Month: February 2017

Tuesday 28^th February 2017 – 10.30am – Claire Brown.

A car driver has suffered multiple serious injuries after a collision with a lorry in Coventry this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a road traffic collision involving a lorry, car and van on Astley Lane in Bedworth shortly after 7.30am (Tuesday). Two ambulances, a senior paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance with a doctor on board were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The lorry had ended up on its side in the collision and the car had sustained serious damage. The car driver, a man in his 30s, was assessed by ambulance staff and found to have sustained multiple injuries but was conscious. The man was trapped in the wreckage and whilst ambulance staff worked to stabilise his injuries, the fire service worked around them to release him from the car. The man was given pain relief and fully immobilised before being taken by land ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire; the doctor travelled on board to continue treatment en route.

“The lorry driver, a man in his 50s, had managed to climb out of his overturned vehicle prior to our arrival. He had suffered back pain and was taken to George Eliot hospital as a precaution.

“The van driver, a woman in her 20s, was treated for the effects of shock but was uninjured and didn’t require hospital treatment.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor – Photos courtesy of West Midlands Ambulance Service

 

 

Friday 24^th February 2017 – 2.20pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman has died after being rescued from a fire at a flat this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Humphris Street in Warwick at 8am and sent an ambulance and a paramedic area support officer to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, fire crews were searching the building.

“They rescued a woman from the property who was found to be in cardiac arrest.

“Ambulance staff immediately began CPR and administered advanced life support. This continued whilst the patient was transported to Warwick Hospital.

“Unfortunately, shortly after arrival at the hospital it became apparent that nothing could be done to save the woman and she was confirmed deceased.”

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Thursday 23^rd February 2017 – 4.40pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman has been treated for a serious head injury and taken to hospital after being hit by a carport roof this afternoon.

The incident happened at a property off Hartshill Road in Hartshill, Stoke on Trent, shortly before 2.15pm and West Midlands Ambulance Service sent one ambulance to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews were told the roof fell down and hit the woman, which subsequently caused her to collide with a wall.

“The woman, believed to be in her 60s, was treated for a serious head injury and was suffering from a slightly reduced level of consciousness.

“She was also treated for injuries to her face, hand and chest and immobilised before being transported to Royal Stoke University Hospital, where staff had been alerted to the woman’s condition prior to arrival.”

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Notes to Editors:

We do not have any images to accompany this press release.

Thursday 23^rd February 2017 – 4.15pm – Murray MacGregor.

A woman has been taken to a major trauma centre after the 4×4 she was in rolled down an embankment into trees after a crash with another 4×4.

It happened on the A449 at Prestwood just before 1.30pm this afternoon, Thursday.

Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the critical care paramedics from the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire, who are responding on a car today, were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived they found one 4×4 with significant front end damage, but a second one down an embankment in trees after it had rolled over.

“The 67 year old woman driving the second vehicle had a fractured ankle and chest injuries.  Her condition was stabilised before she was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

“There were two people in the other 4×4.  The driver, a 50 year old man was complaining of back pain and had multiple abrasions.  The 49 year old woman had seatbelt injuries.  Both were taken to Russells Hall Hospital.”

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Thursday 23^rd February 2017 – 1.00pm – Murray MacGregor.

Two people have had a lucky escape after a tree crushed the roof of the car they were in.

It happened on Coventry Road in Nuneaton near where it becomes a dual carriageway.

Two ambulances were sent to the scene after a 999 call at 12.05pm today (Thursday).

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found a car that had suffered considerable damage to the roof, with the ceiling being pushed down into the vehicle.

The 17 year old woman driving had managed to get out of the car herself but was complaining of neck and shoulder pain.  She was immobilised before being taken to University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.

A 46 year old man in the passenger seat was complaining of head pain.  After assessment he was discharged at scene.”

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Thursday 23^rd February 2017 – 1.00pm – Murray MacGregor.

A woman has died after a piece of debris fell onto the street in Wolverhampton.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received no fewer than 15 999 emergency calls at 11.43am this morning Thursday to Dudley Street outside Starbucks.

Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the critical care paramedics from the Midlands Air Ambulance in Staffordshire, who responded on a rapid response vehicle, were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found a woman who had suffered very serious head injuries.

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

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Thursday 23^rd February 2017 – 12.00pm – Murray MacGregor.

Two men have been hurt after a tree came down on their car on a rural road.

The incident happened on the A49 Just north of Church Stretton in Shropshire at about 9.30am on Thursday morning.

A paramedic area support officer, two ambulances, a MERIT Trauma doctor and the Hazardous Area Response Team were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a red Ford Focus that had a large tree lying across the bonnet of the car and the rest of the road.

The front seat passenger, a man in his 80s, had suffered a laceration to his neck and was complaining of chest pain.  He was assessed by the doctor who took the decision to take him to the major trauma centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital – the doctor travelled with the crew.

“His wife, who was a rear seat passenger in the car, also travelled to the same hospital though she was uninjured.

“The driver, a 75 year old man, had neck pain and seatbelt pain in his chest.  He was assessed before being taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.”

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Wednesday 22^nd February 2017 – 9.35am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

 

A motorcyclist has died following a collision with a car last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A444 in Nuneaton, near to Griff Roundabout, shortly after 7.35pm and sent two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Critical Care Car to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find two patients, a man from the motorbike and a woman from the car.

“The man was found to be in cardiac arrest. Unfortunately it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The woman, believed to be in her 30s, was treated for a leg injury and a minor cut to the head. She was then transported to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further assessment.”

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Tuesday 21^st February 2017 – 5.15pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman has escaped serious injury despite her car being destroyed in a fire on the motorway this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a collision between a car and a lorry on the southbound carriageway of the M40, between junctions 13 and 12, at 11.35am. One ambulance and a paramedic area support officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival at the scene crews discovered a lorry and a car that had been in collision, the latter of which was ablaze.

“Thankfully, the driver, a woman believed to be in her 20s, had already got out of the vehicle prior to it setting on fire.

“She was treated by ambulance crews for back pain suffered in the collision and given pain relief before being transported to Warwick Hospital for further assessment.

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

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

Monday 20^th February 2017 – 5.10pm – Murray MacGregor.

A woman who was out enjoying the countryside has ended up in hospital after suffering a nasty leg injury and having to be rescued by specialist paramedics and Lickey Hills Country Park staff.

The 39 year old was on the Woodpecker Trail, about a mile from the visitor centre just after midday, when she slipped and suffered a suspected fractured ankle.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “An ambulance crew was initially dispatched but they couldn’t get their vehicle anywhere near the patient.

“The Warden took them in a LandRover to about 200m of the woman’s position which was in a densely wooded area.

“After assessing her condition it was clear that they would need assistance so requested the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) be sent.

“While HART were en-route, the ambulance crew provided pain relief and splinted the woman’s ankle.

“On arrival, HART used their Fairtech stretcher to get the patient across rough ground to the LandRover.  The stretcher has two large wheels that enables it to be used where normal stretchers cant.

“She was then driven down to the waiting ambulance before being taken to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.”

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Friday 17^th February 2017 – 3.40pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) is investing over £400,000 to strengthen its Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) beyond the standard national requirements.

The Trust has to have 42 HART paramedics, which breaks down into seven teams of six. However, in order to add extra resilience, WMAS has employed an extra seven HART paramedics to ensure an operational capability of seven teams of seven.

HART provides paramedic care to patients within a hazardous environment that would otherwise be beyond the reach of NHS care. This can include working at height, collapsed structures or within contaminated environments. HART staff can also operate within the Warm Zone of a firearms incidents to triage, treat and extricate patients.

Having an additional seventh member of the team also allows them to provide a more robust response to HART incidents but also the seventh member of the team can work with Trust staff at bariatric incidents using specialist equipment that has been issued to HART. All ambulances are able to carry a bariatric stretcher. They are held at each hub as well as specialist bariatric vehicles across the Trust.

HART and Special Operations Manager for WMAS, James Price, said: “The significance of the Trust’s decision to extend our HART teams cannot be underestimated.

“Not only does it give us increased resilience in terms of a job HART are required to attend, it also further develops the skillset of an additional seven members of staff into the diverse operating environment of Hazardous Area Response Teams.

“By increasing the number of HART paramedics within the West Midlands, we are further enhancing the service patients receive throughout the region when calling 999 in their hour of need.”

WMAS trialled the Urban Search and Rescue element of HART in 2008, before going fully live with the incident response unit and its associated specialist vehicles in 2009. During the next two years WMAS HART was at the forefront of implementing both the inland water capability and firearms element that can now be seen in HART teams across the country.

ENDS

 

 

Thursday 16^th February 2017 – 4.05pm – Murray MacGregor.

A teenager has suffered critical injuries after a collision with a car.

The collision happened at the junction of Church Road and Horrell Road in the Sheldon area of Birmingham at around 7.35am this morning (Thursday).

An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer, a senior paramedic 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: “On arrival, they found a 14 year old girl who had suffered a serious head injury along with a nasty wound to her leg.

“She was immobilised and had a pelvic binder applied.  The doctor from the aircraft anaesthetised her at the scene before she was taken on blue lights to the region’s paediatric major trauma centre at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.”

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Thursday 16^th February 2017 – 3.37pm – Murray MacGregor.

A woman, whose car hit the central reservation of a busy motorway after a collision with an HGV, has escaped with almost no injury.

The incident, which left her car with significant damage, happened at about 8.30am this morning (Thursday) on the M40 northbound just after Junction 12.

An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance were sent to the scene.  In addition two off duty staff from East Midlands and South Central Ambulance Services stopped to offer assistance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The car had suffered very significant damage down the nearside, but the driver’s side had escaped the worst of it.  This allowed the 30 year old woman from Slough to get out of the vehicle unaided.

“In addition, the crash damaged the central reservation and left debris on both the southbound and northbound carriageways.

“Considering the damage to the car, the woman escaped with remarkably minor injuries.  She  had a minor injury to her shoulder, face and a hand.

“Due to the nature of the crash, she was taken by land ambulance to Warwick Hospital for further assessment.”

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Thursday 16^th February 2017 – 10.00am – Murray MacGregor.

A motorcyclist has died after a collision with a car.

The crash happened on Cannock Road in the Chase Terrace area of Burntwood at about 5.45pm on Wednesday afternoon.

Two community first responders from the Burntwood scheme were sent along with an ambulance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The rider was initially conscious and talking to staff as they assessed his condition.

“He was immobilised and had a pelvic binder put in place and was en-route to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham by ambulance when his condition deteriorated rapidly and he suffered a cardiac arrest.

“The crew diverted to the nearest emergency department at Walsall Manor Hospital whilst resuscitating the patient.

“The MERIT Trauma doctor was sent to the hospital in preparation to transfer the patient to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, but sadly, his condition did not improve and he passed away at hospital yesterday evening.”

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Wednesday 15^th February 2017 – 6.20pm – Murray MacGregor.

Three drivers have been very fortunate to escape serious injury after a car went up the ‘off’ ramp at the Gravelly Hill Interchange, better known as Spaghetti Junction.

Two ambulances were sent to the scene after the incident at about 3.30pm this afternoon, Wednesday.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found three cars, two badly damaged both with front end damage, and a third at right angles to the road.

“The driver of the dark coloured Vauxhall was an 80 year old.  He was suffering from abdominal pains but no other obvious injury.  After treatment at the scene, he was taken by ambulance to Heartlands Hospital for further assessment.

“The driver of the silver car that had been coming down the off ramp was a man in his 40s.  He had a head injury and appeared slightly concussed.  After assessment, he too was taken to Heartlands Hospital for further treatment.

“The man driving the third car, a Lexus, was uninjured and didn’t want assessed by ambulance staff.

“Considering the location, this had the potential to be a very serious incident and it is more than fortunate that the injuries were not more serious.”

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Wednesday 15^th February 2017 – 4.20pm – Murray MacGregor.

A young child has suffered serious injuries after a collision between a car and the pushchair that the youngster was in.

It happened in Pinfold Street, Darlaston outside the Darlaston Health Centre at about 10.10am this morning, Wednesday.

An ambulance attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The 4 month old girl came out of the pushchair as a result of the collision.

“She had suffered injuries to both arms and her head.  After treatment at the scene, she was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital for further assessment with her mother travelling with her.

“There were no other patients.”

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Tuesday 14^th February 2017 – 7.45am – Murray MacGregor.

A teenager has suffered serious injuries after a collision with a car.

The incident happened in Mytton Lane, Shawbury in Shropshire at about 3.55pm on Monday afternoon.

A rapid response vehicle and an ambulance were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The 16 year old ended up on the pavement after the collision.

“He had suffered a head injury as well as a badly broken right leg.

“Ambulance staff splinted his leg and immobilised him berfore he was taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital on blue lights.”

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Monday 13^th February 2017 – 4.20pm – Murray MacGregor.

A woman has suffered multiple serious injuries after a collision between the car she was driving with a lorry.

The crash happened at about 1.50pm on the island under the junction of the A53 and A500 in Stoke on Trent.

Two ambulances and two emergency doctors from the North Staffordshire BASICS scheme were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The car had suffered very considerable damage.

“Ambulance staff and the doctors worked with firefighters to extricate the woman.

“She had suffered multiple serious injuries.  After treatment at the scene, the woman, who is believed to be about 30, was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre with one of the doctors travelling with the ambulance crew.”

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Friday 10^th February 2017 – 8.34am – Murray MacGregor.

One person has died after a severe fire at a house in Birmingham.

West Midlands Ambulance Servce was called to City Road in the Edgbaston area at around 4.40am this morning, Friday.

An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the MERIT Trauma doctor were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found firefighters tackling a fire that had affected two properties.

“The building was very badly damaged and sadly, the body of one person was found inside.

“The Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team has now also been dispatched to the scene to assist firefighters.”

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Thursday 9^th February 2017 – 5.30pm – Claire Brown.

A man needed trauma care from ambulance staff after falling from a scooter in Halesowen this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received a call from the police reporting a road traffic collision on Manor Lane in Halesowen at 2.15pm (Thursday). An ambulance, 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: “Upon arrival ambulance staff found a man in his 20s who had reportedly fallen from a scooter. The man was unconscious and, upon assessment, was found to have sustained a serious head injury. Ambulance staff and the doctor worked as a team to help stabilise his condition ready for immediate transfer to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham by land ambulance; the doctor travelled in the ambulance to continue treatment en route.”

ENDS

 

 

 

Thursday 9^th February 2017 – 10.10am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after falling from his motorbike this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Eastern Avenue in Lichfield shortly before 7.30am 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 on scene to discover a motorcyclist lying in the road with his motorbike nearby. No other vehicles are believed to have been involved in the incident.

“The man, believed to be in his 50s, was assessed and treated for serious injuries including to his chest, abdomen, pelvis and ankle.

“He remained fully conscious throughout, was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board and also had pain relief administered before being flown to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

“Whilst in a serious condition, it is clear his injuries could have been much worse had he not been wearing full leathers and a helmet.”

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Thursday 9^th February 2017 – 9.20am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman has sadly died following a collision with a train this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Barnt Green Railway Station on Fiery Hill Road shortly before 6.55am this morning and sent one ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a woman who had been seriously injured following a collision with a train.

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

“Early indications suggest the incident was a tragic accident.

“As normal in an incident of this nature, a full investigation will be carried out by British Transport Police to determine exactly what happened.”

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Wednesday 8^th February 2017 – 11.55am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A car driver had a lucky escape last night when walking away without serious injury after a collision with an electricity pylon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Warwick Road in Norton Lindsey, near to the junction with Brittons Lane, shortly before 6.20pm and sent one ambulance and a paramedic area support officer to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Arriving at the scene, ambulance crews discovered a car that had been significantly damaged and an electricity pylon suspended low to the ground with cables lying on the road.

“The car driver, a man believed to be in his 20s, had freed himself from the vehicle and was fully conscious.

“He was assessed by ambulance staff and treated for an arm injury and minor neck pain. He was immobilised as a precaution and transported to Warwick Hospital for further assessment.

“Given the damage visible to ambulance crews on arrival at the scene, both to the car and the electricity pylon, it is a lucky escape for the driver that he has not suffered more serious injuries in the collision.”

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

 

Wednesday 8^th February 2017 – 9.45am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Two people required treatment from ambulance staff before being taken to hospital following a collision between two cars and a lorry on the M42 last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident between junctions five and six on the northbound carriageway at 7.30pm and sent two ambulances to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived at the scene to find two cars and a lorry that had collided, leaving two injured patients.

“From one of the cars, the driver, a man believed to be in his 20s, had managed to free himself from his vehicle, which ambulance staff were told had spun as a result of the incident.

“He was treated for a suspected wrist fracture and hand injury, given pain relief and taken to Heartlands Hospital for further assessment.

“A passenger from the second car, a woman thought to be in her 80s, was treated for abdominal and back pain, also given pain relief and taken to the same hospital.”

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Tuesday 7^th February 2017 – 3.20pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman has incredibly escaped injury despite her car leaving the road and overturning this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Billesley Road in Billesley, Warwickshire, shortly after 12.45pm and sent an ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival at the scene, crews discovered a woman, believed to be in her 40s, who was suspended in the air by the seat belt after her car had left the road and overturned, eventually coming to rest against a tree.

“Ambulance staff worked closely with the fire service to safely lower the woman and help her get out of the car.

“She was then assessed by crews but incredibly found to have avoided any injuries which given the damage suffered to the car and the position it has come to rest in, is extremely lucky. The woman was discharged at the scene.”

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

 Tuesday 7^th February 2017 – 1.30pm – Jamie Arrowsmith

Thanks to the generosity of the community within which they work, Alveley Community First Responders (CFRs) have proudly unveiled their brand new and improved response car.

As well as offering increased reliability, it’s 4×4 capabilities will bring obvious benefits in the rural area in which the group responds. It also boasts the new high visibility West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) CFR livery which will make it safer for the team when mobilising to incidents.

The new car features two-way radio with the Emergency Operations Centres at WMAS, which will allow faster response to 999 emergencies and more frequent updates about the job they are attending.

The car has been purchased thanks to kind donations received from members of the general public and charity organisations based in and around the village of Alveley and the Severn Valley.

A substantial proportion of the money was received when Alveley CFRs joined forces with other CFR schemes within the Bridgnorth and District CFR group after being nominated as Bridgnorth Sainsbury’s Charity of the Year for 2015-16.

Scheme member Martin Hill, said: “We are extremely grateful and humbled for the donations and kind comments we regularly receive from all over our community and would like to thank all those who support us.

“The scheme has been running for 12 years now and has provided immediate and lifesaving care for many residents and visitors throughout our community in that time.

“Our scheme relies solely on voluntary donations from both the public and charity organisations. We have annual rising costs that have to be met along with updating or replacing key equipment such as defibrillators, all of which are there to save lives and assist our community during times of medical emergency.

“The village residents regularly support events that are organised by the community to raise funds which is truly fantastic. It would be great also to secure sponsorship from local businesses. We now have a high visibility car that would provide any corporate sponsor with a great advertising opportunity.

“We are also looking for others to join the scheme to help fundraise, we want to keep this scheme going into the future.”

There are currently three members of the Alveley CFRs, who between them provide voluntary cover seven days a week as well as maintaining full time jobs. They are trained by and support WMAS on 999 calls, providing immediate medical assistance for people in their community whilst waiting for a WMAS resource to arrive at the scene.

The scheme covers a rural area in a four mile radius around Alveley, but also support WMAS on calls when required anywhere between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth including areas such as Arley, Six Ashes, Bobbington, Kinver and Wolverley.

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Notes to Editors:

Pictured (l-r) – Lisa Yeomans, Martin Hill and Mike Nixon.

Tuesday 7^th February 2017 – 7.45am – Murray MacGregor.

A pedestrian has died despite all attempts to save him after he was involved in a collision with a lorry.

The crash happened on Lichfield Road near Salford Circus in the Stockland Green area of Birmingham at about 3.00pm on Monday afternoon.

Two ambulances, 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 man who had suffered very significant injuries.

“Ambulance staff and the doctor carried out advanced life support and trauma care at the scene.

“He was anaesthetised before being taken on blue lights and with a police escort to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with the doctor continuing to treat the man en-route.

“Medics at the hospital were awaiting his arrival and continued his care.  Sadly, despite all of the efforts, it was not possible to save him and he was confirmed dead shortly after arrival at hospital.”

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Monday 6^th February 2017 – 2.08pm – Murray MacGregor.

One woman has been anaesthetised at the scene of a serious crash.

The crash happened on the A49 at Dinmore Hill at around 8.00am this morning, Monday.

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

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

“The driver of an Audi, a 19 year old woman, was in a semi-conscious state.  She was extricated from the wreckage with the assistance of the fire service and was immobilised.  On assessment she was found to have serious injuries.

“The doctor anaesthetised her before she was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“The driver of the other car, a 43 year old woman, was said to have been unconscious briefly but had come round.  She was pulled from the wreckage by passers-by who were concerned that the car might be about to go on fire.  Fortunately it didn’t.

“She was also immobilised and was treated for hand, hip and back pain.  She was taken to Hereford County Hospital for further assessment.”

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Monday 6^th February 2017 – 11.00am – Murray MacGregor.

A pedestrian has died after a collision with a car.

It happened on New Street in the Hill Top area of West Bromwich late last night (Sunday)

An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the MERIT Trauma Doctor were sent to the scene after a call at about 11.25pm.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When ambulance staff arrived it was clear that the pedestrian had suffered very serious injuries.

“Sadly, it quickly became apparent that it would not be possible to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The man driving the car was upset but unhurt.”

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Monday 6^th February 2017 – 9.45am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A cyclist has died following a collision with a car in Birmingham yesterday.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Alum Rock Road at 12.21pm and sent two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance to the scene.

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

“Ambulance staff immediately began CPR and administered advanced life support as the man was found to be in cardiac arrest.

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

“A man from the car was assessed for the effects of shock but did not require taking to hospital.”

ENDS

 

Friday 3^rd February 2017 – 4.40pm – Claire Brown.

A collision between two cars left one woman needing life-saving care this afternoon in Dudley.

An ambulance came across the collision at the junction of Pedmore Road and Peartree Lane in Dudley at 2.00pm this afternoon (Friday). The ambulance crew immediately began treatment on scene whilst two more ambulances and a responder paramedic were responded.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The ambulance crew arrived on scene to find two cars which had been involved in a collision; one woman thought to be from one of the cars involved was found underneath one vehicle and was in a serious condition.

“The ambulance crew quickly administered trauma care to the woman before she was conveyed on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Medics in A&E were pre-alerted to her arrival.

“The driver of one car, an elderly man, was given treatment on scene for chest pain before being taken to Russells Hall Hospital.

“The driver of the second car refused assessment and was left in the care of the police.”

ENDS

 

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Friday 3^rd February 2017 – 11.00am – Claire Brown.

A paramedic from Whitchurch is swapping his ambulance for two wheels in April to take on a tour of Wales for charity.

Keen cyclist Richard Bebbington, 50, sets off on his solo cycle journey from his home in Whitchurch on Monday 17^th April and will cover 450-miles around the coast of Wales to raise £1250 for Hope House Childrens Hospice; a charity close to his heart.

The gruelling journey is set to take Richard down the border between England and Wales to Cardiff before continuing along the south coast, up the west side of Caernarfon before following the north coast and heading home.

Richard, who has worked for the ambulance service for 21 years, said: “I aim to travel 80-100 miles per day and hope to complete the journey in five days. The route I’ve chosen will follow a challenging landscape with some long tough inclines.

“I hope to raise £1,250 for Hope House which provides care and support to life-limited children, young people and their families from Shropshire, Cheshire, North and Mid Wales. My friend’s son has spent many weeks at Hope House so know, first hand, how the charity not only provides professional and loving care for the child but also support to families too. Without donations, all the services they provide would be reduced so any support people can give me would be much appreciated.”

To donate, please visit Richard’s Just Giving Page “Richards Tour of Wales” via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/RC-Bebbington.

ENDS

 

 

Thursday 2nd February 2017 – 3.20pm – Claire Brown.

New call assessors from a wide range of backgrounds have joined West Midlands Ambulance Service for a new career saving lives behind the 999s.

In October and December 2016, the Trust further bolstered its call assessor numbers by employing 28 new staff to answer 999 calls in its two Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) in Brierley Hill and Stafford.

With more than 3,000 emergency 999 calls received a day, the service is the third busiest in the country. During a 12-hour shift, a call assessor will answer a staggering 70 999 calls, everything from coughs, twisted ankles and cut fingers through to life threatening calls about chest pain, strokes and serious blood loss.

From a retained firefighter, prison officer, retail assistant and mental health worker, the new call assessors bring a wide range of skills and backgrounds which can only benefit the Trust.

As our control room staff will tell you, it’s one of the most rewarding jobs they’ve ever done. Annie-Rose Blackwell applied for the role of call assessor in October last year, three months later she was answering 999 calls. Annie said: “I was already working for the Trust as a call taker for patient transport but when the job in EOC came up I wanted to experience more of an emergency environment. The training proved intense and at times difficult but the support given by the trainers made the process enjoyable.”

As Annie explains, it’s not just ambulance crews out on the road that help to save lives: “My proudest moment in my new role so far is helping a patient in cardiac arrest and hearing them breathe again.”

Jamie Dubczyk, left his role at Dudley Council to become a call assessor in August. Jamie said: “I wanted a change of career and to work for an organisation where there’s progression. There are challenging days and then days which go smoother than others. It’s an incredibly rewarding job; I’ve helped to save three lives since I joined!”

Becoming a call assessor means completing an intense three-month in-house training programme. Not only do our call assessors receive comprehensive training to use the Trust’s computer systems, they complete an accreditation to use the national telephone triage system, a nationally recognised first aid qualification and learn about health and physiology. Once the classroom training is complete, it’s time for mentoring in the Emergency Operations Centre where they take live 999 calls with an experienced call assessor before undertaking a final assessment where they are signed off as ready to take 999 calls alone.

Liz Parker, the Trust’s Head of EOC Development and Training, said: “You don’t need a university degree or healthcare background to apply for the role as a 999 Call Assessor with us. You’ll receive in-depth training and be supported by the Trust’s EOC training team who specialise in delivering the necessary skills to answer a 999 call.

“If you need to make a 999 call you can be confident that the person answering your call will help you through what can be an emotional and sometimes traumatic experience. If necessary they will arrange for an ambulance to attend, on other occasions they may suggest an alternative route for the patient to the GP or another local healthcare service. Whatever the outcome they will provide the best care for the patient throughout the call.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Pictured left to right (back row) Lucy Fitton, Josh Wright, Gemma Ingham, Annie Rose Blackwell, Jamie Dubczyk. (front row) Jessica Preston, Elizabeth Williams, Kelly Roadway.

 Wednesday 1^st February 2017 – 10am – Jamie Arrowsmith

A seriously injured passenger was trapped for 50 minutes following a two-car collision last night that resulted in four people being taken to hospital.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Hospital Street and Stafford Street in Walsall at 9.35pm and sent three ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and a MERIT trauma doctor to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The two car collision resulted in four patients, one of whom was still trapped when ambulance staff arrived.

“The man, believed to be in his 30s, was cut free with the help of the fire service and treated for suspected wrist and leg fractures and a head injury.

“He was immobilised and given pain relief before being transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham with the hospital having been alerted to the man’s condition prior to his arrival.

“The driver of that car, a man thought to be in his 30s, suffered minor bruising and was suffering from a slightly reduced level of consciousness.

“He was also immobilised and then taken to Walsall Manor Hospital.

“The two occupants of the second car, a man and a woman, were both treated at the scene for minor injuries before being taken to Walsall Manor Hospital for further assessment.”

Ends