Fatal RTC in Longport

Shaunna Farley – Monday 30th May – 5.20pm.

One man has died following a road traffic collision in Longport today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 10.43am to reports of a road traffic collision involving a van and a pedestrian on Canal Lane, Longport in Stoke on Trent. Two ambulances and a paramedic officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival crews found a man.

“He was assessed and had sustained life threatening injuries. He received advanced life support from ambulance staff at the scene.

“Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of ambulance staff it became clear that nothing more could be done to save him and he was confirmed deceased.

The driver of the van did not require treatment.”

Ends.

Fatal RTC in Evesham

Shaunna Farley – Monday 30th May 2022 – 4.20pm.

One man has died following a road traffic collision in Evesham today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 11.42am to reports of a road traffic collision involving a motorbike that had collided with street furniture on St Richards Road, Evesham. Two ambulances, a paramedic officer, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival crews found the motorcyclist.

“He was assessed and had sustained life threatening injuries. Ambulance staff administered advanced life support at the scene.

“Unfortunately, it became clear that nothing more could be done to save him and he was confirmed deceased.”

Ends.

Man dies in Bedworth RTC

Claire Brown – Thursday 26th May 2022 – 2.15pm.

A man has sadly died following a road traffic collision in Bedworth this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received a 999 call reporting an RTC involving a car and a tree on Astley Lane, Bedworth at 8.56am today (Thursday). Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford and also Tatenhill attended the scene. An off-duty nurse was also on scene after coming across the incident.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a car with one man inside. The man was rapidly assessed and was found to be in a critical condition. Sadly, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead on scene a short time later.”

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Fatal House Fire

Jamie Arrowsmith – Wednesday 25th May 2022 – 9am.

A woman has died and two other people have been taken to hospital following a house fire in Wolverhampton overnight.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called a property fire on Spring Road, Ettinghall at 2.26am and sent two ambulances, two paramedic officers, a MERIT trauma doctor and a HART paramedic to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Ambulance crews arrived at the scene to find a total of three patients.

“One of them, a woman, had to be rescued from the property by colleagues from the fire service. However, sadly it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.

“A man was treated for serious injuries, including burn injuries, before being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

“A second man was treated for the effects of smoke inhalation before being taken to New Cross Hospital for further assessment.”

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Fatal RTC in Tamworth

Jamie Arrowsmith – Wednesday 25th May 2022 – 8am.

A man has died and three other patients were taken to hospital following a multi-vehicle RTC in Tamworth yesterday.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of an RTC involving a lorry and a number of cars at the junction of the A5 and the A453 Sutton Road, near Mile Oak, at 5.16pm. Three ambulances, two paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulances from Cosford and Staffordshire attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews discovered a man who was in a critical condition from one of the cars. 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.

“A second man, from the same car, had to be cut free with assistance from fire service colleagues. He was treated for potentially serious injuries and taken to Walsall Manor Hospital by land ambulance.

“Two female patients from another car were both treated for injuries not believed to be serious before being taken to Good Hope Hospital on the same land ambulance as a precaution.

“The lorry driver, a man, was assessed for minor injuries and discharged at the scene.”

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New volunteers recruited; but more needed across the West Midlands

Murray MacGregor – Tuesday 24th May 2022 – 11.40am.

The number of volunteer Community First Responders in Highley, Shropshire is set to rise sharply after four members of the public applied for the role at an event in the village at the weekend.

A ‘come and learn’ day and information stand was part of Highley Community Day on Saturday.

The stand was staffed by CFRs from several schemes across Shropshire and Community Response Manager Cliff Medlicott. 

The stand was also visited by local MP Philip Dunne who congratulated the CFRs on their work in the community.

Cliff, said: “We are delighted that four people signed up to train as CFRs.  Community First Responders play such an important role, particularly in our rural communities.  Their ability to get to the most urgent calls (Category 1 and 2) very quickly and start providing treatment and reassurance undoubtedly saves lives.

“It was an excellent event which allowed members of the public to come and ask questions about the CFR scheme and also wider questions about the ambulance service.

“CFRs are everyday members of the public who volunteer and are trained in a number of assessments and basic lifesaving techniques including the use of a defibrillator, a device used to restart the heart of someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest. Their availability, close proximity and local knowledge of their area are among their many assets.”

Cliff added: “Volunteers come from all walks of life but must be aged 18 or over and have a full driving licence.  We provide all of the necessary training and equipment, so no previous experience is required.”

It’s not just in Shropshire that there are CFR vacancies currently open.  Head to www.jobs.nhs.uk and use the Job Reference below for the area that best suits you:

  • Staffordshire: 217-CFR10-22-23
  • Shropshire: 217-CFR12-22-23
  • Hereford & Worcester: 217-CFR11-22-23
  • Black Country: 217-CFR07-22-23
  • Birmingham: 217-CFR08-22-23
  • Arden: 217-CFR09-22-23

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Pic 1 L – R: Liz Vanegas (Cleobury Mortimer Co-ordinator); David Yates (CFR Bridgnorth); Rob Lambie (Rae Valley Co-ordinator); Cliff Medlicott, Philip Dunne MP

Pic 2 L- R: Russell Brookes (Newport Co-ordinator); David Yates (CFR Bridgnorth); Liz Vanegas (Cleobury Mortimer Co-ordinator); Rob Lambie (Rae Valley Co-ordinator); Cliff Medlicott

WMAS recognised as leading digital Trust

Jordan Eggington – Monday 23rd May 2022 – 5:15pm.

The Trust’s ability to utilise world-class digital tools is what’s helped it to become one of just two ambulance services in the country to receive accreditation from NHS England and NHS Improvement as part of its Global Digital Exemplar (GDE) programme.

A GDE is an internationally recognised NHS provider delivering improvements in the quality of patient care, through the world-class use of digital technologies and information. Exemplars will share their learning and experiences through the creation of blueprints to enable other Trusts to follow in their footsteps as quickly and effectively as possible.

Through the GDE projects, the Trust has significantly changed access to records for WMAS clinicians whilst with patients.  By accepting and embracing the range of systems that are available, they have integrated with multiple platforms to provide access to what is available, and access has grown as systems were brought online.  Through accessing the patient’s record, clinicians can make better decisions for their patients as they are better informed about diagnoses and treatment plans that are in place.  In the 20/21 year, access to records when a crew attends a patient, grew to 58.9% against a national target of 5%.

The Digital Maturity theme covered a collection of projects that aimed to enhance the digital capability of the Trust.  One of the later projects within this area related to digitising the WMAS ‘Make Ready’ processes, where Vehicle Preparation Operatives get vehicles ready for their next shift at our 15 operational hubs. This has seen staff move from working off whiteboard and paper sheets to a rolling digital screen. Crews now refer to the screen which contains the information they need to identify their vehicle. This benefit extends beyond the garage, as management teams have easy access to vehicle availability and can update crew information remotely.

The COVID-19 pandemic also brought with it additional challenges to how the digital infrastructure within the Trust works:

  • 111 First was implemented to allow patients to be booked into appointments in emergency departments.
  • Most support staff working from home.  This required a rapid deployment of remote access solutions for staff.
  • Non-emergency vehicles were allocated to support 999 operations.  These vehicles were equipped with a new mobile data solution.  Use of the new mobile data solution ensured compatibility with existing platforms while also allowing new technology to be trialled in live operation.
Pictured left to right: Operational Support Services Director, Craig Cooke, Head of IM&T and WMAS GDE Programme Lead, Phil Collins and NHS Digital Engagement Lead for Midlands, Ian Nelson.

Operational Support Services Director, Craig, Cooke, said: “A huge amount of work has been completed over the last few years to get to this point, and I want to thank all the staff who have taken on and completed the GDE. We’re now recognised against an international standard of digital capability and maturity and being one of just two ambulance services in the country to achieve this accolade is very special. The team from NHS England and NHS Improvement were extremely complimentary about the Trust’s determination to complete the GDE accreditation despite the pandemic pressures. Thanks also to the NHS Digital team – the whole process has been useful and a learning experience as well. It has certainly impacted how we will deliver projects moving forward.” 

Head of IM&T and WMAS GDE Programme Lead, Phil Collins, added: “Traditionally we have focussed on delivering IT equipment, but Digital draws more attention to how technology is used and the impact on patients, and this change of perspective helps deliver more benefit to our community.”

Dermot Ryan, Director of Frontline Digitisation at NHS England and NHS Improvement, said: “The team at West Midlands Ambulance Service are demonstrating how digital tools and access to data can help mitigate the challenges faced by the ambulance service – from access to patient records when a crew attends an emergency call, to streamlining vehicle preparation. The Trust has driven real transformation of how they deliver services, which is improving the experience for patients and staff.”

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Notes to editors:

Two to hospital following Longbridge incident

Claire Brown – Friday 20th May 2022 – 12.55pm.

Two people have been taken to hospital for further checks and several other people received assessment at the scene of an incident at a supermarket in Birmingham this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 9.53am to Sainsburys, Longbridge Lane, Longbridge today (Friday). Two ambulances, Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) paramedics, three paramedic officers and West Midlands CARE Team medics responded to the scene along with police and fire colleagues.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Sainsburys and other nearby buildings were evacuated after several people inside the supermarket experienced respiratory problems.

“A total of seven patients were assessed by the ambulance service after displaying minor respiratory problems. Two women received treatment on scene before being conveyed by ambulance, in a stable condition, to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further checks. The remaining five patients were later discharged on scene.

“A number of other people at the scene, who were described as ‘worried but well’, received advice from the team of ambulance staff.

“This was a well-managed tri-service response which, together with the help from retail staff, saw the safe and speedy evacuation of a large number of people. Investigations into the cause of the incident continue.”

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Pedestrian fatally injured after collision with car

Jamie Arrowsmith – Thursday 19th May 2022 – 5pm.

A man has died following a collision with a car this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A34 Queensway in Stafford at 12.03pm and sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a BASICS doctor to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find an elderly male pedestrian who had suffered critical injuries following a collision with a car.

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

“The driver of the car, a woman, and two bystanders were treated for the effects of shock and discharged at the scene.”

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Alison receives prestigious medal from Royal College of Emergency Medicine

Murray MacGregor – Thursday 19th May 2022 – 2.00pm.

The Trust’s Medical Director has received a prestigious award from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) for her outstanding work over the last 17 years, but in particular during the pandemic. 

Dr Alison Walker was one of only four recipients given medals by RCEM President, Dr Katherine Henderson, at a ceremony that took place at Central Hall Westminster, this morning.

Dr Walker was awarded the medal for outstanding contribution to RCEM, following the vital link and support she provided between emergency medicine and the ambulance services.  Alison’s work in this area has helped build stronger mutual respect and communications.

RCEM Vice President, Dr Adrian Boyle, said: “Alison has always had a cool head during several pandemic related crises. Her calm and collaborative approach, combined with complete integrity is an inspiration to us all.” 

The citation which was read out said: “Alison Walker has been a vital link between emergency medicine and ambulance services for many many years. This support has been particularly important during the pandemic and has resulted in a much stronger relationship and partnership between those organisations.”

Dr Walker, added: “I am clearly very honoured to receive the medal.  I have been able to work with many people within the ambulance and emergency medicine sectors over the years and together we have been able to make some very important changes that are helping patients. 

“As well as my work with West Midlands Ambulance Service, I work as an ED Consultant myself and there is so much crossover between the two sectors that it is vital that we work together, so it is nice that all the hard work, that so many have put into this field, is being recognised.”

Note to Editors

Dr Walker is pictured with Dr Henderson from RCEM

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Motorcyclist seriously injured in RTC

Jamie Arrowsmith – Thursday 19th May 2022 – 9.15am.

A motorcyclist has suffered serious injuries following a road traffic collision in Tipton last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to High Street in Princes End, Tipton at 5.23pm and sent one ambulance, a paramedic officer, the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a motorcyclist who had collided with a wall.

“The man was found to have suffered serious injuries in the incident and after receiving treatment at the scene was transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham by land ambulance. The doctor from the air ambulance travelled with the patient to help continue treatment en-route to hospital.”

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Fatal Staffordshire RTC

Jordan Eggington – Wednesday 18th May 2022 – 9am.

A man has sadly died, and two others have been taken to hospital after a road traffic collision in Staffordshire yesterday.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called by police at 3:17pm on Tuesday to reports of an RTC involving two cars on Miners Way in Burntwood. Several resources were sent to the scene, including three ambulances, two paramedic officers, a community first responder and the Midlands Air Ambulances from Cosford and Tatenhill.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived at the scene to find the driver of one of the cars, a man, in a critical condition, with bystander CPR already in progress.

“Crews worked together to administer advanced trauma care to the patient but sadly, despite the best efforts, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed deceased on scene.

“The driver from the other car, a man, was treated for potentially serious injuries and was conveyed to Royal Stoke University Hospital on blue lights and sirens for further treatment.

“The passenger from the second car, a man, was treated for injuries not believed to be serious and was conveyed to Walsall Manor hospital on blue lights and sirens.”

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Driver dies in M5 RTC

Jordan Eggington – Monday 16th May 2022 – 4.10pm.

A woman has sadly died after being involved in an RTC on the M5 in Worcestershire this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 1:26pm on Monday to reports of a road traffic collision involving a car and HGV between junctions 5 and 6 of the M5. Two ambulances, a paramedic officer, and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived at the scene to find the driver of the car in a critical condition after coming into collision with an HGV.

“Crews worked quickly to administer advanced trauma care to the woman. But sadly, despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save her, and she was confirmed deceased on scene.”

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Motorcyclist dies in Solihull

Claire Brown – Friday 13th May 2022 – 8.45am.

A motorcyclist has sadly died following a road traffic collision in Solihull last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received several 999 calls reporting a motorcyclist had come off his bike at 6.29pm (Thursday) on Widney Road, Knowle, Solihull. Two ambulances, two paramedic officers, the West Midlands CARE Team medics and a BASICS doctor attended the scene. An off-duty police officer and a doctor also came across the incident and stopped to render aid.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff arrived they found bystanders performing CPR and using a community public accessible defibrillator on a motorcyclist, a man, who was in a critical condition.

“The team of ambulance staff quickly took over treatment and commenced advanced life support on scene. Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed deceased a short time later.”

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Student Ella to represent region as Batonbearer

Jordan Eggington – Wednesday 11th May – 3pm.

Student paramedic Ella Davies has overcome many challenges in her life, including three major operations and living with a ‘visible difference’. Despite those hurdles, Ella has never stopped being who she wants to be and achieving great things.

It was her work as a campaigner for Changing Faces and her recent accomplishment of becoming a student paramedic that led Ella’s extremely proud father to nominate her to be Batonbearer in the Queen’s Baton Relay ahead of this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

30 year-old Ella from Staffordshire said: “My dad only told me about the nomination after he’d done it! But when I found out that not only had I been nominated, but I’d been selected too – I was quite shocked! There were lots of people who had been nominated to be Batonbearers, so to be picked out of that many people was quite exciting and scary. My immediate thought was – what if I drop it?!”

Batonbearers have been selected in all nine regions of England, and reflect the diversity in communities across the country. The Baton will arrive in the West Midlands on Monday 18th July before reaching its final destination of Birmingham on Thursday 28th July. By the time the Baton returns to England for the final leg, 71 nations and territories will have already experienced the magic that comes with it.

Ella, who was born with a rare condition called cranio-frontal-nasal dysplasia, will represent the West Midlands with the baton on Tuesday 19th July, just over a week before the Games begin.

She added: “All I know at the moment is the day I’m doing it and that I’ll be somewhere in the West Midlands area. I’ll find out more details at a later date.”

As if starting the student paramedic programme and being selected as a Batonbearer wasn’t enough, Ella also put herself forward to be part of the team working the Games for WMAS.

She said: “It was just an opportunity to work a major sporting event, which I may not get the chance to do again. I love sport too and would be watching the Games anyway, so why not gain further experience as a trainee paramedic and see how a major event like that works? I’m hoping that in working the Games, I’ll be able to pick up some valuable knowledge. It’s going to be a busy, but exciting year!”

Ella has previously campaigned and raised money for Changing Faces

Ella is an absolute advocate for knowing your self-worth and letting nothing stop you from achieving your dreams. If you are looking to begin your career with the ambulance service, the Trust is regularly on the look out for the next cohort of student paramedics! To find out more, head here.

ENDS.

Two to Hospital Following Fire in Warwick

Shaunna Farley – Thursday 5th May – 9am.

Two people have been taken to hospital following a fire in Warwick last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 6.34pm to reports of a fire at an address on Friars Street, Warwick. Three ambulances, two paramedic officers, the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival crews found three patients.

“The first man was assessed by ambulance staff and was in a critical condition. He received advanced life support from ambulance staff at the scene.

“He continued to receive treatment en route to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham via land ambulance.

“The second man was assessed by ambulance staff. He had sustained serious injuries. He received treatment at the scene.

“He was conveyed to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire via land ambulance for further treatment.”

“A third patient was assessed at the scene and declined treatment from ambulance staff and was discharged at the scene.”

Ends.

Serious RTC near Uttoxeter

Claire Brown – Tuesday 3rd May 2022 – 11.15am.

Two men have been taken to hospital after a collision which left a HGV on its side and a van with a piece of wood through its windscreen near Uttoxeter yesterday.

The ambulance service was called at 11.48am on Bank Holiday Monday (2nd May) to reports of a serious RTC on the A50 between Blythe Bridge and Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. Two ambulances, two paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a HGV on its side up an embankment and a van which had sustained significant damage in the collision including a piece of wood through its windscreen. The driver of the van, a man, was miraculously out of his vehicle and sitting at the side of the road. He was assessed by the team of ambulance staff and found with injuries not thought to be life threatening. He was given treatment on scene before being conveyed by land ambulance to Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“The HGV driver, a man, was also out of his overturned vehicle and was assessed on scene by ambulance staff. He sustained no apparent serious injuries but was conveyed to the same hospital for further checks due to the serious nature of the RTC.

“Considering the dramatic scene and significant damage, it was remarkable that no one was killed.”

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Credit: West Midlands Ambulance Service
Credit: West Midlands Ambulance Service