Month: November 2021

Claire Brown – Wednesday 24^th November 2021 – 12.00noon.

Two men have been conveyed to a major trauma centre by the ambulance service following a serious collision in Stourbridge this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Enville Street and the A458 in Wollaston at 8.44am earlier today (Wednesday). Two ambulances, a paramedic officer, a critical care paramedic 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: “On arrival crews found a car and a flat-bedded lorry which had been involved in a collision. The driver of each vehicle was quickly assessed by ambulance staff and both were found with serious injuries. The driver of the lorry, a man, received treatment by ambulance staff for his serious injuries whilst fire colleagues helped to extricate him from the vehicle. Once released, the man was conveyed by land ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further emergency care.

“The driver of the car, a man, was also extricated with help from the fire service and received trauma care on scene by ambulance staff before being conveyed on blue lights to the same hospital for further trauma treatment.”

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Murray MacGregor – Wednesday 24^th November 2021 – 9.55am.

West Midlands Ambulance Service is welcoming the Government’s announcement that it intends to introduce Harper’s Law, which will see the introduction of mandatory life sentences for those who kill an emergency worker in the course of their duty.

Trust Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “Our ambulance crews go above and beyond every single day, often in very difficult circumstances, but the appalling reality is that on average, at least one member of our staff is physical assaulted every single day and last year, two were stabbed. 

“All too often our staff are left feeling let down by the justice system when people convicted of assaulting them receive disappointingly light sentences, so anything that provides our staff with more protection can only be a good thing.

“It is imperative that the wider judiciary be more consistent in applying tougher sentences to perpetrators who are convicted of any form of violence, aggression or abuse towards our staff, not just those that result in a death.

“Violence and aggression towards anyone is unacceptable, but emergency services workers need particular additional protection due to the nature of their work on the frontline” 

Thanks to funding from NHS England, the Trust started rolling out the use of body worn cameras for all frontline staff in October.  The cameras do not record all of the time but are switched on when staff become concerned for their safety.

The Trust is also undertaking a three-month trial to examine the viability of providing stab proof vests to staff.  The trial is taking place at Willenhall Hub with 22 volunteers taking part.

Willenhall-based paramedic Deena Evans was one of those stabbed last year and is taking part in the trial.  She said: “It’s a shame it’s come to this, but I couldn’t be more relieved!  I feel less anxious about working frontline shifts wearing it.” 

Note to Editors

The change in law extends mandatory life sentences to anyone who commits the manslaughter of an emergency worker on duty unless there are truly exceptional circumstances. Courts must already impose life sentences for murder.  The change in law follows the tireless campaigning of PC Andrew Harper’s family.  PC Harper, died in 2019 while investigating a robbery.  The Government says it hopes the change to the law will be made as soon as possible.

Each volunteer taking part in the stab vest trial will complete a questionnaire at the end of the period trial and the results will be evaluated and presented to the Trust Board. 

Ends

Jamie Arrowsmith – Monday 22^nd November – 10.20am.

A man has been treated for serious injuries following a road traffic collision in Redditch last night (Sunday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of an overturned car on Dagnall End Road, Redditch at 11.20pm and sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a MERIT trauma doctor to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived at the scene to find two patients, one of whom, a man, was found outside of the car.

“He had suffered serious injuries in the incident and after receiving specialist trauma care at the scene, was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham on alert.

“The second patient, also a man, was treated for injuries not believed to be serious, before being taken to the same hospital at normal road speed.”

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Shaunna Farley – Monday 22nd November – 09.30am.

One person has died and another two have been taken to hospital following a collision in Walsall last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 7.24pm to reports of a road traffic collision involving two card at the junction of Broadway and Magdalene Road in Walsall. Two ambulances, two paramedic officers and a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival, we discovered four patients.

The first, the driver of the first car, was freed from the vehicle by the fire service. Once freed, crews quickly commenced advanced life support, although, it became clear that, despite the best efforts of ambulance staff on scene, nothing more could be done to save her and she was confirmed deceased at the scene.”

The second, a passenger in the second car, had sustained injuries not considered to be life threatening, he received treatment on scene and was conveyed to Walsall Manor Hospital for further treatment.

The third, a passenger in the second car, was assessed at the scene and had potentially serious injuries, he was conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further treatment.

The fourth patient, the driver of the second car, did not wish to be assessed.

Ends.  

Claire Brown – Thursday 18^th November 2021 – 11.35am.

One man has died, and another has been airlifted to hospital following a serious road traffic collision in Shropshire this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of an RTC involving a van and a tree on the A41 near Hinstock, Market Drayton at 7.38am today (Thursday). An ambulance, paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic were dispatched to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance crews arrived to find a van which had left the road and collided with a tree. It quickly became apparent to crews that nothing could be done to save the driver, a man, and he was sadly confirmed deceased on scene.

“The second occupant, a man, was in a critical condition. Ambulance staff worked quickly with the fire service to extricate him from the vehicle before administering advanced trauma care on scene. Once stabilised the patient was airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further emergency care.”

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Jamie Arrowsmith – Wednesday 17^th November 2021 – 2.25pm.

A man has died and two other people have been taken to hospital following a two-car collision this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 9.31am to the A4110 in Aymestrey and sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer, a BASICS doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulances from Cosford and Strensham to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival we discovered three patients. One of them, a man, who was the driver of one of the cars, was in a critical condition.

“Ambulance staff immediately began administering advanced life support but sadly, despite their best efforts, it became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“Two women, one of whom was a driver and one who was a passenger, were treated for serious injuries and both taken to Hereford County Hospital by land ambulance.”

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Claire Brown – Monday 15^th November 2021 – 9.45am.

A man and a woman received trauma care at the scene of a two-vehicle road traffic collision in Shrewsbury yesterday afternoon.

The ambulance service received a 999 call at 1.23pm to reports of a two vehicle RTC on the B4386 between Shrewsbury and Cruckton yesterday (Sunday). Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic on board were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a two vehicle RTC. Police and bystanders, including an off-duty nurse, had been providing first aid to two patients involved in the collision prior to the service arriving.

“One man was in a critical condition and crews commenced advanced life support on scene. They stabilised his condition before he was conveyed on blue lights to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further trauma care; the doctor travelled in the ambulance to help continue treatment on route.

“The second patient, a woman, had sustained serious injuries in the collision and received advanced trauma care from the team of ambulance staff before being conveyed on blue lights to the same hospital for further emergency care.”

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Claire Brown – Monday 15^th November 2021 – 9.15am.

A man has sadly died after being involved in a single car road traffic collision in Dudley yesterday morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a seriously injured patient involved in an RTC on Burton Road, Dudley at 0.33am on Sunday. Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic were sent and arrived within three minutes of the 999 call being made. An off-duty member of WMAS, who came across the RTC, also stopped to assist on scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance crews arrived to find a car which had collided with a tree. The driver, a man, was in a critical condition and was rapidly extricated from the vehicle with help from the fire service. Once released, ambulance crews commenced advanced life support. Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed deceased on scene a short time later.”

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Friday 12^th November 2021 – 4.30pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Ambulance bosses are appealing for members of the public to help them identify the individual(s) who smashed the window of an ambulance whilst it was responding to a 999 call.

The incident happened on Alcester Road, Moseley, at about 9.15pm last night (Thursday).

The crew, who thankfully were unhurt in the incident, were travelling on blue lights at the time, responding to a medical emergency at a private address. Another ambulance was immediately dispatched to the patient by the Trust’s Emergency Operations Centre.

The damaged ambulance had to be taken out of service and remains off the road today, awaiting repair which will cost hundreds of pounds.

Emergency Services Operations Delivery Director, Nathan Hudson, said: “I have to question what goes through the mind of someone to think is acceptable.

“Not only that, but given the ambulance was using blue lights at the time, whoever did this could clearly see it was responding to an emergency, what if it had been on the way to one of their family members or rushing a loved one to hospital?

“I am thankful that the staff involved escaped injury, but the situation could have been entirely different had they been hit by the object.

“The service has never been under more pressure than it is right now, and we wake up this morning with one less ambulance available to respond with as it awaits repair, which will run into hundreds of pounds.

“We will be pulling the CCTV from the vehicle and passing it to the police but we would ask for anyone who has any information about this despicable incident to contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat on west-midlands.police.uk and quote investigation number 20/1875068/21.”

A spokesman for West Midlands Police, said: “Right now we’re investigating this as a case of criminal damage, but things could’ve been much worse.

“We need to make sure that the person who did this does not do it again. If we’re to succeed, we need people to tell us what they saw. If they don’t want to speak to us, they can contact the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Ends.

Notes to Editors:

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

Claire Brown – Thursday 11^th November 2021 – 9.00am.

Behind the blue lights and sirens, the Trust is committed to continuing to make greener choices when it comes to its buildings and infrastructure.

Since 2012/13 the Trust has significantly reduced its estate portfolio from 149 sites across the Region to just 46 which has resulted in a 44% decrease in CO2 emissions. The implementation of the Make Ready model and also ensuring new build sites, such as Sandwell Hub (pictured) currently under construction, are compliant with BREEAM Excellent Standards is also helping the service to be greener and more sustainable.

The new site in Sandwell, which is a 7,000m2 purpose-built ambulance hub, is set to have the calculated emissions of 15.2kg co2 per m2 once fully operational next year. The Trust has already invested in a number of sustainable projects across its estate portfolio over the years which includes installing LED lighting, replacing old boilers, the installation of Air Source Heat Pumps at its two control rooms in Brierley Hill to reduce the amount of gas/electric that is used to heat water, introducing a Building Management System (BMS) to all primary sites and installing EV chargers for electric vehicles.

The Trust’s determination to become a paperless organisation is already a key priority by investing in and introducing more technology-based solutions. The Trust’s HR team is already successfully paper-free and the recent rollout of iPads for all patient facing staff not only improves patient care but also aids the paperless agenda too. The Trust is always looking to further utilise technology to become a fully paperless organisation and, in doing so, creates a more efficient and effective way of working. The Trust is also looking at plans to reduce its volume of waste going to landfill and incineration and increase the level of recycling.

An opportunity for further improvement under consideration is the installation of solar panels across the roof faces of four buildings to produce an annual yield of 170,620kWh (Navigation Point), 91,760kWh (Millennium Point), 132,950kWh (Tollgate Unit 2) and 37,640kWh (Tollgate Unit 4) which would provide a CO2-emissions saving over seven years the equivalent of planting 5,588 trees. 

Anthony Marsh, Chief Executive Officer, said: “A significant amount of progress has been made in our carbon reduction journey over the past few years but there is more to be done. We have some challenging targets to meet over the coming decade which will require more innovative solutions, hard work and significant investment.

“As a service we are focussed on delivering outstanding patient care and the health of the communities that we serve so it is only right that we do everything in our power to help to improve the environment that we all share by continuing to take sustainable steps forward.”

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Notes to Editors:

• BREEAM is the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for masterplanning projects, infrastructure and buildings. It recognises and reflects the value in higher performing assets across the built environment lifecycle, from new construction to in-use and refurbishment. BREEAM rated developments are more sustainable environments that enhance the well-being of the people who live and work in them, help protect natural resources and make for more attractive property investments.

Claire Brown – Wednesday 10^th November 2021 – 9.00am.

With demand increasing year-on-year, so is the mileage of ambulances. The Trust is proud to have the youngest and lightest diesel ambulance fleet in the country to reduce emissions.

The Trust’s most recently added Value is that of ‘Environmental Sustainability’ and is committed to investing in its fleet to reduce emissions of carbon and harmful particulates, reducing them year-on-year to net reduction of 80% in 2028-2030 and net zero by 2040.

Tony Page, Head of Fleet and Facilities Management for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “As an ambulance service, our fleet-driven emissions account for a significant percentage of our total CO2 output – increasing mileage year-on-year because of demand further exasperates that issue. Meeting the targets set is one benefit, but it’s also the right thing to do for delivering cleaner operating vehicles for our staff to work in.”

Alongside the service’s work to produce the next generation of zero emission ambulances, it also continues to develop their diesel counterparts. Working with industry specialists VCS Vehicle Converters of Bradford, the Trust’s ambulances are based on the Fiat Ducato van and are designed and manufactured using VCS’s unique ‘Core Capture’ construction method to ensure they are the lightest and most technologically advanced in service anywhere in the world.

Tony added: “With a fleet of 480 frontline ambulances, we’re immensely proud that they’re all less than five-years-old and the lightest weight in the country. The latest generation frontline emergency ambulance delivered further weight savings with a 7% mpg improvement. Our fleet modernisation programme continually works to further reduce our impact on the environment by lowering our CO2 levels. The light-weighting programme over the last three years has reduced our CO2 emissions by 3500 tons. 

“Along with our staff, our emergency vehicles are our most important assets.  The five-year replacement policy means our staff are able to respond in a modern, high quality, ambulance fleet that is reliable and efficient and as comfortable as possible for patients and staff whilst also ensuring that patients, and our staff, receive the highest standards of safety.” 

The Trust’s five-year vehicle replacement programme for front line emergency ambulances has enable it to leverage the improvements from more modern emission control systems – one of the benefits being our fleet is fully compliant with the requirements of the Birmingham ULEZ.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• The NHS has set several stretching targets, which are outlined in the ‘Delivery A Net Zero NHS’ document. Reducing CO2 by 80% (compared to the 1990 benchmark) by 2028-2032 is the first set of targets.
• The Birmingham Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) launched on 1^st June 2021 and operates 24 hours a day covering all the roads within the A4540 Middleway Ring Road, but not the Middleway itself.

Jordan Eggington – Tuesday 9^th November – 3.00pm.

With the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) continuing in Glasgow this week, it felt timely for the Trust to deliver its own update on where we are in our pledge to become greener.  

As a Trust, we are looking carefully at sustainability and ways to be more eco-friendly. Back in October 2020, the Trust took a major step forward in reducing its impact on the environment by launching the world’s first fully electric front line emergency ambulance. Call sign EN4871 is operating every day in the city of Birmingham delivering lifesaving patient care; it has the same medical equipment and capability as our diesel-powered fleet.

Head of Fleet and Facilities Management for West Midlands Ambulance Service, Tony Page, said: “The design of our fully electric ambulance has a low centre of gravity and is powered by a 96kW battery pack which provides a top speed of 75mph and can achieve a range of 105-110 miles with a charge time of under two hours. Now, over 12 months on, the feedback from crews using the ambulance is positive with an improved environment to deliver patient care compared to its diesel counterparts, due to the smoother ride and quieter nature.”

In March 2021, the Trust worked with partner VCS Bradford again to launch two all-electric zero emissions Jaguar I-Pace ambulance response cars, which are operational in Birmingham. Tony said: “Staff using the Jaguar I-Pace’s think they are the best thing since sliced bread! We have invested in the right charging infrastructure to support rapid charging, which I think has certainly helped with staff’s experience of operating the vehicles in the 999 emergency setting.”

The most recent addition to the Trust’s electric fleet this year is four London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) VN5 vans for its IT support team, whose journeys can vary according to demand.

Tony concluded: “We are continually looking at how we can further expand our ‘greener’ fleet in other areas of the service too. I’m very pleased to say we have four fully electric Patient Transport Service vehicles on order, for delivery in January and March 2022. This will mean the Trust has a set of fully electric vehicles in all operational categories. All future fleet procured for support functions are set to be fully electric and by 2028 we pledge that all of our fleet under 3.5tonne will be fully electric. We are now working with NHS England and Improvement and a number of manufacturers to deliver four prototype electric ambulances for national trials, with the ultimate aim to implement a zero-emission fleet nationally.”

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Jordan Eggington – Tuesday 9th November – 9:30am.

The two police officers who arguably saved the lives of Deena Evans and Mick Hipgrave when they were stabbed in 2020 have received prestigious awards from the Trust. 

PC Victoria Gaunt and PC Michael Edge were given Blue Light Commendations by Chief Executive Anthony Marsh at a ceremony in Headquarters recently.  The pair were with Deena and Mick when Martyn Smith came at them with two knives stabbing the pair on 6^th July last year.  PC’s Gaunt and Edge were accompanied by their partners and also met up with Mick and Deena at the ceremony. 

Deena said: “It was great to see them again.  We are both so grateful that they were with us on that day. If they hadn’t been, the outcome could have been a lot different.  As well as being there when we needed them most, they were both so good with us after the stabbing providing reassurance and helping us get through it.” 

Trust Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, added: “Although I met Victoria and Michael not long after the incident, it was a real privilege to be able to recognise them formally for their swift actions which helped to save Mick and Deena.  They undoubtedly put their own lives on the line to save their blue light colleagues, something I will forever be grateful for.  I am also grateful that the footage captured on their Body Worn Cameras played a key role in gaining an admission of guilt from Smith which spared everyone having to go through a trial.”

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Jordan Eggington – Wednesday 3^rd November – 10:50am.

A woman and boy have sadly died, and two others have been taken to hospital after a serious RTC in Shropshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called by the police at 3:39pm yesterday (Tuesday) to the A458 between Much Wenlock and Cressage. Due to the nature of the collision, multiple resources were sent to the scene including four land ambulances, two Midlands Air Ambulances, four paramedic officers and a senior paramedic officer.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived at the scene of the RTC to find four patients who required treatment.

“A woman from one of the vehicles was found in a critical condition. Staff worked quickly to administer advanced trauma care at the scene, but sadly despite the best efforts, nothing could be done to save her, and she was confirmed deceased on scene.

“A boy, who was also found to be in a critical condition from the collision was given advanced trauma care at the scene and was conveyed to Birmingham Children’s Hospital via air ambulance, with treatment continuing enroute. However sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts nothing could be done to save the child and he was also confirmed deceased.

“The third patient, a man, was found in a serious condition and was conveyed to Royal Stoke University Hospital via air ambulance also.

“The fourth patient, a man, was treated for serious injuries and was conveyed to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital by land ambulance.”

ENDS

Jordan Eggington – Wednesday 3^rd November – 8:30am.

A woman has suffered serious injuries after being involved in an RTC with a car in Birmingham.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 5:50pm on Tuesday to reports of a collision on Sutton New Road in the Erdington area of the city. Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the West Midlands CARE Team attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived at the scene to find the pedestrian, a woman, with serious injuries after coming into collision with a car.

“She was treated for her injuries on scene before being conveyed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on blue lights and sirens, with the CARE team traveling onboard and continuing with treatment enroute.”

ENDS

Shaunna Farley – Tuesday 2nd November – 9.20am.

One man has died and another has been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision in Bilston last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 8.41pm to reports of a collision involving one car on Bessemer Close, Bilston and two ambulances, two paramedic officers and a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival, we discovered two patients, both men.

“The first, a passenger in the car, was extricated from the car by fire service colleagues. However, upon assessment it sadly became clear that nothing more could be done to save him and he was confirmed deceased at the scene.

“The second man, the driver of the car, was assessed and had sustained serious injuries, he received advanced trauma care on scene and was conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment.”

Ends.

Jamie Arrowsmith – Monday 1^st November – 8am.

Two men have been seriously injured after a car collided with street furniture in the early hours of this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 3.45am to the junction of Jobs Lane and Jardine Crescent and sent two 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 at the scene, crews discovered a car that had collided with a lamppost and come to rest on its roof.

“There were two male occupants from the vehicle, both of whom had suffered serious injuries in the collision. Following specialist trauma care being applied at the scene they were both conveyed to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire under emergency conditions.”

ENDS