Month: February 2020

Jamie Arrowsmith – Thursday 27^th February 2020 – 9.05am.

A woman has died and three other patients, including two children, have been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision yesterday afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 3.51pm to reports of a collision between a 4×4 pick-up and a lorry on Ashbourne Road, Leek. Three ambulances, two paramedic officers, a community first responder, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, we discovered a total of five patients, four from the pick-up and one from the lorry.

“The front seat passenger in the pick-up, a woman, had suffered serious injuries in the collision. Sadly, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.

“A boy, who was a rear seat passenger, was treated for a serious injury, not believed to be life-threatening, at the scene before being airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“The driver of the car, a man, and a girl who was a rear seat passenger, were both treated for injuries not believed to be serious before being taken to the same hospital in land ambulances.

“A further man, who was the lorry driver, was assessed and discharged at the scene.”

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Jamie Arrowsmith – Wednesday 26^th February 2020 – 9.20am.

Two women, one of whom suffered serious injuries, were treated by ambulance staff and taken to hospital following a two-car RTC last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Wolverhampton Road, Kingswinford at 6.31pm and sent two ambulances, two paramedic officers and a MERIT trauma doctor to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival we discovered two patients, both women, following a two-car collision.

“One of the women was trapped inside her vehicle and had to be rescued with assistance from the fire service. Ambulance staff carefully monitored her condition throughout the process, as she was freed from the car.

“She then received treatment for serious injuries before being transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. The MERIT trauma doctor travelled with the patient to help continue treatment enroute to hospital.

“The second woman, who was already out of the vehicle on arrival of ambulance staff, was treated for minor injuries and taken to Russell’s Hall Hospital as a precaution.”

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Murray MacGregor – Tuesday 25^th February 2020 – 7.45am.

A woman and two children have been hurt after a collision with a car.

It happened at about 3.30pm on Bulkington Lane in Nuneaton.

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

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival ambulance staff found a woman and two children injured.

“All were treated at the scene before being taken to University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.

“The doctor from the aircraft travelled with the boy who had suffered multiple potentially serious injuries.

“The woman who was in her 30s had also suffered serious injuries; the aircraft critical care paramedic accompanied the ambulance crew en-route to hospital.

“The girl had less serious injuries.

“The driver of the car, an elderly man, was shaken but uninjured and did not need hospital treatment.”

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Murray MacGregor – Monday 24^th February 2020 – 11.45am.

An elderly pedestrian received advanced clinical care at the scene of a serious road traffic collision last night before being taken to a major trauma centre.

The incident happened at the junction of Crankhall Lane and William Green Road in Wednesbury at just before 6.15pm on Sunday evening.

An ambulance, a paramedic office and the West Midlands Care Team, with a doctor on board, were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a man in his 70s who had suffered multiple serious injuries after he was in collision with a car.

“He received extensive treatment at the scene before he was taken on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with a police escort.  En-route, the ambulance crew rendezvoused with a second BASICS doctor due to the serious nature of the injuries.

“There were no other patients.”

Claire Brown – 20^th February 2020 – 6.30pm.

The Trust is maintaining its focus on supporting the multi-agency response to the areas affected by flooding in the West Midlands.

At the peak of the flooding on Tuesday, the Environment Agency had a total of nine Severe Flood Warnings in place (meaning a danger to life), all of which were in the West Midlands area.

West Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “The flooding that we’ve experienced over the last few days in many parts reached record levels.  We’ve been dealing with three major incidents in Shropshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

“My staff have responded magnificently; they are prepared, trained and exercised for such major incidents.  They have really stepped forward to be able to ensure our response is robust, comprehensive and above all safe and sustainable.

“Our Hazardous Area Response Team has deployed and additional flood team to the worst affected areas where they have undertaken a number of evacuations and rescues of people needing to be moved from their homes to a place of safety.

“We increased the number of 4×4 ambulances in our fleet during the winter period.  They have been invaluable during this period and have been deployed and all are fully operational enabling our staff to reach patients they might otherwise struggle to reach as quickly as possible.

“I am immensely proud of everyone who has gone above and beyond to ensure we’ve delivered a collaborative and coordinated response to the areas affected. We’ve also continued to receive support from our volunteers who have been booking on additional hours in their local communities, for which I’m appreciative of too.

“The weather forecast for the coming days is for more rain which will fall onto already sodden ground. Very many staff have already volunteered to come to work to support their colleagues by cancelling rest days or annual leave during this week and into this weekend which I’m immensely grateful for.”

Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, Michelle Brotherton has been part of the multi-agency senior command team in West Mercia since Sunday.  She said: “We continue to operate a normal 999 service, despite the floods, and have additional ambulance crews on duty in the three counties.  They are supported by additional staff in our control rooms but also the vehicle preparations staff and mechanics who keep our fleet running.

“We will also continue to send ambulance resources into affected communities to ensure we are able to respond to any concerns from local residents over the coming days.

“I would like to thank the many members of the community who have helped us during the last few days.  From farmers who have used their tractors to help us get through flood waters to the offers of food and drink while our staff have been at the scene of incidents. These acts of kindness and community spirit is particularly touching especially when the offers of help have been from people who were either directly affected by flooding or were on the edge of such devastating effects, yet they took time to support our staff.”

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Jamie Arrowsmith – Thursday 20th February 2020 – 9.30am.

Two men have died as a result of stabbing injuries in the early hours of this morning (Thursday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a stabbing on Pensnett Road at about 3.40am and sent one ambulance, two paramedic officers and a MERIT trauma doctor to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered one patient, a man, who had suffered serious stab wounds. He received specialist trauma care from ambulance staff at the scene, who also administered advanced life support.

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

“Around the same time, one ambulance crew and two paramedic officers helped to treat a second man who had been driven to Russell’s Hall Hospital, he too had suffered serious stab wounds.

“Sadly, despite the best efforts of ambulance and hospital staff, nothing could be done to save him and he was also confirmed deceased.”

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Jamie Arrowsmith – Tuesday 18th February 2020 – 10.45am.

Two men and a woman, who had to be freed from their cars, were treated at the scene of a serious RTC by ambulance staff before being taken to hospital last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a two-car collision on Bromford Road in Hodge Hill, Birmingham at 8.33pm and sent three ambulances, a paramedic officer and a MERIT Trauma Doctor to the scene.

An ambulance service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a total of three patients following a two-car collision, all of whom had to be freed from their vehicles with help from colleagues from the fire service.

“The drivers of both cars, both men, were treated for serious injuries. One of them was then taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, whilst the other was transported to Heartlands Hospital. The doctor and critical care paramedic from the MERIT team travelled individually with the patients to help continue treatment en-route to hospital.

“The third patient, a woman, was treated for potentially serious injuries and also taken to Heartlands Hospital.”

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Murray MacGregor – Monday 17^th February 2020 – 11.45am.

A pedestrian has suffered significant injuries after he was involved in a collision with a lorry.

It happened at just before 7.00am on Kings Lane in Snitterfield near Stratford Upon Avon.

Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the aircrew from the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance who responded by car.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, the middle-aged man was trapped under the lorry. Ambulance staff worked with firefighters to free the man from under the vehicle.

“The man had suffered multiple but not life-threatening injuries.  He was treated at the scene before being taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.  The air ambulance doctor travelled with the crew.

“The lorry driver, a man in his 30s was assessed at the scene but was discharged.”

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Claire Brown – 17th February 2020 – 11.25am.

West Midlands Ambulance Service joined emergency services colleagues in Worcestershire yesterday after reports of two people who were swept into flood water.

We were called by the police to reports of two people in the river near Eastham Bridge, Tenbury Wells at 11.36 yesterday (Sunday). The Trust deployed an ambulance, a paramedic officers, Hazardous Area Response Team paramedics specially trained for water rescue, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham with a MERIT trauma doctor on board and a critical care car to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “One man was safely rescued from the water and received emergency treatment by ambulance staff on scene before being airlifted to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for further care. He is said to be in a stable condition today.

“A joint search and rescue operation, coordinated by fire service colleagues, was carried out throughout yesterday to locate a woman. However the difficult decision was taken to call off efforts due to safety reasons later in the day. Ambulance resources were stood down from the scene at 4.00pm.

“The search for the woman has continued this morning by fire and police colleagues.”

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Photo: Credit West Midlands Ambulance Service

Murray MacGregor – Monday 17^th February 2020 – 8.20am.

Ambulance staff are continuing to work with emergency services colleagues and other partners to assist residents affected by flood water.

Residents in the Hinton Road area of Hereford are being evacuated after the risk was elevated to ‘Severe’ at around 6.00am this morning after water levels rose.

Ambulance staff are at a forward control point along with the rest centre at the Homer Road Leisure Centre and assisting with any residents who need assistance.

Earlier, ambulance staff treated two patients and assessed a further 10 after flood water rose rapidly onto a caravan park in Kempsey in Herefordshire.

Emergency Services were alerted to the flooding shortly after midnight (12:20am).  The Hazardous Area Response Team, who have staff trained in water rescue was deployed along with two ambulances and a paramedic officer.  Severn Area Rescue Association were also at the scene along with fire and police.  A total of 22 people were rescued from the chalets at the park.  The two casualties were assessed at the scene and discharged.

Assistant Chief Ambualnce Officer, Nathan Hudson, said: “All of the Trust’s 30 4×4 ambulances are available to respond to incidents along with specialist resources.  The Trust remains at a high level of readiness to deal with incidents as they arise.

“It is vital that the public allow ambulance staff and the other emergency services and their partners to deal with the situation.  Please help us by not putting yourself at risk by travelling unless absolutely necessary.

“If you are in an area that has historically been affected by flooding, please ensure that you are up to date with the current advice available from the Environment Agency.  You can check your flood risk here.

“For drivers, please do not drive through flood waters; we have already seen numerous cases of cars becoming stranded.  It takes remarkably little water to put you and your car at risk.”

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(Library Pictures)

Murray MacGregor – Sunday 16^th February 2020 – 2.30pm.

West Midlands Ambulance Service has increased it’s state of readiness in light of the developing situation with flooding now affecting many parts of the Region.

Historic levels of rainfall over Wales overnight has resulted in water now coming towards Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire, though many other parts of the region are also experiencing flooding to a greater or lesser extent.  The Environment Agency has announced that there are a record number of flood warnings across England.

All of the Trust’s 30 4×4 ambulances are available to respond to incidents along with specialist resources including the Hazardous Area Response Team who have specific training in working in water.

We are working with partners including local authorities, the Police, Fire and Rescue and the Environment Agency to support residents and protect the most vulnerable.

Herefordshire

A major incident has been declared in Herefordshire as the county experiences significant and widespread flooding from rising river levels and deep surface flooding.

Herefordshire Council is opening rest centres for those affected. Please visit the Herefordshire Council website for more information and links to flood alerts and road closures.

Shropshire

A major incident has been declared due to the River Teme expected to reach unprecedented levels.  Areas affected include Ludlow, Shrewsbury, Ironbridge and Shifnal

Worcestershire

A major incident has been declared due to the flooding situation in Tenbury. River levels are expected to peak tonight.  Evacuations are now taking place. There are severe flood warnings on the River Teme in Eardiston, Tenbury Wells and Burford.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “It is vital that the public allow the emergency services and their partners to deal with the situation.  Please help us by not putting yourself at risk by travelling unless absolutely necessary.

“If you are in an area that has historically been affected by flooding, please ensure that you are up to date with the current advice available from the Environment Agency.

“For drivers, please do not drive through flood waters; we have already seen numerous cases of cars becoming stranded.  It takes remarkably little water to put you and your car at risk.”

General Advice

• Don’t walk or drive through flood water and check your flood risk
• Avoid any unnecessary travel
• Please check on your neighbours, especially if they are elderly or vulnerable.
• Check your flood risk here.
• If you come across road closed signs, do not remove them and certainly do not drive past them. Remember, just 30cm of flowing water could be enough to move your car and an egg cup full of water could be enough to wreck your engine.
• General driving conditions will be more challenging.

Jamie Arrowsmith– Friday 14^th February 2020 – 1.50pm.

A woman has died following a collision between a car and a lorry this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A5 in Shifnal, near to Weston Park, at 9.13am and sent one ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival we discovered the driver of the car, a woman, in a serious condition.

“She was quickly rescued from the vehicle by ambulance staff who immediately began administering advanced life support.

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

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

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Jordan Eggington – Thursday 13^th February 2020 – 3:00pm.

West Midlands Ambulance Service has attended a chemical incident at Corbett Hospital in Stourbridge today.

We were called by the fire service at 11:01am (Thursday) after a chemical spillage in a secure, temperature-controlled cabinet in the building.

Two ambulances, two paramedic officers and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance spokeswoman said: “Crews have assessed 10 patients who were showing symptoms relating to the incident.  Following assessment, nine of them were able to be discharged at the scene.  The tenth patient, a woman, was taken to Russell’s Hall Hospital as a precaution.”

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Jordan Eggington – Thursday 13^th February 2020 – 8.50am.

A motorcyclist has died after coming into collision with a wall in Wellesbourne yesterday.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called by police at 4:57pm (Wednesday) to reports a motorcyclist had crashed into a brick wall on the Charlecote bend of Stratford Road.

A West Midlands Ambulance spokeswoman said: “One ambulance and a paramedic officer attended the scene.  Upon arrival, crews found one patient, a man.

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

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Shaunna Farley – Monday 11th February 2020 – 11:00am

Volunteer Community First Responders will be holding life-saving training to members of the public in possibly one of the most remote defibrillator sites in the region this month.

Telford Community First Responders (CFRS) will be training members of the public in CPR and how to use a defibrillator on the Wrekin in Telford at the end of February. The café, which has recently installed a community public access defibrillator (CPAD) thanks to help from the CFR scheme and a lottery grant in 2018, is a popular place for walkers and cyclists and an ideal location for a life-saving device.

The CPAD, a device used to help restart the heart of someone in cardiac arrest, can be used by anyone in an emergency, with a code provided when you call 999.

Telford Community First Responders have been able to place 9 defibrillators around the Telford area after receiving lottery funding in 2018.  This training session on The Wrekin is the next logical step for the volunteer life-savers who want to ensure as many people as possible know what to do if someone suffers a cardiac arrest .

Nick Freeman, Telford Community First Responder and keen hillwalker, said: “We will be doing the main training in the recently refurbished pavilion, hosted by the people who run the café, and I also intend to walk up the summit and do some life-saving training with members of the public who are up there at the time too, weather permitting!. We will also be taking our new 4×4 response vehicle, which we use to respond to 999 calls to assist West Midlands Ambulance Service, up to the café so that people can see how we provide life-saving help in the local community.

“We’ve decided to run training here as it is quite a remote site which is frequently used by walkers, runners and cyclists on the Wrekin so the more people who know how to use a defibrillator can only be a good thing!”

The training will be taking place at The Halfway House Café between 11am and 3pm on the 22^nd and 23^rd February.  

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Picture of Nick Freeman (left) and Jenny Joy, café owner (right)
To find out more about The Halfway House Café visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/1899871233636415/ or email Nick Freeman via nick@telfordcfrs.org

Jordan Eggington – Friday 7^th February 2020 – 9.15am.

A child has been taken to hospital in a critical condition after a collision involving two cars in Oldbury last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Parsons Hill and Wolverhampton Road at 7:50pm on Thursday.  Four ambulances, two paramedic officers, the Hazardous Area Response Team and a Merit Trauma Doctor attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival, crews found multiple patients, one of which was in a critical condition.  Staff administered advanced trauma care to the girl, who was a passenger in one of the cars.  She was taken on blue lights to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further treatment.

“A woman and two other children in the same car were treated for injuries not believed to be serious and taken to hospital.

“There were four patients in the second car involved in the collision.  A woman in that vehicle was assessed and taken to hospital as a precaution.  A man and two children in the car were assessed and discharged at the scene.”

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Claire Brown – Tuesday 4^th February 2020 – 10.00am.

A man has died following a road traffic collision in Nuneaton earlier this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a collision involving a van and a cyclist near to a golf club on Ridge Lane, Nuneaton at 5.57am this morning (Tuesday). Two ambulances and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance staff arrived on scene to find a cyclist, a man, in a critical condition. Sadly, despite their best efforts nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead on scene.”

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