Month: May 2017

Wednesday 24^th May 2017 – 8.15am – Claire Brown.

The driver and four passengers of a car have died on the M6 motorway in Staffordshire this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a collision between a car and a HGV on the southbound carriageway of the M6 between junctions 15 and 14 in Seighford, Staffordshire shortly before 4.30am today (Wednesday). Two ambulances, a paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and two BASICS emergency doctors were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When emergency services arrived they discovered a car with six occupants inside which had been involved in a significant collision with a HGV. Sadly, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the driver and four passengers. All five were confirmed dead on scene.

“The sixth occupant, a man in his 40s, suffered multiple serious injuries and received advanced trauma care by the team of medics at the scene. Once stabilised, the man was taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further care.

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

ENDS

Tuesday 23^rd May 2017 – 4.20pm – Murray MacGregor.

A man has suffered multiple cuts, bumps, bruises and wounds after a number of lithium batteries exploded at a recycling plant.

The incident in Willenhall Road in Wednesbury happened at about 1.45pm on Tuesday afternoon and resulted in a fire at the premises.

An ambulance and paramedic officer were on scene within seven minutes and were backed up by an emergency doctor and the Hazardous Area Response Team.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “While firefighters brought the blaze under control, ambulance staff dealt with a 26-year-old man who had suffered multiple wounds across his body, his head and face, as well as both arms and legs.  He also had burns on both hands.

“Ambulance staff dressed his wounds and stabilised his condition before taking him to the Major Trauma Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further assessment and treatment.

“There were no other patients.”

Ends

Tuesday 23^rd May 2017 – 9.15am – Claire Brown.

A young boy received advanced trauma care by ambulance staff yesterday afternoon following a road traffic collision in Staffordshire.

The incident happened at around 4.45pm (Monday) at the junction of Station Street and Milton Street, Burton-upon-Trent. Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulances from Cosford and Tatenhill, one with a MERIT trauma doctor on board, attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival ambulance staff found a pedestrian, a 12-year-old boy, who had been involved in a collision with a car. An off-duty nurse and other bystanders were providing care to the boy.

“The boy had sustained a serious head injury and the team of ambulance staff and doctor worked quickly to provide advanced trauma care. Once stabilised he was airlifted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital; the doctor travelled in the helicopter to continue treatment and monitoring en route.

“The boy was said to be in a serious but stable condition upon arrival at hospital.”

 

ENDS

 

Tuesday 23^rd May 2017 – 8.30am – Claire Brown.

A man has died after an early morning collision on the M40 in Warwickshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received a 999 call shortly after 2.30am this morning (Tuesday) to reports of a collision involving several HGVs on the northbound carriageway of the M40 between junctions 11 and 12 near Burton Dassett, Warwickshire. Two ambulances and a paramedic officer attended the scene along with colleagues from South Central Ambulance Service, police and fire.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Sadly nothing could be done to save the driver of one lorry, a man, and he was confirmed dead on scene.

“A second lorry driver, a man in his 50s, was out of his vehicle upon emergency services arrival and, upon assessment by ambulance staff was found to have sustained minor arm injuries and neck pain. He was given treatment by ambulance staff before being discharged on scene.

“A third patient with minor injuries was treated by our South Central colleagues.”

ENDS

Tuesday 23rd May 2017 – 7.00am – Murray MacGregor.

Our thoughts are very much with our colleagues in the emergency services and those affected by the explosion at the Manchester Arena last night.

As part of a our well rehearsed contingency plans a number of ambulance resources were sent into the North West Ambulance Service area to provide support while NWAS were dealing with the incident.

These resources have now been stood down and returned to their normal operating areas.

We would like to thank the many staff who offered to stay late and work additional shifts.

The Manchester incident emergency phone number 0161 856 9400.

Ends

Monday 22^nd May 2017 – 4.15pm – Murray MacGregor.

A woman pedestrian has been taken to a major trauma centre after a collision with a car.

It happened at about 12.20pm on Zoar Street in the Lower Gornal area of Dudley.

Two ambulances were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a woman who had suffered a number of injuries after the collision.

“The car’s passenger side wing mirror was hanging off and the windscreen was cracked.

“The 38-year-old woman was complaining of facial, right wrist, abdominal and left leg injuries.  After treatment at the scene, she was initially taken to Russells Hall Hospital.

“After her condition was stabilised and assessed, she was transferred on blue lights to the Major Trauma Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.”

Ends

Monday 22^nd May 2017 – 8.57am – Murray MacGregor.

Two men have died after separate crashes over the weekend.

The first happened on the A46 at Kenilworth on Saturday night.

An ambulance and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene after a call at 8.45pm reporting a car had left the road and gone down an embankment.

Sadly, it quickly became apparent that there was nothing that could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

The second incident happened on the A45 Coventry Road, close to Birmingham Airport at 12.15pm on Sunday afternoon.

Two ambulances and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene after multiple 999 calls reporting a motorcyclist crashing and suffering serious injuries.

On arrival, it was immediately apparent that nothing could be done to save the young man’s life and he too was confirmed dead at the scene.

Ends

 

Friday 19^th May 2017 – 3.35pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A car driver who was trapped for about 50 minutes has been airlifted to hospital following a two-car collision this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A4103 in Lower Eggleton, Hereford, near to the junction with the A417 shortly after 1.20pm and sent two ambulances, a paramedic 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 two patients, both from the same car, one of whom was still trapped inside the vehicle.

“The driver, a man believed to be in his 20s, had to be assisted out with help from the fire service who had to cut part of the car away in order to free him.

“Ambulance staff assessed the man and treated him for serious injuries, including to his arm, leg and pelvis.

“He was immobilised prior to being carefully moved on to the air ambulance which had landed in a field nearby. He was also given pain relief at the scene before being airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

“A second man, also believed to be in his 20s, was assessed for a wrist injury but did not wish to be transported to hospital.”

Ends

 

Friday 19^th May 2017 – 11.20am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A motorcyclist has been seriously injured in a collision with a car that caused his helmet to crack.

The incident happened near to The Rose and Crown public house on Rudyard Road in Biddulph Moor, Stoke-on-Trent shortly before 8.50pm last night (Thursday). Two ambulances and a paramedic officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived on scene to find the motorcyclist, a man in his 20s, already receiving treatment from bystanders including an off duty nurse.

“Following assessment from ambulance staff, the man, who was suffering from a reduced level of consciousness, was treated for serious injuries to his head, arm and legs.

“He was immobilised with the use of a scoop stretcher and given pain relief before being taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital on blue lights and sirens.

“A young boy, who was a passenger in the car, was treated for minor injuries and discharged at the scene.”

Ends

Notes to Editors:

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

Thursday 18^th May 2017 – 5.38pm – Murray MacGregor.

A pedestrian has suffered multiple serious injuries after a collision with a lorry.

The incident happened on Pedmore Road next to the Merry Hill Shopping Centre in Brierley Hill at around 2.30pm.

An ambulance arrived on scene six minutes after the first of four 999 emergency calls were made.  A second ambulance, two paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a trauma doctor on board were sent to the scene. One of the Trust’s Patient Transport Service vehicles also stopped at the scene to offer further assistance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, the man who was estimated to be in his 20s or 30s, was lying in the road.

“He was initially have said to have been unconscious but had started to come around.

“He was immobilised and had a pelvic binder was fitted.  Due to the nature of his injuries, the doctor decided to anaesthetise him.

“He was then taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham by land ambulance.  The aircrew travelled with the ambulance so advanced treatment could continue.”

Ends

Thursday 18^th May 2017 – 12.41pm – Murray MacGregor.

A teenager has suffered a very serious head injury after a collision with a car on a dual carriageway.

The incident happened on College Road in the Perry Barr area of Birmingham at 8.30am this morning (Thursday).

An ambulance was on scene in seven minutes and was backed up by a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with the MERIT Trauma doctor on board.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a 16-year-old boy in the road in a serious condition.

“On assessment, the doctor decided to anaesthetise the teenager due to his condition.  He was then taken by ambulance the short distance to the helicopter and airlifted to the Major Trauma Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“The car driver was uninjured but understandably shaken.”

Ends

 

Wednesday 15^th May 2017 – 5.11pm – Murray MacGregor.

A woman who suffered a suspected broken hip, has had to be rescued by the Hazardous Area Response Team due to being across two muddy field and into a wood.

The woman tripped on land to the south of Great Whitley in Worcestershire at about 10.45am this morning.

The woman’s husband managed to get her under cover out of the rain and then had to walk to a nearby property to use their phone due to a lack of mobile signal.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Initially an ambulance was sent, but when the crew arrived and assessed the nature of the injuries, they requested that the Hazardous Area Response team (HART) team be dispatched.

“HART used their Polaris six-wheel drive vehicle to get the majority of the way to the woman and then used their Faretech stretcher to get the patient through the woods to the Polaris.  It then drove her back to the ambulance, where after further checks, she was then taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

“The Faretech stretcher has two large wheels that enables it to be used over rough terrain where normal stretchers can’t.”

Ends

Wednesday 15^th May 2017 – 10.31am – Murray MacGregor.

One man has been airlifted to hospital after a crash that left both vehicles with significant front end damage.

It happened near to the Brook Inn public house in Sillins Lane at Elcocks Brook near Redditch at about 5.00pm on Tuesday afternoon.

Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a doctor on board were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, both vehicles were found with front offside damage.

“The driver of one of the cars was initially trapped in the wreckage.  The 26-year-old had suffered a suspected fracture dislocation of his right hip as well as a head injury.

“He was helped from the car before being immobilised and having a pelvic binder put in place.  After pain relied he was airlifted to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“The driver of the other car, a 48-year-old man, was complaining of hip pain. After assessment at the scene, he was taken by ambulance to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch for further treatment.”

Ends

Wednesday 15^th May 2017 – 10.11am – Murray MacGregor.

A man has suffered very serious injuries after a collision with an HGV in the early hours of this morning.

An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the MERIT trauma doctor were sent to Little Aston Road in Aldridge at 3.25am this morning (Wednesday).

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival a man in his 50’s was found in the road with a very serious leg injury.  Ambulance staff used a tourniquet and bandages to stabilise the man’s condition.

“He was also treated for head and pelvic injuries.  He was immobilised and had a pelvic binder fitted before he was taken on blue lights to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“En-route, his condition deteriorated and the doctor chose to stop and anaesthetise the man before continuing their journey to the major trauma centre.

“The lorry driver was uninjured but understandably very shaken; he was discharged at the scene.”

Ends

Wednesday 15^th May 2017 – 9.40am – Murray MacGregor.

A man has suffered multiple injuries after the car he was in rolled over leaving him trapped upside down.

The incident happened opposite the Vauxhall Garage in Bilston Road, Wolverhampton at just after 1.30am this morning (Wednesday).

An ambulance arrived four minutes after the 999 call and was backed up by a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and the MERIT Trauma Doctor.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Initial calls had suggested that the patient might be in cardiac arrest but this was not the case; he was however unconscious.

“Ambulance staff worked with firefighters to safely extricate the 25 year old man from the vehicle, which had suffered considerable damage.

“The man was immobilised, had a pelvic binder fitted and had a leg splinted.

“He was anaesthetised at the scene before being taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham; the doctor travelled with the ambulance crew.

Ends

Wednesday 17^th May 2017 – 08.58am – Murray MacGregor.

A man has suffered a serious head injury after the van he was driving collided with a crash barrier at a roundabout.

It happened at the junction of the A46 and B4463 at Norton Lindsey in Warwickshire at just before 8.40pm on Tuesday evening.

A paramedic officer arrived seven minutes after the initial call and was backed up by an ambulance and the Critical Care Car from The Air Ambulance Service with a doctor on board.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a small van that had suffered significant front end damage.

“The driver, a man of approximately 50 years of age had suffered a very nasty head injury.

“The wound was bandaged and the man was given pain relief.

“Firefighters removed the driver’s door to allow ambulance staff to extricate the man from the vehicle.

“He was immobilised before being taken on blue lights to the Major Trauma Centre at University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire; the doctor travelled with the ambulance crew.

Ends

Tuesday 16th May 2017 – 5.30pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has suffered fatal injuries following a collision with a coach on the M5 this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident on the southbound carriage of the M5 between junction one and the link with the M6, shortly after 2.10pm. An ambulance and a paramedic officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a man who had been in collision with a coach.

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

“There were 31 people on the coach but none of them suffered any injuries.

“They were all assessed for effects of shock and discharged at scene before being transferred on to a separate coach to continue their journey.”

Ends

 

Tuesday 16^th May – 10.45am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

(Patient’s car)

A stationary car was shunted 15m into a front garden of a house this morning, following a three-vehicle RTC.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Brook Meadow Road in Shard End, Birmingham shortly before 4.40am and sent one ambulance to the scene.

(Stationary car moved 15m)

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival at the scene, crews were told that the stationary parked car, which had suffered significant front end damage, had been moved 15m following the collision.

“The patient’s car had also suffered serious front end damage whilst a third vehicle, which was also stationary, was left with rear end damage.

“The patient, a woman in her 40s, had managed to get herself out of her car prior to the arrival of ambulance staff.

“She was treated for an arm injury and taken to Heartlands Hospital for further assessment.

“She appears to have been extremely fortunate not to have suffered more serious injuries given the nature of the incident and the damage suffered to the cars involved.”

ENDS

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

Tuesday 16th May 2017 – 9.25am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has died following a single vehicle road traffic collision last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Stallings Lane and Ham Lane in Kingswinford, shortly after 6.25pm and sent two ambulances, a senior officer, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford, with a medic on board, to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a car that had come to rest on its roof following the incident, with the driver, a man, still inside the vehicle.

“Ambulance crews quickly assessed the man but unfortunately, it immediately became apparent that nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed deceased.

“A bystander who stopped to try and help the man, a woman believed to be in her 20s, was treated for cuts to her hand, and was discharged at the scene.”

Ends

 

Friday 12^th May 8.30am – Claire Brown.

Sadly, despite the best efforts of ambulance staff a woman’s life couldn’t be saved in Shrewsbury yesterday (Thursday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a woman who had collapsed and was in cardiac arrest opposite Shawbury Airfield, Shawbury, Shrewsbury, shortly after 4pm. Two ambulances, a responder paramedic, a community first responder and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance staff administered advanced life support to the woman on scene but sadly, despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed dead a short time later.”

ENDS

 

Thursday 11^th May 2017 – 9.30am – Claire Brown.

A man who collapsed and fell into a swimming pool was resuscitated thanks to the quick thinking of leisure centre staff in Coventry last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a man in cardiac arrest at Coventry Sports and Leisure Centre, Fairfax Street shortly after 5.00pm (Wednesday). Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and a critical care car from The Air Ambulance Service with a doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When the first ambulance crew arrived the man was out of the water and had been successfully resuscitated by leisure centre staff after being given CPR and six shocks by their on-site defibrillator.

“The man, who was still in a serious condition, was given advanced treatment by ambulance staff and the medic who stabilised him before he was taken by land ambulance on blue lights to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire; the doctor travelled in the ambulance to continue care en route.

“During the 999 call, it was very apparent that the leisure centre staff knew exactly what to do to help the man. Seeing a patient in cardiac arrest being given CPR is always a positive sight when ambulance staff get to the scene. On this occasion the crew arrived and not only had the man been given CPR and shocks from a defibrillator but he had also been successfully resuscitated.

“The incredibly quick actions of lifeguards and leisure centre staff, who put their life-saving training to the test last night, are immensely commendable and have undoubtedly given the man the very best possible chance of surviving his cardiac arrest.”

ENDS

Wednesday 10^th May 2017 – 1.11pm – Murray MacGregor.

Six pupils and a teacher have been treated by ambulance staff after a small chemical incident at a school.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Four Dwellings High School in Dwellings Lane, Quinton at just after 10.15am this morning (Wednesday).

An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer, the Hazardous Area Response Team and two emergency planning managers were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The six pupils and a teacher developed breathing difficulties after being exposed to the chemical Bromine.  The rest of the class were unaffected.

“The seven were assessed at the scene by ambulance staff.  As a precaution, the teenagers were taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital and the teacher to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham – their condition is not believed serious.

“The chemical was isolated and there is no risk to anyone else.”

Ends

Wednesday 10^th May 2017 – 10.00am – Claire Brown.

A man has been rushed to hospital in a serious condition following a house fire in Worcester this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received a call from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service at 5.18am this morning to reports of a house fire in Acacia Close in Brickfields, Worcester. An ambulance, a responder paramedic and a MERIT trauma doctor attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance staff arrived within three minutes of receiving the 999 call to find a man being given treatment outside the property by firefighters. The man had been rescued from the property by police officers and firefighters after a solo police officer came across the house fire during a patrol.

“The man was breathing but, upon assessment by ambulance staff, was suffering from severe smoke inhalation and required advanced treatment by the medic to stabilise his condition.  He was taken on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham; hospital medics were pre-alerted to the arrival of the man whose condition was said to be serious.

“Several police officers were also assessed by ambulance colleagues following the incident after suffering minor smoke inhalation but were all discharged on scene.

“The speedy and brave actions of the police officers are commendable and undoubtedly helped to give the man the best possible chance of survival.”

ENDS

 

Tuesday 9^th May 2017 – 5.40pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

An 11-year-old girl has died following an incident at Drayton Manor Theme Park this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a patient who had fallen into water at 2.18pm.

An ambulance, a senior paramedic officer, a paramedic area support officer, a rapid response paramedic, a community first responder and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire, with a MERIT trauma doctor on board, were sent to the scene. The first resource was on scene within seven minutes.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a girl with serious injuries who had been rescued from the water by park staff.

“Ambulance staff administered advanced life support before the girl was flown to Birmingham Children’s Hospital with the doctor continuing treatment en-route.

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

Ends

 

Tuesday 9^th May 2017 – 3.20pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

West Midlands Ambulance Service can confirm it was called to reports of a patient in the water at Drayton Manor Park, Tamworth, at 2.18pm this afternoon.

An ambulance, a senior paramedic officer, a paramedic area support officer, a rapid response paramedic, a community first responder and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire were sent to the scene. The first resource was on scene within seven minutes.

More details will follow when available.

Ends

 

Tuesday 9^th May 2017 – 3pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A teenage girl has been airlifted to hospital in a serious condition following a road traffic collision with a van this morning.

The girl was one of two pedestrians injured in the incident with a teenage boy also having been taken to hospital after receiving treatment from ambulance staff at the scene.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A3400 Birmingham Road in Bearley, near to Stratford upon Avon at 10.55am this morning. Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a teenage girl lying on a grass verge with a reduced level of consciousness.

“She was treated for a serious head injury as well as a suspected broken arm.

“Ambulance crews anaesthetised her in order to stabilise her condition before airlifting her to Birmingham Children’s Hospital in a serious condition.

“A teenage boy was treated for an injury to his eye and taken to Warwick Hospital.

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

Ends

 

Tuesday 9^th May 2017 – 12.50pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Five people have been injured, one of whom was airlifted to hospital, after a car crashed into a canal bridge this morning.

The collision happened on the A38 northbound at the junction for Barton-under-Needswood near Burton, shortly after 9.40am.

Five ambulances, a paramedic officer, a BASICS doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to discover five patients, all from the same car, following the crash.

“The most seriously injured patient was a teenage male who was a passenger in the car.

“He was treated for a suspected pelvic injury and injuries to his face, immobilised and airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital. Thankfully, his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

“The driver of the car, a man thought to be in his 20s, was treated for chest and hip pain, cuts to his face and taken to Royal Derby Hospital.

“Also taken to the that hospital was a passenger from the car, a man in his 20s, who received treatment at the scene for chest and abdominal pain.

“Two further patients were transported to Queens Hospital Burton after receiving treatment from ambulance staff at the scene.

“They were a woman in her 20s who had suffered chest, hip and leg injuries and a man in his 20s who was treated for a head injury and back pain.”

Ends

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

Tuesday 9th May 2017 – 7.00am – Murray MacGregor.

A simple test that anyone can do, together with a medicine skin patch costing as little as 39p, could save hundreds of lives.

West Midlands Ambulance Service is working with a number of other ambulance trusts, the British Heart Foundation and the University of Nottingham to test the plaster-like patch which contains the drug glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) on patients suffering from a Stroke.

The researchers believe that the patch can improve outcomes for people who have had a stroke if the medicine is administered quickly. Early results in hospital suggest the skin patch could double survival chances.

The trial which is currently being run in the Black Country but could be extended to Staffordshire and Herefordshire sees the patch applied by ambulance staff when they assess the patient thus saving vital minutes.

Stroke causes around 3,500 deaths across the West Midlands every year according to latest statistics.

A stroke is usually caused by an artery clot or burst blood vessel in the brain and causes permanent disability in around a quarter of patients

GTN helps lower blood pressure and opens up blood vessels, which can help reduce the damage caused in the immediate minutes and hours following a stroke.

Researchers say that the ability to start treating patients within an hour could revolutionise stroke care and lead to the technique being adopted worldwide.  An initial trial of the GTN patch in hospital showed that it halved the stroke death rate from 38% to 16%.

Research Paramedic, Josh Miler, says: “For this treatment to work best, we need to get to patients quickly and that means people being aware of the FAST Test – Face, Arms, Speech, Time to call 999 – which is a very simple method of assessing whether someone is having a stroke. Time is critical in a stroke so we would strongly advise everyone to learn the test so that they can identify if someone is having a stroke.”

Consultant Paramedic, Matt Ward, says: “You cannot underestimate just how important it is that patients suffering from a stroke are identified as quickly as possible.”

WMAS Lead Research Paramedic, Andy Rosser, says: “By improving blood flow in the brain in stroke patients we can dramatically improve their survival chances and recovery. We think that this patch will make a difference to patients, but we need to be sure so taking part in the trial is key.”

Consultant Paramedic, Matt Ward, added: “As well as needing the public to be aware that speed is of the essence, we have been making sure our staff spend as little time on scene when they are dealing with stroke patients.”

The trial is expected to continue throughout 2017 with results coming through in 2018. The trial has been live within the Black Country area of the West Midlands since the 1st March 2017.  WMAS is currently working with Walsall Manor, Sandwell and New Cross Hospitals.

Ends

Monday 8^th May 2017 – 11.25am – Murray MacGregor.

One man has died after a crash in the early hours of this morning.

It happened at about 12.45am on the A488 between Colbatch and Clun in Shropshire.

A rapid response vehicle and a paramedic area support officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a car that had overturned.

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

“There was a concern that there might have been a second patient, but after a search of the immediate area by police and fire that was ruled out and ambulance resources were stood down.”

Ends

Friday 5^th May 2017 – 1.00pm – Claire Brown.

A golf club in South Staffordshire is proudly supporting a local group of volunteers with a driving ambition to save lives.

The South Staffordshire Golf Club recently presented a cheque for £1,300 to local responder group, South Staffordshire First Responders (SSFR) after a year-long fundraising effort by the outgoing captain, Richard Chapman.  The charity provides trained volunteers in Codsall, Perton, Pattingham, Wombourne, Kinver and all the surrounding villages.

Community First Responders (CFR) are groups of volunteers trained to a nationally recognised level by West Midlands Ambulance Service and respond to 999 calls in their local communities. They can be vital in reaching those people suffering from medical emergencies fast, particularly in remote rural communities, prior to the arrival of an ambulance.

CFR’s maybe requested to attend to medical emergencies such as cardiac arrests, diabetic emergencies, strokes, falls, and breathing problems.  The charity provides trained volunteers in Codsall, Perton, Pattingham, Wombourne, Kinver and all the surrounding villages.

Matt Jevons, Founding Trustee of SSFR said: “This is a fantastic donation to receive and is much more than we originally thought it might be.  The money donated to us will go towards purchasing new life saving pieces of equipment.“

Richard Chapman, Club Captain of the South Staffordshire Golf Club said “I and all the golfers at The South Staffordshire Golf Club who supported my Charity competitions are pleased to be able to help the First Responders.  They are a very worthy group to receive this donation.”

ENDS

Pictured (L-R) CFRs Mick Leadbetter and Jean Morgan, Club Captain Richard Chapman and SSFR Trustee Matt Jevons.

Wednesday 3^rd May 2017 – 10.27am – Murray MacGregor.

A woman has been taken to a major trauma centre after being ejected from a car which ended up vertical against a hedge.

The crash happened on the A5 between Shrewsbury and Telford at Uffington at around 6.25am this morning, Wednesday.

An ambulance was sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, the ambulance crew found an off-duty paramedic and an off-duty police officer assisting the woman.

“The car had come to rest against a hedge in a vertical position.

“The 57-year-old woman driving had suffered abrasions to her right arm, pain in chest, abdomen and back and a cut to the back of her head.

“After being assessed at the scene, she was given pain relief, immobilised and taken to the major trauma centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital.”

Ends

 

Tuesday 2^nd May 2017 – 9.05am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A motorcyclist has died following a road traffic collision with a car yesterday.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A5 in Shropshire, between Weston-under-Lizard and Crackleybank and near to the junction with the A41, shortly after 5.20pm. Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, a community first responder and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival at the scene, crews discovered the motorcyclist, a man, in cardiac arrest.

“Ambulance staff immediately began administering CPR and advanced life support.

“However, unfortunately it 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.”

Ends