OfficialWMAS

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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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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Claire Brown – Thursday 26^th 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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Claire Brown – Friday 20^th 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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Claire Brown – Friday 13^th 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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Claire Brown – Tuesday 3^rd 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 (2^nd 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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Claire Brown – Wednesday 27^th April 2022 – 9.30am.

A motorcyclist has suffered serious injuries after a collision in Warwickshire yesterday.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called by police at 4:15pm yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) to reports of an RTC involving a motorbike and car off the A5 near to Newton, Rugby. We sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance to the scene. An off-duty technician from East Midlands Ambulance Service was also on scene rendering aid after coming across the collision.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived at the scene of the collision to find the motorcyclist, a man, with potentially life changing injuries.

“Crews administered trauma care to the man before being conveyed to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire via air ambulance for further emergency care.”

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Claire Brown – Thursday 14^th April 2022 – 1.10pm.

A boy has been taken to hospital after being involved in a collision with a lorry this morning in Walsall.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Leighswood Road, Aldridge at 10.31am today (Thursday). An ambulance, paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with medics on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance staff arrived to find a boy who had sustained a serious injury following the collision. The team worked to administer trauma care to the boy before he was conveyed by land ambulance on blue lights to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further trauma care. The air ambulance medics accompanied the ambulance crew and boy to hospital to continue care en-route to hospital.”

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Claire Brown – Thursday 7^th April 2022 – 3.00pm.

Two men have been injured, one seriously, following a collision involving two vans in Staffordshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A5 in Gailey, Staffordshire at 11.33am this morning (Thursday). Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff arrived on scene they found the driver of one van, a man, in a serious condition. The team worked together to administer treatment to the man to stabilise his condition before he was conveyed, by land ambulance on blue lights, to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further specialist care.

“The driver of the second van, a man, received treatment by ambulance staff for non-life-threatening injuries before being taken to New Cross Hospital by land ambulance for further checks.”

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Claire Brown – Tuesday 5^th March 2022 – 5.00pm.

Last week saw the Governor of a U.K. Overseas Territory visit WMAS to learn more about paramedic training and responding to trauma patients.

The Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, His Excellency Nigel Dakin CMG, visited WMAS during a trip to the UK on Friday 1^st April and was welcomed to Trust Headquarters in Brierley Hill by Chief Executive Officer Anthony Marsh and Chairman Professor Ian Cumming.

With an ambulance provision in TCI covering a population of around 44,000 spread over nine islands and major trauma cases becoming more prevalent, it was an opportunity to find out what operations and ways of working could be taken back to the Caribbean to further enhance patient care.

After introductions His Excellency went outside for a tour of our electric front-line vehicles showing the advances in technology and medical kit that ambulance staff use to respond to patients. HART paramedics were on hand to explain the vast equipment and technology they utilise, their capabilities and the types of incidents that HART attend. There was also time for a brief chat with the on-duty MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic before their next 999 call.

The tour continued inside at the National Training Academy where His Excellency was given a demonstration of bleed control kits, created by the Daniel Baird Foundation after founder Lynn Baird’s son was stabbed to death in Birmingham in 2017, which the Trust has been working in partnership with for a number of years. It was then time for a whistle-stop walk through of the Trust’s extensive training provision from classroom-based learning and hands on scenario training to blue light driver training.

The final leg of the visit was spent within our integrated emergency and urgent care control rooms to demonstrate the huge amount of work, technology and staffing that goes into answering 999 and 111 calls for the region.

Speaking about his time at WMAS, His Excellency Nigel Dakin said: “I’m originally from Birmingham and therefore seeing the inner workings of the service providing pre-hospital emergency care to my hometown was particularly poignant. I was immensely grateful to WMAS for the time that was invested in me during my visit. I have learnt a huge amount about the ambulance service and what’s so interesting is that so much of what I’ve seen is relevant to some of the challenges we face in the Turks and Caicos Islands. What I was particularly taken with was the excellence of the training here, the innovative use of bleed control kits in terms of democratising the ability to treat trauma patients. There are some immediate wins that I’ve walked away with from the visit but much more excitingly in a way, perhaps the start of a much longer term relationship with WMAS.”

WMAS Chairman Prof Ian Cumming is also the UK Ambassador for Healthcare to the Overseas Territories and in that role recently visited the Turks and Caicos islands to demonstrate the use of bleed control kits to senior representatives from the Ministry of Health, Emergency Medical Service, hospital, Police, Fire, GPs, and the Turks and Caicos Islands regiment. Prof Cumming said: “I’m confident that the Governor’s visit to WMAS reaffirmed plans to expand pre-hospital care in the islands and provision of bleed kits will be a major step forward in helping to save lives.”

Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Marsh, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome His Excellency the Governor to WMAS to showcase the excellent work of our staff and volunteers. It was hugely interesting to hear the different challenges faced in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We’re very happy to provide support in any way to our friends in this UK Overseas Territory with any improvements in the ambulance provision they wish to make.”

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Featured photo (left to right): Nathan Hudson Emergency Services Operations Delivery Director, His Excellency Nigel Dakin, Chief Executive Officer Anthony Marsh.

Claire Brown – Monday 28^th March 2022 – 9.00am.

Technology and teamwork have combined in Coventry to help train first responders and local authorities to manage major incidents.

Working alongside Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire councils and the local emergency services, the Simulation Centre at Coventry University has created realistic virtual reality emergency response scenarios to train emergency responders to help keep people safe at major events, including those for Coventry UK City of Culture.  

The Simulation Centre employs lots of systems and methods to create highly immersive, real time changeable training scenarios. The main interactive area features a 10-metre, 160° curved screen, surround sound, temperature regulation to simulate outdoor conditions, as well as smoke, lighting and smell effects to immerse delegates. 

David Levesley, West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Emergency Preparedness Manager, said: “The simulation centre offers complex scenarios that can be quickly reset and quickly altered. This means that all our commanders can experience multi-agency working, identifying learning quickly and consistently.

“Training is essential to all emergency services to test our response to major incident scenarios and ensure we’re prepared. To regularly undertake live exercises takes a large amount of preparation and planning, not to mention a large number of ambulance staff, police officers and firefighters at the scene.

“While live exercises will always be necessary, using new equipment like this we can still create all the visual impact and complexity of a real situation which reduces the impact of exercise planning and delivery on operational availability and can be linked directly to training and development objectives and outcomes.

“We’re really grateful to James and rest of the university for recognising our important work and for giving us this amazing opportunity.”

James Doyle, Simulation Centre Manager from Coventry University, said: “What we’ve found from facilitating these sessions is that people don’t behave as though it’s training. The situations are so immersive, delegates forget they’re being assessed and act more naturally as they are being observed remotely from our control room. Just like the services, our unique facility is second to none and helps us remove ‘exercise-itis’ and by working together in this way, we’re helping keep the city safe.”

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Notes to Editor:

Pictured (left to right): WMAS David Levesley with police and fire colleagues at simulation centre.

In one recently tested scenario, a car race on Coventry ring road is stopped when an electric car carrying protestors opposed to the race gains access to and blocks a ring road, causing one of the racing cars to crash through the barriers, injuring spectators. As emergency staff rush to help the casualties, they are overcome by fumes and they themselves become patients. The lighting and temperature in the room change as the incident progresses and actors in the room play the roles of distressed relatives, angry protestors and anyone else who paramedics, police or firefighters might come across at an actual emergency scene. Just as in real incidents, frontline staff share updates of what’s happening with their control rooms and decisions are then fed into the simulation, changing the virtual scene in real time to show how they impact the incident.

Just like the emergency services need to prepare for emergencies, so do you. Whether it’s learning first aid, having a home fire escape plan or being ready for extreme weather, there’s lots of ways you can reduce the negative impact these events have on you and your family. Find out more on your council’s website or visit this government website. 

Claire Brown – Friday 18^th March 2022 – 9.10am.

A pedestrian received trauma care by ambulance staff after being involved in a road traffic collision in the Staffordshire Moorlands last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Leek Road and Cheddleton Heath Road, Cheddleton Heath, shortly before 7.00pm yesterday (Thursday). An ambulance, paramedic officer and a North Staffordshire BASICS emergency doctor attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff arrived on scene they found a pedestrian, a man, who had reportedly been involved in a collision with a vehicle. He was being cared for by bystanders and police. Upon assessment by ambulance staff, the man was found to be in a critical condition. The team immediately commenced trauma care on scene before conveying the man on blue lights to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further emergency care.”

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Claire Brown – Thursday 10^th March 2022 – 4.45pm.

Two teenage boys have received trauma care by ambulance staff after sustaining potentially life-threatening injuries in Birmingham City Centre this afternoon.

The service received 999 calls reporting a stabbing on Corporation Street in Birmingham at 2.36pm today (Thursday). A large ambulance presence was responded to the scene and included two ambulances, three paramedic officers, HART paramedics, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a doctor and paramedic on board, a critical care paramedic and a West Midlands CARE team doctor.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived on scene to find a teenage boy who had sustained serious injuries. A second teenage boy was located nearby with serious injuries.

“The team of ambulance staff worked to administer trauma care to the teenagers on scene to stabilise their conditions. Both teenage boys were conveyed by land ambulance on blue lights to hospital for further emergency care.”

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Claire Brown – Thursday 10^th March 2022 – 10.25am.

A pedestrian has been taken to a major trauma centre following a road traffic collision with a car this morning in Walsall.

The incident happened on Union Street in Walsall at 2.52am today (Thursday). An ambulance and paramedic officer attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The pedestrian, a man, had been involved in a collision with a car. Upon assessment by ambulance staff the man was found to have sustained potentially serious injuries. He received treatment on scene before being conveyed on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further care.”

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Claire Brown – Thursday 10^th March 2022 – 10.00am.

A man received advanced trauma care from the ambulance service at the scene of a serious RTC in Oswestry last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received several 999 calls at around 11.15pm last night (Wednesday) to reports of a single car RTC on the A5, Daywell Junction, in Oswestry. Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic were responded to the incident.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find the driver of the car, a man, in a serious condition.

“The team of ambulance staff worked together to administer advanced trauma care to the man to help stabilise his condition. The man was then conveyed by land ambulance on blue lights to the major trauma centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, for further emergency care. The doctor and critical care paramedic travelled in the ambulance to continue treatment en-route to hospital.”

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Claire Brown – Monday 28th February 2022 – 1.00am.

Every day last year, a staggering 32 ambulance staff were abused or attacked nationally.  Now, some of those who were attacked or abused are spearheading a national campaign to promote respect in a bid to work without fear.

Shockingly, 11,749 ambulance staff were abused either physically or verbally in England last year, an increase of 4,060 incidents compared to 2016. In the West Midlands alone, there has been a staggering 88% rise in physical and verbal abuse towards staff in the last five years. (1671 incidents in 2021 compared to 887 in 2016).

Abuse included staff being stabbed, punched, kicked, head-butting, spat at as well as verbal abuse including racial and homophobic outbursts.  The attacks ranged from common assault to serious attacks involving weapons.  Alcohol is the most prominent factor in assaults against ambulance staff, followed by drugs and people in mental health crisis. Attacks based around race and sexuality have also increased as exacerbating factors in these assaults.

The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives has today launched the national #WorkWithoutFear campaign, supported by NHS England, to highlight the profound impact of this abuse on the everyday lives of ambulance staff.  It aims to encourage the minority of people who might commit these offences to have respect for the people who respond to help them, their friends and their families when they need it most.

The campaign is set to feature ambulance staff from all across the country who have been the victims of assaults, including four from West Midlands Ambulance Service. Birmingham Paramedic Sarah Haddada and Brierley Hill-based Call Assessor Bradley Bayton-Harvey are the first two staff featuring in the campaign.  They share their experience of the racial verbal abuse and threatening comments they’ve endured whilst trying to help others.  Later in the campaign, which will be running for several months, Willenhall Paramedics Deena Evans and Michael Hipgrave are set to feature. Their attacker was jailed last year for nine years after he stabbed them as they went to help him in Wolverhampton in 2020. 

West Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “My staff come to work to care for others in their time of need, yet all too often they are greeted by violence and abuse. Assaults on ambulance staff, whether it be physical or verbal, are not okay and I fully support this campaign. I hope that it opens people’s eyes to the impact that abuse has on staff as well as reinforcing the message that abusive behaviour of any form is totally unacceptable.

“My staff deserve to be treated with respect and shouldn’t face a fear of attack whilst helping others. I have nothing but admiration for the brave staff taking part in the campaign in order to raise awareness of the dangers they and other emergency service workers face on a daily basis.

“I urge the Judiciary to use the Assaults on Emergency Workers Offences Act 2018 legislation to give appropriate sentences to those found guilty of committing this abhorrent abuse towards ambulance staff.”

WMAS Joint Staffside Lead, Reena Farrington, added: “I welcome this national campaign which outlines a growing problem amongst ambulance workers.  It is extremely disturbing that some staff report that receiving abuse is almost part and parcel of doing the job; in no other section of our society would this be deemed acceptable, yet that is what some people think is ok for ambulance staff. 

“My colleagues work so hard to try and provide care and compassion at some of the most difficult times in our patients’ lives; they invest their skills and life in doing the right thing yet this is the thanks they get from some patients or their family and friends.  It has to stop and stop now.  I can only hope that the campaign will shine a bright light on this appalling behaviour and that everyone will work with us to stamp it out.”

The public can pledge their support for this campaign by using #WorkWithoutFear on social media and by visiting www.aace.org.uk/vaa to view films about some of those affected.

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NOTES TO EDITOR:

Interview Opportunity:

Birmingham Paramedic Sarah Haddada and Brierley Hill Call Assessor Bradley Bayton-Harvey will be available for interviews between 8.00am – 12noon on Monday 28^th February 2022 and will be at Trust Headquarters, Millennium Point, Brierley Hill, DY5 1LX if you wish to undertake interviews in person. Please contact the Press Office to arrange a slot. If you are attending our HQ, we ask that you wear a face covering once on Trust property at all times.

Campaign Collateral:

Visit www.aace.org.uk/vaa where you will find a host of supporting collateral including a video of Bradley Bayton-Harvey, images of both Sarah Haddada and Bradley together with graphics detailing statistics about abuse.

Supporting Data:

• On-the-road staff suffer the most with verbal and physical assaults, affecting more than 6,000 individuals across England in 2020-21 (an increase of 171% over five years). Staff working in emergency operations centres/control rooms experienced just under 800 verbal abuse cases in 2020-21 across England (an increase of almost 60% over five years). In WMAS there were 36 reported cases of verbal abuse towards control room staff between April 2021 – January 2022. Whilst the level of abuse received hasn’t historically been routinely reported by call assessors at WMAS, anecdotally, they will receive at least one abusive call per shift. 

Body Worn Cameras/Stab Vests Trial:

Following successful trials in London and the North East, Funding of almost a million pounds from NHS England has provided cameras to crews in the 10 ambulance trusts across the country. WMAS introduced cameras in October 2021 for each frontline ambulance crew member to wear one. The Trust is currently now trialling stab vests at one hub.  

Call Assessor Abuse:

In September 2021, WMAS call assessors shared shocking examples of verbal abuse:

• I’ve been sworn at a lot and been told that it’s my fault if a patient dies
• Some people just call and shout abuse at you and swear at you
• I’ve been called a b**** and told that if I don’t help, I’ll be a murderer
• I’ve had a sexually motivated caller who has made quite explicit remarks
• The caller started giving be abuse on the call and said he’d make my Dad watch him sexually assault me.
• The caller started being verbally abusive because we hadn’t arrived within 10 minutes of their original call.
• Callers have sworn at me, threatened to physically assault me and my family
• The caller said that if his family member died it would be my fault and called me horrific names
• A caller told me that he hoped my baby died.

Claire Brown – Monday 21^st February 2022 – 9.10am.

A road traffic collision involving a car and a tree has left four people injured in Leamington Spa last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Harbury Lane in Bishops Tachbrook at 10.07pm last night (Sunday). Three ambulances, a paramedic officer and a critical care paramedic from the Air Ambulance Service attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance crews arrived to find an overturned car which was in a ditch at the side of the road after colliding with a tree. One occupant of the car, a teenage boy, was extricated with help from the fire service whilst ambulance staff assessed him for injuries. The teenager received treatment for potentially serious injuries before being transported by ambulance on blue lights to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further trauma care.

“Three other occupants had managed to self-extricate from the care and received assessment by crews. A woman suffered suspected serious injuries and was stabilised before being alerted to the same hospital for onward care. A third patient was found with non-life-threatening injuries whilst the fourth patient was described as ‘walking wounded’ with minor injuries. Both were taken to the same hospital for further checks.”

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Claire Brown – Tuesday 15^th February 2022 – 9.10am.

A woman and a child have sadly died in a road traffic collision in north Shropshire this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a collision involving a car and a HGV on the A41 near Lavender Cottage in Sutton Heath between Tern Hill and Newport at 0.42am today (Tuesday). Three ambulances, three paramedic officers, a local community first responder, HART paramedics, a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic and two BASICS emergency doctors responded to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The two occupants of the car, a woman and a young child, were in a critical condition. Crews worked quickly as a team to provide advanced trauma care with assistance from police and fire colleagues.  

“Tragically, despite the best efforts of everyone, nothing could be done to save the woman and child and they were both confirmed deceased on scene.

“The driver of the HGV, a man, was assessed by ambulance staff but didn’t require hospital treatment and was discharged on scene.”

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Claire Brown – Monday 24^th January 2022 – 8.50am.

A pedestrian received trauma care by ambulance staff last night in Hereford following a road traffic collision.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received a call from the police reporting a collision involving a lorry and a pedestrian on the A49, Bridstow, Herefordshire at 8.19pm yesterday (Sunday). An ambulance, a paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic together with two BASICS doctors from Mercia Accident Rescue Service (MARS) were responded to the scene.  

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff arrived on scene they found off-duty nurses and police officers caring for the pedestrian, a man, who was in a serious condition.

“The man was given a thorough assessment by the team of medics who found he had sustained serious injuries. The man received trauma care on scene to stabilise his injuries before he was conveyed by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, a specialist trauma centre, for further emergency treatment.”

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Claire Brown – Thursday 20^th January 2022 – 9.15am.

One man has sadly died and another received advanced trauma care by ambulance staff at the scene of a road traffic collision in Oswestry last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received several 999 calls to reports of a two car RTC on Trefonen Road, Oswestry at 8.15pm (Wednesday). Four ambulances, two paramedic officers, a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic and a BASICS emergency doctor attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When crews arrived on scene, they found two cars which had been involved in a collision with four people injured.

“Bystanders and police were already performing CPR on one man, the driver of one car. Ambulance crews provided advanced life support to the man but sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone, nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead on scene a short time later.

“A second man, a passenger from the same car, had sustained multiple injuries and was in a critical condition. The team of ambulance staff and medics worked together to administer advanced trauma care before he was stabilised and conveyed on blue lights to Royal Stoke University Hospital. Medics travelled with the ambulance crew to continue advanced clinical care enroute to the major trauma centre.

“A third man, a passenger from the same car, sustained potentially serious injuries. He received treatment on scene before being taken on blue lights to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further assessment.

“A woman, the driver of the second car, was also assessed by ambulance staff and was found to have less serious injuries. She was also conveyed to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further checks.”

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Claire Brown – Friday 17^th December 2021 – 1.00pm.

A pedestrian received advanced trauma care by ambulance staff before being blue lighted to a major trauma centre following an RTC in Shropshire yesterday.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 4.19pm to reports of a collision involving a car and a pedestrian on Crossways, Church Stretton (Thursday). Two ambulances, two paramedic officers, a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival at the scene crews found a pedestrian, an elderly man, in a critical condition. The team of medics worked quickly to administer advanced trauma care to stabilise his condition on scene before he was blue lighted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further specialist care.”

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Claire Brown – Friday 17^th December 2021 – 10.00am.

A woman and a girl have received trauma care from ambulance staff before being conveyed to hospital following a serious house fire in Stoke-on-Trent.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received multiple 999 calls to reports of a house fire in Beverley Drive, Bentilee, Stoke-on-Trent at 10.57pm last night (Thursday). Two ambulance crews, two paramedic officers, Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) paramedics, a BASICS emergency doctor, a MERIT trauma doctor and a critical care paramedic responded to the incident.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance crews arrived on scene, they found a house well alight. The two occupants, a woman and a girl, were out of the property.

“Ambulance staff worked as a team to provide specialist trauma care to the woman and the girl who had both sustained serious injuries in the fire. Once stabilised on scene the girl was conveyed on blue lights to Birmingham Children’s Hospital whilst the woman was blue lighted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further specialist care.”

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Claire Brown – Friday 17^th December 2021 – 9.40am.

A three vehicle RTC in Nuneaton yesterday has left one man with potentially serious injuries and another patient requiring hospital treatment.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Gipsy Lane, Nuneaton at 4.32pm yesterday (Thursday). Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a critical care car from The Air Ambulance Service with a BASICS doctor and paramedic on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance crews arrived to find a serious RTC involving three vehicles. A passenger in a van involved in the collision, a man, was trapped in the vehicle. Ambulance staff worked closely with fire colleagues to extricate him from the van whilst he received trauma care for potentially serious injuries. He was taken on blue lights to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further emergency care.

“A second patient was conveyed to the same hospital with less serious injuries whilst a third patient was discharged on scene with minor injuries.”

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Claire Brown – Tuesday 7^th December 2021 – 1.30pm.

Whilst stories of physical abuse towards frontline ambulance staff is all too familiar, the voices behind the 999s are speaking out about the levels of verbal abuse they receive on an all too regular basis.  

Two West Midlands Ambulance Service call handlers, based at Tollgate control room in Staffordshire, volunteered to speak as part of the Together Against Abuse campaign by Together We’re Better Integrated Care System (ICS).  

Our call handlers play a crucial part in getting help to the most seriously ill and injured patients throughout Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent and beyond. In a video to support the Together Against Abuse Campaign, the two call assessors describe how their work is made so much harder by threats, not only to them, but their families.

Names are withheld.

Jeremy Brown, Integrated Emergency and Urgent Care Director, has worked for the service for 30 years both on the frontline as a paramedic and in control and knows all too well the abuse staff can face at times. He said: “Call assessors are the first voice you hear when you call 999 or 111 for our help. They are there to do the very best by each and every patient, being abusive, difficult and offensive to them is not going to help a patient and does have an impact on call assessors personally.

“When people call us for help, call assessors often talk to people at their most vulnerable and often at a person’s low point in their lives. Having taken 999 calls myself, I know how difficult a job it can be at times. Meanwhile, out on the road, our staff are subjected to verbal and physical abuse every single day. Our staff have recently been issued with body worn cameras and the Trust is also running a trial of stab vests. The public are clear, they find it abhorrent that such things happen, and we are now calling on the courts to reflect that strength of feeling when it comes to sentencing people convicted of such awful crimes.”

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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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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.”

ENDS

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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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.”

ENDS

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.”

ENDS

Claire Brown – Monday 25^th October 2021 – 8.45am.

One man has died, and another is in a serious condition in hospital following a house fire in Wolverhampton in the early hours of today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called by the fire service at 2.02am this morning (Monday) to reports of a house fire on Bushbury Lane, Oxley. Three paramedic officers, three ambulances, Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) paramedics and a MERIT Trauma doctor and critical care paramedic attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance crews arrived to find fire colleagues rescuing two occupants, two men, from the property. The two men were in a critical condition and ambulance crews immediately commenced advanced treatment on scene. One man was conveyed on blue lights to New Cross Hospital in a serious condition for further emergency care. Sadly, despite the best efforts of ambulance staff and fire colleagues, nothing could be done to save the second man and he was confirmed dead on scene.”

ENDS  

Claire Brown – Friday 15^th October 2021 – 9.30am.

A pedestrian is in a serious condition in hospital following a collision with a car in Burton-On-Trent in the early hours of today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Station Street, Burton-On-Trent at 3.17am this morning (Friday). An ambulance, paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived on scene to find a pedestrian, a man, being given excellent first aid by police colleagues. The man had sustained serious injuries. Crews took over treatment to administer advanced trauma care to stabilise his condition before he was conveyed on blue lights to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further emergency care.”

Claire Brown – Wednesday 29^th September 2021 – 12.10pm.

Whether you’re looking for your very first job or are seeking a brand-new challenge, we’ve got a role for you.

West Midlands Ambulance Service has some exciting opportunities to join an outstanding organisation. With the COVID-19 pandemic still a serious health risk, demand on the service at record levels and the NHS set to face a difficult winter period, the Trust is looking to further bolster staffing across both the front-line and in support roles.

Louise Jones, the Trust’s Recruitment Manager, said: “We have some brilliant opportunities for job seekers right now, from our hugely popular student paramedic programme, opportunities to work behind the 999s in our control rooms as call assessors and clinicians to practical roles based in our ambulance hubs maintaining and preparing emergency vehicles ready for shift.

“Whether you’ve had a personal experience with us which has made you rethink your career, seen the ambulance service on the TV and thought ‘I want to do that’ or just fancy a truly rewarding job, we’d urge you to take a look at our current vacancies.

“All of our vacancies are available to view on NHS Jobs and each vacancy provides details about what the role entails, the qualification requirements and experience that you’ll need. A top tip from me is to please ensure you fully read all of the information provided on the vacancy before applying to ensure you are eligible.”

Student Paramedic Programme starting January 2022 onwards with courses planned throughout 2022:

The exceptionally popular and successful Student Paramedic training programme at West Midlands Ambulance Service provides an alternative route for you to gain your dream job. Find out more https://wmas.nhs.uk/careers-staff-room/student-paramedics/

999/111 Call Assessor roles available in Brierley Hill and Stafford Control Rooms:

When you call 999 or 111 in the West Midlands, it’s our call assessors who are the voice on the other end of the phone. As a WMAS call assessor, when you receive a call, you are responsible for recording the right information, sometimes under difficult circumstances and offering advice or reassurance to the caller/patient. Find out more https://wmas.nhs.uk/control-room-staff/

Dental Nurse, General Practitioner, Clinical Advisor roles available in Brierley Hill Control Room:

The NHS 111 service is our non-emergency telephone service which offers urgent health care assessment to callers; our 111 service answers in excess of 20,000 calls every week in the West Midlands alone. Based at our busy NHS 111 control room in Brierley Hill, our dedicated team of clinicians are on hand 24/7 to complete in-depth clinical assessments of patients via the telephone. Find out more https://wmas.nhs.uk/111-clinicians/

Vehicle Preparation Operative roles based in Stoke and Worcester:

Vehicle Preparation Operatives are a staple of West Midlands Ambulance Service, without them, frontline staff would not be able to respond to 999 calls! As a Vehicle Preparation Operative (VPO), you will work on each of our operational hubs as part of the Make Ready team to ensure the emergency vehicles; ambulances and cars are checked and roadworthy, deep cleaned and are stocked with the correct clinical equipment. Find out more https://wmas.nhs.uk/vehicle-preparation-operative/

Vehicle Preparation Assistant roles across the Region through Kickstart Scheme:

We’re proud to be helping to ‘kickstart’ youngsters career prospects with a fantastic opportunity to join the service through the government initiative to create job placements for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment. As a Vehicle Preparation Assistant you will work on ambulance hubs providing additional support to VPOs ensure our front-line ambulances are clean, in good working order and stocked ready to respond to the next 999 call. Interested? Speak to your job coach or mention the partnership with the Princes Trust to enrol on a pre-employment programme with Princes Trust by contacting Kay via Michaela.bradley@princes-trust.org.uk or 07814 294388.

All of our current vacancies are available on www.jobs.nhs.uk – search for WMAS.

ENDS

Claire Brown – Tuesday 28^th September 2021 – 8.30am.

A man has died, and two women were injured at the scene of a road traffic collision in Sutton Coldfield last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a collision involving a motorcyclist and two cars at the junction of Monmouth Drive and Darnick Road, Sutton Coldfield shortly before 8.00pm last night (Monday). Four ambulances, a paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and a critical care paramedic attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance crews arrived, they found several off-duty medics who had stopped to render aid and were administering CPR to the motorcyclist, a man, who was in cardiac arrest. Ambulance crews and MERIT quickly took over treatment to administer advanced life support but sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead on scene a short time later.

“The drivers of both cars, two women, were out of their vehicles and were assessed by ambulance staff after sustaining minor injuries in the collision. One woman was conveyed to Good Hope Hospital for further precautionary checks whilst the other woman was discharged on scene.”

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Claire Brown – Wednesday 14^th September 2021 – 10.00am.

A volunteer community first responder group in Coventry has received a charity boost thanks to their local Lions Club.   

Godiva Voluntary Medical Responders, a group of six community first responders (CFRs) in Coventry, were presented with a cheque for £1,500 on Friday 10^th September outside Coventry City Council House by The Lions Club of Coventry Godiva. The event was attended by City of Coventry Lord Mayor, Cllr. John McNicholas and Lady Mayoress Dr June McNicholas who spent time speaking with the CFRs about their role in supporting the ambulance service.

Carl Rose, Trustee of Godiva Voluntary Medical Responders Coventry, said: “This generous donation is already being used to directly fund new equipment, including the purchase of modern ‘suction units’ to assist in patients who might otherwise be unable to maintain a clear airway, for example, those who have suffered a cardiac arrest.

“Our charity is funded entirely by voluntary donations, like this, and every penny helps to fund our vehicle and equipment which directly helps patients in and around Coventry. Our responders give their time freely and tirelessly to be there for patients in their time of need. Support from the Lions Club really means a lot and I’d like to thank them for their kind donation.”

President of Lions Club of Coventry Godiva, Pranoti Jadhav, said: “As a charitable group we aim to provide support to local and international charities and we are delighted to do just that for our local Godiva Voluntary Medical Responders. We are supporting two main charities this year, Save the Children and Bowel Cancer Research, but when we heard about the CFRs we couldn’t pass the opportunity to help.”

Nitin Koria, Head of Fundraising for Lions, added: “I’m Coventry born and bred, but I’d not been aware of the fantastic work of CFRs until I spoke with Carl which was really eye opening to me and to the Lions group. We try to raise big to give back big to charities that we feel are a worthy cause. After learning about the fantastic role of CFRs supporting the NHS we felt that we wanted to say thank you to them by helping with the purchase of equipment.”

The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Cllr John McNicholas, said: “I feel that it’s remarkable that we’ve got voluntary organisations working together for the benefit of the city and they’re doing a wonderful job. It’s very reassuring for the City that CFRs are there and long may it be so. I am looking forward to meeting ambulance staff and volunteers at Coventry hub in the near future to say a personal thank you on behalf of the City for their continued efforts.” 

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Pictured (foreground): Pranoti Jadhav – President of Lions Club of Coventry Godiva presenting cheque to Carl Rose – Trustee of Godiva Voluntary Medical Responders, Coventry. (Background left to right): The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Cllr John McNicholas and his wife, Lady Mayoress Dr June McNicholas, CFRs Ian Jenner and Manjit Uppal, Lions Head of Fundraising Nitin Koria and Lions Head of PR Ruby Ghataurhae.

• The Trust is currently recruiting CFRs across Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire to volunteer a minimum of 20 hours a month to provide support to West Midlands Ambulance Service. The closing date for applications is Monday 27^th September.  To apply visit www.jobs.nhs.uk and search ‘community first responder.’ You can find out more about the role of Community First Responders via https://wmas.nhs.uk/wmas-services/community-first-responders/

• To find out more about Godiva Voluntary Medical Responders or to make a donation to support the group, please visit  https://www.godivavoluntarymedicalresponders.com

• To find out more about Lions Club of Coventry Godiva please visit www.godivalions.org.uk or you can donate via Donate – Godiva Lions. Follow them on Instagram @godivalions & Facebook @Lions Club of Coventry Godiva

Claire Brown – Monday 13^th September 2021 – 8.00am.

A newly qualified Community First Responder knows all too well the importance of early CPR after surviving a cardiac arrest two years ago.

Peter Corr, a Telford Community First Responder, became a volunteer lifesaver earlier this year after his own experiences made him want to do more to help others. Whilst out running before work on the 12^th September 2019, Peter collapsed. Bystanders quickly rushed to his side and found him in cardiac arrest. They performed CPR on Peter before ambulance crews from Donnington arrived on scene and, after several defibrillator shocks, managed to restart his heart before he was taken to hospital and later underwent surgery to have a stent fitted. 

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Peter, who is a Clinical Psychologist with children in his day job, said: “From my experience, I was aware that I made the recovery that I did from the cardiac arrest only because the bystanders got in so quickly and performed CPR.

“My family were really keen to find out more about what they could do and get involved in having some CPR training, so we attended an event hosted by Telford CFRs, on the Wrekin in March 2020. It was at that event that I learnt about the role of CFRs which seemed to fit really nicely with the role that the bystanders had performed on me. At that point, I was quite determined that I wanted to be involved in a scheme that would allow me not only to promote vital skills to other people and to raise awareness about early intervention, but also to be in a position where I could potentially help a member of the public myself.”

Peter applied as a volunteer community first responder after seeing a recruitment drive by the Trust in October 2020 and underwent his five week Level Three FROS (First Responder on Scene) training course in June 2021. As part of his training, Peter then shadowed an established CFR and on his very first call out they responded to a woman choking. When Peter and his CFR mentor, Nick, arrived at the scene the woman was being given CPR by bystanders. Peter said: “Whilst it was nerve-wracking as my first 999 call not knowing what to expect, I remember it being really positive to see people performing CPR. Nick and I continued resuscitation efforts on the lady and managed to stabilise her until the ambulance crew arrived and she was taken to hospital in a much better condition than she was in when we arrived.”

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Peter was signed off as a fully-fledged CFR a few weeks ago and is now volunteering to respond to 999 calls in his local community. He continued: “My personal experience has made me realise how precious life is which is why I wanted to become a CFR. It’s also made me realise how important it is to know how to help someone in cardiac arrest. Learning CPR is easy and is a skill every single person should have as you never know when it will be needed. It could make a difference to someone surviving – I am living proof of that.”

Cliff Medlicott, Community Response Manager, said: “Peter is a living, breathing example of what early CPR can do when someone suffers a cardiac arrest and we’re pleased to welcome him into our WMAS family.

“Our volunteers come from all backgrounds; from slaughtermen, teachers and butchers to nurses and consultants, like Peter. CFRs play a vital role in getting to life-threatening calls in the community in those vital minutes, such as cardiac arrests, heart attacks, strokes and breathing difficulties, to provide definitive care and complement our front-line staff.

“For every minute your heart stops beating, and you stop breathing, your survival rate reduces by 10%. The definitive treatment is good and early CPR and defibrillation which is why it’s crucial that people learn these life-saving skills and know where their nearest public defibrillator is in their local community as, you never know when these skills will be needed.

“If you think you’ve got what it takes to be a CFR like Peter, we’re currently recruiting for volunteers across Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire. To find out more visit www.jobs.nhs.uk and search ‘community first responder’.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• The Trust is currently recruiting CFRs across Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire to volunteer a minimum of 20 hours a month to provide support to West Midlands Ambulance Service. The closing date for applications is Monday 27^th September. To apply visit http://www.jobs.nhs.uk and search ‘community first responder’.

• To find out more about the role of Community First Responders via https://wmas.nhs.uk/wmas-services/community-first-responders/

• To find out more about the work of Telford Community First Responders and how you can support them, visit via http://telfordcfrs.org/ or follow them on Facebook (@TelfordCFRs) and Twitter (@TelfordCFR).

Jamie Arrowsmith – Friday 10^th September 2021 – 5.15pm.

A woman has died following a collision between a car and a pedestrian this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Whitburn Street in Bridgnorth at 11.05am and sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham to the scene. An off duty paramedic also stopped to offer assistance at the scene.

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

“She was found to be in a critical condition and ambulance crews immediately began administering advanced life support.

“However, despite their best efforts it sadly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the woman and she was confirmed dead at the scene.”

ENDS

Claire Brown – Wednesday 8^th September 2021 – 2.15pm.

A man has received trauma care by the ambulance service following a road traffic collision in Worcestershire today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a single car RTC at the junction of the A448 Bromsgrove Highway and Hewell Lane, Redditch at 11.36am this morning (Wednesday). An ambulance, paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham with a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance crews arrived to find the driver of a car, a man, being cared for by police and passers-by after his car reportedly overturned.

“The man sustained serious injuries and was given trauma care on scene by the team of ambulance staff before being conveyed by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further emergency care.”

ENDS

Shaunna Farley – Tuesday 10^th August – 4.00pm.

A woman has been seriously injured following a collision involving a bus in Walsall today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 1.12pm to reports of a bus that had collided with a bus shelter in Bradford Place, Walsall. Two ambulances, two paramedic officer and a critical care paramedic attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival, crews found a bus which had collided with a bus shelter. One woman, who was inside the bus shelter at the time of the collision, was seriously injured and received advanced trauma care at the scene by ambulance staff before being conveyed on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further treatment.

“A second pedestrian, a woman, was assessed for minor injuries and discharged at the scene with self care advice.

“A further three patients, the bus driver and two passengers, were assessed by ambulance staff and discharged at the scene.”

Ends.

Claire Brown – Wednesday 4^th August 2021 – 5.00pm.

A young girl has been seriously injured following a road traffic collision in Birmingham this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received several 999 calls at around 3.15pm reporting a collision involving a pedestrian and a lorry on Nechells Park Road, Birmingham. Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a critical care paramedic attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance staff arrived on scene to find the pedestrian, a young girl, being cared for by bystanders following a collision with a lorry.

“The team of ambulance staff worked together to administer trauma care to the girl on scene before conveying her by land ambulance on blue lights to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further specialist treatment.”

ENDS

Claire Brown – Wednesday 4^th August 2021 – 9.30am.

A man has died and a woman has been taken to hospital following a house fire in the Black Country last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called by the police to Tame Road in Tipton at 8.12pm last night (Tuesday). Two ambulances, two paramedic officers, HART paramedics and a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic attended the scene along with police and fire colleagues.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival at the scene, crews found two occupants who had been rescued from the property by fire colleagues and were being given CPR.

“One occupant, a man, was in a critical condition. The team of ambulance staff immediately commenced advanced life support on scene but sadly, despite the best efforts of the emergency services team, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed deceased a short time later.

“The second occupant, a woman, received advanced treatment by ambulance staff who were able to stabilise her condition before she was conveyed on blue lights to Russells Hall Hospital for further emergency care.”

ENDS

Claire Brown – Thursday 29^th July 2021 – 12.50pm.

A man has sadly died and two others have been assessed by ambulance staff following a road traffic collision in Birmingham this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of an RTC involving a car and a van at the junction of Mayfield Road and Fox Hollies Road, Acocks Green at 8.50am today (Thursday). Two ambulances, two paramedic officers, a critical care paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor and paramedic on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When crews arrived they found a van on its side with a passenger trapped. Ambulance staff worked quickly with fire colleagues to release the passenger, a man, but sadly nothing could be done to save him, and he was confirmed dead on scene.

“The drivers of both the van and the car, two men, were assessed by ambulance staff on scene but neither required hospital treatment and were both discharged on scene.”

ENDS

Claire Brown – Wednesday 21^st July 2021 – 2.15pm.

Two police officers have received treatment from the ambulance service following an incident in West Bromwich this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received a 999 call from West Midlands Police at 11.42am to reports of two police officers who had been assaulted in New Square Shopping Centre, West Bromwich. An ambulance, two paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with medics on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance crews arrived to find two male police officers with non-serious injuries. They were given treatment on scene before being conveyed to hospital by land ambulance for further checks.”

ENDS

Claire Brown – Wednesday 21^st July 2021 – 11.00am.

A man has sadly died following a road traffic collision in Market Drayton last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A41 Four Crosses, Hinstock, Market Drayton at 8.15pm yesterday evening (Tuesday). An ambulance and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff arrived on scene they found a motorcyclist, a man, in a critical condition following a collision with a car. Crews commenced resuscitation efforts on scene but sadly, despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead on scene a short time later.

“The car driver, a man, was assessed on scene and given treatment for minor injuries before being conveyed to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further checks.”

ENDS

Claire Brown – Monday 19^th July 2021 – 3.30pm.

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

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 7.30am to the junction of Coughton Lane and Alcester Heath, Coughton, Alcester earlier today (Monday). An ambulance, two paramedic officers, a BASICS doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When crews arrived they found a car which had left the road and collided with a tree. The driver, a man, was being given CPR by bystanders and fire colleagues when crews arrived. The man was given advanced life support by the team of ambulance staff at the scene but sadly, despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead a short time later.”

ENDS

Jamie Arrowsmith – Friday 9th July – 7pm.

A man died following a collision between a motorbike and a car this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Salters Lane and the A44 in Pershore at 6.57am and sent two ambulances, two paramedic officers and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival we discovered three patients. The motorcyclist, a man, was found to be in a critical condition and was already receiving treatment from an off-duty nurse and firefighter on our arrival.

“Ambulance staff administered advanced life support but sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, it became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The driver of the car, a man, and a woman who was a passenger, were both assessed and discharged at the scene with minor injuries.”

ENDS.

Shaunna Farley – Thursday 8th July – 9:00am.

“These people saved my life, it was so amazing to meet them.” The words of Claudio Oliveira, one of two patients lucky to be alive after suffering serious injuries in a road traffic collision last year.

Claudio and Imogen Wood who were both seriously injured in the collision which took place in August 2020 and they were delighted to be reunited with their lifesavers last month.

West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedics Roisin Morgan and Robert Armstrong were first on scene at the incident and met Claudio and Imogen at Worcester Hub after the duo had spent months recovering from their injuries.

Imogen and Claudio had been on a day out with friends and were on the way back when they were involved in a collision with a car and a lorry. Both sustained serious and life-threatening injuries.

Ordinarily, ambulance crews do not get to see the outcome of their hard work once the patient has left their care and gone into hospital, so being able to meet these patients who were so severely injured was an amazing opportunity, as Roisin explained.

She said: “We usually don’t get to see the outcomes of jobs, so we often don’t get closure, but especially a job like this where Imogen and Claudio were both so young and seriously injured, as a mother myself it stuck with me and I really hoped they were going to be ok, but thought I’d never find out.

“This made meeting them and seeing them both healthy and walking around, truly humbling,

“To think that, my work at the incident played a part in these two young people having a full life ahead of them, because of my actions, is the highlight of my career.”

Claudio said: “These people saved my life, it was so amazing to meet them.

“My memory of the whole thing was a blur so being able to see them and ask questions and tell them about how I’m recovering now was such a great feeling.”

Imogen added: “When the crew arrived, I was completely unconscious, so I have no memory of the incident happening, meaning I had no idea just how serious the collision we were involved in really was.

“Meeting Roisin and Rob and seeing how emotional they both were, and how thrilled they were to see that I’m still alive and walking around was so amazing and really made me aware of how serious the accident was and how lucky I am to be here.”

Sarah, Imogen’s mother who also attended to meet and thank the ambulance staff, added: “I’m so grateful to West Midlands Ambulance Service, the NHS and the people who make the NHS so amazing, there are not enough thank-yous in the world that I can say to them for saving my daughter’s life.”

Ends.

Claire Brown – Tuesday 6^th July 2021 – 9.10am.

A man has died, and two ambulance staff have been injured following a collision in Wolverhampton last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received several 999 calls reporting a car had been involved in a collision with a non-emergency Patient Transport Service (PTS) ambulance on Lichfield Road, Wolverhampton shortly after 10.00pm last night (Monday). The PTS ambulance was on the way to collect a patient for non-emergency transport at the time of the collision.

Three ambulances, three paramedic officers, a senior commander and a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic were responded to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The first ambulance was on scene within two minutes of the 999 call and arrived to find a man, believed to be the driver of the car, in cardiac arrest. The team worked quickly to administer advanced life support to the man but sadly, despite the best efforts of ambulance crews, nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead on scene a short time later.

“Meanwhile the remaining team of ambulance staff focused on assessing and treating their two PTS colleagues who had been injured in the collision. The two PTS staff, a man and a woman, were conveyed to Walsall Manor Hospital for further treatment.

“The service will be assisting West Midlands Police with its investigation into the collision.”

ENDS