Month: June 2022

Claire Brown – Thursday 30^th June 2022 – 4.00pm.

Two paramedics have been recognised for their outstanding act of bravery by West Midlands Police after being stabbed in 2020 whilst on duty.

Paramedics Deena Evans and Mick Hipgrave, from Willenhall ambulance hub, were called to an address in Wolverhampton along with police colleagues following concerns for the welfare of a man on Monday 6^th July 2020. As emergency services gained entry to the property, the patient came out of the front door with two knives and stabbed Deena and Mick. Despite both being seriously injured, they bravely helped each other in the moments after the attack to get to safety whilst police detained the patient.

West Midlands Police Deputy Chief Constable, Vanessa Jardine, presented the pair with a National Police Public Bravery Award and silver medal at a ceremony at Tally Ho! on Tuesday 7^th June. This comes a year after the force presented Deena and Mick with Chief Constable’s Commendations in 2021.

The National Police Public Bravery Award, which is signed by the National Police Chiefs Council, is one rarely given out. They were instituted in 1965 to recognise the assistance provided by members of the public who have intervened to foil criminal acts and come to the assistance of others. The honour recognises outstanding acts of bravery or meritorious devotion to civic duty, in support of the police, and thereby contributing to the maintenance of law and order.

Deena said: “It was a huge privilege to receive such a prestigious award from our police colleagues for our bravery on, what was, the worst day of our lives. We will both be forever immensely grateful for the police’s help on that day, along with our WMAS family too.”

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Claire Brown – Thursday 30^th June 2022 – 1.40pm.

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

West Midlands Ambulance Service received multiple calls reporting a collision involving a car and a motorcyclist on Pershore Road, Erdington at around 9.50am today (Thursday). Two ambulances, a paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and a critical care paramedic responded to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff arrived, they found police colleagues performing CPR on a motorcyclist. The man was in a critical condition and the team of ambulance staff worked quickly to commence advanced life support at the roadside. Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead on scene.

“The driver of the car, a woman, was assessed by ambulance staff before being discharged on scene.”

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Claire Brown – Thursday 30^th June 2022 – 10.00am.

A teenage boy has sadly died after being stabbed in Wolverhampton last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received several calls to Mount Road, Lanesfield, Wolverhampton shortly after 8.30pm last night (Wednesday). Two ambulances, two paramedic officers, a critical care car from Midlands Air Ambulance and a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic responded to the scene. The first ambulance arrived within three minutes of receiving the 999 call.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff arrived on scene they found a teenage boy in a critical condition. The team worked rapidly to commence resuscitation on scene, administering advanced trauma care. Sadly, despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save the boy and he was confirmed deceased on scene a short time later.”

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Jamie Arrowsmith – Wednesday 29^th June 2022 – 12pm.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) is aiming to install 80 life-saving bleed control kits around the region in partnership with NHS Charities Together.

Bleed control kits contain a tourniquet and other trauma dressings and are vital to help save the lives of patients who suffer major trauma with catastrophic bleeding, whether caused by an accident or assault.

Last week, thanks to funding from NHS Charities Together, WMAS Community Response Manager, Tim Cronin visited three Public Access Community Defibrillator sites in North Warwickshire, which are managed by North Warwickshire Community First Responders, to place three Bleed Control Kits alongside the defibrillator.

The kits were placed at The Crew – Queens Hall Nuneaton, Atherstone Market Square and outside the new AAA Food Hall in Hartshill.

Tim said: “These kits are vital to help save lives and can be used in the first few minutes of an injury by members of the public prior to an ambulance arriving.

“A number of kits, which contain a tourniquet and other trauma dressings, can already be found in parts of the region following the hard work by The Daniel Baird Foundation which was set up after the son of Lynne Baird was fatally stabbed in Birmingham in 2017.

““Working closely with the Foundation, WMAS helped develop the kits and now thanks to NHS Charities Together, we hope to provide a further 80 kits across the West Midlands during the next few months.”

More information about the kits can be found at: http://www.controlthebleed.org.uk    

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Notes to Editors:

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

Main image: WMAS Community Response Manager Tim Cronin and North Warwickshire CFR, Sam Hall, install a bleed control kit at AAA Food Hall in Hartshill.

Claire Brown – Monday 27^th June 2022 – 10.45am.

A pedestrian has sadly died, and a motorcyclist has been injured following a collision in Evesham yesterday.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a collision involving a pedestrian and a motorcyclist at the junction of the B4084 Pershore Road and Hasleor Lane, Charlton, Evesham at 1.22pm (Sunday). Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air ambulance with a doctor and paramedic on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a pedestrian, a man, in a critical condition being given CPR by bystanders and an off-duty paramedic. Ambulance crews worked as a team to deliver advanced life support but sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone there, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead on scene a short time later.

“The motorcyclist, a man, was assessed and found with no significant injuries. He was given treatment on scene before being conveyed by land ambulance to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for further care.”

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Murray MacGregor – Monday 27^th June 2022 – 9.25am.

One person has died following the explosion at a house in Kingstanding on Sunday evening.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of an explosion at about 8.40pm on Sunday evening to Dulwich Road.

Three ambulances, five paramedic officers, the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic, West Midlands CARE team, and an emergency planner were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Members of the Hazardous Area Response Team worked with firefighters to search the damaged property and sadly discovered one person.

“There was nothing that could be done and the person was confirmed dead at the scene.”

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Murray MacGregor – Sunday 26^th June 2022 – 11.30pm.

A man has suffered life threatening injuries after an explosion destroyed a house in the Kingstanding area of Birmingham.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of an explosion at about 8.40pm on Sunday evening to Dulwich Road.

Three ambulances, five paramedic officers, the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic, West Midlands CARE team, and an emergency planner were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “One property has been completely destroyed with three others badly damaged. Cars have also been damaged.

“A man was helped from the property by people at the scene but had suffered very serious injuries.  After assessment and treatment at the scene, he was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with the MERIT team travelling with the ambulance.  His condition on arrival at hospital was described as life threatening.

“Four further men have been assessed by ambulance crews for minor conditions but have been discharged at the scene.

“Members of the Hazardous Area Response Team continue to work with specialist firefighters at the scene.”

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Claire Brown – Thursday 23^rd June 2022 – 9.15am.

A motorcyclist in Coleshill received CPR from members of the public before being treated and conveyed to hospital by ambulance staff yesterday afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 4.13pm yesterday (Wednesday) to reports of a man who had come off his motorcycle on Blythe Road, Coleshill, Warwickshire. Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance with a doctor and paramedic on board responded to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff arrived on scene, they found bystanders performing excellent CPR on a man who had reportedly fallen from his bike. The team of medics quickly took over resuscitation efforts and continued emergency treatment whilst conveying the man by land ambulance on blue lights to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire. On arrival at hospital, the man remained in a critical condition.”

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Jamie Arrowsmith – Friday 17th June – 1pm

A motorcyclist has been treated for serious injuries and airlifted to hospital following a collision with a van this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A480 in Hereford, near to the junction with Crescent Hill and sent one ambulance, a paramedic officer a BASICS doctor from the Mercia Accident Rescue Service (MARS) and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival at the scene crews discovered one patient, the motorcyclist, who was a woman.

“She had suffered serious injuries in the collision and ambulance staff immediately began administering treatment.

“She was then airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol for further assessment.”

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Jamie Arrowsmith – Friday 17^th June – 8.30am.

A man has died following a collision between a car and a mobility scooter yesterday.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Livingstone Road and Alcester Road South, Kings Heath at 2.30pm and sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and the West Midlands Care Team to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews discovered one patient, a man, from the mobility scooter.

“The man had suffered serious injuries in the incident and was found to be 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 the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

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Jamie Arrowsmith – Thursday 16^th June 2022 – 4.45pm.

Hundreds of people have already shown an interest in joining West Midlands Ambulance Service, only days after the organisation announced it was planning to recruit almost 500 student paramedics.

Hundreds of people have already shown an interest in joining West Midlands Ambulance Service, only days after the organisation announced it was planning to recruit almost 500 student paramedics.

Last night, around 250 people joined Trust staff at Shrewsbury Town Football Club for a highly successful Career’s Event.

A second such event is set to take place on Sunday 26^th June as part of Armed Forces Day at Himley Hall, Dudley.

The Trust will have a stall at the event, which runs from 10.00am to 5.30pm, at which the Recruitment Team will be present to offer advice, guidance and tips on applying to become a student paramedic.  Those attending will also have a chance to find out more about what the training course involves and will be able to ask questions on qualifications required, interview techniques and anything else potential employees may wish to know.

Last night, members of the recruitment team, operational staff, tutors from the Education & Training Department and community first responders were all in attendance, providing visitors with the chance to talk to current student paramedics about what the role is like, try CPR, practice elements of the fitness test and ask any questions they had.

WMAS Recruitment Manager, Louise Jones, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people come along to Shrewsbury Town and show an interest in joining the ambulance service.

“We’re now really looking forward to our next event at Himley and having the opportunity to talk to lots more people who are interested in starting a career with us.

“Also, don’t forget that I’ll be taking over the @officialwmas Instagram account on Saturday (18th June) to share hints and tips as well as be on hand to answer questions from anyone interested in applying.”

The Trust has also confirmed details of attendance at a further event which will take place in Warwick, at DM Kineton, Temple Herdewyke, Southam, CV47 2UL on Saturday 9^th July where the Trust will be participating in live exercises and demonstrations in conjunction with military and fire service colleagues as well as being on hand to answer any questions about starting your career with us.  

The Trust’s student paramedic programme is a unique opportunity which provides a 42 month vocationally based programme where you’ll ‘earn as you learn’. You will receive a minimum competitive salary of £18,661 per annum from day one of employment. On completion of the programme you will obtain a Level 6 Degree apprenticeship qualification and guaranteed employment as a paramedic with a minimum salary of £25,655 rising to £34,172 per annum plus unsocial hours pay enhancements.

For further details and to find out how to apply, visit http://www.wmascareers.uk in the first instance.

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Shaunna Farley – Thursday 16th June – 10.30am.

One person has been taken to hospital following a collision in Whittington last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 10.06pm to reports that a motorbike had collided with street furniture on Church Lane, Whittington in Worcester. Two ambulances, a paramedic officer, a Critical Care Car from Midlands Air Ambulance and a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival we found the  motorcyclist. He was assessed and had sustained serious injuries.

“He received treatment from ambulance staff at the scene. He was conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment.”

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Claire Brown – Monday 13^th June 2022 – 8.20am.

Set to leave college this term and don’t know what to do next? Fed up of your 9 to 5 job and have a passion for helping others? Think you’ve got what it takes to be a paramedic? We’ve got just the job opportunity for you!

With pressures on the ambulance service continuing, the Trust is on a journey of one of its most ambitious recruitment plans to date. In total, the Trust is looking to recruit 484 student paramedics across the entire West Midlands region.

Louise Jones, Recruitment Manager, said: “Today (Monday 13^th June) our exceptionally popular student paramedic programme opens to applicants as we work to further bolster our front-line staffing levels across the whole of our region. This means that, compared to our previous student paramedic recruitment, we are now looking to recruit across Birmingham, Black Country, Coventry, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire.

“In addition, for the first time we’ll also be accepting applications to our student paramedic programme from individuals awaiting A-Level or other Level 3 results. If you’re leaving college this year and want to work for us as a paramedic, you can now apply!”

“I’ll be taking over the @officialwmas Instagram account on Saturday 18^th June to share hints and tips as well as be on hand to answer questions from anyone interested in applying. We now have a dedicated microsite about our student paramedic programme which includes everything you need to know about entry criteria, the application and assessment process as well as the training programme once you begin so I would urge anyone considering this fantastic opportunity to visit www.wmascareers.uk in the first instance.

“We’re also set to hold a number of career events in parts of the West Midlands in the coming weeks and I’d encourage anyone keen to apply to come along and meet us for an informal chat!”

The following events are so far confirmed but more are set to be announced in the near future via the Trust’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @officialwmas and via www.wmas.nhs.uk :

• Shrewsbury Town FC on Wednesday 15^th June between 6pm – 8pm
• Attendance at Himley Hall Armed Forces Day on Sunday 26^th June between 11am – 5pm

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Claire Brown – Wednesday 8th June – 5.10pm.

Two patients have been taken to hospital and a number of other people have been assessed on scene following an incident at Waterworld in Stoke on Trent this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 1.55pm to reports of people feeling unwell at Waterworld, Festival Park, Stoke on Trent. Two ambulances, Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) paramedics, four paramedic officers, a BASICS emergency doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a doctor and critical care paramedic on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Waterworld was evacuated after a number of people inside began displaying minor symptoms including watery eyes, a runny nose and nausea.  A total of 110 people evacuated from the building who were displaying symptoms were rapidly triaged by the team of ambulance medics. Once triaged, 46 out of the 110 people received treatment by ambulance staff on scene before being discharged. A man and a woman were conveyed to hospital for further checks as a precaution.

“This was a well-managed tri-service response which saw the safe and speedy evacuation of a large number of people. Thankfully no one involved was in a serious condition.

Investigations into the cause of the incident continue.”

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Claire Brown – Tuesday 7^th June 2022 – 5.25pm.

A volunteer who helps to save lives in his spare time is set to take part in the Commonwealth Games baton relay next month!

Terry Flower, Community First Responder and Area Coordinator from FastAid Solihull received notification recently from the Commonwealth Games that he’d been selected as a batonbearer for the Birmingham 2022 Queens’ Baton Relay in the West Midlands on the 26^th July.

Terry, who has been a Community First Responder in Solihull for 13 years, was nominated by a Sian Bishop of the Stronger Communities directorate at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council in recognition of the work FastAid volunteers do supporting West Midlands Ambulance Service in the Borough, looking after the community in their time of need.

Terry will now be one of thousands of inspirating Batonbearers, which includes one of our Student Paramedic’s Ella, who will be taking part in this once in a lifetime opportunity to carry to baton as it goes on its epic journey around England.

Terry said: “I’m tremendously excited. This really is an accolade and it’s wonderful that FastAid have been recognised. I’ve got my uniform, I’ve tried it on, it fits well! On the day I’ve been asked to carry the baton, the relay actually comes through my area of Knowle and Dorridge, so hopefully I’ll be amongst my own community just two days before the Commonwealth Games open, which is tremendously exciting.”

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