Murray MacGregor – Monday 26th October 2020 – 2.10pm.
A teenager has received potentially life changing injuries after a collision with a car on a car park off Bath Road in the Longton Area of Stoke.
An ambulance and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene after a 999 call at just before 6.30pm on Sunday evening.
The boy suffered multiple injuries. After assessment at the scene, he was taken on blue lights to Royal Stoke University Hospital where doctors were awaiting his arrival.
There were no other patients.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 101, or via social media, quoting incident number 602 of 25 October or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Murray MacGregor – Monday 26th October 2020 – 12.25pm.
Two pedestrians have been hurt, one seriously after a van collided with them and a wall.
The incident happened in the car park of Dunelm Mill in Bilston Road in Wolverhampton at around 2.20pm on Sunday afternoon.
Two ambulances, a paramedic officer 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 crews found the man and woman at the base of a collapsed wall beside a van.
“The man had suffered serious injuries and after assessment at the scene, was airlifted to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
“The woman who was with him was also assessed and treated at the scene before being taken to New Cross Hospital by ambulance.
“Two other people who witnessed what happened were also assessed but were discharged at the scene.”
Murray MacGregor – Monday 26th October 2020 – 9.55am.
Five people have been hurt, two seriously, after a single vehicle crash.
The incident happened near St Nicholas Church on Oldbury Road in Bridgnorth at just after 11.00pm on Saturday night.
Five ambulances, three paramedic officers the MERIT Trauma Doctor and critical care paramedic and a further BASICS doctor were sent to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance crews found a car on its roof with damage to all four sides.
There were five patients in total:
A woman in the rear seat was trapped for around half an hour. Firefighters worked with ambulance staff to extricate her. After being assessed at the scene, she was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with the MERIT trauma doctor travelling with the ambulanc crew.
“The driver of the car, a man was taken to the same hospital with the other doctor travelling with that ambulance crew.
“A second rear seat passenger was assessed at the scene. He was taken on blue lights to New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton. The third person in the rear of the car had been able to get out of the vehicle himself but was taken to the same hospital.
“A teenager in the front passenger seat was assessed and treated at the scene before being taken to Russell Hall Hospital for further treatment.”
A driver has sadly died, and two other people have been injured after a collision in Stratford Upon Avon this morning.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 7:25am to reports of a multi vehicle RTC on the A46 in Snitterfield. Three ambulances attended, along with one paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Critical Care Car.
A West Midlands Ambulance spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived on scene to find three vehicles involved in a collision with three patients identified, one of whom was critically ill.
“The Doctor and Critical Care Paramedic from the Critical Care Car worked quickly to administer advanced life support to the man, who was the driver of one of the cars. Unfortunately, despite best efforts, nothing could be done to save him, and he was confirmed dead at the scene.
“The second patient, a woman, who was driving another vehicle involved, was extricated with the assistance of fire colleagues before being treated for injuries not believed to be life threatening. She was then conveyed to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire on blue lights and sirens for further treatment.
“The final patient, a woman, from another car, was treated for minor injuries and was discharged at the scene.”
A girl has been treated for potentially life-threatening injuries after a collision in Coventry last night.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 6:05pm (Thursday) to reports of an RTC involving a car and pedestrian on Tamworth Road. Three ambulance crews, a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Critical Care Car attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a girl, the pedestrian, in a critical condition after coming into collision with a car, with bystander CPR already in progress. Staff then took over in administering life support to the patient whilst getting her on to the ambulance. She was then taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire on blue lights and sirens with the doctor and critical care paramedic on board continuing treatment.
“The second patient, a man, believed to be the driver of the car, was also treated at the scene and conveyed to UHCW for further assessment.”
Crews have been reunited with a mother and her healthy baby girl whose life they helped to save earlier this year.
West Midlands Ambulance Service were called when Gemma Greensmith went into labour outside of her home in Stoke at just 26 weeks back in June. Gemma gave birth to her new-born daughter, Raelyn, before paramedics arrived. Gemma and her family quickly realised Raelyn was not breathing.
Gemma said: “I was absolutely terrified and then relieved beyond belief when the ambulance arrived. Giving birth at 26 weeks in the cab of a lorry outside of my house wasn’t how I imagined it to happen at all.”
Stoke Operations Manager Ian Yates together with ambulance crew Paramedics Kirsty Lockett and Jenine Cryle quickly arrived on scene to find the family doing CPR on the newborn.
Kirsty said: “I think, when you attend jobs like that one, you just go into pilot mode. I just wanted to make sure I could reassure Gemma as much as possible while I was doing CPR on Raelyn, as understandably she was absolutely terrified.”
Jenine, her crewmate, agreed and said: “When we arrived it was very stressful as the baby was still attached to her mum, but Kirsty and I were able to work out what to do very quickly as we work together regularly.”
On their arrival at hospital, neonatal consultants told the crew that if it wasn’t for their actions, Raelyn may not have survived. After 110 days in hospital at Royal Stoke Maternity Hospital, Raelyn was discharged and able to go home.
Through a mutual friend in the ambulance service, the family were able to make contact with the team who saved Raelyn and arranged to meet, safely with social distancing in place, to say thank you.
Kirsty said: “This has absolutely made my career, nothing will ever compare to the feeling of meeting Gemma and Raelyn and seeing them happy and healthy.” Kirsty had even taken the opportunity to get some balloons and gifts for Gemma and Raelyn and she said “I’m a big softie, as soon as I heard Raelyn was healthy and being discharged, and that I had the opportunity to meet the family, I went straight out to buy them some gifts!”
Ian continued: “It’s an incredibly humbling feeling to know that you have played a part in saving a life and ordinarily, we don’t get to see what happens once we’ve handed a patient over in hospital so this experience was definitely touching.”
Jenine said: “Responding to such a terrible job and being able to get such a positive outcome is once in a life-time and this is definitely one of my proudest moments in my career.”
Kirsty added: “This year has been so hard for everyone and this happening has really bought about some positivity. I work with such an amazing team and I don’t think the outcome of this job would have happened if it weren’t for the amazing team-work from all of the people there that day.”
This story is just another reason why it’s so important to learn how to do CPR. On Restart a Heart Day, we’re encouraging everyone to learn these vital skills as it could mean the difference between a love one at home, a colleague at work or a stranger in the street living or dying. For more information, head to https://wmas.nhs.uk/restart-a-heart-day-october-16th-2020/
Shropshire paramedics Sarah and Trish Johnson know all too well the benefits of having Public Access Defibrillators (PAD) within communities, which is why they thought it so important to gain one within their own local area.
There are several public access Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in Ludlow, but none that could be accessed within an acceptable time frame in the Dinham area to the west of Ludlow, which includes their allotment site, the Cliffe Hotel and the Cliff Park site.
Along with former West Midlands Ambulance Service Clinical Team Mentor, Joy Hughes, the ladies thought it would be an ideal location to place an AED which could be accessed easily from all three sites. Joy has very kindly funded the equipment in loving memory of her father, David.
As the allotments are unpowered, they looked to their neighbouring sites to host the unit as it needed to be installed in a heated cabinet. The Cliff Park have very kindly arranged to have the unit installed in the next few weeks. In the meantime, the AED is already on site and available for ‘Restart a Heart Day’ tomorrow (Friday 16th October).
Sarah Johnson (pictured with Cliff Park Warden Keith Bell) said: “Ludlow has a strong community spirit and the collaboration between the Cliff Park, Wigley’s Field allotments, WMAS and the very kind donation in memory of David Hughes means we will be able to provide a Public Access Defibrillator in the Dinham area. We are delighted that this will be in place for ‘Restart a Heart Day’, which further highlights the importance of early CPR and defibrillation in out of hospital cardiac arrests.”
There are thousands of Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) sites across the West Midlands and in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, if you are close to a PAD site the ambulance call handler will direct you to its location. If you are alone, collect the defibrillator first before starting CPR.
Using an AED
You can get in touch with your local ambulance service for advice about placing a defibrillator in your area by emailing CFRAdmin@wmas.nhs.uk.
A Memorial Trust with the ambition of saving as many lives as possible in the West Midlands is to officially launch this week.
The Henry Angell-James Memorial Trust (HAJMT), which aims to purchase as many Automatic External Defribrillators (AED’s) as possible and donate them to worthy applicants, will officially launch with the installation of an AED on Wednesday 14th October at 1500 at St Alkmunds Church, Shrewsbury.
HAJMT was launched to create a legacy in honour of Henry Angell-James, who tragically passed away aged 54 in October 2017 after suffering a cardiac arrest on his regular train journey home from Birmingham to Shrewsbury.
Henry’s wife, Sally, felt she wanted to put something back into the community that had been such an important part of her husband’s life. Henry had always believed that the simplest ideas were the best and hence an idea was formed to set up a Charity with a clear and straightforward aim.
Sally Angell-James explains the history behind the Henry Angell-James Memorial Trust.
“Heart disease is the UK’s biggest killer and sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, even those who are seemingly healthy,” Sally said.
“Whenever cardiac arrest strikes, there is absolutely no time to lose. Therefore we have set up the Henry Angell-James Memorial Trust to help fund and provide as many AEDs in communities that really need them, starting in the West Midlands. Who knows where this idea will take us.”
HAJMT is working in partnership with West Midlands Ambulance Service who will provide free training and advice on the best place in the community for the AED to be installed.
The aim is to get AEDs installed in town centres, villages and rural communities; be that village halls, train stations, the village post office or shop, a defunct telephone box.
The aim of HAJMT is to get defibrillators out into communities that really need them across the West Midlands.
Cliff Medlicott, Community Response Manager for WMAS, said: “The importance of the work that HAJMT is undertaking cannot be underestimated, it will undoubtedly help to save lives.
“The chance of a person surviving a cardiac arrest falls by 10 per cent for every minute that passes without an AED being used. Survival rates can be as high as 75 per cent when patients are treated with the right care and a defibrillator in time. Therefore, I would urge anyone who thinks they could house a defibrillator, or if you wish to make a donation, to make contact with the Trust.”
Application criteria will include identification of a key person(s) who will be trained by WMAS in the use of the AED and making a commitment to keep the AED properly maintained and in working order; ensuring it will only be used in appropriate circumstances and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Sally continued: “Applications will be considered on their own merits. Unfortunately, we only have limited funds so not every request will be successful. The great thing about raising money for an AED is that it is an achievable goal and by having one, a life could be saved.”
If you are interested in applying for a HAJMT defibrillator or would like to make a donation to the Trust, visit http://www.hajmt.co.uk
Tom Bradby, presenter of ITV’s News at Ten, has agreed to be an Ambassador for the Charity. He said: “We all know heart disease is a significant killer and that defibrillators can make the difference between life and death, so this is an incredibly important cause and I am extremely honoured to be an Ambassador. Sally and Henry are very old friends, his loss was a terrible tragedy, and it is fantastic to be able to do this in his memory.”
Throughout the course of the last twelve months and with the support of the Industrial Agents Society, Chancerygate, Big Yellow Storage, Opus Land and Graftongate, HAJMT’s AEDs have already been installed in various commercial developments and offices around the country and are for public access.
A man and two teenage girls have sadly died after a single vehicle RTC in Kingswinford last night.
The service was called by police at 8:54pm (Tuesday) to Bromley Lane to a car which had been in collision with a tree. We sent six ambulances, the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Critical Care Car, the MERIT car with a doctor and critical care paramedic on board, a BASICS emergency doctor, as well as three paramedic officers. The first resource arrived on scene three minutes after the initial call was taken.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived at the scene to find a car had hit a tree, with five patients involved.
“Sadly, it soon became clear nothing could be done to save the driver of the car, a man, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Despite best efforts of staff, two teenage girls who were back seat passengers in the vehicle were also confirmed deceased at the scene.
“The front seat passenger, a teenage boy was treated for life threatening injuries at the scene before being conveyed on blue lights and sirens to the Major Trauma Centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment.
“The final back seat passenger, a teenage girl, was treated for potentially life-threatening injuries and was also conveyed on blue lights and sirens to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for further treatment.
“Our thoughts go out to the families of all those involved at this time.”
A man has died following a shooting in Telford this afternoon.
The service was called at 12.05pm this afternoon (Tuesday) to Bridges Business Park in Telford. Two ambulances, two paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic on board attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance crews arrived, they found bystanders giving CPR to a man with critical injuries. Ambulance staff quickly took over resuscitation efforts and worked as a team to administer advanced treatment to the man. Sadly, despite the best efforts of bystanders and ambulance staff, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead on scene a short time later.”
Claire Brown – Tuesday 13th October 2020 – 9.30am.
A moped rider has died following a road traffic collision in Tipton last night.
An ambulance crew at a nursing home on High Street in Princes End heard a collision and found a moped rider lying in the road outside at 7.47pm (Monday). Quickly realising the severity of the incident, the crew requested back up from two further ambulances, two paramedic officers and a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The first ambulance crew commenced resuscitation efforts on the male, who was in a critical condition, whilst ambulance colleagues responded to the scene.
“Once on scene, the team of ambulance staff and MERIT worked together to administer advanced life support to the patient. Sadly, despite their very best efforts, nothing could be done to save the moped rider and he was confirmed deceased a short time later.”
Claire Brown – Tuesday 13th October 2020 – 8.30am.
A woman has suffered life changing injuries after an RTC involving a bus in Birmingham yesterday (Monday) afternoon.
West Midlands Ambulance Service received multiple 999 calls about a collision on the Bristol Road in Selly Oak, with the first at 4:23pm. Three ambulances, two paramedic officers, the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and a critical care paramedic attended, with the first resource arriving on scene within five minutes of the initial call.
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “When the first crew arrived on scene, they found a bus which had been in collision with a lamppost and a pedestrian, who was trapped. Several other vehicles had also been damaged in the collision. HART paramedics and ambulance crews worked closely with fire colleagues to carefully extricate the woman from beneath the vehicle whilst she received advanced trauma care. The woman, who had sustained life changing injuries, was taken on blue lights and sirens to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further emergency care. The critical care paramedic travelled in the ambulance with the patient to continue treatment on route.
“The bus driver, a man, was also assessed at the scene and conveyed to the same hospital for further checks.”
Jamie Arrowsmith – Thursday 8th October 2020 – 8.20am.
A man has been seriously injured in a multi-vehicle road traffic collision on the M5 this morning which caused the motorway to be closed between junctions 3 and 2 on the northbound carriageway.
West Midlands Ambulance Service received a call to that location at 5.52am and sent three ambulances, a paramedic officer, HART paramedics and a MERIT trauma team, including a doctor and a critical care paramedic, to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered three patients and multiple vehicles that had been involved in the incident.
“One of the patients, a man, was found to be in a serious condition. Ambulance staff administered specialist trauma care to him, before he was transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, on blue lights and sirens. The doctor travelled with the patient to help continue treatment on route to hospital.
“Two other patients, both men, were assessed and discharged at the scene with minor injuries.”
Jamie Arrowsmith– Thursday 1st October 2020 – 10.15am.
Two men have died following a gunshot incident yesterday afternoon.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Moor Street in Brierley Hill at 3.30pm and sent one ambulance and two paramedic officers to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews discovered two male patients, both of whom were inside a car, it is believed they had been there for some time.
“Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save either of them, and they were confirmed dead at the scene.”
Murray MacGregor – Thursday 1st October 2020 – 6.00am.
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) has taken a major step forward in reducing its impact on the environment by launching the first fully electric emergency ambulance.
WMAS is at the forefront of developing ambulance technology along with its partner, conversion specialist, VCS of Bradford through the company’s unique construction method to ensure the ambulances are the lightest and most technologically advanced in service anywhere in the world.
The next step of that development is the introduction of the first zero emissions e-Ambulance to be used on UK roads. Its development by VCS reflects emergency services operators’ desire to bring the sector in-line with the global demand for widespread zero emission transport.
VCS has used the expert capabilities available within parent company, Woodall Nicholson Group, to develop the zero emissions powertrain technology which sees the vehicle powered by lithium-ion batteries sited in the underside of the ambulance floor pan in a specifically designed and compliant enclosure. The design has a low centre of gravity and is powered by a 96kW battery pack which provides a top speed of 75 mph and can achieve a range of 105-110 miles with a current recharge time of four hours. Further developments to the vehicle will be introduced to increase its capability including two hour charge time.
WMAS Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “West Midlands Ambulance Service has been at the forefront of developing ambulance technology and operating a modern fleet for the last ten years.
“Working with industry specialists like VCS, we have used aircraft style technology and design to create the most hi-tech and lightest ambulances in the country. This has continually reduced our impact on the environment by lowering our CO2 levels and ensured that patients receive the highest standards of safety and comfort.
“It is therefore a logical next step for us to be the first ambulance service in our country to introduce a fully electric emergency ambulance. Given Birmingham is introducing a clean air zone, this is a sensible and advantageous step forward for so many reasons.”
WMAS Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh
The first crew to try out the new vehicle were Emergency Medical Technician Abbie Whitehouse-Marks and Paramedic Hardip Brar. They say it wasn’t long before they got used to new vehicle.
Technician Abbie Whitehouse-Marks and Paramedic Hardip Brar
Mark Kerrigan, Managing Director at VCS, said: “As the world moves away from fossil fuels and towards a zero-carbon future, it’s important that the emergency services sector keeps pace. VCS has always been at the forefront of emergency service vehicle innovation, so we saw it as our duty to bring the pioneering electric ambulance to market.
“The vehicle launched today is a strong first step on the path to electrification and we’re confident that by working with outstanding operators, such as West Midlands Ambulance Service, we can continue to innovate and improve our zero emissions offering.”
Designed within the Lord Carter Report national specification, the e-Ambulance includes a number of design elements and features that ensure it is as versatile and usable as possible.
Tony Page, General Manager for Fleet and Facilities Management at WMAS, said: “The aerospace-type technology on board provides enhanced crash structures, which will improve safety while also enhancing the design of the saloon, which will benefit operational staff and patients alike.
“This vehicle will allow us to develop this technology rapidly so that we can develop a zero emissions fleet over the coming years.”
Head of Fleet and Facilities Management, Tony Page
WMAS Director of Strategic Operations and Digital Integration, Craig Cooke, added: “This is a fully equipped ambulance that we want to use to test the technology and move us even further down the path of reducing our impact on the environment.
“This is a huge step forward for the ambulance service in this country and around the world, but because it is the first of its type we will be working with VCS to look at how we can make enhancements so that we can make future vehicles even better.”
