Month: November 2017

Thursday 30^th November 2017 – 10.30am – Murray MacGregor.

“For a condition that takes 44,000 lives every year, it is astonishing how few people know what it is. That’s one of the reasons we want to help highlight the dangers of SEPSIS to the public.”

These are the words of West Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, at the launch of a new campaign to raise awareness about Sepsis.  Each of the 47 new ambulances entering service with WMAS this year will carry information about the condition.

Unveiling the vehicles was Melissa Mead, who has campaigned to raise awareness of the condition after her one-year-old son William tragically died after a range of health providers failed to spot the condition.  She was accompanied by Dr Ron Daniels, Chief Executive of the UK Sepsis Trust.

Sepsis, or blood poisoning, is the reaction to an infection in which the body attacks its own organs and tissues. If not spotted and treated quickly, it can rapidly lead to organ failure and death.  The numbers are staggering – every year in the UK, 250,000 people are affected by sepsis; 44,000 people die and 60,000 suffer permanent, life-changing after-effects.  It’s more common than heart attacks and kills more people than bowel, breast and prostate cancer and road accidents combined!

Last year new guidelines on sepsis were issued to the NHS which were developed by the UK Sepsis Trust in partnership with NHS England, the Department of Health and Public Health England.

West Midlands Ambulance Service is the first Trust to put the messaging on it’s vehicles.  Trust Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “I am delighted that Melissa and Dr Daniels have come along to help us unveil these posters.  Our staff know better than most just how important it is to recognise the condition and to act quickly to help save lives.

“We have issued guidance to all of our frontline staff on what to look out for, based on the work of the charity and its research.  In many respects putting this poster on the side of our ambulances is one way that we can say ‘thank you’ for their help.

“If it saves even one life then it has been worth it, but because these vehicles will be based across the West Midlands we hope as many people as possible will see the information and take note of the warning signs, so that many more lives can be saved.

“We want everyone to know the phrase: ‘Just ask; could it be sepsis? It’s a simple question but it could save a life.’”

Melissa Mead, Ambassador for the UK Sepsis Trust, added: “It has been a pleasure from start to finish to collaborate with WMAS. Their passion and determination to help raise awareness of sepsis has been unwavering. This messaging will benefit all of those who read it, from the young to the old. There is no greater platform.”

Dr Ron Daniels, said: “We’re delighted that West Midlands Ambulance Service is joining the fight against sepsis and working with the UK Sepsis Trust to raise much-needed awareness among healthcare professionals and the public. As a West Midlands-based charity, it’s a privilege to be collaborating with our local ambulance service, and we hope ambulance fleets all over the UK will continue to follow suit.

“Engaging Trusts across the country will help to provide consistent sepsis care throughout the NHS. We need clinicians and members of the public everywhere to Just Ask: could it be sepsis?”

Sepsis is a rare but serious condition that can look just life flu, gastroenteritis or a chest infection.  Seek medical help urgently if you develop any of the following:

Slurred speech

Extreme shivering or muscle pain

Passing no urine (in a day)

Severe breathless

I feel like I might die

Skin mottled or discoloured

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Wednesday 29^th November 2017 – 10.45am – Claire Brown.

A two-car collision in Telford left five men in need of treatment by ambulance staff earlier this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a two-car collision on Stafford Park 4 in Telford, shortly before 6.00am this morning (Wednesday). Four ambulances, a paramedic officer and a BASICS emergency doctor attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find two cars which had been involved in a serious collision. A total of five patients had been involved in the RTC and each require assessment by ambulance staff. The passenger of one car, a man in his 30s, sustained a potential head injury and ambulance staff worked with the fire service on scene to extricate him from the vehicle on to a scoop stretcher to immobilise him. The man was taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further trauma care.

“A second passenger from the same car, a man in his 30s, was out of the vehicle when crews arrived and, upon assessment, was found to have suffered pain in his shoulder, leg and chest. The driver from the same car, a man in his 20s, sustained shoulder pain. Both patients were taken in the same ambulance to Princess Royal Hospital for further checks.

“A third passenger from the same car, a man in his 20s, was found with facial injuries and shoulder pain. He was given treatment on scene before being taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

“The driver of the second car, a man in his 20s, was out of the vehicle when emergency services arrived and was suffering pain in his abdomen. After assessment on scene he was transferred to Princess Royal Hospital as a precaution.”

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Wednesday 29^th November 2017 – 8.00am – Murray MacGregor.

An elderly man escaped what could have been far more serious injuries, or even worse, after a collision with a double decker bus.

The incident happened at about 5.45pm outside the Railway Station at Galton Bridge in Oldbury Road, Smethwick.

An ambulance, a paramedic officer and a doctor and critical care paramedic from RAF Cosford travelling in a car were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When ambulance staff arrived at the scene, the elderly man was found face down underneath the front of the bus with his head just inches from one of the front wheels.

“He had suffered a head injury and a broken leg.  He was pulled out and was immobilised, had a pelvic binder put in place.  He was given pain relief and had his leg splinted before he was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham; the doctor travelled with the ambulance crew.

“Whilst the man has undoubtedly suffered a nasty injury, the potential for it to be a far more serious outcome is clear.”

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Monday 27^th November 2017 – 9.10am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman has died following a collision between a car and a lorry last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of the A53 and B5415 in Market Drayton, shortly before 10.40pm. One ambulance, a paramedic officer, a community first responder and a BASICS doctor were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered the woman was still inside her car and in cardiac arrest.

“CPR had already been started by emergency service colleagues, which ambulance staff took over.

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

“The lorry driver was assessed and discharged at the scene.”

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Friday 23^rd November 2017 – 11.25am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man was left in a critical condition in the early hours of this morning (Friday) after his car hit a tree.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Birches Head Road in Stoke-on-Trent at 12.45am and sent one ambulance, a paramedic officer and a BASICS doctor to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff discovered a car that had rolled over in the incident and one patient, a man, who had managed to get himself out of the vehicle.

“He was lying on the ground and it quickly became apparent he had suffered serious injuries in the collision.

“Ambulance staff quickly began administering advanced trauma care before the man was anaesthetised by the doctor to stabilise his condition.

“The team then worked quickly to transfer the man to Royal Stoke University Hospital on blue lights and sirens with the hospital having been pre-alerted to the arrival of the man, who at the time was said to be in a critical condition.

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Friday 24^th November 2017 – 10.10am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

It is often said that when you work for the ambulance service you are never off duty, and that proved to be the case at an RTC in Staffordshire last night when six members of off-duty staff stopped at an incident to offer their assistance.

A two-car RTC took place on Sandon Road in Stafford, near to the Dog and Doublet public house, to which West Midlands Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 6.11pm. Three ambulances, a paramedic officer and two BASICS doctors attended together with the Midlands Air Ambulance crew from Staffordshire in a rapid response vehicle. They arrived on scene to find six extra pairs of helping hands.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The collision had resulted in substantial front-end damage to both vehicles and as a result one of the drivers was trapped inside his vehicle.

“Ambulance staff worked closely with the fire service to continually assess and monitor the man, thought to be in his 50s, as he was cut free from the car.

“He was treated for multiple serious injuries, including to his legs. He received specialist trauma care at the scene before being taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital on blue lights and sirens for further treatment.

“There were two patients from the second car, a man and a woman who are both believed to be in their 20s.

“The man was treated for ankle and pelvic injuries whilst the woman had suffered a wrist injury. They were also taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further assessment.

“Our staff always work hard to ensure patients receive the best levels of care and their dedication is highlighted further by the six off-duty members of staff who stopped to offer assistance in this case. Great credit goes to them, and our colleagues in the other emergency services for ensuring the three-people involved in this incident were treated as quickly as possible.”

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Friday 24^th November 2017 – 8.45am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has died following a collision between two lorries this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A500 in Wolstanton, Stoke on Trent at 5.10am and sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a BASICS doctor to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a man who was still in his cab following the collision.

“The man, who was in cardiac arrest, was freed from his vehicle by ambulance staff before they began administering CPR and advanced life support.

“However, despite their best efforts it unfortunately became apparent that nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“A man from the second lorry, believed to be in his 40s, was treated for minor injuries and taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further assessment.”

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Friday 24^th November 2017 – 8.30am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has been anaesthetised and taken to one of the region’s major trauma centres after he was ejected from his car in a single vehicle collision this morning.

The car rolled in the incident which took place at the junction of the A49 and A5 in Upton Magna, Shrewsbury, with West Midlands Ambulance Service receiving a 999 call at 5.20am. Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a MERIT trauma doctor were dispatched to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews discovered a man lying on the roadside after being ejected from the car. The man, believed to be in his 20s, had suffered multiple serious injuries.

“He received specialist trauma care at the scene before the crew arranged to meet the doctor enroute to hospital.

“Upon doing so, the man was anaesthetised to stabilise his condition before the doctor travelled with the patient on the back of the ambulance to help continue treatment for the remainder of the journey to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

“A second man, believed to be in his 30s, had managed to get himself out of the vehicle and was treated for minor injuries before being transported to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.”

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Thursday 23^rd November 2017 – 11.15am – Claire Brown.

A collision involving two cars, a van and a lorry in Cannock left one man in a critical condition last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received a 999 call to reports of a multi-vehicle collision on the A460 Lodge Lane in Cannock at 6.51pm yesterday (Wednesday). Three ambulances, a paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor together with the Midlands Air Ambulance crew from Tatenhill, with a BASICS doctor on board, attended the scene in a rapid response car.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “During the 999 call, the call assessor was told that police officers were performing CPR on a patient involved in the collision. When ambulance staff arrived at the incident they found police colleagues administering excellent CPR to the driver of one car, a man, who was in cardiac arrest. Ambulance staff and the doctors quickly took over resuscitation efforts and after administering advanced life support at the roadside the man was resuscitated. The team worked quickly to transfer the man to an ambulance so that he could be taken, on blue lights and sirens, to Royal Stoke University Hospital with a doctor on board. The hospital was pre-alerted to the arrival of the man who, at the time, was said to be in a critical condition.

“A second car driver, a man in his 60s, suffered chest pain in the collision. He was given treatment on scene before being taken to Walsall Manor Hospital. The lorry and van driver, both men, were assessed on scene by ambulance staff but did not require hospital treatment and were discharged on scene.”

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Wednesday 22^nd November 2017 – 8.42am – Murray MacGregor.

A cyclist has died after a collision with a car in the early hours of this morning.

The tragic incident happened at about 3.20am this morning on Midland Road in Darlaston, near to the roundabout where the road meets The Green.

An ambulance arrived on scene eight minutes after the call to find members of the public doing CPR on the man.

A second ambulance and a paramedic officer were also sent to the scene.  Together, the ambulance staff carried out advanced life support.

“Sadly, despite all of their efforts, the man was confirmed dead at the scene.

“There were no other patients.”

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Monday 20^th November 2017 – 5.00pm – Claire Brown.

When call assessors in our control room received 999 calls reporting a collision between a lorry and a pushchair, they feared the worst.

The incident happened near to Cousins on the A461 Duncan Edwards Way in Dudley shortly after 2.30pm today (Monday). An ambulance and a paramedic officer were immediately sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When the ambulance crew arrived on scene, they found a woman with her two-year-old girl who had reportedly been involved in a collision with a lorry.

“The woman told crews that her daughter, who was strapped into a pushchair at the time, had initially been unresponsive but was alert and understandably distressed when ambulance staff arrived. They assessed the girl in the back of the ambulance and found she had sustained a bump to her head. Whilst ambulance staff found no other apparent injuries, they took the decision to convey the girl to Birmingham Children’s Hospital with her mum for further checks due to the nature of the collision.”

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Monday 20^th November 2017 – 4.20pm – Claire Brown.

Two men and an elderly woman received treatment by ambulance staff this afternoon after they were involved in a collision between a bus and a van.

The incident happened on High Street, Smethwick, shortly before 2.00pm (Monday). Three ambulances were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a van which had sustained substantial front-end damage in the RTC. The passenger of the van, a man in his 40s, sustained a serious head injury. Crews administered trauma care, dressing his wounds before he was immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board and taken on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“The driver of the van, a man in his 20s, was treated on scene for injuries to his foot and chest before being conveyed to City Hospital.

“An elderly woman, a passenger on the bus, was also treated on scene by ambulance staff after she had sustained facial injuries in the collision. She was immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board as a precaution before being taken by ambulance to Sandwell Hospital.”

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Friday 17^th November 2017 – 9.45am – Claire Brown.

When a 999 call came into our control room reporting a collision between a 4×4 and a child who was unconscious, the responding crews feared the worst. Thankfully, the boy was extremely lucky and escaped serious injury.

The incident happened outside Harborne Hill School, Harborne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham shortly before 4.00pm (Thursday). An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When crews arrived they found a boy, believed to be 12-years-old, who was on the floor after a collision with a 4×4. The boy was said to have initially been knocked unconscious however, he was thankfully awake when ambulance staff arrived though understandably upset.

“Crews carried out an initial assessment and found the boy had suffered an isolated head injury. Due to the boy being distressed, the crews quickly transferred him into the back of the ambulance where it was quieter and more private. The boy was given pain relief and he was fully immobilised before being taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further assessment and treatment where on arrival he was said to be in a stable condition.”

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Thursday 16^th November 2017 – 5.00pm – Murray MacGregor.

West Midlands Ambulance Service is welcoming the custodial sentence that a court handed down to a man who headbutted a paramedic leaving him unconscious.

The cowardly attack happened at about 11.45pm on Sunday evening while Coventry Paramedic Neil Vann was part of a crew trying to treat a patient at a house in Nuneaton.

On Tuesday, 33-year-old David Neal of Vale View, Nuneaton was sentenced to six months in prison at Warwick Magistrates Court.

Mr Vann said: “I have been doing this job for 30 years and I love it.  I do it to help people but now I feel like I have to watch over my shoulder, this is unfair on me and the patient as they can’t have my full attention.  I had the shakes and don’t want to feel like I need to be concerned all the time but it’s always going to be there at the back of my mind.

“I am pleased it’s a custodial sentence and maybe, just maybe, people will think twice before assaulting us.”

Mr Vann has been off work since the attack due to the injuries sustained.  He went back to work last night for the first time.

Trust Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “This was an abhorrent attack on a member of staff who was simply trying to help a patient in their hour of need.  It is never ok to assault our staff.

“I am delighted that on this occasion, the Magistrate has shown that such action will not be tolerated and handed down a custodial sentence. The public find these attacks unacceptable so it right that the courts take a firm line.

“This is just the sort of action we need on a far more regular basis by the Courts so that people understand that attacking our staff is not acceptable.  Providing protection for our staff is a must and this type of sentence helps to do that.”

Neal was sentenced to a six-month prison sentence for the assault and told to pay £600 in compensation.

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Thursday 16^th November 2017 – 2.25pm – Murray MacGregor.

Two elderly men have escaped injury despite the light aircraft they were in overshooting a runway and going through two hedges and over a road.

The incident happened at Halfpenny Green Airport at Bobbington in South Staffordshire at about 11.40am this morning (Thursday).

Airport firefighters were on scene almost immediately.  An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT Trauma doctor and critical care paramedic were all sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The aircraft had overshot runway 16, gone through a hedge, over Water Lane and through another hedge coming to rest in a field.  The port/left side wing had been ripped off in the accident.

“Thankfully, neither of the occupants were seriously hurt and both were able to get out of the aircraft.

“One man had suffered cuts and bruises plus a laceration to his head.  After assessment by the doctor, he was taken to New Cross Hospital by land ambulance as a precaution.

“The other man had a minor facial injury and chose not to go to hospital.

“Considering what had happened to the aircraft, both man had got away remarkably unscathed.”

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Thursday 16^th November 2017 – 9.45am – Murray MacGregor.

A man has suffered serious injuries after a wooden stake went through the front of the car and into his leg.

It happened last night after the car left the B4203, just to the east of Stanford Bridge in Worcestershire and ended up in hedge.

An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the MERIT Trauma doctor and critical care paramedic were sent to the scene after a call at about 11.20pm last night.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found the car with significant front-end damage – the stake which was about 3 inches across had come through the front of the car had gone into the patients left leg.

“After being given pain relief, the man was extricated with the help of firefighters.

“He was assessed on the ambulance by the doctor before being taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.”

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Wednesday 15^th November 2017 – 9.15am – Murray MacGregor.

A West Midlands paramedic has started a campaign of positivity that is spreading around the world on Twitter.  #BlueLightHappy was started by Birmingham Paramedic Rob Moore after he saw so many stories about emergency services staff coming under attack and being abused.

Rob said: “There have been lots of stories in the media about people not being nice to us lately – the note on the window of an ambulance and the footage of the man in the north west shouting at an ambulance crew, so I thought it was time for a morale boost!

“While I have been punched and spat at in recent months, I’ve also had hundreds of patients who have just been so grateful that ambulance staff are there to help them in their hour of need.

“I’m looking for the public to share their stories of when the emergency services have helped them so that we all remember that the vast majority of people are not only nice, but care about each other and the emergency services who are there to protect them.

“Some of the stories that I have seen have been incredible – from simple notes of thanks to stories from colleagues who have been shown kindness.

“Wouldn’t it be great if we got more people to share their stories of people doing nice things for #team999 – use #BlueLightHappy so we can see that people DO care about our work!”

Since Rob launched the campaign on Monday it has been covered by the likes of Good Morning Britain on ITV and BBC Radio 5Live

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Tuesday 14^th November 2017 – 5.20pm – Claire Brown.

A motorcyclist has been airlifted to hospital in a serious condition following a road traffic collision with a car in Worcester this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to outside Astwood Business Park, Astwood Lane at 2.15pm after reports of a collision involving a car and a motorcyclist. An ambulance, a paramedic officer, a responder paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham with a BASICs doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “It was apparent to ambulance staff that the motorcyclist, a man, had suffered multiple serious injuries in the collision when they arrived on scene. Ambulance staff worked quickly to administer treatment to him. The doctor administered advanced pain relief to the man to help stabilise his condition whilst the team worked to fully immobilise him and tend to his injuries. The man was then airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further trauma care.”

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Monday 13^th November 2017 – 10.15am – Murray MacGregor.

A cyclist has been injured after a collision with a car.

It happened on the Black Country New Road near the junction of Woden Road West in Darlaston at around 8.00am this morning (Monday).

An ambulance, a paramedic officer, a senior paramedic officer and the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic (CCP) were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance crews found a cyclist who had suffered a head injury and had a reduced level of consciousness.  There was considerable damage to the car.

“The rider, a man in his 40s, was sedated at the scene by the doctor before he was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with the doctor and CCP travelling with the ambulance.

“The car driver was unhurt and was with police.”

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Thursday 9^th November 2017 – 16.34pm – Murray MacGregor.

A woman has died after a collision with a car.

The incident happened on Rookery Road in the Handsworth area of Birmingham at just before 11.15am this morning (Thursday).

An ambulance was on scene seven minutes after the call and was backed up by a second ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance with the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic on board.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a woman on the pavement who had suffered very serious injuries and was in cardiac arrest.  There was no car at the scene.

“Ambulance staff and the doctor carried out advanced life support, but sadly, despite all efforts, it wasn’t possible to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.”

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Wednesday 8^th November 2017 – 11.10am – Murray MacGregor.

A man has had an extraordinary escape from serious injury after a metal railing penetrated the side of the car that he was in.

The crash happened outside Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sikh Temple on the High Street in Smethwick at just after 7.30pm last night.

The MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic were first on scene and were backed up by an ambulance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman, said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a badly damaged car which had some metal railing through the driver’s side door.  Nearby a set of traffic lights had been damaged.

“There was only one person at the scene.  The 20-year-old man had suffered a leg injury where the metal work went through the car and struck his leg by the knee.  He was treated for abrasions to his lower right leg but did not appear to have any other injuries.

“After being assessed by the doctor, he was given pain relief, had his leg splinted as a precaution and was taken by ambulance to Sandwell Hospital.”

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Tuesday 7th November 2017 – 5.20pm – Murray MacGregor.

A recruitment campaign to find paramedics of the future looks likely set to set new records for the level of interest.

Since the application opened on NHS Jobs, just over 21,000 people have viewed the job description and person specification.  Not only that, over 450 have actually applied, with another 850 still working on their applications.

Last December, a similar advert brought in 10,000 views and 28 applications.

Recruitment Manager, Louise Harris, said: “After the success of TV programmes like ‘Ambulance’ (BBC One), ‘999 On The Frontline’ (More 4) and ‘Inside the Ambulance’ (W Channel), the ambulance service, particularly in the West Midlands, has never been so high profile.

“There is no doubt that we have seen a huge level of interest in the role of paramedic and also those staff who work in our control rooms.  Our social media channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (@officialWMAS) have seen loads of people asking for more information.

“It is great news that so many people have taken the time to look at the role of student paramedic.  As an ‘earn as you learn’ scheme, it opens up possibilities to a wide range of people in the region.

“We have seen people apply from all different communities but also people from their teens to their 50s; many who are looking at a complete career change or even a second career change.

“From our perspective, this is excellent news because it means we get a really good variety of people from all walks of life, area, ethnic group and community which can only be good for the service.”

Applications close at 11.59pm on Thursday 9^th November.  To apply you need to have at least five GCSEs (A – C grade) including English, Maths and Science, and a single A Level in any subject.  Equivalent qualifications will be accepted.  In addition, you must at least have applied for you C1 driving licence.

Please go to www.jobs.nhs.uk and search for Job Ref: 217-VN197-17-18

For further information about the qualifications required, please contact the Recruitment Team on 01384 215 896 or email recruitment@wmas.nhs.uk

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Tuesday 7^th November 2017 – 9am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Two men have been seriously injured in a road traffic collision this morning in which one man was dragged from a burning car and the other was trapped because of the damage caused.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Trentham Road in Newcastle, Stoke-on-Trent, near to New Hayes Farm, at 6.44am and sent three ambulances, a paramedic officer, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford and a BASICS doctor to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The first ambulance crew arrived on scene within six minutes of the call being made and discovered a man, believed to be in his 40s, who had been dragged from a burning car. The fire had already been put out by the fire service.

“Ambulance staff treated him for serious head, pelvic and leg injuries. He was immobilised and taken by land ambulance to Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“The driver of the second car, a man in his 40s, was trapped inside his vehicle and was monitored and assessed by crews whilst the fire service cut him free.

“He was treated for serious leg, pelvic and abdominal injuries, immobilised and taken to the same hospital by land ambulance. The doctor from the air ambulance travelled with the patient to continue treatment en-route.

“Thankfully, it is not believed that either set of injuries are life-threatening.

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

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Monday 6^th November 2017 – 5.14pm – Murray MacGregor.

A man has been airlifted to a major trauma centre after he was left trapped following a two vehicle crash.

The collision between a car and a pick-up truck happened Roden Lane, about a mile from the A49 at Harlescott.

An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic on board were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance crews found a Peugeot car that had suffered considerable front end damage after a collision with a pick-up truck.

“The driver, a 69-year-old man, was trapped in the wreckage of the car.  Working with firefighters, the man was extricated from the vehicle and was immobilised.

“After assessment by the doctor, the man was treated for a broken leg and dislocated hip.  He had a pelvic binder put in place and had his leg splinted.

“He was given pain relief before being airlifted to the major trauma centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“The driver of the pick-up truck, a man estimated to be about 40 years old, was uninjured.”

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Thursday 2nd November 2017 – 6.00am – Murray MacGregor.

West Midlands Ambulance Service is so disappointed in the sentence handed down to a man convicted of assaulting two staff, that the Trust has written to the Attorney General asking for it to be reviewed.

It comes after one paramedic had her wrist broken and another suffered cuts and bruising to his lower legs after being kicked by the defendant, who was wearing steel toe capped footwear, while they tried to help him.

The unusual step of making the appeal was taken after Adam George James was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on 25th October 2017 to a 14-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years; he was also ordered to carry out 150 hours community service and pay a victim surcharge to the courts of £140. He was charged with Actual Bodily Harm and Common Assault.

On 12th July 2016, James assaulted the ambulance crew that came to help him after he was found unconscious in a public place in Birmingham city centre. 

The ambulance staff arrived on scene and started pre-hospital clinical support prior to transportation to hospital. During the clinical assessment, the defendant regained consciousness and started to use foul language towards the crew. Despite this, they continued and persuaded him to have an ECG check and intravenous access be obtained for the administration of drugs if required.

With no warning, James struck both clinicians with his feet resulting in both crew members needing hospital treatment and were booked off sick from operational duties for 6 weeks to 2 weeks respectively. 

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Paramedic Amy Holtom, who suffered the broken wrist said: “I think this is appalling and shows how little the courts think of us. Anyone else would have been looking at time in jail, but yet again ambulance staff have been let down by the legal system.”  

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WMAS Trust Chief Executive Officer,Anthony Marsh, who requested the appeal, added: “The sentence is extremely lenient given the traumatic injuries sustained and emotional upset experienced; I find it hugely frustrating that so many of my staff have been let down by the sentences given.

“There is no question in my mind that this warranted a custodial sentence. As well as the pain, suffering and emotional scarring of these staff, the public lost the services of two highly trained ambulance clinicians for a total of eight weeks. Those shifts had to be covered which meant overtime and additional cost to the NHS at a time when budgets are already stretched. 

“The legal system is there to protect emergency workers who risk their lives for others and it is their expectation that the courts will ensure the full force of the law is applied in such cases.”  

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The Trusts Head of Security, Steve Elliker, said: “Whilst we welcome the new Private Members Bill to provide emergency workers with enhanced protection, the Ministry of Justice has made it quite clear that there is no reason why the courts cannot hand down custodial sentences based on current legislation. 

“It is never appropriate for staff to be abused verbally or physically. It is almost unbelievable that even this level of violence did not result in a custodial sentence. It is time that the Courts handed down sentences that act as a deterrent against
future assaults.”

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Wednesday 1^st November 2017 – 5.55pm – Murray MacGregor.

A woman suffered serious leg injuries after a crash that left her trapped for

The crash happened by the Aldi supermarket in Dudley Road, Kingswinford at just after 1.30pm on Wednesday lunchtime.

An ambulance was on scene in seven minutes and was backed up by a second ambulance, a paramedic officer and a senior paramedic officer.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival ambulance crews found a 59-year-old woman trapped in a Citroen with serious leg injuries.

“Due to her condition, a doctor was requested and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford was dispatched carrying the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic.

“Ambulance staff continued treating the woman while firefighters cut the side of the car away, so that she could be extricated.

“After a fuller assessment on the ambulance by the doctor, the woman was taken to Russells Hall Hospital as it is a vascular centre.

“The 48-year-old woman in the Honda had managed to get out of her car.  She was complaining of muscular and soft tissue injuries.  After assessment, she was taken to the same hospital.”

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Wednesday 1^st November 2017 – 5.30pm – Murray MacGregor.

A car driver and a motorcyclist have both suffered serious injuries after a collision

The crash happened in Uffculme Road in the Kings Norton area of Birmingham at about 11.00am this morning (Wednesday).

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance crews found a car that significant intrusion on the driver’s door and a motorbike that was badly damaged.

“The rider, a 30-year-old man had suffered multiple injuries.  He was assessed and treated at the scene by ambulance staff before being taken on blue lights to the major Trauma Centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“Ambulance staff worked as a team with firefighters to extricate the driver of the car in a complex operation.  He too had suffered multiple injuries and was taken to the same hospital.”

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Wednesday 1^st November 2017 – 11.15am – Murray MacGregor.

A schoolgirl has been badly hurt after a collision with a car outside her school.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to, Hob Green Road in Wollescote, Stourbridge at just after 9.00am on Wednesday morning.

Two ambulances, a paramedic officer, a senior paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic on board, were sent to the scene, outside Hob Green Primary School.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The girl was initially unconscious but came around as she was treated by ambulance staff.  She had suffered serious injuries.

After assessment by the doctor, she was taken by land ambulance on blue lights to the specialist paediatric major trauma centre at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

“The woman driving the car was also assessed at the scene but was later discharged with advice.”

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