeks, carrying out targeted enforcement and cracking down on any motorists who are using their phones at the wheel. As well as enforcement, they will be working with West Midlands Ambulance Service to explain some of the implications of doing so, whether that is a criminal conviction or causing the death of another road user because they weren’t paying attention to the road.

Superintendent Daryn Elton for Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police said: “Improving the safety of our roads is a year-round commitment for our officers. Although mobile phone enforcement is already part of our daily operational activity, we will be stepping up our efforts over the coming weeks to crack down on motorists who are blatantly ignoring both the law and the dangers involved.

“Many motorists are already aware that using a mobile phone while driving is illegal. This includes using your phone to follow a map, read a text or check social media, and applies even if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic. With smartphones becoming more and more embedded into our daily routines, we are all aware of how useful they can be. However, it is unacceptable to allow yourself to be distracted by them while driving, and officers will ensure any motorists doing so face the penalties involved.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service Warwick Area Manager, Martyn Scott, said:
“Sadly our staff are all too familiar with the consequences of people using mobile phones while driving. We have seen horrific injuries caused for example by a driver not seeing a pedestrian and being involved in a collision. Tragically, lives have been lost through this sort of action while other people have been left with injuries that will affect them for the rest of their lives.”

Superintendent Elton added: “It is extremely disheartening to see the results from the recent RAC survey, showing a rise in motorists using their phone at the wheel. We are urging people to think about the consequences of their actions and ask themselves how they would feel if they caused a collision and injured, or killed, somebody else simply for the sake of making a call, reading a text message or checking social media.”

As well as targeted enforcement activity, police officers in Warwickshire will be joining forces with paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service on key dates throughout November to target mobile phone users from an education perspective. Police officers and paramedics will work together during certain shifts, patrolling the county in unmarked vehicles, looking for any motorists using their mobile phone while driving. If the driver has no previous mobile phone convictions, they will be offered an educational alternative to the penalty points and fine, and will be shown a presentation at the roadside and given advice from the police officer and paramedic about the consequences of their actions at the wheel.

West Midlands Ambulance Service Area Support Officer, Ian Inglesant, who will be accompanying police officers, said: “If through education, we can persuade drivers to abandon using their mobile phones while driving, we will have made the roads considerably safer. I will have my medical kit with me while I am out; hopefully I won’t need it, but I have been to too many incidents where the use of a mobile phone has had devastating consequences. If the drivers who have been stopped hear first-hand about those injuries and incidents hopefully it will help to drive the message home – mobile phones and driving don’t mix.”

Drivers who use a mobile phone, whether hand-held or hands-free:

• are much less aware of what’s happening on the road around them
• fail to see road signs
• fail to maintain proper lane position and steady speed
• are more likely to ‘tailgate’ the vehicle in front
• react more slowly and take longer to brake
• are more likely to enter unsafe gaps in traffic
• feel more stressed and frustrated

Notes to Editors:

You can follow Ian on Twitter: @wmasIInglesant

If you would like to arrange an interview with a spokesperson, or would like any further information, please contact the Press Office at West Midlands Ambulance Service on 01384 246 496 or Anna Higgins at the Safer Roads Partnership on 01905 331 248.
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Friday 28^th October 2016 – 4.55pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A car driver has been airlifted to one of the region’s major trauma centres after being trapped for about 50 minutes following a collision with a van.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Whitchurch Road in Whitchurch, shortly after 2.20pm and sent an ambulance, a community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire to the scene.

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

“The driver of the car, a man believed to be in his 80s, was trapped inside his vehicle following the crash.

“Crews assessed him and then worked closely with the fire service to carefully cut him free.

“He was treated for a number of serious injuries including leg and pelvic fractures. He was also suffering from a slightly reduced level of consciousness.

“He was immobilised with the use of a scoop stretcher and pelvic binder and airlifted in to Royal Stoke Universal Hospital for further treatment. The hospital had been alerted to the man’s condition prior to arrival.

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

Ends

Notes to Editors:

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

Friday 28^th October 2016 – 12.25pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman has died and a man required hospital treatment following a two-car collision in Dudley last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Priory Road in Dudley, shortly after 10.35pm and sent two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and a MERIT trauma doctor to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find two cars that had suffered significant damage in the collision, one of which had come to rest on its side.

“From that car, a woman, who was found lying in the road, had suffered very serious injuries as a result of the incident and was in cardiac arrest.

“CPR was already being carried out when ambulance staff arrived, which they took over and administered advanced life support.

“However, sadly it became apparent that nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.

“There was a second patient from the same car, a man believed to be in his 20s.

“He was treated for neck and back injuries, given pain relief and taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.”

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Tuesday 25^th October 2016 – 7.45am – Murray MacGregor.

A motorcyclist has died after a collision with a car.

It happened at the junction of Claymills Road and the A5121 at Stretton to the north of Burton

The first ambulance arrived on scene within three minutes of the initial call at just before 7.55pm on Monday evening. A second ambulance, a paramedic area support officer, a critical paramedic, a BASICS Emergency Doctor and the MERIT Trauma Doctor were all sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The crash happened on what is effectively a slip road onto the northbound A38.

“When crews arrived they found a car with severe damage on the driver’s side.  Members of the public were carrying out resuscitation on the motorcyclist.

“Ambulance staff immediately took over and performed advanced life support but sadly the man’s injuries were too severe and it was not possible to save him; he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The 27 year old woman driving the car was uninjured.”

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Monday 24^th October 2016 – 5.40pm – Murray MacGregor.

An elderly woman has suffered potentially serious head injuries after falling from her bicycle.

The incident, which didn’t involve any vehicles happened outside the Raglan Arms pub in Dunchurch Road, Rugby at just after noon on Monday.

A paramedic area support officer who had just finished a meeting with Warwickshire Police officers was passing and was on scene within seconds of the incident along with the officers.  He was backed up by a land ambulance and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The woman, who was in her late 70s, had suffered potentially serious head and facial injuries and had a reduced level of consciousness.  She wasn’t wearing a helmet.

“She was assessed at the scene and given pain relief before being taken on blue lights by land ambulance to the major trauma centre at University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire. The doctor from the aircraft travelled with the crew.”

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Monday 24th October 2016 – 4.47pm – Murray MacGregor.

Three people have had a lucky escape after a car careered into the kiosk at a petrol station taking out a window and knocking over shelves.

The incident happened at the Tesco Filling Station on Heath Way in the Heath Hayes area of Cannock at around 2.50pm on Monday afternoon.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found a green Jaguar car that had collided with the front of the petrol station kiosk. One of the large windows had been shattered and a number of shelves had been knocked over.

“The driver of the car, a 71 year old man was unhurt though shaken by the events. After assessment, he was discharged at the scene.

“Two people who were in the kiosk at the time of the incident were also assessed by ambulance staff. A 46 year old man had leg pain after one of the shelves struck him as the car came through the window. After assessment, he was discharged on scene.

“A 61 year old woman who was also shaken by the events but she too was discharged by ambulance staff.

“Clearly, this had the potential to be a much worse incident and it is fortunate that no-one was hurt.”

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Monday 24^th October 2016 – 12.30pm – Murray MacGregor.

“The potential for there to have been multiple fatalities was enormous.”  That’s the view of ambulance staff who were called to a serious road traffic collision on the A46 on Saturday evening.

It happened at about 6.50pm on the Coventry Eastern Bypass, north of the TGI roundabout.

Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the MERIT Trauma Doctor were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived they found a commercial van that had been pulling a trailer had collided with the back of a flatbed recovery vehicle that had stopped to pick up a car.  There was significant impact and intrusion on the passenger side of the van.

“The driver of the flatbed had just left the rear of the vehicle seconds before the collision.

“The trailer separated from the van and ended up against the central reservation.  The van itself suffered huge front end damage against the flatbed.

“There were two people in the van, a seven year old boy in the front passenger seat and the driver was a 50 year old man.

“On arrival, the man was out of the vehicle but the boy was trapped by his right leg.  Due to damage, crews had to enter the van via the rear doors.

“Thankfully the van didn’t have a solid bulkhead and they were able to get to the boy easily.  Ambulance staff initially stabilised the child and then worked with firefighters to cut him free.  In total, he was trapped for about 45 minutes.

“After being assessed by the doctor, he was taken on blue lights to the paediatric major trauma centre at Birmingham Children’s Hospital with a badly broken left leg.

“The driver was taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire with relatively minor injuries to his head and legs.

“Considering the damage, the fact that the youngster was not far more seriously hurt, or worse, is astonishing.

“The driver of the flatbed recovery truck was uninjured but badly shaken at the thought of what might have happened.  He didn’t require any treatment.

“This was an excellent example of teamwork between the three emergency services.”

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Monday 24^th October 2016 – 9.20am – Murray MacGregor.

Six people have been hurt, two seriously after a head on collision between two cars.

It happened on Old Milverton Lane in Blackdown to the north of Leamington Spa at about 4.40pm on Sunday afternoon.

Four ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire and the Critical Care Car from The Air Ambulance Service were all sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found two cars that had extensive front end damage.

“The first car had four people in it.  A 27 year old woman had severe back and neck pain along with damage to her hip and pelvis.  She was given pain relief, was immobilised and had a pelvic binder put in place before she was airlifted to the major trauma centre at University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.

“A 36 year old man was taken to the same hospital by land ambulance with neck, back and chest injuries.  He was also immobilised before being taken on blue lights.

“A 68 year old man and 67 year old woman were taken to Warwick Hospital by ambulance with minor chest pain from the seatbelt.

“There were two people in the other car.  A 42 year old man had chest pain and a hand laceration, while a 29 year old woman had a fractured hand and leg laceration.  They were also taken to Warwick Hospital by ambulance.”

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Friday 21^st October 2016 – 3.20pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

The belief that ambulance staff never encounter two days the same was proved beyond doubt yesterday (Thursday) when a patient and the crew treating him took to a narrowboat in order to get him back to the ambulance.

West Midlands Ambulance Service had been called to the Staffordshire and Worcester Canal near Boggs Lock in Gailey at 2.07pm to reports of a patient on a narrowboat with a leg injury. One ambulance was sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The crew parked as close as possible to the patient but still faced a walk of about a mile down the towpath, carrying their equipment with them.

“Once with the patient, a man thought to be in his 60s, they assessed him and treated him for a leg injury, on which he was unable to apply weight.

“Faced with a dilemma of how to get the patient back to the ambulance in order to transport him to County Hospital, Stafford, the crew were offered a cruise back up the canal by Richard Gray of Birmingham and Midland Marine Services who was working nearby.

“Ambulance staff carefully assisted the man on to the awaiting boat before cruising up the canal back towards where the ambulance was parked.

“He was then moved on to a stretcher and carried the final part of the journey on to the back of the ambulance before being taken to hospital.

“This was certainly one of the more unusual jobs for our staff to come across and thanks go to Richard for his assistance in helping the patient on to the back of the ambulance as quickly as possible.”

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Friday 21^st October 2016 – 11.30am – Claire Brown.

A house and garden near the University of Birmingham is the proud owner of a device which can save lives thanks to West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Winterbourne House and Garden on Edgbaston Park Road recently received a defibrillator from the Trust; a device used to help restart the heart of someone in cardiac arrest. Staff will also be given training in basic first aid and how to use their new piece of kit.

Andy Jeynes, the Trust’s Community Response Manager for Birmingham and the Black Country, said: “With more than 60,000 visitors through its gates each year, Winterbourne House and Garden is an ideal location for a defibrillator.

“Last month I officially handed over a life-saving device to the popular Birmingham heritage attraction and staff at the site will soon be trained in CPR and how to use their new piece of kit.”

Lee Hale, Head of Winterbourne House & Garden, said: “A new defibrillator is now located at the premier Birmingham heritage attraction for those infrequent but serious emergency medical situations.

“To ensure the equipment is used correctly, relevant training is also due to be delivered by the ambulance service. This venture demonstrates a need to improve emergency procedures but also highlights valuable partnership working across the region.”

Ends.

Notes to Editors:

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

With a huge amount of interest in becoming a student paramedic with West Midlands Ambulance Service, Louise Harris, who heads up the Recruitment Team took to social media to hold an hour long #AskLouise session on Wednesday evening from 7.30pm – 8.30pm.

In total she answered just under 50 questions, during the 60 minute session, that came in from Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Louise said: “We weren’t sure how it would go, but the hour flew by.  There were some really good questions from people who are clearly really keen to join us as a student paramedic.  SOme were simple factual questions while others were asking much more details questions about preparing for interviews – I was impressed by that because it shows how committed they are to joining us.

“I was also able to reveal that we’ll be opening applications up for the latest round of recruitment on Wednesday 14th November.  If successful, these students will be starting their courses during 2017.”

Questions included:

• What is required to pass the fitness test?
• What qualifications do you need to apply?
• What five things do you look for in candidates?
• Where will students be working?
• What one thing do you wish applicants knew that they generally don’t already?
• Do I need to have applied for a C1 before I apply?
• How many points you could have on your driving licence?
• Do you need caring experience to apply?
• How long is the programme?

Check our social media feeds for the answers – search for @officialWMAS on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

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Two men have escaped with relatively minor injuries despite a serious collision at a T junction in Warwickshire.  It happened at about 6.50am this morning at the junction of the A4091 and Bodymoor Heath Lane close to the Belfry Golf Centre.  A white car was left with significant front end damge, while the silver vehicle ended up in a hedge.  The driver of the white car, a 23 year old man, managed to get out of the vehicle through the passenger side.  He was complaining of pain to his right hand and knee and an abrasion to his head.  He was given pain relief and taken to Good Hope Hospital.  The driver of the other vehicle, a 51 year old man, was complaining of pain in his right shoulder, chest and left leg.

Tuesday 18^th October 2016 – 10.36am – Murray MacGregor.

A man has died after an early morning crash.

It happened just before 6.45am this morning on the A518 Newport to Stafford road about half a mile from Newport in Shropshire.

Two ambulances were sent to the scene along with a paramedic area support officer and the aircrew from the Midlands Air Ambulance at Cosford, including a trauma doctor, who responded in a car.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found two cars that had suffered significant damage.

“Other motorists were attempting CPR on the driver of one car.  Ambulance staff took over and carried out advanced life support on the middle aged man, but sadly his injuries were too severe and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The 43 year old man driving the other car had managed to get out before ambulance crews arrived.  He was treated for fractures to his right collar bone and left thumb.  He was taken by ambulance to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.”

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An 18 year old from Kenilworth has had a lucky escape after his car flipped onto its side in a narrow street.  The incident happened in School Lane at just before 10.20pm last night (Wednesday) and left a number of parked cars damaged as well.  An ambulance and a paramedic area support officer attended the scene.  The teenager was able to get out of the vehicle himself, and although shaken, was uninjured and was discharged after an assessment by ambulance staff.

Wednesday 19^th October 2016 – 8.00am – Murray MacGregor.

A young girl has died after she was in a collision with a skip lorry.

The tragic incident happened at just after 4.00pm on Tuesday afternoon at Riley Square on Henley Road in the Bell Green area of Coventry.

An ambulance was on scene within five minutes of the first of six 999 emergency calls.  It was backed up by two further ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the doctor from the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance responding in a car.

“A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “A GP from the practice over the road arrived just before the ambulance did but sadly both he and the crew quickly realised that nothing could be done to save the child and she was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The child’s mother was treated by ambulance crews before being taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“The man driving the skip lorry was also assessed by ambulance staff and was taken to George Eliot Hospital.”

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Tuesday 18^th October 2016 – 6.27pm – Murray MacGregor.

A man had to be rescued by ambulance staff after falling down a slope and getting trapped, head down, under some barbed wire.

The unfortunate incident happened on the canal tow path on the opposite side of the water from Fairview Way in Stafford.

Ambulance staff were called at 4.50pm on Monday afternoon.  The man was about 40 metres along the tow path from the bridge that goes over near the junction of Fairview Way and Farmdown Road.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The man was spotted by a woman out walking her dog.  He was well and truly stuck and had back pain which meant he couldn’t move.

“Due to the location, the crew asked for the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) to attend.

“The 64 year old man was a couple of feet down the embankment under the fence which is up against trees and shrubs.  His feet were up the embankment with his head down.

“The HART team had to cut away some of the fence and branches to be able to access the man and immobilise him so that they could get him out.

“They secured him on a specialist stretcher so that he could be brought back up the slope and he was then carried to the ambulance before he was taken to County Hospital, Stafford for further assessment and treatment.”

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Tuesday 18^th October 2016 – 10.22am – Murray MacGregor.

A motorcyclist was anaesthetised at the scene of a serious crash before being taken to a major trauma centre.

The bike was involved in a collision with a tractor at about 6.30pm on Monday evening on the A49 near Park Farm on the road from Onibury Junction to Onibury, near Craven Arms.

An ambulance arrived on scene 8 minutes after the call and was backed up by two further ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, the aircrew from the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford in a response vehicle.  An off duty paramedic also responded.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found a motorcyclist who was estimated to be in his mid 20s, who had suffered multiple serious injuries.

“He was assessed at the scene which resulted in the doctor from the aircrew deciding to anaesthetise the patient.  He was immobilised and had splints applied before he was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham; the doctor travelled on the ambulance.

“The tractor driver was unhurt.”

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This was the scene at Gaydon Road just outside Bishops Itchington, Warwickshire, a little before 11am yesterday morning (Sunday).  The car left the road on a bend and went backwards into the trees and bushes on its side.  Astonishingly, the driver, a 60 year old man was able to get out of the vehicle himself and was walking about when ambulance staff arrived.  Although he had a few aches he didn’t want to go to hospital. 

A driver suffered a nasty laceration to his head after the car he was in rolled over on a motorway.  It happened on the eastbound M54 (Jnc 4-3) at Shifnal on Sunday morning at about 8.30am.  An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the crew of the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford, who responded in a response vehicle, went to the scene.  The 53 year old man had a deep laceration and was a bit confused.  After assessment at the scene, he was taken to New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton by ambulance.

Friday 14^th October 2016 – 10.45am – Claire Brown.

West Midlands Ambulance Service responded to a three vehicle RTC over the border in Gloucester this morning which saw one man airlifted to hospital.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a three vehicle RTC at the junction of the A424 and A44 in Bourton-on-the-Hill at 6.30am this morning (Friday). Two ambulances, a responder paramedic, a MERIT trauma doctor and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance attended the scene. Colleagues from South Western Ambulance Service were also responded to the case.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “A WMAS off duty paramedic came across the collision and stopped to render aid with fellow bystanders. The driver of one vehicle involved, a 20-year-old-man, was in a serious condition and had sustained multiple injuries.

“Ambulance staff and the doctor administered advanced trauma care to stabilise his condition whilst the fire service worked around the team to extricate him from the wreckage. The man was cut free from the vehicle after around 40 minutes and fully immobilised before being airlifted to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“The other occupants of the vehicle involved were assessed but didn’t require hospital treatment.”

ENDS

Friday 14^th October 2016 – 10.00am – Claire Brown.

A man needed advanced trauma care by ambulance staff and a doctor last night after a collision with a car last.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received a 999 to reports of a collision involving a pedestrian and a car at the junction of Sky Blue Way and Walsgrave Road in Coventry shortly before 11.30pm (Thursday). An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer, a responder paramedic and a BASICS emergency doctor from the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance base responded by car.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The pedestrian, a man, was unconscious when ambulance staff arrived and had sustained multiple serious injuries.

“The team of medics worked quickly to administer trauma care at the roadside in order to stabilise his condition. The man was taken by land ambulance on blue lights to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further trauma care.

“The car driver was assessed but uninjured.”

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West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (WMAS) has been awarded a five-year contract to deliver a new non-emergency patient transport (NEPT) service for over 440,000 patient journeys a year from 1 May 2017.

NEPT services are for people that have a medical need, and require specialist assistance to travel to or from NHS services. The service plays a critical role in patient care and the CCGs are investing in the new service to ensure patients receive a high quality, safe and timely service.

Earlier this year, NHS Birmingham CrossCity Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), on behalf of 17 West Midlands CCGs, commenced a competitive procurement process for the new NEPT service.

The new service will replace the existing services at six NHS trusts, providing one universal service across Birmingham and Solihull. It will cover the following NHS trusts:

• Birmingham Women’s NHS Foundation Trust
• Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
• Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust
• University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.

It will provide services to Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull patients who require NEPT to travel to or from the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust sites. From 6 January 2018, it will also replace NEPT services at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Barbara King, NHS Birmingham CrossCity CCG’s Clinical Accountable Officer, said: “NEPT is a vital service for those patients with qualifying medical needs. This new service will improve waiting times for transport and will support patients being discharged from hospital. To achieve this, we have committed to investing in the service for the next five years.

“This is the first time we have commissioned these services at scale, and we are delighted to have worked on behalf of all 17 CCGs.”

By investing in this new service the CCGs, working with WMAS, will deliver a range of improvements for patients:

• Central booking hub, providing travel advice for patients who apply but are not eligible
• Give patients the option to sign-up for real time information alerts to track the status of their NEPT journey request
• Give patients the option to provide patient feedback after each journey via SMS text message or email
• A new patient charter, which will provide information on response times and what patients can expect
• Access to a wide range of ambulance vehicles to meet the medical needs of patients, including high dependency and bariatric patients
• Specially trained staff to ensure patients receive the best possible care and are sympathetic to their needs
• WMAS has invested in a specially designed fleet of vehicles that include the latest technology to provide real time information and journey status to patients
• Brand new strategically placed operating sites that bring real benefits to staff and the communities that they serve
• An increase in staff numbers, which will create jobs in the area and provide better services to patients.

WMAS has over 40 years’ experience in delivering NEPT services and is also one of the largest providers of emergency ambulance services in the country. By commissioning one single universal service, this provides greater opportunity for WMAS to invest in the staffing and vehicles that are need to provide a responsive NEPT service.

West Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “We are thrilled to have won this contract and look forward to continuing to provide an excellent service to patients in Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull. We have a very strong team with vast experience in running patient transport service operations and we currently complete more than one million journeys per year.  We will be implementing a tried and tested service delivery model that is used elsewhere in the West Midlands in order to ensure patients receive the very best level of service possible.”

More information on NEPT is available here. The new patient charter will be published in May 2017 when the service is launched.

 ENDS

Note to editors:

The 17 CCGs involved in procuring the new non-emergency patient transport service are:

• NHS Birmingham CrossCity CCG
• NHS Birmingham South Central CCG
• NHS Sandwell and West Birmingham CCG
• NHS Solihull CCG
• NHS South East Staffs and Seisdon Peninsular CCG
• NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG
• NHS Herefordshire CCG
• NHS South Worcestershire CCG
• NHS Walsall CCG
• NHS Dudley CCG
• NHS Wyre Forest CCG
• NHS South Warwickshire CCG
• NHS Wolverhampton CCG
• NHS Cannock Chase CCG
• NHS Stafford and Surrounds CCG
• NHS Shropshire CCG
• NHS Telford and Wrekin CCG

Thursday 13^th October 2016 – 11.15am – Murray MacGregor.

It was all systems go for West Midlands Ambulance Service on Sunday evening when the non-emergency patient transport services (PTS) contract for Wolverhampton and Dudley was officially handed over.

The multi-million pound contract means the Trust will complete about 160,000 patient journeys a year to New Cross and Russells Hall Hospitals as well as a number of other venues.  The contract is for 3 years with an option of a further 2 years.

The contact, which was awarded after a competitive tender, means WMAS now provides transport for over one million patient journeys a year across our contracts.  It is also the first time that WMAS has provided this service in this area for many years.  WMAS has taken over the contract from NSL Limited.

The contract will operate from strategically based sites in Dudley and Wolverhampton, with a control room at Trust Headquarters in Brierley Hill.

Those eligible to use the contract will include those having certain outpatients appointments, day procedures and regular treatments such as renal dialysis, cancer treatment and physiotherapy.

WMAS has worked closely with Dudley and Wolverhampton CCGs to develop a service that will deliver a range of improvements for patients:

• Dedicated booking hubs for each area, providing travel advice for patients
• A new hospital based self-service kiosk to allow patients to register when they are ready for collection which reduces waiting times and improves patient experience
• Patients can opt into an SMS text service which will inform them of their appointment travel details
• Specially trained staff to ensure patients receive the best possible care and are sympathetic to their needs
• WMAS has invested in a specially designed fleet of vehicles that include the latest technology

WMAS Commercial Services Director, Mark Gough, said: “This is excellent news for the West Midlands Ambulance Service and re-affirms our commitment to try and grow our PTS services as much as possible.

“We now have over 60% of the PTS market in the West Midlands and we are working hard to grow that still further through the excellent level of service that we provide.

“An incredible amount of hard work has already been put in to make sure we are ready and we will continue to work hard to ensure we provide the best service possible to patients.”

Paul Maubach, Chief Executive Officer, Dudley CCG said: “We are delighted that the new service provider is up and running and we will continue to work with them to provide a high quality of service to our patients.

“Patients are still encouraged to make their own way to NHS appointments wherever possible. However, if they have a mobility issue, which means they are unable to travel by car, taxi, public transport, or community transport, they can contact PTS to see if they are eligible for transport.

“This service will operate on the same criteria as previously but we are keen for patients to make a note of the new number to call to avoid any inconvenience at the time of booking.”

Steven Marshall, Director of Strategy and Transformation from Wolverhampton CCG added “All parties are committed to continuous improvements for our patients and we are looking forward to working in partnership to deliver a high quality service.”

An eligibility criteria will continue to be used as before as set out by Dudley and Wolverhampton Clinical Commissioning Groups and is designed to identify your actual medical and mobility requirements.  The booking offices for both areas are open Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5.30pm.

• Patients in Dudley will have a new number to call to make their transport bookings: 01384 679 047.
• Those in Wolverhampton should continue to call the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust on 01902 694 999.

Please ensure you have the following information to hand when you call: Name, date of birth; NHS Number; pick up and destination addresses including the postcodes; GP name and practice address; and the date and time of your appointment.

Note to Editors

Picture 1 shows some of the staff who transport the patients: (L – R) Andrea Tucker, Clark Williams and Julie Pearson

Picture 2 shows some of the control staff: (L – R) Helen Wentworth, David Davies, Jayne Lewis, Ruth Hampson

Ends

Thursday 13^th October 2016 – 11.15am – Murray MacGregor.

It was all systems go for West Midlands Ambulance Service on Sunday evening when the non-emergency patient transport services (PTS) contract for Wolverhampton and Dudley was officially handed over.

The multi-million pound contract means the Trust will complete about 160,000 patient journeys a year to New Cross and Russells Hall Hospitals as well as a number of other venues.  The contract is for 3 years with an option of a further 2 years.

The contact, which was awarded after a competitive tender, means WMAS now provides transport for over one million patient journeys a year across our contracts.  It is also the first time that WMAS has provided this service in this area for many years.  WMAS has taken over the contract from NSL Limited.

The contract will operate from strategically based sites in Dudley and Wolverhampton, with a control room at Trust Headquarters in Brierley Hill.

Those eligible to use the contract will include those having certain outpatients appointments, day procedures and regular treatments such as renal dialysis, cancer treatment and physiotherapy.

WMAS has worked closely with Dudley and Wolverhampton CCGs to develop a service that will deliver a range of improvements for patients:

• Dedicated booking hubs for each area, providing travel advice for patients
• A new hospital based self-service kiosk to allow patients to register when they are ready for collection which reduces waiting times and improves patient experience
• Patients can opt into an SMS text service which will inform them of their appointment travel details
• Specially trained staff to ensure patients receive the best possible care and are sympathetic to their needs
• WMAS has invested in a specially designed fleet of vehicles that include the latest technology

WMAS Commercial Services Director, Mark Gough, said: “This is excellent news for the West Midlands Ambulance Service and re-affirms our commitment to try and grow our PTS services as much as possible.

“We now have over 60% of the PTS market in the West Midlands and we are working hard to grow that still further through the excellent level of service that we provide.

“An incredible amount of hard work has already been put in to make sure we are ready and we will continue to work hard to ensure we provide the best service possible to patients.”

Paul Maubach, Chief Executive Officer, Dudley CCG said: “We are delighted that the new service provider is up and running and we will continue to work with them to provide a high quality of service to our patients.

“Patients are still encouraged to make their own way to NHS appointments wherever possible. However, if they have a mobility issue, which means they are unable to travel by car, taxi, public transport, or community transport, they can contact PTS to see if they are eligible for transport.

“This service will operate on the same criteria as previously but we are keen for patients to make a note of the new number to call to avoid any inconvenience at the time of booking.”

Steven Marshall, Director of Strategy and Transformation from Wolverhampton CCG added “All parties are committed to continuous improvements for our patients and we are looking forward to working in partnership to deliver a high quality service.”

An eligibility criteria will continue to be used as before as set out by Dudley and Wolverhampton Clinical Commissioning Groups and is designed to identify your actual medical and mobility requirements.  The booking offices for both areas are open Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5.30pm.

• Patients in Dudley will have a new number to call to make their transport bookings: 01384 679 047.
• Those in Wolverhampton should continue to call the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust on 01902 694 999.

Please ensure you have the following information to hand when you call: Name, date of birth; NHS Number; pick up and destination addresses including the postcodes; GP name and practice address; and the date and time of your appointment.

Note to Editors

Picture 1 shows some of the staff who transport the patients: (L – R) Andrea Tucker, Clark Williams and Julie Pearson

Picture 2 shows some of the control staff: (L – R) Helen Wentworth, David Davies, Jayne Lewis, Ruth Hampson

Ends

Wednesday 12^th October 2016 – 5.33pm – Murray MacGregor.

A woman is lucky not to have suffered far more serious injuries or worse after going under a lorry.

The incident happened at just after 4.00pm outside Holy Trinity School in Birmingham Road, Kidderminster.

A rapid response vehicle, an ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a trauma doctor on board were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived they found a 67 year woman who had suffered serious injuries to her legs.  Her shopping trolley was still under the lorry.

“She was immobilised and treated at the scene for the injuries to her legs and also a head injury.  After assessment and stabilisation she was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital by land ambulance.

The lorry driver, whilst shaken, was uninjured.”

Ends

Wednesday 12^th October 2016 – 5.33pm – Murray MacGregor.

A woman is lucky not to have suffered far more serious injuries or worse after going under a lorry.

The incident happened at just after 4.00pm outside Holy Trinity School in Birmingham Road, Kidderminster.

A rapid response vehicle, an ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a trauma doctor on board were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived they found a 67 year woman who had suffered serious injuries to her legs.  Her shopping trolley was still under the lorry.

“She was immobilised and treated at the scene for the injuries to her legs and also a head injury.  After assessment and stabilisation she was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital by land ambulance.

The lorry driver, whilst shaken, was uninjured.”

Ends

Wednesday 12^th October 2016 – 5.01pm – Murray MacGregor.

A school pupil has been injured after a collision with a pick-up truck outside his school.

The incident happened at just before 3.15pm outside Woodfield School in Hawthorn Lane, Coventry.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived they found an 11 year old boy in a distressed state after a collision with a pick-up truck which had damage in the middle of the bonnet.

“The boy was conscious but had a head injury.  He was treated at the scene by ambulance staff and the doctor from the aircraft.

“After stabilising his condition, he was taken on blue lights to University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire with the doctor travelling on the back of the ambulance with the crew.”

Ends

Created with Nokia Smart Cam

Created with Nokia Smart Cam

Tuesday 11^th October 2016 – 3.40pm – Claire Brown.

A woman sustained a potentially serious head injury in a collision on the M6 in Warwickshire this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the southbound carriageway of the M6 just before junction 1 at around 10.30am this morning (Tuesday). Two ambulances, a community paramedic and a senior paramedic officer attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival ambulance staff found a HGV and a car which had been involved in a serious collision.

“The driver of the car, a 26-year-old woman, was assessed by ambulance staff and was found to have sustained a suspected head injury. The woman was fully immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board and her condition stabilised before she was taken by land ambulance on blue lights to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further trauma care.

“The lorry driver was uninjured.”

ENDS

Monday 10^th October 2016 – 9am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Two people, who were trapped in their car for an hour following a collision with another car, had to be airlifted to hospital yesterday morning (Sunday) as three people in total were injured

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A5 in Queens Head, Oswestry – near to Oswestry Golf Club – just before 7.25am and sent three ambulances and a paramedic area support officer to the scene together with the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival at the scene ambulance crews discovered two cars that had been involved in collision, one of which still had two patients trapped inside.

“The two patients, a man and woman both believed to be in their 70s, had to be cut free with assistance from the fire service.

“The man was treated for injuries to his chest, abdomen and pelvis as well as minor cuts to his head.

“The woman was also treated for pelvic, chest and abdominal injuries. They were both immobilised and given pain relief before being airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“The driver of the second car, a man thought to be in his 40s, was treated for a pelvic injury and a cut to his face. He was immobilised and given pain relief and transported to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital by land ambulance.”

Ends

Friday 7^th October 2016 – 2.40pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Two people had to be cut free and were amongst five injured following a collision between a car and a van this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the B5417 in Oakamoor, Stoke on Trent, at 10.05am and sent four ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and a community first responder to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival at the scene ambulance crews discovered a car and a van that had suffered significant damage in the collision.

“There were five patients, two women from the car and three men from the van.

“One of the women, believed to be in her 70s, had to be cut free from the car. She was treated for a rib injury together with neck and abdominal pain.

“She was immobilised and given pain relief before being transported to Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“The second woman, the driver of the car, had been assisted out of the vehicle. She was treated for chest, ankle and wrist pain, was given pain relief and taken to the same hospital.

“The driver of the van, a man thought to be in his 30s, also had to be cut free. He was treated for ankle and hip pain and immobilised.

“A second man had suffered a back injury whilst the final patient was treated for minor injuries. All three men were also taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital.”

ENDS

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

Thursday 6^th October 2016 – 1.00pm – Claire Brown.

A man and a woman needed trauma care this morning following a collision outside a University in Birmingham.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of the A4540 Dartmouth Middleway and Lister Street near to Aston University Engineering Academy at 8.15am (Thursday). 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 ambulance staff arrived they found a two car collision which had resulted in two pedestrians being injured.

“Both pedestrians were being cared for by passers-by who had stopped to render aid. A woman in her 20s sustained multiple serious injuries. Ambulance staff gave the woman pain relief before administering advanced trauma care on scene to stabilise her condition. She was fully immobilised with a neck collar, scoop stretcher and leg splint before being taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham; the trauma doctor travelled in the ambulance.

“The second pedestrian, a man in his 20s, sustained cuts to his arm, pain in his side and a suspected head injury. He was treated on scene before being taken by land ambulance to Sandwell Hospital.

“No one else was injured.”

ENDS

Wednesday 5^th October 2016 – 5.20pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A collision involving a coach, three cars and a van left three people injured, two of whom required hospital treatment, this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A41 in Shifnal, near to the junction with Chatwell Lane, shortly before 2.50pm and sent three ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team and a Community First Responder to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “One of the patients, a woman in her 40s, had to be cut free from her car with the help of the fire service as a result of the damage caused in the collision.

“She was assessed by ambulance crews and treated for back pain, given pain relief and immobilised before being taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital by land ambulance.

“The driver of the van, a man believed to be in his 20s, was treated for minor chest and head injuries and also taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

“The third patient, a man believed to be in his 40s, was from a second car and treated for knee pain before being discharged on scene.

“Everyone else was uninjured in the incident including the driver of the coach who was the sole occupant on his vehicle.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

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

Tuesday 4^th October 2016 – 8.30am – Claire Brown.

A man has died following a road traffic collision on the M6 in Rugby this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received several 999 calls to reports of a collision involving a van and a lorry on the southbound carriageway of the M6 between junctions 2 and 1 in Harborough Magna at 4.50am (Tuesday). An ambulance, a responder paramedic and a MERIT trauma doctor attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The emergency service arrived to find a serious RTC involving a van and a lorry. Upon assessment by ambulance staff the van driver, a man, was found to be in cardiac arrest. Sadly, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead on scene.

“The lorry driver was uninjured.

“The motorway remains closed between junctions 2 and 1 southbound and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes.”

ENDS

Monday 3^rd October 2016 – 5.15pm – Claire Brown.

A woman has sustained multiple serious injuries following a collision with a lorry in Warwickshire this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Newbold Street and Hamilton Terrace in Leamington Spa shortly before 2.00pm (Monday). An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance with a BASICS doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The cyclist, a woman believed to be in her 40s, was being cared for by police officers when ambulance staff arrived after reportedly been involved in a collision with a lorry.

“Upon assessment the woman was found to have sustained multiple serious injuries with suspected fractures to her ankle and pelvis. She was given pain relief and fluids and once her condition had been stabilised, ambulance staff carefully immobilised her with a neck collar, scoop stretcher and pelvic binder.

“The woman was then taken by land ambulance, with the doctor on board, to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further trauma care.”

ENDS

Monday 3^rd October 2016 – 4.40pm – Claire Brown.

Whilst ambulance staff dealt with a minor RTC on one side of the motorway, another more serious RTC happened on the northbound carriageway on the m42 which left four people needing hospital treatment.

West Midlands Ambulance Service had initially responded an ambulance to a two vehicle collision on the southbound carriageway of the M42 just after 1.30pm. The ambulance crew assessed all patients involved and thankfully no one required hospital treatment. As the crew cleared from that case, they were made aware of a second RTC on the opposite carriageway by passing drivers. The Trust’s control room then received a 999 call from West Midlands Police confirming a multiple vehicle RTC between junctions 5 and 6 of the M42 northbound at around 1.50pm.

Four ambulances and a paramedic area support officer were sent to the scene. Police and fire were also responded and provided assistance in the initial treatment of casualties.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The collision involved a HGV, three vans and a car. The vehicles involved had sustained significant damage.

“The driver of the HGV, a man in his 50s, sustained no apparent injuries but upon assessment his condition concerned ambulance staff and he was taken to Good Hope Hospital for further checks. The driver of the car, an 18-year-old woman, was fully assessed by ambulance staff but escaped with just minor injuries and was discharged on scene.

“The driver of one van, a man believed to be in his late 20s, was stable and alert but ambulance staff were concerned he may have suffered internal injuries due to the damage caused to his van in the collision. He was fully immobilised before being alerted on blue lights by land ambulance to Heartlands Hospital.

“A second van driver, a man in his 50s, sustained severe neck pain. Ambulance staff immobilised him with a neck collar and spinal board and he was taken to Sandwell Hospital.

“The occupants of the third van, two men, received treatment on scene. The passenger was discharged whilst the driver suffered a shoulder injury and was taken to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch for further care.

“With the number of casualties involved, it was a team effort between ambulance staff, police and fire colleagues to ensure the patients received prompt care.”

ENDS

Photographs – Credit West Midlands Ambulance Service