Month: July 2019

Murray MacGregor – Thursday 25^th July 2019 – 1.45pm.

Ambulance bosses have paid tribute to the actions of an off-duty Trainee Nurse Associate after she saved the life of a man involved in a car crash near her home.

Jade Myatt, who works at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital came across a car crash near her home in Telford.

The driver of the car had been taken ill at the wheel and had narrowly missed Jade’s house before crashing into a field.

Jade said: “I got out to make sure everyone was ok. Another motorist who had also stopped said he was concerned that the driver’s breathing had changed so I went to check on him.  He was still in the car and his breathing was very poor.  I suspected he was having a heart attack and that he needed immediate treatment.”

The man’s heart attack developed into a cardiac arrest and Jade worked with the other gentleman to start CPR until the ambulance arrived.  She then supported the ambulance crew until the driver was taken to Princess Royal Hospital in Telford where the driver was stabilised before being transferred to University Hospitals of North Midlands in Stoke.

Jade added: “The paramedics knew I worked in AMU at RSH and they spoke to my manager. The gentleman in question is doing really well and is now back at home. They said if I wasn’t on the scene, the outcome could have been very different.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service Senior Operations Manager for Shropshire, Rob Till, said: “In a cardiac arrest, every second counts. For every minute after the heart stops and no-one is doing CPR, the patient’s chances of survival drop by 10%.

“The fact that Jade was there and able to start CPR massively increased the chances of the man surviving; her actions undoubtedly gave him the best possible chance of making a good recovery.

“Jade’s actions show how being prepared to do CPR really can make you into a lifesaver. This is one of the reasons we would urge everyone to learn the skill as you just never know when they might be called upon to help someone, be it a friend, loved one, or as in this case, a complete stranger.

“Congratulations to Jade and we wish her every success in her nursing career.”

Jade is due to qualify as a Nursing Associate in January and plans to go on to study to become a registered nurse.

If you would like to know how to do CPR, there are many courses available, but here, WMAS Community Response Manager, Cliff Medlicott gives you a quick guide:

Jamie Arrowsmith – Tuesday 30^th July 2019 – 11.10am.

A motorcyclist has died after he was found lying in the road by passers-by last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Banbury Road in Bishops Tachbrook at 9.57pm, near to the junction with the M40, and sent one ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Critical Care Car to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “It is not clear what had happened, however, when crews arrived they found a man, the motorcyclist, lying in the road cardiac arrest.

“Police officers were already performing CPR which ambulance staff took over, as well as administering advanced life support.

“However, sadly it became apparent nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

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Murray MacGregor – Tuesday 30^th July 2019 – 9.40am.

A man who fell up to 10 metres has been rescued by ambulance staff and a mountain rescue team.

A 999 emergency call was made at just ater 6.00pm last night to The Roaches at Hen Cloud in the Leek Moorlands.

A community first responder, a paramedic officer, an ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire were sent to the scene along with Buxton Mountain Rescue Team.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff were told that the man, who was in his 30s, had fallen about 10 metres and had been left unconscious for a few minutes.

“The man was treated for multiple non life threatening injuries at the scene.

“The Mountain Rescue Team then worked with ambulance staff to carry the man down to the ambulance from where he was taken by road to Royal Stoke University Hospital.”

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Jamie Arrowsmith – Tuesday 30^th July 2019 – 9am.

A man has died and two other patients have been taken to hospital following a collision between two motorbikes and a car yesterday afternoon (Monday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Buckle Street and the A44 in Broadway at 3.46pm and sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance to the scene. South Western Ambulance Service also sent an ambulance to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We were called to reports of a collision involving two motorbikes and a car.

“On arrival, we discovered one of the motorcyclists, a man, was in cardiac arrest with police officers having already started CPR. Ambulance staff quickly assessed the patient but sadly it became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The second motorcyclist, also a man, was treated for serious injuries, not believed to be life-threatening, and was taken to Worcester Royal Hospital by land ambulance.

“The driver of the car, a woman, was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital by South Western Ambulance Service.”

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Jamie Arrowsmith – Friday 26th July 2019 – 3.10pm

Two women and a man have been airlifted to hospital following a collision involving two motorbikes this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the collision near to the junction of the A4112 and B4457 in Hereford at 11.58am and sent three ambulances, a paramedic officer, a MARS (Mercian Accident Rescue Service) doctor, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered two motorbikes that had been in collision and a total of three patients.

“One of the riders, a woman, was found to have suffered multiple serious injuries. She received specialist trauma care at the scene and was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham in a serious condition.

“The rider of the second motorbike, a man, and his pillion passenger, a woman, were both treated for multiple injuries and airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol.”

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Notes to Editors:

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

Jamie Arrowsmith – Friday 26^th July 2019 – 1.30pm.

A woman has been airlifted and four other patients, including two children, have also been taken to hospital following a two-car collision this morning.

The incident happened on Hednesford Road in Heath Hayes, Cannock, near to The Five Ways Pub, at 11.44am.

Three ambulances, a senior paramedic, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We were called to reports of two cars that had been in collision, both of which had suffered front end damage.

“There were five occupants in the two vehicles, all of whom were able to get themselves out. The driver of one of the cars, a woman, was treated for multiple injuries and airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham in a serious condition.

“There were two boys who also required assessment from the same car. They were treated for potentially serious injuries and taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital on blue lights and sirens.

“From the second car, ambulance staff treated the driver, a man, and a woman who was a front seat passenger. They were both treated for non-life-threatening injuries and taken to New Cross Hospital.”

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Murray MacGregor – Thursday 25^th July 2019 – 5.10pm.

Four men have been injured after a disturbance in the Milton Street area of Stoke on Trent.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received ten 999 calls to incidents in the area at around 3.05pm on Thursday; they reported multiple casualties.

A total of five ambulances, the Midlands Air Ambulances from Staffordshire and Cosford, along with five paramedic officers were dispatched.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Ambulance crews worked closely with police officers at what was initially a scene spread over a number of streets.

“In total four patients were identified:

“A man in his 20s suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital on blue lights; the aircrew from the Midlands Air Ambulances from Staffordshire travelled with the patient.

“A man in his late teens suffered serious injuries and was also taken to hospital along with another man in his late teens who had suffered less serious injuries.

“A fourth man self-presented at hospital.

“Excellent teamwork from police and ambulance services ensured that all of the patients got to hospital as quickly as possible.”

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Murray MacGregor – Thursday 25^th July 2019 – 3.10pm.

One person has been airlifted and two others have been hurt after an explosion and fire on a pleasure boat.

The incident happened at the marina at East Waterside in Upton on Severn, Worcestershire at around 12.20pm today (Thursday).

Two ambulances, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Stresham, the Hazardous Area Response Team and three paramedic officers were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We were called to reports of patients who had suffered burns after a fire and an explosion.  On arrival ambulance staff found three patients who had come off one boat and who had been injured.

“The fire on the first boat had spread to two others.

“A woman in her 60s was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham in a serious condition.  A man in his 30s was taken by road to the same hospital with less serious injuries.

“A second woman in her 60s was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for further treatment.

“The Hazardous Area Response Team are remaining at the site until the fire service have got the fires under control.”

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Jamie Arrowsmith – Wednesday 24^th July 2019 – 10am.

A man has been taken to hospital in a serious condition following a collision between a car and a van this morning that resulted in two patients.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Leek Road, near Cellarhead, at 5.49am and sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a rapid response paramedic to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Ambulance staff arrived to find two patients, a man who was the driver of the car and a woman who was the driver of the van.

“The man received specialist trauma care at the scene for multiple serious injuries. He was transported to Royal Stoke University Hospital on blue lights and sirens with his condition described as critical upon arrival.

“The woman was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and transported to the same hospital for further assessment.”

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has the relevant dash-cam footage, to contact 101, quoting incident 108 of 24 July.

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Murray MacGregor – Wednesday 23rd July 2019 – 9.45am.

Ambulance bosses are appealing for help from the public to identify a man who was at the scene when an ambulance was broken into and vital lifesaving equipment was stolen.

The incident happened in the early hours of Monday 15^th July in Shrewsbury as the crew were treating a man inside a nearby property.

The crew became aware of the break in at just before 3.00am while they were treating a patient in Dogpole.

Due to the serious nature of the patient’s condition, the crew had to leave the scene and take the patient on blue lights to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.  It was only once they had handed over to staff in A&E that they were able to assess what had been taken.

Shrewsbury Operations Manager, Jon Ostrowski, said: “They discovered that a number of items of equipment that we use to manage a patient’s airway – mainly endo-tracheal blades and laryngoscope handles – had been taken.  They are utterly useless to anyone but us as they are only used in lifesaving interventions. 

“While the crew carry this equipment in their pack that they take to a patient, had they used that one and then needed another, it could have caused a significant delay and that could have had deadly consequences. 

“Add to that, the crew then had to take their vehicle off the road so that a full audit of equipment could be carried out.  They had to return to Shrewsbury Hub to pick up a second vehicle and so were not available to respond to 999 calls.”

The CCTV on the vehicle has been checked and the attached image is of an individual that the police would like to speak to in connection with their enquiries.  If you recognise him or have any information about the incident, please contact West Mercia Police on 101 quoting incident 42S of 15^th July 2019 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Claire Brown – Tuesday 23^rd July 2019 – 9.15am.

Two pedestrians have been injured, one seriously, after a collision involving a car and parked cars in Birmingham last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received multiple 999 calls to Berkeley Road East, Hay Mills, shortly before 8.00pm yesterday (Monday). Three ambulances, two paramedic officers and a MERIT trauma doctor responded to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance staff arrived to find two pedestrians who had been involved in a collision with a car which had also collided with parked cars.

“One pedestrian, a woman, sustained serious injuries which required trauma care at the roadside. Once stabilised, she was taken on blue lights and sirens to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further emergency treatment.

“A second pedestrian, a man, was given treatment on scene for less serious injuries before being taken to Heartlands Hospital.

“The driver of the car, a man, suffered relatively minor injuries and was taken to hospital as a precaution for further checks.”

ENDS

Claire Brown – Monday 22^nd July 2019 – 4.00pm.

A lorry driver has died on the M6 this afternoon in Staffordshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a road traffic collision involving a lorry on the southbound carriageway of the M6 between junctions 13 and 12, Gailey, Stafford, at 1.18pm (Monday). Two ambulances and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a lorry which had left the carriageway and was on its side down an embankment. Sadly, ambulance staff were unable to save the driver of the lorry, a man, and he was confirmed dead on scene a short time later.”

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Claire Brown – Thursday 18^th July 2019 – 4.25pm.

A primary school and a pub in Coventry are the proud owners of a life-saving defibrillator thanks to the fundraising efforts of their local community.

Hollyfast Primary School in Coundon, Coventry, began a fundraising initiative to purchase a defibrillator for the school in November last year after the parent of one of their pupils suffered a cardiac arrest and sadly died in 2018.

Early into their fundraising, the school decided to contact West Midlands Ambulance Service to find out more about defibrillators. It was during a conversation between the school and the Trust’s Community Response Manager, Bobby Qayum, that the ambulance service offered to donate a defibrillator to further bolster the community’s life-saving potential.

From various fundraising efforts and donations from the local community, the school raised enough money to buy a community defibrillator cabinet to house the donated defibrillator from the Trust. This has now been installed at the front of The White Lion Pub in Allesley and is accessible to the community in an emergency 24 hours a day, seven days a week if required.  The school have also purchased their own defibrillator, in a separate venture, which is situated onsite to further bolster life-saving potential within the community.

Liz Hayes-Jones, Head Teacher for Hollyfast Primary School, said: “We are pleased that the fundraising target we set has been successfully completed. This has been achieved through the joint efforts of our community which marks the loss of a parent and friend to Hollyfast, Matt Whitehead, who sadly suffered a cardiac arrest and died whilst out running last summer. A special thank you to all who have helped us achieve this, including Persimmon Homes community donation, neighbouring school Keresley Grange, individual contributions through a marathon sponsorship and other donations, Dave from Brady’s Electricians who completed the defibrillator box installation for free as well as The White Lion Pub (Vintage Inn) who agreed to house the community defibrillator.

“A special thank you, also, to West Midlands Ambulance Service for their very kind donation of the community defibrillator. Our joint efforts have resulted in two life-saving devices being introduced in the Coundon and Allesley areas which we hope will make a difference to someone’s life. We are proud of our joint efforts in making this happen.”

Bobby Qayum, Community Response Manager, said: “When the school contacted me and explained that they wanted a defibrillator in memory of a parent, I felt it was only right that the service donated a defibrillator to the community as well. It’s been a pleasure supporting this local community if either defibrillator helps to save just a life, then it’s money well spent.  As an ambulance service we know that the quicker someone in cardiac arrest is given CPR and a defibrillator is used, the better the chances of survival.”

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Notes to Editors:

Pictured (outside school): Pupil Ben, the son of Matt Whitehead, holding the defibrillator with Headteacher Liz and Ambulance Community Response Manager Bobby together with school teachers.

Pictured (outside pub): Headteacher Liz (holding sign) and other teachers together with pub representative (right).

 

 

 

 

 

Murray MacGregor – Wednesday 17^th July 2019 – 1.35pm.

The driver of a panel van has had an astonishing escape after gas canisters in the back of his van went on fire and exploded.

The man was driving on the A44 near Marston between Kington and Leominster in Herefordshire at around 7.40am this morning (Wednesday) when the incident happened.

An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We were called to reports of a small panel van carrying gas cylinders that had exploded.

“On arrival, ambulance staff found the van that had been completely burnt out.

“Thankfully the driver, a man in his 40s, had managed to get out of the vehicle before it was consumed by the fire.

“He was assessed and treated at the scene before being taken by land ambulance to Hereford County Hospital.”

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Pictures courtesy of @HWFireKingsland

 

Jamie Arrowsmith – Wednesday 17^th July – 8.55am. (Issued in conjunction with Staffordshire Police & Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service)

As children prepare to break up from school for the summer holidays, a new video has been launched which is designed to educate youngsters on how to make a 999 emergency call.

The video, which has been jointly launched by West Midlands Ambulance Service, Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, is aimed at children aged four to seven, with the emphasis being on what to do if they ever find themselves having to dial 999.

It features ‘Lookout Lion’ who needs to call for the help following a car crash outside his house. But does he know the number to dial? The location of the emergency? And can he stay calm enough to answer all of the questions from the operator which will ensure help is arranged as quickly as possible?

It ends with a message to parents about the importance of teaching children how to call 999 and the kind of things they can expect to be asked if doing so. It is also hoped that it will be used by schools as a way of educating children about the work of the emergency services and how they are there to help.

Jeremy Brown, West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Emergency Operations Centre General Manager, said: “Obviously we hope young children are never in the position that they need to call 999, but sadly sometimes they are and it’s vital that they are prepared in order for us to arrange help as quickly as possible.

“Hopefully this video will go a long way to making children aware of what to expect, whilst also leading into further conversations with teachers and parents about what to do and when it is appropriate to ring 999.”

Lisa Cope, Head of Contact Services for Staffordshire Police said: “As the summer holidays begin, we are asking parents to make sure they take five minutes to sit down with their children and explain how and when to call 999.

“It is important that children know their address and postcode so that if they need to call 999 at home, we can get to them as quickly as possible.”

Glynn Luznyj, Director of Prevent and Protect at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The ‘Lookout Lion’ video highlights the importance of knowing what to do in an emergency situation to children and also to their parents. Supplying the correct information is vital to ensure that the emergency services respond quickly and effectively to every call for help.

“We would encourage families to have a plan detailing what to do in an emergency and to include an escape route in case a fire breaks out at home.”

The video is available to view here https://vimeo.com/348369110/ed33b1bb03 whilst supporting material, including a downloadable document for parents to fill key details in on, can be found here https://wmas.nhs.uk/advice-resources/campaigns/how-to-make-an-emergency-999-call/.

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Murray MacGregor – Wednesday 17^th July 2019 – 8.45am.

Two men have bene taken to hospital after the light aircraft they were in came down in a wheat field shortly after take off.

The incident happened near to Otherton Airfield near Penkridge in Staffordshire at around 3.45pm on Tuesday afternoon.

Two ambulances, two paramedic officers, the Hazardous Area Response Team and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a doctor and critical care paramedic on board were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a small aeroplane that had crash landed in a field.  Thankfully it had remained the right way up though had suffered considerable damage.

“One of the occupants was trapped and had to be assisted out by ambulance staff and firefighters.

“The two men, who were both in their 60s were taken by land ambulance to New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton with injuries not thought to be life threatening.”

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Come along to our annual meeting and find out more about working and volunteering for your local ambulance service.

Read More “Find out more about your ambulance service at our Annual General Meeting”

Murray MacGregor – Tuesday 16^th July 2019 – 10.25am.

West Midlands Ambulance Service has been nominated for a prestigious award that recognises the huge level of input that the Trust has in pre-hospital research.

The Awards celebrate the contribution AHPs (Allied Health Professions) have made in supporting improvements in health, care and wellbeing.

The Trust made it through from over 200 nominations to the final of the AHP Research Impact category for its part in the ground breaking PARAMEDIC 2 research project which looked at the use of adrenaline in cardiac arrest cases.

The project which was run by Warwick Clinical Trials Unit also involved North East, South Central, London and the Welsh ambulance services.

WMAS Research Paramedic, Josh Miller, said: “We were nominated by Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, for the way in which we overcame the challenges of delivering research during cardiac arrests, which are our most serious 999 calls.

“Adrenaline is a medicine which has been used in cardiac arrest for many years, but which the PARAMEDIC2 study showed that although it helps restart the heart it can increase the risk of brain damage.

“The biggest thing that improves survival is the early recognition of a cardiac arrest by members of the public, people at the scene immediately starting CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and having access to and using a defibrillator as soon as possible.

“It also showed that ambulance staff can conduct high-quality research in the most challenging of circumstances.

“There is no doubt that the results will improve patient care; it shows that it is not the advanced treatments by ambulance staff that improves cardiac arrest survival; it is the actions of members of the public that makes the biggest difference.

“This is why it is so vital that everyone learns how to do CPR and we increase the number of public access defibs in our communities.”

There are many courses available on how to learn CPR, but here, Community Response Manager Cliff Medlicott shows you what is involveed:

More information on the PARAMEDIC 2 trial is here.

Further details about the awards is at here.

 

 

Jamie Arrowsmith – Friday 12^th July 2019 – 4.45pm.

A man has died following a collision between a motorbike and a car this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 11.06am to reports of a collision between a motorbike and a car at the junction of the A435 Birmingham Road and Pratts Lane in Mappleborough Green, Studley. Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

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

“CPR and advanced life support was administered but sadly, it became apparent nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The driver of the car, a woman, was treated for multiple injuries, not believed to be life-threatening, and was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham by land ambulance.”

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Murray MacGregor – Friday 12^th July 2019 – 8.00am.

While thousands of fans will be cheering on Lewis Hamilton at this weekend’s British Grand Prix, road safety campaigners are hoping that a six foot mannequin called ‘Colin’ will have an even bigger impact on the lives of thousands of motorcycle riders.

Colin will be at the home of grand prix racing this weekend along with staff from West Midlands Ambulance Service who will be in the Entertainment Zone working with Highways England as well as colleagues from police and fire, talking with the tens of thousand of ‘petrol heads’ about road safety.

Although motorcycle riders make up just 1% of road users, they account for 18% of deaths.  In the last four years in the West Midlands alone, there have been more than 1,150 crashes that have resulted in either the death or injuries that are so serious that they have required specialist trauma treatment.

WMAS Operations Manager and former ‘emergency biker’, Mark Hayes, said: “We started working with the West Midlands Police Road Harm Reduction Team last year looking at ways to educate riders on how to reduce the chances of them joining that grim tally.

“What we realised is that many of the injuries are much worse than they might have been because of the inappropriate nature of the clothing the riders were wearing.

“Too often in the summer we see riders dressed in only t-shirts, shorts and trainers.  If they were to come off, even at slow speed they would suffer horrendous injuries caused by them sliding along the road surface.

‘Colin’ shows the difference between a rider who was wearing ‘leathers’ and what would happen if they weren’t.  My colleague, Paramedic Adele Gregory used theatrical make up to make ‘Colin’ look incredibly life like, which often shocks riders when they see what could happen.

“What we want riders to do is: ‘dress for the slide, not the ride’.  By wearing proper safety equipment, they can dramatically reduce the level of injury.  There is no excuse for not wearing appropriate gear now – it doesn’t have to be expensive and you can even buy clothing that looks like jeans but is made of materials like Kevlar which provides excellent protection.

“Equally, we want to increase the take up of advanced education to make them better riders, thereby reducing the chances of them getting into a situation where they might come off their bike.

“I’ve been riding for many years, not just for pleasure but also responding to 999 incidents and know how just how much good protection is worth.  The message we will be giving to the people we see at Silverstone is simple: what value do you put on your health and life?”

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Thursday 4^th July – 6.15pm – Claire Brown.

 

Eight children have been taken to hospital and 16 others were assessed on scene by ambulance staff following a two-coach collision in Shropshire this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received a 999 call to reports of a collision involving two coaches at 10.42am today (Thursday) in Millichope Park in Munslow, Shropshire. Three ambulances, three paramedic officers, the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham and a BASICS emergency doctor from Mercia Accident Rescue Service (MARS) attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find two coaches, each carrying children who were on a school trip, which had been involved in a collision.

“With around 60 pupils and a number of adults on board, ambulance staff worked as a team to set up a triage assessment area to begin checking over those who had been injured.

“A total of 24 patients were triaged on scene and, of those, eight children required further hospital treatment. The children had suffered a range of relatively minor injuries; two were taken to Hereford County Hospital whilst six were conveyed to Princess Royal Hospital.

“The remaining 16 patients who were assessed on scene were discharged and didn’t require any further treatment.”

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Thursday 4^th July – 5.40pm  – Press Office.

 

The student paramedic, who tragically died last night in an ambulance RTC in Barton-under-Needwood, has been formally identified as Tammy Minshall.

Tammy, who was 31, was a first year Staffordshire University student paramedic who had been on placement with West Midlands Ambulance Service at Lichfield ambulance hub since May.

The Trust’s Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, Nathan Hudson, said: “I offer my sincere condolences to Tammy’s family and friends and my thoughts remain with them at this truly terrible time.

“When it is one of your own, it really hurts and we as an ambulance service are hurting now.  We’re taking the time to provide support to all of our staff who have been affected and continue to offer our support to Tammy’s family at this time.

“We have been overwhelmed with the kindness and support of people who have sent messages of condolence. It is truly humbling and reflects the high esteem that people in our profession, like Tammy, are held in.”

Staffordshire University Dean of the School of Health and Social Care, Ann Ewans, said: “This has come as a huge blow to our University and our thoughts are with the family and friends of Tammy who has tragically lost her life. We will be working with our staff and students to help them come to terms with what has happened.”

The Trust is continuing to work closely with the police officers from Staffordshire and West Midlands Serious Collision Investigation Unit who are undertaking an investigation into what happened last night.

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Notes to Editor: Photograph courtesy of Staffordshire Police.

Thursday 4^th July – 2.30pm – Claire Brown.

A man has sadly died and two other people have been treated by ambulance staff following a two vehicle collision in Staffordshire this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received a 999 call from an off-duty volunteer community first responder (CFR) at 10.19am to reports of a two vehicle collision on the A460 Hednesford Road at the junction of Stile Cop Road, Rugeley, Staffordshire, at 10.19am (Thursday). Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and two Midlands Air Ambulances of which one had a MERIT trauma doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a car and a 4×4 vehicle which had been in collision. The driver of the car, a man, was in a critical condition and was being cared for by the CFR and bystanders. Crews worked as a team to immediately commence advanced life support but sadly, despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead on scene a short time later.

“Two other patients involved in the collision were described as ‘walking wounded’ and had sustained minor injuries. They were assessed by ambulance staff but didn’t require hospital treatment.”

ENDS

Thursday 4^th July 2019 – 10.40am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has died following a road traffic collision between a car and a tree this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Oxford Road in Ryton on Dunsmore, Coventry at 5.49am and sent three ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Critical Care Car to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a car that had left the carriageway and collided with a tree before going down an embankment.

“There was one patient, a man, who had suffered multiple serious injuries. Ambulance staff began treatment and worked closely with the fire service on scene.

“Unfortunately, despite everyone’s best efforts, it became apparent that nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

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Wednesday 3^rd July 2019 – 10.55pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

It is with great sadness that West Midlands Ambulance Service can confirm the death of a university student paramedic who has died following a collision between an ambulance and a car.

The tragic incident happened at the junction of Anslow Road and Belmont Road at around 5.45pm this evening.  We sent multiple resources to the scene including ambulances, senior paramedic officers, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford and the Midlands Air Ambulance crew from Staffordshire in a rapid response vehicle.

The student was airlifted with critical injuries to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, but sadly she died a short time later.

Two other members of the ambulance crew were assessed at the scene and taken to Queens Hospital Burton for a check-up but were later discharged.

The woman driving the car was transported by land ambulance to Queens Hospital Burton for further treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

The Trust will work closely with officers from the Staffordshire and West Midlands Serious Collision Investigation Unit on the investigation which is already underway.

Trust Chief Executive Anthony Marsh said: “This is an incident that will affect every member of our staff. Our staff deal with difficult incidents every day, but to lose one of your colleagues will always make it that much harder. We are very lucky to have so many student paramedics who want to work with us and it is tragic that someone who showed so much promise has died doing the job that they loved.”

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Wednesday 3^rd July 2019 – 3.05pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

West Midlands Ambulance Service is challenging members of the public to learn how to try and save a life after the importance of early CPR was highlighted perfectly in Warwickshire yesterday (Tuesday).

A 999 call was received at 11.54am to reports of a man in cardiac arrest at Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park, Compton Hill, near Stratford-upon-Avon, where filming was taking place for the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow.

One ambulance, a senior paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance were sent to the scene.

Jason Wiles, Lead paramedic for Emergency Care, said: “On arrival, crews discovered one patient, a man who had suffered a cardiac arrest.

“However, thanks to quick-thinking bystanders starting CPR and the work of the event medical team, his heart had successfully been restarted just prior to our arrival.

“We cannot emphasise enough the importance of early CPR when a patient is in cardiac arrest. We have nothing but the highest praise for the bystanders and on-site medical team who acted so quickly to help this man and ultimately saved his life.

“Would you know what to do in the same situation? We urge as many people as possible to learn how to do CPR as you never know when it will be your turn to save a life.

“Following further treatment at the scene from ambulance staff and the air ambulance crew, the man was flown to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, where he remains in a stable condition.”

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Pic: @ComptonVerney

Monday 1^st July 2019 – 5.30pm – Murray MacGregor.

A cyclist has been airlifted to hospital in a serious condition after being found unconscious on a busy ‘A’ road in Warwickshire.

The man was found at about 1.45pm on Monday near his badly damaged bicycle on the A422, Arrow Lane at Arrow near Alcester.

Two ambulances, a community first responder, the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and two paramedic officers were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The man, estimated to be in his 70s was assessed and treated at the scene for potentially life threatening injuries before being airlifted to the major trauma centre at University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.”

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(Library pic)

Monday 1^st July 2019 – 11.15am – Murray MacGregor.

Two motorcyclists have died after separate incidents within an hour of each other.  The incident happened on Sunday morning; one in Herefordshire, the other in Warwickshire.

The first incident happened on the A438 at Hollybush, near Ledbury at around 11.40 am after a motorcycle and a car were in collision.

Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found members of the public carrying out basic life support on the rider.

“They immediately took over and provided advanced life support, but sadly it wasn’t possible to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

The second incident happened on Redditch Road in Ullenhall near Henley in Arden at about 12.30pm on Sunday afternoon.

Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a BASICS Emergency Doctor were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found members of the public, including an off-duty doctor assisting the rider.

“Ambulance staff took over and provided advanced life support, but again, sadly, it wasn’t possible to save the man and he too was confirmed dead at the scene.”

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Monday 1^st July 2019 – 8.46am – Murray MacGregor.

A man has died after his body was recovered from the Chasewater Reservoir in Burntwood, Staffordshire on Sunday evening.

Initial calls at just before 6.00pm suggested two people in trouble in the water, near the Watersports Centre.

Three ambulances, two paramedic officers, the Hazardous Area Response Team and the Midlands Air Ambulances from Cosford and Staffordshire, both with doctors on board, were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “A number of boats and members of the public assisted in the search.  Firefighters and members of the Hazardous Area Response Team were committed to the water.

“When the 21-year-old man was recovered, ambulance staff tried everything possible, but sadly it was not possible to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“Thankfully a young girl made it out of the water safely and was unhurt.”

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