Month: April 2017

Wednesday 26^th April 2017 – 11.00am – Murray MacGregor.

A woman has been alerted into a major trauma centre after a car left a road and struck a tree.

The incident happened at about 7.15pm on Tuesday evening on Burton Hills Road, Burton Dassett, near to The White House.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived they found a car that had left the road, struck a tree and come to rest back on the carriageway; it had suffered significant front end damage with debris across the road.

“The driver, a man estimated to be in his 30s, was out of the vehicle and uninjured; he was left helping police with their enquiries.

“The front seat passenger, a 33-year-old woman was complaining of back and abdominal pain.  She was immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board before being taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.”

Ends

 

Tuesday 25^th April 2017 – 5pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A car driver has been taken to hospital following a collision between a car and a double decker bus this afternoon.

A Patient Transport Service vehicle came across the incident on Robin Hood Road in Willenhall, Coventry at 2.50pm. One ambulance and a paramedic officer were then sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a car that had suffered severe damage in collision with a bus.

“The car driver, a man believed to be in his 40s, managed to free himself from his vehicle.

“He was treated for suspected broken ribs and a hand injury and transported to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“There was one patient from the bus, a man believed to be in his 60s who had suffered a hand injury. He was treated in a nearby medical centre and did not require onward transport to hospital.

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

Ends

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

 

Monday 24^th April 2017 – 10am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Three people have been treated at the scene of a collision between a car and a stationary car before being transported to hospital last night (Sunday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A5 in Fazeley, Tamworth just before 11.10pm and sent three ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and a rapid response paramedic to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived at the scene to discover three patients who had been injured in the collision.

“There were two patients in the stationary vehicle, both men in their 20s.

“The passenger got himself out of the car by climbing out of the window. He was treated for chest and arm pain.

“The driver, who managed to get himself out of the car, was treated for back pain and leg pain.

“The driver of the second car, a woman believed to be in her 20s, was out of the car on arrival of ambulance staff. She was treated for minor back injuries and a hand injury.

“All three patients were then transported to Good Hope Hospital for further treatment.”

Ends

 

Friday 21^st April 2017 – 10.30am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman has been treated for serious injuries after her car caught fire following a collision with a bridge last night (Thursday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of the A5 and Horsebrook Hall Lane between Gailey and Weston-Under-Lizard in South Staffordshire, shortly after 8pm. An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and a MERIT trauma doctor were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a car that was well ablaze and a woman believed to be in her 30s who was out of the vehicle.

“She was suffering from a slightly reduced level of consciousness and treated for a fractured leg. She had also suffered burns to her legs, which ambulance staff treated her for at the scene.

“The woman was given pain relief before being transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham for further treatment.

“West Midlands Ambulance Service would like to praise the actions of a lorry driver and another motorist who stopped at the scene to pull the woman from the burning car. It is highly likely that without their actions, the woman would have suffered extremely serious injuries.”

Ends

Wednesday 19^th April 2017 – 1.35pm – Murray MacGregor.

An elderly man has suffered very serious injuries after a collision with a car.

It happened at about 11.00am on Lichfield Road in the Rushall area of Walsall.

An ambulance was initially sent, but the crew quickly requested a doctor so the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with the MERIT trauma doctor on board was dispatched along with a paramedic area support officer.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival ambulance staff were told that the man had been in collision with a car though there was no car at the scene.

“The man, had suffered very serious injuries to his head, chest and left ankle.

“Due to his condition, he was anaesthetised at the roadside by the doctor before being airlifted to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham where medics were put on standby for the aircraft’s arrival.”

Ends

Tuesday 18^th April 2017 – 3.40pm – Claire Brown.

A van driver needed advanced trauma care at the scene of a collision before being airlifted to hospital this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A446 Lichfield Road near to The Belfry Hotel at 1.22pm earlier today (Tuesday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, medics from the West Midlands Central Accident Resuscitation Emergency (CARE) Team and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance with a doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When the emergency service arrived on scene they found an unconscious man trapped in the wreckage of a van which had collided with a flatbed lorry.

“Whilst the fire service worked quickly to cut away the wreckage, ambulance staff and medics worked as a team to help administer trauma care to the seriously injured man. Once freed from the van, the man in his 40s received further advanced treatment by ambulance staff at the roadside to help stabilise his serious condition. The man was then transferred to the awaiting helicopter, which had landed in a field next to the road, and airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham; a major trauma centre, for further care.

“The lorry driver was uninjured in the collision.”

ENDS

 

Sunday 16^th April 2017 – 8.20am – Murray MacGregor.

Twenty five residents have been rescued after a large fire at a care home.

All three emergency services were called Standon House Care Home in Ashby Road, Tamworth at 11.00pm last night Saturday.

A rapid response vehicle was first on scene and quickly asked for multiple other resources to be sent. In addition, 5 ambulances were sent along with the MERIT Trauma Doctor, The Air Ambulance Service Critical Care Car, the Hazardous Area Response Team, two paramedic officers and an emergency preparedness manager to act as a national interagency liaison officer.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The property has suffered very considerable damage, but fortunately, firefighters and staff were able to bring all of the residents out of the building.

“After assessment at the scene by ambulance staff and the doctors, six patients were taken to Good Hope Hospital with a further patient taken to Queens Hospital in Burton. Two of the patients taken to Good Hope were in a serious condition.

“A total of 16 other residents were rehoused within adjacent flats, but two residents were taken by ambulance to other care homes.

“There was excellent teamwork between the emergency services and the local authority.”

Thursday 13^th April 2017 – 4.45pm – Murray MacGregor.

A trip in an air ambulance to hospital with a nasty ankle injury was hardly what one woman imagined when she went out for a walk with her family this lunchtime.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the top of the path at Kinver Edge at about 1.30pm today (Thursday).

A 40-year-old woman had tripped and gone over on her right ankle resulting in a suspected fracture dislocation.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “An ambulance, the Hazardous Area Response Team and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford were all dispatched to the scene.

“Given the location, the air ambulance arrived first and after quickly assessing the patient, stood the other resources down.

“The woman received treatment from the aircrew including a trauma doctor, before having her leg splinted.  A member of the public in a 4×4 then assisted by helping to move the woman to the aircraft before the short flight to New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton.

“We’d like to thank the members of the public and the woman’s family at the scene for their assistance.”

Ends

Thursday 13^th April 2017 – 3.20pm – Murray MacGregor.

An elderly man has been airlifted to hospital with a potential fracture to his hip after he fell from a ladder.

The incident happened in the Henwick Grove area of Worcester on the west side of the River Severn at about 11.40am this morning.

An ambulance was initially sent but the crew requested a helicopter and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham was sent, landing at the Hallow Recycling Centre.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The man, who was in his mid 70s had been up a ladder when it fell leaving him hanging onto a window ledge on the first floor.

“He dropped to the ground landing on his feet but falling over.

“He was assessed at the scene for hip and back pain.  The man was immobilised, had a pelvic binder put in place and was given pain relief before being taken to the waiting aircraft for a flight to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

Note to Editors

We will not be giving details of the exact location of where the man fell in order to protect the patient’s identity.

Ends

Wednesday 12^th April 2017 – 3.40pm – Claire Brown.

Two teenagers have received trauma care by ambulance staff this lunchtime after the motorcycle they were riding collided with a car in Birmingham.

The incident happened on Horton Square, just off Belgrave Middleway near to Birmingham Central Mosque shortly after 1.00pm this afternoon (Wednesday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a community paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulances responded to reports of two teenagers who had come off a motorbike following a collision with a car. When ambulance staff arrived on scene neither had a helmet on.

“The 15 and 16-year-olds both sustained head injuries. Ambulance staff and the doctor administered pain relief to help stabilise their conditions before both teens were immobilised with neck collars and spinal boards. The 15-year-old was taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital whilst the older teen went to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham; both travelled on blue lights by land ambulance.

“The car driver was assessed but uninjured in the collision.”

 

ENDS

 

Tuesday 11^th April 2017 – 1.20pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman who was found lying in the road, unconscious, has been taken to one of the region’s major trauma centres following treatment from the ambulance service.

The 999 call to West Midlands Ambulance Service, made at 10.50am, reported that a woman had fallen from a moving car on Churchill Avenue, Coventry. An ambulance, a paramedic area support 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 woman, believed to be in her 20s, lying unconscious in the road.

“She was assessed, carefully moved on to the back of the ambulance and treated for a head injury which is not thought to be serious.

“As a precaution, the air ambulance crew travelled on the back of the ambulance as the woman was transferred to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire. Thankfully, by the time of arrival she had regained consciousness.”

ENDS

 

Tuesday 11^th April 2017 – 9am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman has died following a house fire in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Turin Road in Newcastle shortly after 1.30am. An ambulance and a paramedic area support officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When ambulance crews arrived at the scene the house was well ablaze.

“Firefighters entered the property and managed to get the woman out, taking her outside to waiting ambulance staff.

“The woman was in cardiac arrest and crews immediately began CPR.

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

“There were no other patients from the fire.”

ENDS

Monday 10^th April 2017 – 4.30pm – Claire Brown.

A collision involving a car and a van has left two men requiring hospital treatment this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Elford Road in Tamworth at 12.50pm (Monday). Two ambulances and a senior paramedic officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance staff arrived to find a van on it’s roof and a car with significant damage. The driver of the car, a man in his 30s, was trapped in the wreckage and had sustained multiple serious injuries to his limbs together with chest pain. Ambulance staff administered treatment to the man whilst the fire service worked to release him from the car.

“The man was fully immobilised and given pain relief before being taken to Heartlands Hospital.

“The occupants of the van, two men, were described as walking wounded. The driver, a man in his 50s, was discharged on scene whilst his passenger, a man in his 40s, required further hospital treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham due to an existing medical condition.”

ENDS

 Notes to Editor

Photos – please credit ‘West Midlands Ambulance Service’

 

Monday 10^th April 2017 – 8.58am – Murray MacGregor.

One man has died and two others have suffered serious injuries after a crash between a car and a lorry.

It happened in Leamore Lane, Walsall at about 11.10pm last night, Sunday.

Three 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, ambulance staff found a car that had suffered extensive damage.

“Unfortunately, one of those in the car was found to be in cardiac arrest.  He was pulled from the vehicle with the help of other road users who had stopped and advanced life support was carried out by ambulance staff but sadly it was not possible to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“A second man in the car had suffered multiple injuries.  He was sedated at the scene by the doctor and had splints attached before being taken on blue light to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham; the doctor travelled with the crew.

“A third occupant had also suffered multiple injuries.  He was also taken to the major trauma centre on blue lights.

“No-one in the other vehicle was hurt.”

Ends

Friday 7^th April 2017 – 11.45am – Claire Brown.

A woman, whose car went off the road and ended up more than 50ft down a hillside, has miraculously escaped serious injury.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the B4232 Jubilee Driver in Upper Colwall, Malvern, at 8.30am this morning. An ambulance and a paramedic area support officer attended along with police and fire colleagues.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff arrived they found a car on its side more than 50ft down a steep hillside being secured by the fire service. The car’s fall had been broken by a tree which prevented it going any further down the hillside.

“The driver, a woman, managed to self-extricate from the car through the sunroof with help from the fire service. The woman was given a full assessment by ambulance staff and, other than some pain in her side, found she had escaped serious injury. She was given treatment on scene before she was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for further checks.”

ENDS

Thursday 6^th April 2017 – 11.30am – Murray MacGregor.

Two motorcyclists have been injured, one potentially seriously after two separate crashes within moments of each other on the same stretch of road.

The collision happened on the A5 at Watling Street in Cannock at about 4.45pm on Wednesday afternoon.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The two collisions happened close by at approximately the same time and both involved a car and motorbike.

“The first incident was much more serious.  The motorbike collided with the front offside corner of the white car.  The rider was found about 15 metres away in a dazed condition.

“The 46-year-old man was complaining of pain in left foot and elbow but had no other obvious injuries.  However, the crew took no chances and treated him for a head injury as well.  He was immobilised and taken on blue lights to New Cross Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“In the other collision, a car suffered front offside damage and the bike left sided damage.  The rider, a 56-year-old man was complaining of left hip, leg and knee pain, but after assessment chose not to go to hospital.

“There were no other patients.”

Ends

Thursday 6^th April 2017 – 8.25am – Murray MacGregor.

A motorcyclist has been airlifted to a major trauma centre with critical injuries after a crash with a car.

It happened near the junction of School Road and Chilton Road in the Yardley Wood area of Birmingham at about 6.10pm on Wednesday evening.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a motorcyclist who had suffered multiple serious injuries.  He was being cared for by a nurse form a nearby care home.

“The man was treated at the scene by ambulance staff, but as his condition worsened he was anaesthetised by the doctor from the helicopter before being airlifted to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“No-one else was injured in the crash.”

Ends

Wednesday 5^th April 2017 – 4.31pm – Murray MacGregor.

A woman has been injured after her car left the motorway and went through small trees and ended up in a holly bush following a collision with a lorry.

It happened on the northbound carriageway of the M6 Toll between junction T1 and T2 at about 12.15pm today (Wednesday).

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The Ford Mondeo had collided with a large goods vehicle.  The rear tail lift of the lorry was badly damaged.

“The car then left the motorway and went up the embankment going through a number of small trees and ending up embedded in a holly bush.

“The 41 year old woman driving was briefly knocked unconscious.  She was trapped and was complaining of neck and back pain as well as suffering facial injuries.

“After being assessed by ambulance staff while still in the vehicle, they worked with firefighters to extricate her.  The rear seats were removed and after being placed onto a spinal board, was brought out through the rear hatchback door.

“After further assessment and treatment, she was taken to Good Hope Hospital.

“The lorry driver was unhurt.”

Ends

Wednesday 5^th April 2017 – 3.05pm – Murray MacGregor.

Ambulance bosses are praising a member of the public who climbed into an overturned car and supported an elderly woman who was hanging by a seatbelt.

The incident happened on the southbound M5 between junction 6 and 7 at about 10.15am this morning (Wednesday).

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “People at the scene described the car hitting the central reservation and leaving the road to the nearside, going down an embankment and rolling onto the passenger side into a hedge.

“When the first ambulance arrived, the crew found the driver, a 72-year-old woman, trapped and hanging by her seatbelt in the overturned car.  However, her weight was being supported by a woman who had climbed into the crashed car.

“Ambulance staff took over, and with the help of the fire service brought the woman out safely on a scoop stretcher.

“She had suffered facial injuries.  After treatment at the scene, she was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

“We would like to pay tribute to the woman who was prepared to stop and assist a fellow driver in her hour of need.”

Note to Editors

Unfortunately, we do not have details of the good Samaritan.

Ends

 

Wednesday 5^th April 2017 – 8.55am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A cyclist has been taken to one of the region’s major trauma centres after suffering serious injuries when in collision with a car last night (Tuesday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A49 in Shropshire, between Woofferton and Ashford Bowdler, just after 7.10pm. An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “A man, believed to be in his 40s, was found with a slightly reduced level of consciousness when ambulance staff arrived at the scene.

“The cyclist, who had been involved in a collision with a car, was treated for a head injury and suspected pelvic injury as well as minor leg and shoulder injuries.

“Having received trauma care at the scene, the man was immobilised and given pain relief before being transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham by land ambulance.

“The air ambulance crew travelled with the patient to continue treatment en-route with the hospital having been made aware of the patient’s condition prior to his arrival.

“Nobody else was injured in the incident.”

ENDS

 

 Tuesday 4th April 2017 – 4.45pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

An awards ceremony to honour members of the public from across the West Midlands who have gone beyond the call of duty to help save lives and support the work of West Midlands Ambulance Service’s 4,500 staff has taken place.

The event, sponsored by Excelerate, Mills and Reeve, Higgs and Son, Zoll, University of Worcester, Coventry University and Imprint took place at the Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill on Thursday (March 30^th), recognising the efforts of Community First Responders, St John Ambulance, other emergency services and other voluntary organisations, businesses and individuals.

Addressing the audience, West Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive Anthony Marsh said: “The role of our volunteers is incredibly important to the success of West Midlands Ambulance Service and that is something which I am acutely aware of.

“You all do a fantastic job, I know many of you put in a tremendous amount of hours, and you have all played a part in making our ambulance service the best in the country and for that you should be very proud, as I am.

“I personally would like to thank you all for everything that you do, you are a fantastic inspiration to all of us and to our communities.”

Deputy-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Viv Astling OBE, who helped present some of the awards on the evening, said: “Funnily enough I’ve never felt safer than I do here tonight.

“We are surrounded by some incredible people who work very hard on behalf of others and it really is a great testament to yourselves.

“My belief is that people do not get enough recognition for the good work they do in this country and I only wish that could be addressed. We are surrounded by award winners tonight and that is fantastic, you, along with all of your colleagues deserve great credit for the time you give to support the ambulance service, you should be very proud.”

WMAS Chairman, Sir Graham Meldrum, added: “We are gathered here tonight to celebrate good samartians. This is an evening to celebrate those who do not pass by when someone is in need – members of the public, young children and those who work as volunteers supporting the ambulance service.

“I thank you very much on behalf of West Midlands Ambulance Service for your loyalty, dedication and hard work.”

Ends

Award Citations:

Air Ambulance Award:

Sheelagh Withers, Victoria Jones, Charlotte Morgan, David Pollock, Jenny Conway, Dr Ali Hussain

On 7^th March at Baker Butts Rugby Club in Coventry, a 41-year-old gentleman went into cardiac arrest. The police were sent initially as they had the closest resource and started CPR. David Pollock, a community first responder was dispatched and was quickly on scene doing very good basic life support. The ambulance crew arrived next and commenced advanced life support. Victoria Jones and Charlotte Morgan arrived a couple of minutes later in the Air Ambulance rapid response vehicle and worked with those already on scene. The police officers continued to help after the clinical team had taken over the patient treatment. The team managed to restart the patient’s heart and breathing en-route to hospital with advanced care from Dr Ali Hussain and medic Jenny Conway. This patient has subsequently made an amazing recovery.

The dispatcher Sheelagh Withers co-ordinated the multiple responses and recognised the job as a good potential for where the extra clinical skills of a doctor may be helpful. She will also have been co-ordinating with the local dispatch at Tollgate in Staffordshire so the Trust’s control rooms also played a key part in this success story.

St John Ambulance:

Philip Saunders

Whilst on duty at the Armistice Day Parade in Bedworth Philip Saunders was first on scene when a veteran collapsed. On arrival Philip found that the patient was not breathing and commenced CPR.  This was successful and the patient did not require defibrillation. Philip then monitored the patient until he was passed the care of the patient to a WMAS Crew.

Public and Other Emergency Services:

PC Simon Lawton

One evening in February 2016, PC Simon Lawton responded to reports of a man being stabbed outside the Arcadian in Birmingham. PC Lawton arrived and provided excellent first aid with limited equipment. He bandaged the patient’s wound in a difficult situation, causing him to be covered in the victim’s blood. He carried on providing vital assistance on the arrival of a solo responder and continued to help on the way to hospital.  Only once the call had been completed did PC Lawton ask for assistance for himself.

Public and Other Emergency Services:

Sarah Cooper

In February 2017 ,Sarah Cooper was sitting down for a family meal at the Royal Forrester Inn, Bewdley when a lady on an adjacent table began to choke.

The family was clearly in distress and Sarah left her own family and performed back blows and abdominal thrusts until the foreign object was expelled prior to the arrival of the ambulance. Without her quick action, the patient may have become unresponsive and stopped breathing.

Community Initiative:

Anne and Peter Turner, Wem

Anne and Peter Turner have been pivotal in placing the two Community Public Access Defibrillators for Wem Rural AED Group and Wem Town – the latter of which is now Shropshire’s most activated CPAD, having 43 call outs since its placement. Their tireless commitment and dedication have made them both unsung heroes within their community.

Community First Responders:

Russell Inman, Ettington CFR

Russell Inman has served over eight years as a CFR and also worked as a co-ordinator for the Ettington CFR group. Russell has also been instrumental in developing a shared IT system for the group as well as working on callout records and asset registers. He retires from CFR duties this year due to work commitments. ‘Being a CFR has been a way of life for me for nearly nine years’ He will be sorely missed by all in his local community.

Community First Responders

Rob Nichols, Worcester CFR

Rob Nichols has been an active CFR in Worcester for ten years. Whilst Rob was working at the Environment Agency in Bristol he was involved in the resuscitation of a lady in cardiac arrest.

Rob noted at the time it was unusual for him not to have his trusty CFR kit bag with him but was pleased he was still putting the training West Midlands Ambulance Service had given him to good use.

The lady was in her mid-thirties and was reported to have been brought round and was talking with her mother.

Chief Officers Commendation

Kelly McKeown, Penkridge

Community First Responder Kelly McKeown impressed the responding crew in Penkridge by her actions, they stated that if it wasn’t for her actions before they arrived then there would not have been a ROSC (Return of Spontaneous Circulation) and the patient would not have survived.

CFR Volunteer of the Year

Terry Flower, Solihull CFR

Terry is a CFR who operates in the Solihull area. Terry is a fantastic member of Fast Aid, not only does he often complete over 100 hours a month on call, but he actively takes part in the training of new and existing CFRs in Fast Aid by giving up a lot of time to take new staff out on buddy shifts.

He is the largest fund raiser within his charity, enabling it to better support WMAS with up to date equipment. He also assists WMAS Community Response Manager Andy Jeynes in defibrillator training and leads many Heart Start training sessions where members of the general public are trained to not only provide lifesaving skills, but to reduce unnecessary pressure on the ambulance service and receiving hospitals by educating the general public on when to call an ambulance. His passion and dedication is infectious to those he trains and inspires.

Photographs of the above are available for download from http://www.flickr.com/photos/officialwmas/sets/

To download:

• Left-click on the appropriate gallery (defined by geographical area)
• Left-click on the appropriate thumbnail to reveal a full-size picture.
• Left-click on the download icon (downward pointing arrow to horizontal line) if present .From the resultant list of picture file sizes, select “original”. Select “Save” or “Save As”.
• If there is no download icon, right-click on the picture and select “Save Picture As”
• Please credit Emagica/WMAS

 

Tuesday 4^th April 2017 – 9.30am – Claire Brown.

A man has died after falling from a bridge in Birmingham this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A38M Aston Expressway shortly before 4.50am (Tuesday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and a MERIT trauma doctor attended the scene along with the police.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “A man was found on the side of the road with significant injuries. Sadly, despite the best efforts of the ambulance team, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead on scene.”

ENDS

 

Monday 3^rd April 2017 – 6.30pm – Murray MacGregor.

A motorcyclist has been airlifted with a serious leg injury after a crash with a campervan.

It happened at about 2.20pm on Monday afternoon on Astley Lane between Astley and Bedworth.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “An ambulance and a senior paramedic officer were initially sent but the crew requested an air ambulance with a doctor due to the patient’s condition. The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance was sent.

“Police officers who were first on scene provided excellent first aid until ambulance staff arrived.

“The 59 year old rider had suffered a serious leg injury.

“After receiving advanced pain relief, he had his leg splinted and was immobilised before being airlifted to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“No-one else was injured in the crash.”

Ends

 

 

Monday 3^rd April 2017 – 5.30pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

More than 100 awards were handed out when staff from West Midlands Ambulance Service, volunteers and members of the public attended a ceremony in Dudley for their outstanding actions in helping others and saving lives.

The Trust’s annual Long Service and Excellence Awards ceremony, sponsored by Excelerate, Mills & Reeve, Zoll, Higgs and Sons, the University of Worcester, Coventry University and Imprint, took place at the Copthorne Hotel in Brierely Hill on Thursday, 30^th March and saw a range of awards handed out including the Queen’s Long Service Medal and Chief Officer Commendations.

This year, 12 operational members of staff became eligible for their 20 year Long Service and Good Conduct Medal which were presented by the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, John Crabtree OBE.

In addition, 12 staff were commended for 25 years service; ten received certificates for 30 years service; one member of staff was honoured for 35 years in the Trust; whilst a further three were commended their 40 years service.

Trust Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “There is only one ambulance service that has achieved an outstanding rating from the CQC and that is our ambulance service.

“That is down to the hard work of every member of staff who shows incredible dedication to providing the very highest level of patient care, something for which I am truly grateful.

“I am immensely proud of the work that you all do, often in very difficult circumstances, and I want to thank you all for making us the best ambulance service in the country.”

Lord Lieutenant, John Crabtree OBE, added: “We are hugely fortunate in having such a high quality ambulance service in the West Midlands and I know how important the things are that lead to that, the training, the leadership, the teamwork and the ability to work together to put other people first. All of those skills are clearly evident here in the West Midlands.

“I offer a sincere thank you to all of you for the fantastic job that you do day in, day out and I know that your family and friends are hugely proud of you – thank you very much.”

Sir Graham Meldrum, Trust Chairman, added: “It truly is an outstanding achievement to have received the highest possible rating from the CQC and it is down to your dedication – the sort of dedication that is recognised by the awards being handed out today.

“Today is a celebration of a first class, dedicated and outstanding ambulance service. That is something that has been achieved by the work of all of our members of staff, our award winners today and everyone connected with the service who all have the same desire, providing the best level of patient care. Thank you all, for everything that you do.”

Awards:

Chief Officer’s Commendation:

Police Constable Shaun Leroux; Derek Varden – Advanced Paramedic, Willenhall Hub; Stephen Gennoe – Technician; Willenhall Hub; Herpreet Lally – Student Paramedic

In October 2016, Stephen Gennoe, Derek Varden and Herpreet Lally were responding to a reported double stabbing. Whilst en-route the ambulance was rammed by the alleged offender’s car. The alleged offender then got out of his vehicle and started intimidating the crew, threatening them with a knife. It should be noted that Steven was injured in the altercation and that this was Herpreet’s first day at work.

PC Leroux made the scene quickly and engaged the offender, putting himself in harm’s way to protect the public and ambulance staff. Following the incident, the crew continued to provide emergency care to the victims on scene.

Chief Officer’s Commendation:

Claire Main – Paramedic, Evesham

Claire Main was tasked to a cardiac arrest in April 2016 with no further details known. On arrival at the address, Claire walked through the open front door and saw a male standing at the top of the stairs holding a large knife. Claire told him to put the knife down and step aside. She then walked past him out of concern for the patient who was in cardiac arrest and went into another room. Upon entering the room Claire found the person who had made the call and a deceased female. She then bravely proceeded to get herself and the caller out of the property to safety.

Chief Officer’s Commendation:

Shannon Lee – Paramedic, Worcester

Shannon Lee attended to a 45-year-old man initially complaining of chest pain. On arrival, the patient was threatening suicide, appeared agitated, anxious and under the influence of alcohol.  The patient walked into the kitchen and attempted to stab himself.   Shannon acted quickly to disarm the patient, ensuring he didn’t cause himself harm.

Chief Officer’s Commendation:

Paul Clarke – Advanced Paramedic, Coventry Hub; Courtney Hewison – Student Paramedic

Paul Clarke and Courtney Hewison witnessed a car weaving across the M6 motorway, colliding with a number of barriers. They initially managed to get the car to stop on the hard shoulder but as they approached the car and began speaking to the driver, he sped off. The crew followed and managed to run a rolling roadblock behind the car as it continued to glance off barriers for over two miles before it crashed for a final time.

The crew alerted the call centre, activated CCTV on the ambulance and gave a comprehensive commentary on what was happening. Once the car had come to a stop they rapidly assessed the patient who was having a diabetic hypoglycaemic attack and treated him accordingly whilst considering he may have other injuries from the crash.

Had it not been for their quick actions in setting up a rolling roadblock there may have been many other innocent motorists caught up in collision with the gentleman’s car as it careered around the carriageway.

Chief Officer’s Commendation:

Samantha Wilyman – Paramedic Area Support Officer, Dudley

Samantha Wilyman was tasked to a job where a male was threatening to jump from a bridge. Sam and a WPC made their way onto the bridge to speak to the patient who had self-discharged from a mental health hospital. He was polite and happy to speak to them. He was, however, the wrong side of the barrier. He allowed Sam and the WPC to attach a police “CAS strap” around him while they talked, in order to secure him to the railings.

He then, without warning, slid out of the strap in an attempt to jump. At this point, Sam and the WPC hung onto him until further police officers arrived. After a very fraught and anxious struggle they managed to pull the man to safety.  The actions carried out were simply above and beyond and if not carried out would have without doubt resulted in very serious injuries, if not death of the patient.

Chief Officer’s Commendation:

Michael Hipgrave – Clinical Team Mentor, Aston; Jennifer Hipgrave; Yasmin Bickerton.

Off duty paramedic Mike Hipgrave and his wife Jennifer Hipgrave were out shopping when they overheard shouting and calls for help.

An 18-month-old girl was found to be choking and in cardiac arrest. Mike and Jennifer immediately began performing CPR and ultimately were able to save the girl’s life. Thankfully, little Sophia continues to thrive after her ordeal whilst mum, Yasmin, has organised life support courses to pass on the lifesaving message to others. She has also raised £150 which has been donated to the Trust as a thank you for saving Sophia’s life.

Outstanding Achievement:

Jan Vann – Advanced Paramedic, Coventry

Jan Vann receives recognition for her part in the BAFTA Award winning Children’s TV show, Operation Ouch. The programme finished its fourth series (ten episodes in each series) with Jan being featured in every single episode, highlighting to children what paramedics do every single day as she is followed by a camera crew.

It is the most watched TV programme on children’s BBC and she has even featured in a ‘Puberty special’ aimed at older children. Maverick TV put together the programme in conjunction with the Trust’s press office. It is the only TV programme the Trust has been involved with that is aimed at children and is the only BAFTA award winning show the Trust has been involved with.

The Peter Murtagh Inspirational Award:

Tracy Oakley – Emergency Care Practitioner, Warwick

Tracy Oakley is a valued member of staff and a talented Emergency Care Practitioner. Nothing is ever negative with Tracy; she promotes a positive attitude to every part of the job and extends this in her role as a mentor for budding students.

For some time, Tracy has acted as an allocated mentor for students who may need extra help and guidance in clinical terms to achieve their full potential. She is an inspiration to people in this job and her history in emergency and urgent care builds a wealth of experience making her an absolute asset to anyone she works with, and the patients she serves.

Tracy regularly goes out of her way and works hard to fulfil her leadership and mentoring responsibilities whilst setting a critically high benchmark for students who carry her name forward as their mentor.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

Photographs of the above are available for download from http://www.flickr.com/photos/officialwmas/sets/

To download:

• Left-click on the appropriate gallery (defined by geographical area)
• Left-click on the appropriate thumbnail to reveal a full-size picture.
• Left-click on the download icon (downward pointing arrow to horizontal line) if present .From the resultant list of picture file sizes, select “original”. Select “Save” or “Save As”.
• If there is no download icon, right-click on the picture and select “Save Picture As”
• Please credit Emagica Photography/WMAS

 

Monday 3^rd April 2017 – 2.43pm – Murray MacGregor.

Two people have been hurt, one potentially seriously, after a crash on the M6 motorway, which also saw an air ambulance land on the carriageway.

The incident happened on the northbound carriageway between junctions 6 and 7 at just after midday.

Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a BASICS Emergency Doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a Citroen box van that had front end damage and a small car with rear end damage.  Both had ended up against the central reservation.  The van also had a ‘bullseye’ on the windscreen.

“There were two patients from the van; a 49 year old woman was initially unconscious but after being brought out of the vehicle started to come round.  She was treated for a potentially serious head injury.  After being immobilised, she was taken on blue lights by land ambulance to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.  The aircrew travelled in the ambulance given the state of the patient’s condition.

“A 46 year old man from Hayes in Middlesex had managed to get himself out of the vehicle himself.  He was treated for neck pain and was immobilised before being taken to Heartlands Hospital.

“A man estimated to be in his 20s from the car was checked over but was unhurt.”

Ends

Monday 3^rd April 2017 – 11.02am – Murray MacGregor.

Three women have escaped serious injury despite the car they were in crashing over a bridge and coming to rest in some trees.

The incident happened at about 6.35am on Sunday morning on Ravensbank Drive, in Redditch.

Three ambulances were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived, they found a car lying on its side against a tree off the side of a bridge.

“The three women inside had managed to get out of the vehicle themselves and were back up on the roadside.

“The driver, a 35 year old woman was treated for glass to the eyes, abrasions to both legs and possible back injuries.  She was immobilised before being taken to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.

“The 39 year old woman in the front seat had a head injury and pain in both legs.  She was also immobilised and taken to the same hospital.

“The rear seat passenger, a 29 year old woman, had back pain and a head injury.  She was also immobilised and taken to the Alexandra Hospital.

“Considering the position the car ended up in, the potential for much more serious injuries is clear.”

Ends