Four people have been taken to hospital following a multi-vehicle collision in Shrewsbury this afternoon.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called by the police to the A5 in Emstrey, Shrewsbury at 3.49pm today (Thursday). Three ambulances, a paramedic officer, a BASICS doctor 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: “Crews arrived to find four patients requiring assessment following a collision involving several vehicles. The driver of one car, a man, sustained potentially serious injuries and was given trauma care on scene before being conveyed by land ambulance to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further emergency care.
“Two further men sustained non-serious injuries and were treated by ambulance staff on scene before being taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital by land ambulance. A fourth patient, a woman, was assessed and found to have sustained injuries not believed to be serious. She was treated on scene before being taken to the same hospital by land for further assessment.”
Teamwork is essential within every role in the ambulance service, especially for our operational crews who work with various other frontline services on a daily basis. When a walker became injured in Staffordshire over the weekend, ambulance staff were able to locate and treat the patient with the assistance of the Mountain Rescue Team.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 3:13pm on Saturday to reports a walker had fallen at Thors Cave in Leek. Due to the nature of the incident and the patient being in a hard-to-reach place, the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) was dispatched, along with two ambulances and two paramedic officers.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival, crews found the man who had fallen in a cave and injured himself while out walking. Whilst a plan was made on how to extricate him from the area, he was given pain relief on scene.
“At this point, volunteers from Derby Mountain Rescue Team arrived to help with his safe removal from the area. A pully system was set up to extricate the patient down from the scene so that crews could fully assess and treat the man in the back of their ambulance.
“He was then conveyed to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further treatment.”
Incidents in hard-to-reach places such as the countryside and mountains can sometimes make it hard for us to pinpoint a patient’s exact location. That’s where ‘what3words’ comes into its own. In ‘what3words’, the world has been divided up into three metre squares, with each square given a unique combination of three words. Having this app downloaded on your smartphone can help us and other emergency services pinpoint your exact location. For more information head here.
A member of staff from our Patient Transport Services (PTS) in Birmingham has been recognised for her exceptional patient care by the ambulance sector.
West Midlands Ambulance Service Pan-Birmingham PTS Renal Coordinator Jayne Smewin was announced as the winner of the ‘Outstanding Service Award’ at Tuesday’s Ambulance Leadership Forum 2021.
Jayne, who has worked for the service for 33 years, is based at the Trust’s Gravelly PTS hub in Birmingham and the phrase ‘she goes above and beyond’ is often used to describe her.
She was nominated for this national ambulance award for the exceptional way she looks after patients and staff alike. She is known for the passion and commitment that she gives to ‘her’ renal patients, as that is how she sees them – part of ‘her’ extended family.
Her immediate boss, Gravelly PTS Operations Manager, Kelly Paget, said: “Jayne really cares about her dialysis patients. I would be lost without her; I call her my right hand. She works incredibly hard to make sure that everyone; patients and staff, are looked after and she will go out of her way to make sure that this happens. When the first lockdown happened, she arranged shopping for many of the patients and then worked with some of the staff to deliver it to those who couldn’t get out as they were shielding. I’m really proud of Jayne, she deserves it. Well done!”
WMAS Non-Emergency Services Operations Delivery Director, Michelle Brotherton, added: “Jayne is well respected and highly thought of by the staff at the renal units and the patients. The number of renal patients is increasing year on year and we are privileged to have Jayne lead and coordinate this patient group. Very many congratulations Jayne on receiving this award!”
Whether you ask her colleagues, the patients or the team at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) whose patients are being transported, Jayne is known for the way she supports everyone and responds immediately to any requests.
Supporting Jayne’s nomination was Annette Dodds, UHB Renal Matron, said: “The past year has been extremely difficult, and Jayne has managed these extra pressures with great skill and dedication. Nothing is too much for her and all the renal staff feel that she is a valued member of the dialysis unit team.”
UHB Deputy Director of Innovation, Vicky Marshment, added: “I am always so grateful for Jayne’s open and honest approach and her willingness to step in herself to ensure a patient gets the support they need. But she also works with us strategically to ensure that the PTS service works across our renal dialysis centres and the hundreds of journeys made each week.”
Due to the Ambulance Leadership Forum taking place virtually, Jayne was presented with her award by Michelle Brotherton, Non-emergency Services Operations Delivery Director, surrounded by her colleagues at Gravelly hub recently. On being presented with the award, Jayne, said: “I’m very honoured in getting this award. Without the teamwork of my colleagues none of this would’ve happened. All the renal units that have supported me I also appreciate how we’ve worked as a team. I just want to say thank everybody for all their support and all their help. It is such an honour getting this award. Thank you.”
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Jayne Smewin with her ‘Outstanding Service Award’ and certificate from the Ambulance Leadership Forum Jayne Smewin with her colleagues at Gravelly PTS hub in Birmingham
Every day across the UK, someone dies waiting for a transplant because of a shortage of organ donors.
Thursday 20th May marks the first anniversary of the law around Organ Donation changing to an Opt Out System in England.
Even though we have moved to an Opt Out System we are still encouraging every single family to have a conversation about their wishes as they will always be involved before a donation proceeds.
NHS Blood and Transplant have launched their Leave Them Certain campaign, which aims to encourage families to have conversations about organ donation.
Most people think it’s important to talk about organ donation but less than half have. Families will always be involved before organ donation goes ahead so it’s important to have the conversation.
Executive Medical Director, Dr Alison Walker said: “As a doctor who has had conversations with families when organ donation is an option, I know how important it is that family members know the wishes of the person who may become an organ donor.
Thousands of people and their families have benefitted from an organ transplantation. Organ donation saves lives and improves the quality of life for so many people who are critically ill or with serious life-limiting conditions. The NHS respects the wishes of all individuals who have expressed a preference related to organ donation and everyone should have the conversation.
Have a look at the NHS Blood and Transplant “Leave Them Certain” information about having the conversation which might save lives and leave our loved ones with more certainty about what we would like them to do if we were not able to say it ourselves.”
Jordan Eggington – Thursday 20th May 2021 – 8.45am.
Crews worked alongside the West Midlands CARE Team at the scene of a collision in Birmingham last night, which left two men requiring hospital treatment.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 6:07pm to reports of a two car RTC and rollover on Alcester Road South in the Kings Heath area of the city. Three ambulances, two paramedic officers and a volunteer doctor with the West Midlands CARE Team charity attended.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived at the scene to find two vehicles; one of which had rolled over as a result of the collision.
“Three patients were identified. One man was treated for serious injuries before being conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham with the West Midlands CARE Team doctor travelling on board.
“A second man was treated for minor injuries at the scene and was conveyed to Heartlands Hospital for further treatment.
“The third patient was assessed and discharged at the scene.”
Murray MacGregor – Tuesday 18th May 2021 – 12.10pm.
Thousands of ambulance staff across the West Midlands are set to start using iPads to improve the care they give to patients thanks to new funding from NHSX.
The cash which is part of a national roll-out will see the all patient facing staff receiving one of the tablets so that they can access a patient’s medical record while they are treating their patient.
While ambulance staff will always ask patients and their family about on-going medical issues, the funding from NHSX will mean staff have individual access to the patients’ care records (patient history and GP records) which could potentially help save their life.
In addition, the technology will allow the staff to better support care as well as increase the level of video conferencing with other healthcare professionals so that patients can be kept away from A&E unless it is absolutely necessary. If taking a patient to hospital, the clinicians in A&E will be able to see real time updates on patients being bought and patient detail handovers will occur digitally.
The project which has been piloted in other areas of the country has already shown that access to the additional information and NHS systems improved decision making and ultimately care given.
WMAS Chief Executive Anthony Marsh, said: “We have been using tablets and an electronic patient record for the last five years, but these iPads will take this to the next level with access to information that staff at the scene of an incident have not previously had access to.
“Already my staff access care records in about 60% of cases but the personal issue iPads means that it will be even easier for the crew to see the patient’s history. This will allow staff to provide better care such as diverting more patients directly to where they may be getting ongoing specialist care instead of first taking them to A&E. In many cases we expect patients to be able to remain at home with additional support coming from primary care, which we know patients will feel happier about, particularly since the pandemic started.
“There is no question that technology is already making a huge difference to our work and this investment by NHSX will only enhance that.”
WMAS People Director, Carla Beechey added: “As these iPads will be personal issue, a key benefit will also be that staff are able to access e-learning tools and online training resources for professional development. Although they will continue to have access to computers at work, many staff will prefer to complete such studying in the comfort of their own homes at a time that is right for them.
“I also see this roll out as a key development for improving the support we can provide to staff to aid their health and wellbeing. They will now be able to access our online support services at any time. Equally, it will help us to improve our internal communications and even allow individuals to complete their annual staff survey.”
NHSX is working with Trusts and Apple to ensure each device is set up to include information governance and IT security and an ongoing support package.
NHS chief executive, Sir Simon Stevens, said: “Ambulance crews have been at the forefront of the pandemic, routinely dealing with life and death situations and often first on scene to treat and diagnose critically ill patients.
“These devices are another tool for our highly skilled paramedics and ambulance technicians as they continue to respond to the country’s most critically ill and injured patients. It is another example of the health service innovating and harnessing technology to improve patient care as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.”
A pedestrian has sadly died following a road traffic collision in Birmingham last night.
West Midlands Ambulance Service received several 999 calls reporting a collision involving a car and a pedestrian in Spring Hill, Winson Green, Birmingham at 6.51pm yesterday (Monday). Three ambulances, a paramedic officer and a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The first ambulance crew arrived to find an off duty nurse administering CPR to a man, the pedestrian, who had reportedly been in collision with a car. Police officers rendered aid to assist with efforts whilst the team of ambulance staff administered advanced life support to the man at the scene.
“The man, who was in a critical condition, was conveyed on blue lights and sirens to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham whilst the doctor and crews continued resuscitation efforts en route. Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead a short time later in hospital.”
Two people were left trapped following a collision between a car and a van this afternoon in an incident which left three people requiring hospital treatment.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of the A5 and Gamesters Lane, Oswestry at 2.08pm and sent three ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford to the scene. The Welsh Air Ambulance was also in attendance.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews discovered a total of three patients.
“A woman, who was the passenger in the van, had to be cut free by colleagues from the fire service. She was treated by ambulance crews for serious injuries, not believed to be life-threatening.
“The driver of the van, a man, managed to get himself out of the vehicle and was treated for potentially serious injuries.
“A second man, who was the driver of the car, also had to be cut free by the fire service. He was also treated for serious injuries, not believed to be life-threatening.
“All three patients were then taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital by land ambulance for further treatment.”
A man received trauma care by ambulance staff before being taken to a major trauma hospital following a property fire in Birmingham this morning.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called by the fire service at 8.03am to reports of a fire at a property in Stratford Road, Hall Green. An ambulance, a paramedic officer, Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) paramedics and a critical care paramedic attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival crews found a man who had reportedly jumped from the 1st floor window of the property to escape the fire. The man was assessed and found to have sustained potentially serious injuries from the fall. He received trauma care from the team of ambulance staff before being taken by land ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. A second person at the scene was uninjured.
“Ambulance staff remained on scene whilst fire colleagues searched the premises and extinguished the fire. The final ambulance resource cleared from the scene at around 9.50am.”
Jordan Eggington – Wednesday 12th May 2021 – 8:45am.
Four people have been assessed by ambulance crews after a two-car collision resulted in a vehicle hitting a tree last night.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of an RTC on Longmore Road in the Shirley area of Solihull at 7:21pm (Tuesday). Two ambulances and two paramedic officers attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived at the scene to find all occupants out of the vehicles. One of the rear passengers of the car which came into collision with the tree, a man, was treated for minor injuries at the scene and conveyed to Heartlands Hospital for further treatment. Three further patients were treated for minor injuries and discharged at the scene with worsening advice given.”
Murray MacGregor – Wednesday 12th May 2021 – 6.00am.
Work has begun on a multi-million pound ambulance service hub for West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) in Sandwell.
Leading property developer Stoford is delivering the 76,000 sq ft purpose-built hub, the largest hub of its kind in the country, which will eventually house about 350 operational ambulance staff working 24 hours a day.
Contractor McClaren Construction is now on the seven-acre site in Shidas Lane, Oldbury, and aims to complete the hub, which will also include a facility for the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), fleet maintenance and vehicle preparation areas, the Trust’s Education and Training Academy and central stores, next spring.
It will be open in time for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, which kicks off in July 2022, and will be used as a staging point for the Trust’s preparations for one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
Craig Cooke, WMAS Director of Strategic Operations, added: “This is an important hub for the Service not just for the Commonwealth Games but for our ongoing ability to deliver high quality care to the people of Birmingham and the Black Country.
“It will also see a major upgrade in our central stores facility, which has played such a vital role during the pandemic, but also a big step forward in facilities for our Education & Training team and the Hazardous Area Response Team.
“Talking to staff, they are excited to see the new building developed and we will be working with them to ensure it fully meets their needs.”
Tony Nash, Director at Stoford Developments, said: “This is a significant development for West Midlands Ambulance Service and an important national infrastructure project, so we’re pleased to have made a start on delivering the scheme, just a short time after we received planning approval.
“As a former quarry site that was undeveloped for 15 years, it is a technically challenging building project, so receiving financial support from the West Midlands Combined Authority to make it viable has been crucial in getting it ready for development.”
The development is the first of its kind for funding partner Assura, as it continues to expand the range of local healthcare infrastructure it supports for primary care networks and NHS Trusts.
Jonathan Murphy, Assura CEO, said: “This hub will provide a much-needed new base for emergency health services in the West Midlands. We are particularly proud to be playing our part in such an important piece of the health infrastructure that will sit around the Commonwealth Games, at a time when the eyes of the world will be on the region.”
WMAS serves a population of 5.6 million people and covers an area of more than 5,000 square miles, comprising Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and the West Midlands.
The hub will achieve the BREEAM Excellence rating and will accommodate 365 parking spaces, including ten disabled spaces and 70 ambulance spaces.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
Mian picture (L-R): Craig Cooke, WMAS Director of Strategic Operations; Tony Nash, Director at Stoford Developments; and Jonathan Bishop, Bishop Property Consultants.
Stoford Developments is a privately owned company established in 1996 to specialise in occupier-led property solutions for business. The company is involved in a diverse range of commercial property developments across the UK. The company’s innovative approach to procurement ensures that it is highly competitive, delivering a quality product on time and on budget. For more information visit http://www.stoford.com.
Assura is a real estate investment trust and long-term property partner to more than 590 primary care buildings across the country, in which more than 500 GP practices operate and from which more than five million patients are served. The Assura Community Fund is supporting health-improving projects in the communities surrounding those buildings.
Media:
For more information please contact Jayne Howarth, senior PR account manager, Barques, 0121 233 2080 or the WMAS Press Office on 01384 246 496.
Picture by Edward Moss Photography
All rights reserved.
Stoford West Midlands Ambulance Quinton.
It might not be something you’re aware of, but just like ambulance service staff do on a daily basis, you have the ability to save someone’s life.
By learning how to do CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or refreshing your skills, you could help save the life of someone in cardiac arrest, which can happen to anyone, anywhere at any time.
That’s why West Midlands Ambulance Service has joined forces with the Resuscitation Council UK to encourage everybody to learn CPR skills, so they know what to do if someone collapses and stops breathing.
Every year across the UK there are around 60,000 cardiac arrests outside of a hospital setting yet only around one in ten of them will survive!
Ambulance crews start, or continue, resuscitation in approximately 30,000 of those cases but acting quickly is vital. A person’s chances of survival decrease by up to 10% for every minute without CPR or access to a defibrillator; that means it is absolutely vital that the person receives rapid action by people at the scene, whether they are a loved one, friend or complete stranger.
With people now getting into closer proximity to family, friends, colleagues, and strangers due to the easing of lockdown restrictions, it is increasingly important everyone has the skills to save a life and knows how to keep themselves safe.
A UK-wide survey carried out on behalf of the Resuscitation Council UK in September 2020 revealed that over a third of UK adults (36%) have not received any type of training on how to help someone experiencing a cardiac arrest.
WMAS Chief Executive Anthony Marsh, said: “When our staff arrive at the scene of a cardiac arrest, there is nothing that can help them more than if bystanders have already started CPR, as this undoubtedly gives the patient the best chance of survival.
“Ambulance staff receive incredible levels of praise from the public for saving lives, but you have the ability to do it too. Imagine how it feel to know you had played a part in saving someone’s life. Imagine how it would feel if you had been in that position but not known what to do to help.
“I urge everyone to learn how to do CPR as soon as possible, you never know when you might be required to try and save someone’s life.”
RCUK Guidelines 2021 highlight that:
Recognising a cardiac arrest remains a key priority as it is the first step in triggering the correct emergency response
Witnesses need to recognise a cardiac arrest has occurred in any unresponsive person with absent or abnormal breathing
Sue Hampshire, Director of Clinical and Service Development at Resuscitation Council UK, said: “We want everybody to feel able to do something, to act quickly and not to hesitate or worry about causing harm to the person they are trying to help. No greater harm can occur than failing to act when someone requires CPR and defibrillation.
“We understand people may feel nervous about doing CPR because of COVID-19, and that’s why we currently advise that you do chest compression only CPR and don’t put your face near the person who has collapsed when checking for breathing.”
Jamie Arrowsmith – Tuesday 4th May 2021 – 11.35am.
A teenage male has been treated for serious injuries following a road traffic collision this morning.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a collision between a van and a pedestrian on Goodyers End Lane, Bedworth at 8.38am and send one ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Critical Care Car to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service man said: “Ambulance staff arrived to find a teenage male, the pedestrian, in a serious condition.
“He received specialist trauma care at the scene before being transported to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The doctor from the Critical Care Car travelled with the patient to help continue treatment enroute to hospital.
