Month: November 2016

Wednesday 30^th November 2016 – 10.25am – Murray MacGregor.

Ambulance bosses are urging parents to remind their children about the dangers of crossing roads, especially at this time of year when the sun in low in the sky.

It follows an incident outside the Butlers Lane railway station in the Four Oakes area of Sutton Coldfield where a teenage girl ended up being hurt after a collision with a car.

An ambulance and a rapid response vehicle were sent to the scene after a call at 8.22am this morning (Wednesday).

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We received four 999 calls about the incident.

“The bonnet and windscreen of the car were damaged after the collision with a 13 year old girl.

“Thankfully, her injuries were not as serious as they could have been but she was still suffering from right shoulder and leg pain.

“After being assessed at the scene by ambulance staff, she was immobilised before being taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“The man driving of the car was understandably upset but was otherwise unhurt.

“Clearly this had the potential to be much worse.  It is vital that pedestrians and road users are equally vigilant – with the sun being very low in the sky at commuter times, it is especially important that we look out for each other.”

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Monday 28^th November 2016 – 9.45am – Claire Brown.

A car which ended up down an embankment in Market Drayton yesterday saw ambulance staff provide trauma care to the passenger.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a road traffic collision on Adderley Lane, Adderley, Market Drayton at 5.00pm yesterday (Sunday). Two ambulances, a responder paramedic and the aircrew and MERIT trauma doctor from the Air Ambulance base at Cosford attended in a response car.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff arrived they found a car which had left the road and was down an embankment. The passenger, a man, was out of the vehicle and had sustained multiple serious injuries which required vital trauma care. The man was taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further care; the doctor travelled in the ambulance to continue treatment en route.

“The driver, a man in his 30s, had managed to get out of the car and was walking around the scene. The man was assessed and was found to have suffered relatively minor injuries. Due to the damage caused to the car in the collision, the man was taken to the same hospital as a precaution.”

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Rhianne Pomfret joined Weat Midlands Ambulance Service as an apprentice in the HR Department. Little did she realise that it would lead to her finding her ‘ideal job’.

After helping out at student paramedic recruitment days she realised that, in fact, this was the job for her; the role that she’d been searching for.

She says it is a busy but exciting role where you get to make a difference in people’s lives:

But she says people need to go into the career with their eyes open, but it’s definitely worth it:

And Rhianne has this advice for anyone thinking of applying:

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Friday 25^th November 2016 – 4.50pm – Murray MacGregor.

The chance to become a lifesaving paramedic has piqued the interest of no fewer than 10,000 people.

The staggering figure shows how many people have logged onto NHS Jobs (www.jobs.nhs.uk) to have a look at the person specification to become one of 300 student paramedics with West Midlands Ambulance Service in 2017.

Of those almost 700 have either completed their application or started it.

Recruitment Manager, Louise Harris, said: “With exactly a week to go until the deadline for completing applications (Friday 2^nd December), we are understandably delighted with the level of interest.

“For people who are still unsure about whether to apply, we will be releasing a series of videos of staff who have recently trained with us who explain their experiences.

“However, we would urge people to fill in their applications carefully as we have had dozens of people fail the process as they didn’t say that they had original copies of their qualifications and had applied for their C1 driving licence.  You don’t need the licence, though it is helpful, but you must have applied for it to get through the application process.

“It would be awful if people missed out on a chance of their dream job because they simply weren’t careful in how they applied.

“In addition, we will be taking part in a careers event along with Sandwell College and Jobcentre Plus on Saturday 28^th November between 10.00am – 2.00pm at the College’s Central Campus on Spon Lane West Bromwich.  You can hear about the opportunities as a student paramedic, an ambulance fleet assistant and with our non-emergency patient transport service.”

You can find the application here.

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Friday 25^th November 2016 – 11.45am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A cyclist has received advanced trauma care at the scene of a road traffic collision with a lorry this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Britsol Road in Birmingham, near to the junction with Bellevue, shortly after 10.20am and sent two ambulances and a paramedic area support officer to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival at the scene, crews discovered the cyclist, a man believed to be in his late teens, lying in the road and receiving care from a bystander.

“Ambulance staff treated the man for serious injuries to his legs and pelvis. He was immobilised and given oxygen at the scene before being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, on alert, for further treatment.

“Unfortunately the man’s condition is thought to be serious.

“The driver of the lorry, a man, was treated for the effects of shock before being discharged at scene.”

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Wednesday 23^rd November 2016 – 9.30am – Claire Brown.

A car which clipped a tractor and ended up in a hedge left two men needing our help yesterday.

The incident happened on the road running parallel to the Shropshire Union Canal between Queens Head and Rednal in Oswestry just after 4.00pm on Tuesday. Two ambulances and a senior paramedic officer were responded to the 999 call.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance crews arrived they found a car which had reportedly clipped a tractor before it left the road and overturned into a hedge. The occupants of the car, both men in their 30s, were already out of the vehicle.

“As the men were Bulgarian and didn’t understand English, ambulance staff used their initiative by communicating with them through an online translation tool to carry out a full assessment. The driver sustained head and chest injuries and was given pain relief to help ease his discomfort before being taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further trauma care.

“The passenger suffered relatively minor injuries with a cut to his head and pain in his foot and hand. He was taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

“The tractor driver, who made the 999 call, was assessed but uninjured.”

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Tuesday 22^nd November 2016 – 5.15pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Two cyclists have received treatment for head injuries and been taken to hospital after they collided this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Mouse Hill and Foundry Lane in Pelsall, Walsall, shortly before 3.45pm and sent two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews were told that the two men had initially been knocked unconscious in the collision.

“On arrival of ambulance staff they were both conscious, although at a reduced level.

“Both patients were treated for a head injury, one of whom was in a more serious condition than the other.

“He was transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham by land ambulance with the doctor from the air ambulance accompanying him en-route to continue treatment on the way to the hospital.

“The second man was transported to Walsall Manor Hospital, also by land ambulance.”

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Tuesday 22^nd November 2016 – 2.45pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A pedestrian has died following a collision with a van on a retail park this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Wrekin Retail Park in Telford, shortly after 10.30am, and sent two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived at the scene to find a woman underneath the van following the collision.

“She was quickly assessed and found to be in cardiac arrest.

“Ambulance staff began CPR and administered advanced life support but unfortunately it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The driver of the van, a man, was treated for the effects of shock and discharged at the scene.”

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Monday 21^st November 2016 – 12.43pm – Murray MacGregor.

A woman whose car crashed on a Midlands motorway has the safety barrier to thank for not ending up 70ft below in a river.

The single vehicle crash happened at about 9.25am on Monday morning on the northbound M42 between junctions 10 and 11 on the elevated section.  The car had hit the Armco barrier which had thankfully kept it on the motorway.

An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer and the air crew from the Derbyshire Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance who responded in a response vehicle were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The car had suffered some significant damage.

“The initial call suggested the woman wasn’t breathing, but thankfully it appears she had only been knocked unconscious and was breathing unaided when ambulance staff arrived.

“Firefighters removed the side of the car to allow ambulance staff to remove the woman onto a spinal board and immobilise her.

“She was taken to the trauma centre at Royal Derby Hospital with a head injury.”

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Monday 21st November 2016 – 12.15pm – Murray MacGregor.

Ambulance staff say a motorcyclist who suffered serious leg injuries could have been in a far more serious state had he not been wearing full ‘leathers’.

The incident happened at about 7.55am on Monday morning outside the Alcester Sewerage Works on the Alcester Bypass.

An ambulance was first on scene and was backed up by a paramedic area support officer and the critical care car from The Air Ambulance Service.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived they found a motorcyclist who had come off his bike.  There had been a collision with a Volvo 4×4 vehicle.  The bike and rider ended up 20-30 feet away from the Volvo.

“The 36 year old rider had suffered a badly broken left leg.  After receiving pain relief, ambulance staff had to straighten it and then splint it.

“Fortunately, his leathers had done their job and saved him from other potentially serious injuries.

“After his condition was stabilised, he was taken on blue lights to the Major Trauma Centre at University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.

“The man driving the Volvo was unhurt.”

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(Library Picture)

Monday 21^st November 2016 – 12.06pm – Murray MacGregor.

A pedestrian has suffered critical injuries after a collision with a bus.

The collision happened at the junction of Avenue Road and Attleborough Road in Nuneaton at about 7.05am on Monday morning.

An ambulance was on scene within three minutes and was backed up by a paramedic area support officer shortly afterwards.

“The pedestrian, a man believed to be in his 60s had suffered multiple serious injuries.

“Ambulance staff stabilised his condition before immediately taking him on blue lights to the major trauma centre at University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.

“On arrival, his condition was said to be critical.

“No-one else was hurt.”

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Friday 18^th November 2016 – 10.30am – Claire Brown.

It’s been a busy start in Birmingham this morning after the emergency services responded to two serious RTCs involving children within the space of 45 minutes.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The Trust’s Emergency Operations Centre sent an ambulance and paramedic area support officer to a 999 call at the junction of Bacchus Road and Nineveh Road, Soho, just after 8.00am today. Upon arrival, the two paramedics and technician found an 11-year-old boy being cared for by his family after being involved in a collision with a lorry.

“The boy sustained potentially limb-threatening injuries to his lower leg as well as a minor head injury. The trio of ambulance staff administered vital trauma care to stabilise the boy’s condition, giving pain relief and dressing his wounds, before he was alerted on blue lights to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further specialist care.

“Just 45 minutes later, several 999 calls came in reporting a collision involving a refuse lorry and a motorbike on the Walsall Road in Great Barr. 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.

“The motorbike caught fire following the collision which left the motorcyclist, a 16-year-old boy, with burns to his chest and legs as well as neck and back pain. Ambulance staff and the trauma doctor administered pain relief to the teenager before they carefully applied dressings to his wounds. Once stable, he was taken by land ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham; the doctor travelled with the teenager to continue treatment en route and the hospital was pre-alerted to the arrival of the boy.”

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Friday 18^th November 2016 – 9.15am – Claire Brown.

Two men involved in a collision yesterday evening were treated by ambulance staff before being taken to a major trauma centre.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Sir Herbert Austin Way in Northfield shortly before 6.00pm last night (Friday). Two ambulances and a paramedic area support officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival ambulance staff found a motorcyclist off his bike and a pedestrian who, crews were told, suffered a brief loss of consciousness following the collision.

“The biker, a man in his 40s, was wearing full leathers and a helmet which helped to reduce the level of injury caused. He was treated on scene for minor injuries before being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“The pedestrian, a man also in his 40s, sustained a head injury, pain to his abdomen and thigh as well as a serious leg injury. He was given pain relief and fully immobilised by ambulance staff before being taken to the same hospital for further trauma care.”

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Thursday 17^th November 2016 – 3.00pm – Claire Brown.

A school in Stourbridge has purchased a defibrillator to help keep their students and teachers alive and kicking.

Ridgewood High School in Wollaston bought a defibrillator after learning about the benefits of the device from a member of their Parent Teacher Association who is a former member of WMAS. After getting advice from the Trust about the defibrillators, the school purchased a life-saving device from Physio Control.

Lee Farley, Black Country Advanced Paramedic, visited the school in September to provide defibrillator training and awareness to staff and said: “It’s great to see a school taking such an active interest in the lives of their students and staff alike. The device is ready to help if the worst should ever happen at the school.”

Mr Steve Tivey, Assistant Headteacher at Ridgewood High School, said: “The defibrillator was purchased through the Ridgewood Parent Teacher Association. Lee Farley came into school before the start of the Autumn term and trained 16 members of staff in its use. We hope to also train students and more staff with the skills we’ve learnt in CPR and how to use the defibrillator. The support we gained was great and we are really grateful to Lee.”

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Notes to Editor:

Pictured (left to right) Lee Farley, Ed Bache Headboy, Rebecca Foster Headgirl. Steve Tivey Assistant Headteacher.

Thursday 17^th November 2016 – 11.20pm – Murray MacGregor.

A pedestrian has died after a collision with a lorry.

The tragic incident happened in Jowetts Lane, West Bromwich at about 8.35am this morning, Thursday.

A rapid response vehicle, two ambulances and a paramedic area support officer attended the incident.  The Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with the MERIT Trauma Doctor on board was en-route but was stood down before arrival.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a man who had suffered very significant injuries.

“Sadly, it was almost immediately obvious that there was nothing that could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“There were no other patients.”

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Wednesday 16^th November 2016 – 10.20am – Murray MacGregor.

In the two days since we opened applications for our student paramedic programme on NHS Jobs, over 5,000 people have had a look at the information.

Amazingly, over 130 have already successfully submitted their application for one of the 300 jobs on offer.

However, over 200 more have already failed to apply successfully because they have not met two of the criteria laid out in the application process: to have applied for their C1 licence (if they don’t already have one) and be able to provide original copies of their exam certificates.

Recruitment Coordinator, Nicola Campbell, said: “I would urge anyone looking to apply to make sure that they read all of the information on NHS Jobs thoroughly, particularly the ‘Additional Information’ document that you can download.

“All of the information that you need to be able to apply is there, but some people have apparently missed some of the requirements.

“Looking at the comments on the Trust’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages (search for officialWMAS), there are clearly lots of people interested and excited at the prospect of joining us, which is great.  Please make sure you don’t lose your opportunity by missing out some vital piece of information.”

Details about the role and the application can be found on NHS Jobs here.

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Tuesday 15^th November 2016 – 5.30pm – Claire Brown.

Two pedestrians and a motorist have received advanced trauma care after a collision in Solihull this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a car which had collided with a house in White House Way, Solihull, shortly after 3.00pm (Tuesday). Three ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a BASICS emergency doctor and an advanced paramedic attended the scene together with the Midlands Air Ambulance air crew and MERIT trauma doctor who responded to the scene by car due to poor weather.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival ambulance staff found a car which had collided with two pedestrians before hitting the porch of a property.  The pedestrians, two men in their 20s, sustained multiple serious injuries. Ambulance staff and the two doctors worked as two teams to deliver advanced trauma care to each pedestrian at the scene before both men were taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. A doctor travelled with each patient to continue treatment en route.

“The driver of the car, an 18-year-old man, suffered lower limb injuries and required trauma treatment by ambulance staff at the scene to stabilise his condition. Once release from the car by the fire service, the man was fully immobilised and taken by land ambulance to Heartlands Hospital for further care. The passenger, a man, was given assessment at the scene after sustaining a minor shoulder injury, cuts and bruises but was discharged on scene and didn’t go to hospital.

“All three emergency services worked extremely well together to ensure each patient received the best care possible.”

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Tuesday 15^th November 2016 – 5pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has died after the car he was travelling in collided with a tree this afternoon near Rugby.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident between the A45 and junction one of the M45, eastbound, shortly before 1.30pm. An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival at the scene, crews discovered a car that had suffered serious damage in collision with a tree.

“The driver, a man, was found to be in cardiac arrest and police had already commenced CPR.

“Ambulance staff took over and administered advanced life support but unfortunately it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

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Tuesday 15^th November 2016 – 1pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

An elderly woman has received advanced trauma care for serious injuries at the scene of a collision with a lorry this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Soho Road in Birmingham shortly before 10.45am. Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a pedestrian with multiple serious injuries following the collision.

“She was treated for a significant arm injury, as well as head and pelvic injuries. In order to stabilise her condition, she was anaesthetised at the scene by the air ambulance medic.

“She was then transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, with the hospital having been alerted to her condition prior to arrival.

“Unfortunately, the woman’s injuries are thought to be extremely serious.”

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Tuesday 15^th November 2016 – 12.25pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A car driver was trapped for 45 minutes following a collision with a van this morning that resulted in three patients for ambulance crews to treat.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Kitchener Road and Pershore Road in Birmingham shortly before 7.45am and sent three ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived at the scene to find a car with significant damage, having been in collision with a van.

“The driver of the car, a man believed to be in his 20s, was still inside the vehicle.

“Ambulance staff worked closely with the fire service to safely cut him out of the car before treating him for significant leg injuries.

“He was immobilised and given pain relief before being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

“A second man in his 20s, from the same car, had managed to get himself out of the vehicle. He was also treated for a leg injury and taken to the same hospital.

“The van driver, a man thought to be in his 40s, was treated at the scene for minor injuries before also being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, as a precaution.”

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Picture courtesy of West Midlands Fire Service / @HighgateFire

 

Tuesday 15^th November 2016 – 10.30am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman has died after a house fire last night.

The tragic incident happened in Catesby Drive, Kingswinford, shortly before 11.30pm and West Midlands Ambulance Service sent an ambulance and a paramedic area support officer to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Once firefighters had brought the fire under control ambulance staff were able to access the woman through a window.

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

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Tuesday 15^th November 2016 – 9.55am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A cyclist has died following a road traffic collision with a car in Shropshire last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A458 near Ford, just outside Shrewsbury, shortly before 5.45pm and sent an ambulance and a paramedic area support officer to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found the cyclist, a man, at the roadside.

“He was in cardiac arrest and already receiving CPR from an off duty nurse and police.

“Ambulance staff took over and administered advanced life support but unfortunately it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

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

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Monday 14^th November 2016 – 6.30pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman has died and a child has been airlifted to hospital in a critical condition following a collision between a car and a van this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A49 in Leominster, near to Northside Service Station, just after 3.30pm and sent two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a BASICS doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham to the scene.

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

“The driver of the car, a woman, had suffered extremely serious injuries in the incident.

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

“From the same car, a young girl was treated for serious head and abdominal injuries.

“She was anaesthetised in order to stabilise her condition before being flown to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Unfortunately, her injuries are thought to be extremely serious.

“A second girl, who was the front seat passenger, was treated for a leg injury and suspected chest injuries before being taken to Hereford County Hospital.

“The driver of the van, a man believed to be in his 40s, was treated for cuts and the effects of shock and also taken to Hereford County Hospital.”

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Monday 14^th November 2016 – 9.30am – Murray MacGregor.

A 12 year old boy has suffered very serious injuries after he was involved in a collision with a car.

It happened at about 3.40pm on Sunday afternoon on Warstones Road in the Penn area of Wolverhampton.

An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a trauma doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found a 12 year old who had suffered a very serious head injury. The windscreen of the car was damaged.

“The ambulance staff and doctor treated the child at the scene before he was anaesthetised by the doctor.

“He was then taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, the region’s paediatric major trauma centre, with the doctor and critical care paramedic from the air ambulance travelling with the ambulance crew.”

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(Library Picture)

 

Friday 11^th November 2016 – 4.45pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has been airlifted to one of the region’s major trauma centres with serious injuries following a collision involving two cars and a lorry this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Pipers Lane and Coleshill Road in Nuneaton shortly after 2.15pm. An ambulance, a community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered two cars and a lorry that had been involved in collision.

“The driver of the one of the cars, a man, was quickly freed from his vehicle in order for treatment to begin.

“Ambulance staff administered emergency treatment for the serious injuries he had suffered, including a head injury.

“Once his condition had been stabilised the man was carefully moved to the air ambulance before being airlifted to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“Unfortunately the man’s condition is thought to be serious.

“The driver of the second car and the lorry, both men, were assessed and discharged at the scene.”

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Friday 11^th November 2016 – 10am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Do you like helping people? Are you passionate about the West Midlands? If so, you have two of the ideal qualities we are looking for.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) is recruiting 300 student paramedics and you will be able to find out everything you need to know about applying at a careers event being held in conjunction with Sandwell College and Jobcentre Plus. The event will take place at the college’s Central Campus on Saturday, November 26^th.

For those of you who cannot wait that long, the good news is that the vacancies open on Monday, November 14^th. For more details about the role, qualifications required and to apply, log on to NHS Jobs from Monday.

If you are wondering ‘What if I haven’t got the correct qualifications?’ ‘What does the fitness test include?’ ‘What about the driving aspect of becoming a student paramedic?’ The answers, and solutions, to all of your questions will be on offer at the careers event, together with advice on other job opportunities that are available within WMAS.

There will also be the chance to look around an ambulance and chat to student paramedics who will be on hand to talk about their experiences and offer advice on the best way to secure one of the 300 places.

Sandwell College will also be showcasing the apprenticeships they are able to offer whilst West Bromwich Job Centre will be represented to help those trying to find employment.

There are student paramedic positions available within the Black Country, Birmingham, Staffordshire, Coventry & Warwickshire and Shropshire.

WMAS Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Marsh said: “Being a paramedic is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world and it offers the chance to have an amazing career.

“The feeling of satisfaction you get when helping someone in their hour of need is something unique.

“The job fair is a fantastic opportunity for people to get the guidance they need to becoming a student paramedic, whatever stage of the journey you are at.”

Sandwell College Principal, Graham Pennington, said: “We are delighted to be working in collaboration with WMAS and Jobcentre Plus for such an important careers fair. We are proud to be hosting at our dedicated careers college campus, which prepares students for the world of work in the healthcare sector with its state-of-the-art facilities and simulated hospital ward.”

Pauline Jones, Jobcentre Plus District Provision Manager for the Black Country, said: “These vacancies represent magnificent opportunities for our claimants, and we will be actively marketing them and encouraging people to be in attendance on the day.”

The careers event takes place at Sandwell College on Spon Lane between 10am and 2pm and is open to all to attend.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please email recruitment@wmas.nhs.uk.

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Friday 11^th November 2016 – 9am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman has died following an incident in Birmingham in the early hours of this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called by police to Sutton New Road, Erdington, just before 3.44am. Two ambulances and a paramedic area support officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews were told that is thought the woman had been involved in collision with a vehicle.

“She had suffered very serious injuries and unfortunately it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.”

“The road remains closed this morning and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes.”

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Monday 7^th November 2016 – 8.50am – Claire Brown.

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, a motorist has sadly died this morning in Birmingham.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called by police to reports of a single car collision on the A456 Quinton Expressway in Quinton at 2.45am this morning (Monday). A paramedic area support officer and a MERIT trauma doctor were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance staff arrived within four minutes of the 999 call to find a car which was on fire following a collision. Despite the swift actions of all three emergency services, sadly nothing could be done to save the motorist, a man, and he was confirmed dead on scene.

“The road remains closed this morning and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes.”

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Friday 4^th November 2016 – 8.45am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A pedestrian was alerted in to one of the region’s major trauma centres with serious injuries following a collision with a car last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Walmley Ash Road in Minworth, Sutton Coldfield, near to Asda supermarket, shortly after 5.30pm and sent one ambulance to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival at the scene crews discovered a man, believed to be in his 20s, who had been hurt in collision with a car.

“The man was suffering from a reduced level of consciousness and was treated for a serious head injury as well as chest and leg pain.

“Following emergency treatment at the scene he was quickly transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham for further assessment. The hospital had been alerted to the man’s condition prior to arrival.

“There were no other injuries suffered in the incident.”

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Thursday 3^rd November 2016 – 12.25pm – Claire Brown.

A collision involving two cars has left two men and a woman in hospital this morning in Telford.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Springhill Road and Station Road in Dawley at 9.50am (Thursday). Three ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival crews found two cars which had been involved in a serious collision. The occupants of one car, an elderly man and woman, were still in the vehicle.

“The driver, an 89-year-old man, sustained a head injury in the collision. Ambulance staff carried out further checks and treated the man’s head injury before he was airlifted to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

“The passenger, an 83-year-old woman, sustained back and chest pain. She was immobilised before being taken by land ambulance to Princess Royal Hospital.

“The driver of the second car, a man in his 60s, was out of the vehicle when ambulance staff arrived. Upon assessment, he was found with back pain, pain to his side and a large cut to his head. The man was given pain relief to help ease his discomfort whilst ambulance staff worked to dress his wound. The man was then taken by land ambulance to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further trauma care.”

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Wednesday 2^nd November 2016 – 5.58pm – Murray MacGregor.

A motorcyclist has been airlifted to a major trauma centre after a collision with a car.

It happened close to the Ambleside Care Home on Evesham Road, Dodwell near  Stratford Upon Avon at about 3.10pm on Wednesday afternoon.

A community first responder from the Alcester scheme came across the incident shortly after it had happened and stopped to offer assistance.  She was quickly followed by an ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived they found a man in his 40s who had suffered multiple serious injuries.

Ambulance staff and the air ambulance doctor worked to stabilise his condition before airlifting him to the major trauma centre at University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.

“The woman driving the car was unhurt but understandably upset by what had happened.”

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Wednesday 2^nd November 2016 – 1.10pm – Murray MacGregor.

The thought of carrying a patient with a broken ankle down about 150 steps meant it was time for one ambulance crew to call in a bit extra muscle.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident in Wrens Nest Nature Reserve in Dudley at just before 2.00pm on Tuesday afternoon.

A 33 year old woman had been out walking with her husband and their dogs in the beauty spot when she tripped and fell.  Unfortunately, it was obvious that she had hurt her ankle badly so called 999.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Initially an ambulance was sent to the nature reserve but the woman was a good 15 minutes walk into the woods.

“She was able to tell the crew that she had heard a ‘snap’ and was unable to put any weight on the ankle.  Based on the deformity, it was almost certainly broken so after pain relief, the crew splinted the ankle.

“While the crew started to treat the woman they also asked for back up due to the distance and number of steps involved to get the woman out of the nature reserve.

“A second ambulance crew and the Hazardous Area Response Team were sent and together they were able to carry her down the many steps and eventually back to the ambulance after which she was taken to Russells Hall Hospital.

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Wednesday 2^nd November 2016 – 8.42am – Murray MacGregor.

A boy has suffered critical injuries after a collision with a bus.

It happened at about 3.50pm on Tuesday afternoon in Crankhall Lane in West Bromwich.

Two ambulances arrived within eight minutes of the call and were backed up by a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a trauma doctor on board.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found a boy, of about 11 years, under a bus.  He had suffered multiple serious injuries.

“The crews worked with the doctor to stabilise his condition, which was critical, at the scene before he was taken on blue lights to Birmingham Children’s Hospital with the doctor travelling with the ambulance crew.

“No-one on the bus was hurt.”

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Tuesday 1^st November 2016 – 10.30am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman who had to be cut free through the roof of her car was one of four patients needing hospital treatment following a two-vehicle RTC last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Hampton Bishop in Hereford near to the junction of the Bunch of Carrots Inn and the B4224 at 7pm. Four ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a MERIT trauma doctor, a BASICS doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance Crew from Strensham in a rapid response vehicle attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived they found two cars that had both suffered significant front end damage.

“One of the cars still had a woman, believed to be in her 40s, trapped inside.

“She was assessed by ambulance staff and treated for serious injuries and cuts to her face as well as head injuries.

“Crews worked closely with the fire service to safely free her through the roof before she was given pain relief and taken to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

“The MERIT doctor travelled on the back of the ambulance to continue treatment en-route to the hospital.

“The driver, a man in his 40s, had managed to free himself.

“He was treated for chest pain and given pain relief before being transported to Hereford County Hospital.

“The driver of the second car, a man thought to be in his 40s, had been assisted out by bystanders prior to the arrival of ambulance staff.

“He had suffered a fractured arm as well as suspected leg and rib fractures. He was also treated for chest and back pain and was taken to Hereford Hospital.

“The passenger in that car, a man believed to be in his 30s, was assisted out of the vehicle and treated for head, chest, wrist and back injuries. He was given pain relief before being taken to the same hospital.”

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Tuesday 1^st November 2016 – 10.00am – Murray MacGregor.

The Trust’s Fleet Services Department has become the first of any emergency service in the country to scoop two prestigious accreditations.

Not only have the staff met the exacting standards set out in the Freight Transport Association (FTA) ‘Van Excellence’ award for the 3rd year running, but they have also picked up the Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE) Workshop Accreditation.  WMAS is the first emergency service in the country to achieve this.

To achieve these awards, the Fleet Services Department has had to demonstrate exceptionally high standards in areas such as audit best practice and a range of compliance tests in areas such as the premises worked in, equipment, technical staff, management and clerical staff, documentation, quality and appearance.

General Manager for Fleet Services, Tony Page, said: “For the past 18 months our workshop teams have been attending training courses in vehicle fuel injection, diagnostics, electronics, air conditioning and the like.  Seven of our engineers have already progressed to ‘Master Technician’ level with many more working towards this.   Our end to end processes and level of data contained in our fleet management system have also been well received by the IRTE experts visiting our facilities.

“One of the biggest challenges we face is keeping up to date with the ever increasing complexities of the ambulances that we maintain.  Part of the accreditation is to be able to demonstrate that our staff are not only suitably qualified but that they are undertaking ongoing training to keep up with vehicle technology advances.   This is something that has been standard practice in the aviation industry and is now being rolled out with our vehicle engineers.

“These two awards reflect the professionalism and amazing dedication of our fleet services team to make sure that our operational staff always have vehicles available to respond to patients in their hour of need.  These awards demonstrate that we have not only one of the most modern fleets in the country, but they are also amongst the safest and best maintained anywhere.”

Picture – from left to right: James Hodgetts, Apprentice Mechanic; Ashely Moody, Erdington Mechanic; Ian Lawson, Birmingham Workshops Supervisor; Bob Foode, Coventry & Warwickshire Workshops Supervisor; Mick Tandy, Erdington Mechanic; Tony Jones, Head of Engineering; Berwyn Jones, Black Country Workshops Supervisor; Anthony McNamee, Senior Storesperson; and Dave Capewell, West Mercia Workshops Supervisor.

Note to Editors

The Institute of Road Transport Engineers is an independent body providing support and guidance to transport engineers and technicians.  IRTE believes in promoting competence, best practice and safety in the workplace, as well as recognising and addressing the needs of those working in the transport industry.

IRTE is working with the Freight Transport Association (FTA) to deliver IRTE Workshop Accreditation, an independent accreditation scheme designed to measure the procedures of independent workshops against those set by major industry stakeholders.  This programme enables maintenance providers to demonstrate their competence and excellence whilst allowing operators and manufacturers to choose workshops that have been independently assessed to IRTE’s quality assured standards.

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