OfficialWMAS

Wednesday 3^rd April 2019 – 5.45pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

An afternoon of celebration that included tales of heroism and incredible bravery was enjoyed at West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Long Service and Excellence Awards last week.

The Trust’s annual ceremony, sponsored by University of Wolverhampton, OH Vehicle Conversions, University of Worcester, Coventry University, Staffordshire University, Prometheus Medical Ltd, Mills and Reeve, Zoll Medical and G4S took place at the Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill on Thursday, 28^th March and saw a range of awards handed out including Long Service Medals and Chief Officer Commendations.

This year, 21 operational members of staff collected their 20-year Long Service and Good Conduct Medal which were presented by the Vice Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Dr Beverley Lindsay OBE OD.

In addition, 17 staff were commended for 25 years’ service; 12 received certificates for 30 years’ service and two members of staff were honoured for 35 years in the Trust.

Trust Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “We are the only ambulance service to constantly hit all of our targets and we have the highest rating possible from the Care Quality Commission – that is all down to the hard work of our staff, many of whom we had the chance to say thank you to at our Long Service and Excellence Awards.

“I fully recognise the important role that all 5,000 staff play within the service, they all do a fantastic job and I am really proud of them all.

“We heard many fantastic stories of staff going above and beyond what is expected of them throughout the course of the afternoon, and it is that determination, which is reflected throughout the workforce, that helps to make West Midlands Ambulance Service the best ambulance service in the country, and for that I thank each and every one of them.”

Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Dr Beverley Lindsay, added: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of those ambulance staff who have been honoured here today.

“Rewarding staff for their long service is a privilege for me. In a world where employees now move to new jobs and careers on average every five years, it is becoming increasingly rare to dedicate themselves to over 20 years of public service. We should be immensely proud of these people and the work that they do.”

Sir Graham Meldrum, Trust Chairman, added: “It is fantastic to have the chance to pay tribute and honour people who have dedicated their lives to the ambulance service.

“Those who have given so much of their lives to serving other people, and those who have often put themselves in danger in order to help others or performed heroic acts deserve every bit of thanks they get for ensuring we, as an ambulance service, continue to provide the very best level of patient care possible.”

Awards:

Chief Officer’s Commendation:

Ian Yates – Operations Manager, Stoke

A 999 call received in the early hours of Thursday 30^th August sparked great concern when the patient said he was sitting on a railway bridge, feeling suicidal. Ian Yates was first on scene and immediately started to engage in conversation with the man who was insistent he was going to jump. Despite not being trained for situations of this nature, Ian managed to keep the situation calm and continued to talk to the man for another half an hour. Thankfully, Ian was then able to convince the man to move to a position of safety before he agreed to go on to the ambulance and be transported to hospital.

Chief Officer’s Commendation:

Rodney Scantlebury, Trainee Technician, Sandwell

Whilst his crew mate was waiting to hand over a patient at City Hospital in June, Rodney Scantlebury was asked if he could help assess an unwell woman who was in a taxi outside A and E. The unwell patient turned out to be in active labour with the baby’s head having already started to deliver. Understandably, mum was in distress and the fact she did not speak English obviously made the situation more complex. Remaining calm, Rodney managed to successfully and safely deliver the little boy and with more help having arrived, was able to get baby wrapped up quickly whilst maintaining mum’s dignity. However, that was not the end of the drama.

It very quickly became apparent that the baby was failing to take its first breath. Again, maintaining complete composure, Rodney delivered five rescue breaths, at which point the baby began breathing independently and let out a very welcome cry to announce his arrival to the world.

Chief Officer’s Commendation:

Dominic Sharland – Student Paramedic, Worcester University

For Student Paramedic Dominic Sharland, a regular day at his grandparent’s house in October took an unexpected turn when his grandfather suddenly lost consciousness. Obviously distressed by a family member falling ill, Dom managed to put his emotions to one side as he checked for breathing and a pulse. Upon not being able to find either, he dialled 999 and started chest compressions. He continued those compressions as the ambulance crew arrived and was able to give a full handover of events, despite the awful situation he found himself in. As well as providing emergency care for his grandad, Dom also reassured his grandma and other family members throughout. Dom continued to assist all the way to hospital and once again gave a clinical handover to the resus team on arrival at Hereford County, playing a huge part in saving his grandad’s life.

Chief Officer’s Commendation:

Tina Ray – Emergency Operations Centre, Brierley Hill

During a career spanning nearly 19-years, Incident Command Desk Supervisor Tina Ray has seen, and dealt with her fair share of dramatic days whilst working in the Emergency Operations Centre. Tina’s knowledge, skill, experience and leadership were put to the test on 22nd December last year when in one shift, she managed a stabbing, a collision between a car and a motorbike that resulted in major trauma, another road traffic collision involving three cars racing that collided with a pedestrian – sadly involving a fatality, a machete attack, a petrol bomb being thrown into a residential address and no less than four further entrapment RTCS. Many of these incidents happened at the same time. Tina simultaneously took the lead in EOC on these incidents, deploying on-scene operational and tactical commanders, co-ordinating ambulance, medic and HART responses, escalating each of the incidents to appropriate management and communications managers, all while acting as the key communications link for each of these incidents.

Chief Officer’s Commendation:

Kevin Naylor – Patient Transport Service, Frankley; Gavin Taylor – Patient Transport Service, Frankley; Jason Wiles – Lead Paramedic, Brierley Hill

Patient Transport Service crew Kevin Naylor and Gavin Taylor were en-route to pick up their next patient when they noticed a lady was standing on the wrong side of bridge railings, looking down at the dual carriageway traffic below.

Fearing she was preparing to jump, Kevin and Gavin quickly turned around and began approaching the lady. Mindful of not startling her, they kept their distance, talking to her from afar, trying to reassure her, but there was no response.

Lead Paramedic for Emergency Care, Jason Wiles also happened to be passing the scene and noticing something amiss, stopped to offer his assistance. The trio moved closer to the lady but she was still refusing to speak and alarmingly, started to lean forward. At that point Kevin and Jason managed to grab her arms and body and could lean far enough over the bridge to be able to pull her back to safety. This truly was a heart stopping moment for all concerned, but thanks to their bravery, the lady was brought to safety and transported to hospital.

Chief Officer’s Commendation:

Daniel Knight – Paramedic, Hollymoor; Thomas Coffey – Student Paramedic, Hollymoor

Daniel Knight and Thomas Coffey were the first emergency service staff on scene at a severe house fire in Birmingham last month. Upon their arrival they were met by one patient, who had managed to get out, but were told there was a second patient still inside. The property was filled with smoke at this stage, but Daniel and Thomas did not let that stop them performing a snatch rescue of the patient, who was unable to mobilise because of his injuries. Both patients then received treatment from ambulance staff before being transported to hospital.

Chief Officer’s Commendation:

John Fryer – Paramedic, Worcester; Lorraine McHugh – Paramedic, Worcester; Michelle Adams – Paramedic, Worcester; Anna Borecka – Paramedic, Worcester; Milind Karday – Emergency Operations Centre, Stafford; Portia Harris – Emergency Operations Centre, Stafford

A cardiac arrest call was received to a property in Droitwich in November, to which two crews responded. Naturally a call of this nature will always be a stressful and dramatic situation – but this particular incident stretched things just a little bit further. John Fryer, Lorraine McHugh, Michelle Adams and Anna Borecka arrived on scene and found bystander CPR taking place with the excellent help of call takers Portia Harris and Milind Karday explaining exactly what to do. John, Lorraine, Michelle and Anna took over CPR and also administered advanced life support, securing a ROSC. However, the patient went on to arrest an incredible five times in total. Treatment continued all the way to hospital and such was the nature of the job, the crews checked upon the patient again on their next visit to A&E. It perhaps will not come as a surprise that the patient was not given a great chance of survival and was placed in a coma, but miraculously, after three days he defied the odds, came out of his come, was sitting up in bed a few hours later and went on to make a full recovery.

The Peter Murtagh Inspirational Award:

Rob Till – Senior Operations Manager, Shrewsbury and Donnington

This year’s winner of the Peter Murtagh Award took over as Senior Operations Manager in Shrewsbury and Donnington during a huge transitional period for the area, and has helped it grow and develop at a rapid rate. Staff describe moral as the best it has been in years, sickness rates are falling and within Shropshire they have achieved the highest per centage of Staff Survey returns and Flu Vaccination results – a really positive outcome on all counts. So much of that success is as a result of the improved staff engagement that our winner has helped to achieve, thanks mainly to the hard work and commitment he displays.

Our winner always finds time to talk to staff, is fully aware of how important engagement is with his team and is available to offer support when needed.  Finally, whilst holding a huge focus on his staff and combining that with the needs of the Trust, our award recipient never loses sight of the most important aspect of the ambulance service, patient care.

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Notes to Editors:

Pictured: 20-Year Long Service Medal recipient Gemma Morris with Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Dr Beverley Lindsay OBE, and WMAS Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Marsh.

Photographs of the above are available for download from http://www.flickr.com/photos/officialwmas/sets/

To download:

• Left-click on the appropriate gallery
• Left-click on the appropriate thumbnail to reveal a full-size picture.
• Left-click on the download icon (downward pointing arrow to horizontal line) if present. From the resultant list of picture file sizes, select “original”. Select “Save” or “Save As”.
• If there is no download icon, right-click on the picture and select “Save Picture As”
• Please credit Emagica Photography/WMAS

 

Monday 1^st April 2019 – 10am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman has died and a man has been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision on Saturday evening (March 30).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A40 in Whitchurch, near to the junction with the B4164, at 5.39pm and sent one ambulance, a paramedic officer and a MARS doctor to the scene. The Welsh Ambulance Service also sent resources to the incident, including the Welsh Air Ambulance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a car that had come to rest on the wrong side of the carriageway after colliding with a barrier, there were two patients inside.

“The passenger, a woman, had suffered serious injuries in the collision and received specialist trauma care.

“However, sadly it became apparent that nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The driver of the car, a man, was treated for injuries not believed to be serious and was conveyed to Hereford County Hospital by the Welsh Ambulance Service.

“Anyone with information about the collision is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting incident number 588S of 30 March.”

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Friday 29^th March 2019 – 3.45pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Two people have been taken to hospital following a multi-vehicle collision on the northbound carriageway of the M5 this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident between junctions 7 and 6 at 1.48pm and sent two ambulances, a senior paramedic, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered two cars and a van that had suffered significant damage, as well as a number of other cars that had suffered minor damage.

“There were two patients, the drivers of the two cars that had suffered the most damage.

“A man was assisted out of his vehicle by members of the ambulance and fire services, whilst a woman managed to get herself out of her car.

“They were both treated for injuries not believed to be serious before being transported to Worcester Royal Hospital by land ambulances.

“No-one else involved in the incident suffered any injuries.”

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Friday 29^th March 2019 – 11am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

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

The incident happened on Collector Road in Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, at about 8.50pm last night (Thursday).

The crew, who were unhurt in the incident, were travelling on blue lights at the time, responding to a patient with breathing difficulties. A second ambulance was immediately dispatched to the patient by the Trust’s Emergency Operations Centre.

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

Emergency Services Operations Delivery Director, Nathan Hudson, said: “It is incredibly frustrating to once again find ourselves questioning why on earth somebody would want to do this to an ambulance.

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

“We’re now faced with a vehicle being out of service, a repair bill and not forgetting the horrible nature of this incident for the staff involved. I am extremely thankful no-one was hurt.

“We will be pulling the CCTV from the vehicle and passing it to the police but we would ask for anyone who has any information about this despicable incident to contact West Midlands Police on 101 and quote 20be/75740d/19.”

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

Tuesday 19th March – 1pm

Delegates at the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives’ annual conference (#ALF2019) gathered together this morning (19th March 2019) to form a human ‘NZ’ to show their support for, and solidarity with, their New Zealand colleagues who responded to the deadly terrorist attack in Christchurch last week, as well as the families and friends of the victims.

Anthony Marsh, National Strategic Adviser of Ambulance Services, Chief Executive of West Midlands Ambulance Service and Chair of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives said: “We are extremely proud of our colleagues in New Zealand and we wanted to do something highly visible to show our solidarity, express our gratitude to those who responded to this horrific event and send our love to them, as well as the families and friends of the victims.”

ENDS

Notes to editors
▪ The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) provides ambulance services with a central organisation that supports, coordinates and implements nationally agreed policy. It also provides the general public and other stakeholders with a central resource of information about NHS ambulance services.
▪ Attached is a photo showing delegates at the Ambulance Leadership Forum 2019 in Warwickshire, UK forming a human ‘NZ’ in support of their ambulance colleagues in New Zealand.
▪ More information available from Carl Rees, AACE Media Consultant, via email to carl.rees@kognitive.co.uk or phone +44(0)7958 547 727.

Friday 15^th March 2019 – 11am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a gunshot incident at a property on Wheeleys Lane, Birmingham at 5.04am this morning. One ambulance, two paramedic officers and a MERIT trauma doctor were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a man in cardiac arrest.

“CPR was already being performed, which ambulance staff took over and also administered advanced life support.

“However, despite everyone’s best efforts it sadly became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

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Wednesday 13^th March 2019 – 1pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Two people have been treated by ambulance staff and taken to hospital following a collision between a bus and a van this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident on Lode Lane, Solihull, at 10.26am and sent two ambulances, a senior paramedic, a paramedic officer, two BASICS doctors and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a bus and a van that had been in collision, both of which had front end damage.

“There were two patients from the van, one of whom, a man, was trapped as a result of his injuries.

“Ambulance staff assessed him and then worked closely with the fire service to ensure he was safely cut free.

“Once out, he received further treatment for his injuries, before being taken to Heartlands Hospital.

“The passenger in the van, a teenage male, was also taken to Heartlands Hospital. Neither of the patients are believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries.

“There were no patients requiring assessment from ambulance staff who had been travelling on the bus.”

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Friday 15^th February 2019 – 4.15pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has been treated for multiple injuries and taken to hospital following a single vehicle road traffic collision on the motorway this afternoon in which a car overturned.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the northbound carriageway of the M42, between junctions 9 and 10, in Curdworth, at 1.40pm and sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire to the scene. A private ambulance crew also stopped at the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found the driver of the car, a man, partially ejected from his vehicle, which had come to rest on its roof.

“The man was treated for multiple injuries, not believed to be life-threatening, by ambulance staff before being taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire by land ambulance.

“Nobody else was injured in the incident.”

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Thursday 14^th February 2019 – 10.40am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A road traffic collision involving a car and pedestrians has resulted in six patients this morning, four of whom who have been taken to hospital after receiving treatment from ambulance staff at the scene.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Springhill Road, Burntwood at 8.36am and sent three ambulances and two paramedic officers to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered multiple patients at the scene.

“Ambulance staff were told by bystanders that the driver of the car, a woman, had suffered a medical episode prior to the collision. Following treatment at the scene she was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital for further assessment.

“A girl, who was a passenger in the car, had been taken into a nearby school. Crews assessed her there but thankfully she had not been injured in the incident and was discharged at the scene.

“There were four pedestrians injured in the incident. A woman, a boy and a girl were all treated for injuries not believed to be serious and were transported to Walsall Manor Hospital as a precaution. A second woman was discharged at the scene having suffered minor injuries.”

Ends.

Notes to Editors:

We do not know the ages of the patients involved.

Friday 8^th February 2019 – 8am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A child has been seriously injured following a collision with a bus yesterday (Thursday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Stoney Stanton Road in Coventry at 6.16pm and sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Critical Care Car to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a girl who was seriously injured following a collision with a bus.

“She received treatment at the scene, including specialist trauma care, before being transported to Birmingham Children’s Hospital in a serious condition.

“Nobody else was injured in the incident.”

ENDS

Friday 11^th January 2019 – 1pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has died following a two-car collision this morning, despite the best efforts of ambulance staff.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Lanchester Way and the A452 in Castle Bromwich at 8.15am and sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find two patients, both men, following the collision.

“One of the men was still inside his car and after ambulance staff quickly discovered he had suffered serious injuries in the incident, he was rapidly freed from his vehicle and treatment began immediately.

“Specialist trauma care was administered, however, sadly it became apparent nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The second man, who was from the other car, was assessed and treated for minor injuries at the scene before being transported to Heartlands Hospital.”

ENDS

Friday 11^th January 2019 – 10.30am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has been treated for serious injuries following a two-car collision night which resulted in one of them hitting a tree.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A5 in Churchover, Rugby – near to the junction with Newton Lane – at 11.24pm and sent one ambulance and a paramedic officer to the scene. Two critical care teams from the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Service also attended in rapid response cars, together with an ambulance from East Midlands Ambulance Service.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a man lying near a bush and a car that had suffered significant damage.

“He was treated for multiple serious injuries suffered in the incident before being taken to hospital on blue lights and sirens. Medics from one of the critical care teams travelled with the patient on the back of the ambulance to help continue treatment en-route to hospital.

“A further three patients were assessed at the scene but were all discharged on scene with minor injuries.”

ENDS

Pic courtesy of @hmed54

Wednesday 2^nd January 2019 – 2.15pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Despite it traditionally being the busiest night of the year, 999 calls were answered and cases responded to more quickly than ever before in the West Midlands. On New Year’s Eve night, across the region calls were answered in just one second on average.

The Trust’s two control rooms, based in Brierley Hill and Stafford, saw a 3.5% increase in the number of calls received between 7pm on New Year’s Eve and 6am on New Year’s Day but thanks to months of planning and preparation, calls were answered incredibly quickly.

In total, the Trust received 2,140 calls during that timeframe, compared to 2,068 the year before. Though there was a fall in the number of calls received on New Year’s Day, down to 4,152 in 2019 compared to 4,442 12-months earlier.

With planning for the festive period having started in the summer, staffing levels were maximised for New Year’s Eve and there were more staff and ambulances out on the roads of the West Midlands than ever before in order to ensure patients continued to receive the very highest standards of care possible.

WMAS Head of Emergency Operations Centres, Jeremy Brown, said: “It is testament to my staff that calls were answered incredibly quickly despite this traditionally being our busy night of the year.

“Our staff, both in control and out on the road, have to give up a lot of time with their families at this time of year and I thank them for all of their efforts and dedication.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “I am incredibly proud of the way that our control room staff were able to answer calls incredibly quickly on such a busy night, just as they do throughout the rest of the year.

“That, together with the hard work of ambulance staff who were out responding to the calls helped to ensure patients received care as quickly as possible. I would like to thank everyone involved for putting the public before themselves and their families.”

Calls received by hour on NYE	7pm-8pm	8pm-9pm	9pm-10pm	10pm-11pm	11pm-12am	12am-1am	1am-2am	2am-3am	3am-4am	4am-5am	5am-6am
2018/19	145	148	153	192	217	268	278	249	204	161	125
2017/18	210	172	167	183	168	272	237	212	202	124	121
Difference	-65	-24	-14	+9	+49	-4	+41	+37	+2	+37	+4

 

Total calls received by area	Birmingham	Black County	Arden	Staffordshire	Herefordshire	Shropshire	Worcestershire
Jan 1st 2019	1001	957	534	836	113	297	388
Jan 1st 2018	1007	1016	633	865	144	305	439
Difference	(-6)	(-59)	(-99)	(-29)	(-31)	(-8)	(-51)

 

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Monday 17^th December 2018 – 5.10pm – Murray MacGregor.

After the success of TV programmes like ‘Ambulance’ (BBC One), ‘999 On the Frontline’ (More 4) and ‘Inside the Ambulance’ (W Channel), a recruitment campaign to find paramedics of the future is attracting hundreds of applicants.

Since the application opened on NHS Jobs, just over 13,000 people have viewed the job description and person specification.  Not only that, over 1,000 people have started their application.  But you don’t have long to complete the process, applications close on Christmas Eve.

Recruitment Manager, Louise Harris, said: “There is no doubt that we have seen a huge level of interest in the role of student paramedic.  Our social media channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (@officialWMAS) have seen loads of people asking for more information.  We’re also providing daily hints and tips.

“It is great news that so many people have taken the time to look at the role.  As an ‘earn as you learn’ scheme, it opens up possibilities to a wide range of people in the region.

“We have seen people apply from all different communities and backgrounds but also a wide range of ages from teens to their 50s; many who are looking at a complete career change or even a third career.

“From our perspective, this is excellent news because it means we get a really good variety of people from all walks of life, area, ethnic group and community which can only be good for the service.”

Applications close at 11.59pm on Monday 24^th December.  To date, 342 people have submitted their application with hundreds more midway through.

To apply you need to have at least five GCSEs (A – C grade) including English, Maths and Science, and a single A Level in any subject.  Equivalent qualifications will be accepted.  In addition, you must at least have applied for you C1 driving licence.

If you have tried to apply and not said that you have the correct qualifications or applied for your C1, your application will be stopped automatically.  If you have filled this in error and need to get the system reset, you can contact the Recruitment Team on 01384 215 896 or email recruitment@wmas.nhs.uk

Please go to www.jobs.nhs.uk and search for Job Ref: 217-VN235-18-19

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Wednesday 14th November 2018 – 2.45pm – Murray MacGregor

The University of Wolverhampton and West Midlands Ambulance Service have joined forces to create the UK’s first university-ambulance trust.

The two organisations have forged the new partnership which will see them both working together even closer on collaborative projects, research, sharing clinical expertise, joint curriculum development and staff exchanges.

It will also involve the University helping the service to develop and accredit the continuous professional development available to its staff.  Already, the University’s Paramedic Science students are guaranteed a job with the service if they pass their course and all necessary professional tests.

The move means the service has changed its name to West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust, becoming the first university ambulance service in the country.

Another key part in the partnership will be the joint development of courses and research in the area of emergency management.

The University has recently set up its Emergency Management and Resilience Centre at its Telford Innovation Campus which looks at issues around emergency planning, disaster management, resilience and response at a local, regional, national and international level.

Speaking at a formal launch event at the University of Wolverhampton, Geoff Layer, Vice Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, said: “We are delighted to be working with West Midlands Ambulance Service to further strengthen the relationship and work between the two organisations.

“We are training more and more paramedics and the partnership will see this level increasing further. We feel it also recognises the role of Paramedic as being at graduate level and a specialist position within the health service.

“As well as the graduate level opportunities it will create, we are also excited about the collaborative work we will carry out with the service to help train and upskill their existing staff and working together on research around Emergency Management and Resilience.”

Anthony Marsh, Chief Executive of West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “This link up with the University of Wolverhampton formally recognises the role we play both in the education of paramedics and research activities to advance paramedic science.  More and more of our staff are receiving a university education.”

WMAS Director of Workforce and Organisational Development, Kim Nurse, said: “We have been the leading ambulance service in the development of paramedics through a university process.  Our close partnerships and collaborations mean that over the last decade, literally thousands of students have undertaken placements with the Trust as they learn their profession.  Currently over 700 student paramedics are being trained with a more than 400 more entering full-time study.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service works with four universities to train paramedics: the University of Wolverhampton, University of Worcester, Staffordshire University and University of Coventry.

WMAS also has an extensive research portfolio, participating in work that is of international significance, which will be developed further over time.  This has included studies into the use of adrenaline in cardiac arrests; the use of pre-hospital blood products for traumatic haemorrhage; the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in a prehospital setting for patients with acute respiratory failure; and the use of GTN in patients with hyperacute stroke.

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

Thursday 20^th September 2018 – 4.30pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has died following a single vehicle road traffic collision on the motorway this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the M45, heading towards Rugby near to the junction for Dunchurch, at 11.33am and sent two ambulances and a paramedic officer to the scene. The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance crew also responded in a rapid response car.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a car that had been severely damaged after leaving the carriageway and colliding with a tree.

“There was one patient, a man, who was found to be in cardiac arrest.

“Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

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Wednesday 19^th September 2018 – 1.45pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has been seriously injured after his lorry overturned on the motorway this morning in a single vehicle collision.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident between junctions 3 and 3A on the M42, near Redditch, at 11.44am and sent one ambulance, a paramedic officer, a senior paramedic, a BASICS doctor and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews discovered two patients. The driver, a man believed to be in his 40s, was trapped in his cab as a result of the incident.

“Ambulance staff assessed him and then worked closely with fire service colleagues to help him out of the vehicle.

“He received specialist trauma care for a serious arm injury before being transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham by land ambulance. The doctor travelled with the patient to help continue treatment en-route.

“A second patient, who was also in the lorry, avoided injury in the incident and was discharged at the scene.”

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Friday 14^th September 2018 – 4.05pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

One man his died and a second has been seriously injured following a collision between a car and two pedestrians this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Ansley Road in Stockingford, Nuneaton at 10.34am and sent four ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to discover three patients in total, two pedestrians and the driver of the car.

“Unfortunately, one of the pedestrians, a man, had suffered extremely serious injuries in the collision. It quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The second pedestrian, also a man, received specialist trauma care for multiple serious injuries. He was anaesthetised in order to stabilise his condition before being transported to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire by land ambulance in a serious condition.

“The driver of the car, a man believed to be in his 50s, appeared to have avoided serious injury in the incident but was taken to the same hospital for further assessment.”

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Wednesday 5^th September 2018 – 3.50pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has been treated for a serious leg injury by ambulance staff following a collision with a car outside the Bullring in Birmingham this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident, outside Debenhams, at 2.18pm and sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the West Midlands Care Team to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a man, believed to be in his 50s, who they were told had briefly been pinned against a wall following the collision.

“Following assessment from ambulance staff the man was treated for a serious leg injury. He appeared to have avoided any other significant injuries in the collision.

“He was immobilised and given pain relief before being transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment.

“The driver of the car, a woman believed to be in her 50s, was treated for minor injuries and the effects of shock before being discharged at the scene.”

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Friday 31^st August 2018 – 11.20am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A lorry driver has been seriously injured following a collision involving a van this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Pershore Road South in Birmingham at 6.37am and sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival at the scene, crews discovered the lorry driver, a man in his 40s, receiving excellent first aid from bystanders. The patient was outside of his lorry at the time of the collision.

“He received specialist trauma care for multiple injuries he had suffered, including a serious leg injury.

“He was immobilised and given pain relief before being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham on blue lights and sirens. The doctor travelled on the back of the ambulance to help continue treatment en-route to hospital.

“The van driver, a man, was treated for minor injuries before being discharged at the scene.”

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Friday 31^st August 2018 – 9.40am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman has been airlifted to hospital following a collision between a car and a tractor last night (Thursday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of the B5063 and B4397 near to Wem in Shrewsbury at 6.04pm and sent one ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a car that had suffered significant damage in collision with a tractor.

“There were two patients from the car. The driver, a woman in her 30s, was still inside the vehicle and had to be assisted out by the fire service.

“Following assessment from ambulance staff, she was treated for an arm injury and cuts to the face. She was immobilised and given pain relief before being flown to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further treatment.

“The passenger in the car, a teenage male, had managed to get himself out of the vehicle prior to the arrival of ambulance staff. He was treated for hip pain and cuts to his arm but was able to be discharge on scene.

“The tractor driver was uninjured in the incident.”

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Friday 24^th August 2018 – 3.30pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A woman who was trapped in her car for about 50 minutes before being cut free has been airlifted to hospital following treatment from ambulance staff.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A41 in Higher Heath, near Whitchurch, following the collision between two cars and a lorry. Two ambulances, a paramedic officer, a rapid response paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford, with a doctor on board, attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived at the scene to discover two patients who needed treatment.

“The driver of one of the cars, a woman in her 40s, was trapped inside her vehicle and had to be cut free by the fire service.

“She was carefully assessed by ambulance staff throughout the process and once freed treated for arm and pelvic injuries. She was immobilised and given pain relief before being flown to Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“The driver of the second car, a man in his 40s, was treated for minor back injuries and taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

“The lorry driver was uninjured in the incident.”

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Thursday 23^rd August 2018 – 8.45am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A cyclist has been treated for a head injury and transported to hospital by ambulance staff following a collision with a car last night (Wednesday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Rea Street and Moseley Street in Birmingham at 6.28pm and sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find the cyclist, a man in his 20s, lying in the road, approximately 30 feet away from his bicycle.

“The man, who was wearing a helmet, was treated for a head injury, a reduced level of consciousness and cuts to the shoulder before being transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

“The driver of the car was uninjured in the incident.”

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

Thursday 23^rd August 2018 – 8.20am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

One man has died and a second has been airlifted to hospital following a two-car RTC which resulted in a total of seven patients last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of the B4161 and York Avenue in Wolverhampton at 6.51pm and sent four ambulances, a paramedic officer, a BASICS doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire to the scene. An off-duty paramedic also stopped to offer assistance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a man in cardiac arrest following the collision.

“Despite ambulance staff performing CPR and administering advanced life support, sadly it became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“A man in his 20s, who had been helped from one of the cars by bystanders, was treated for a leg injury and a suspected pelvic injury. He was immobilised and given pain relief before being airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

“A further four patients from the cars, two adults and two children were taken to New Cross Hospital with less serious injuries.

“A seventh patient, who was a bystander, was treated for the effects of shock and also taken to New Cross Hospital.”

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Wednesday 1^st August 2018 – 4.30pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Two children have been airlifted to hospital and three adults have been taken by land ambulance following a collision between a car and a van this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A4169 in Dawley Hamlets, Telford, at 12.29pm and sent four ambulances, a paramedic officer, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham and the Welsh Air Ambulance to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered five patients and the two vehicles which had both suffered significant front-end damage in the collision.

“There were two children amongst the injured, a young boy and a young girl.

“The girl was treated for abdominal and shoulder injuries, immobilised and given pain relief before being airlifted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

“The boy had suffered chest and shoulder injuries, was also immobilised and given pain relief before being flown to the same hospital.

“From the same car, a man in his 40s, was treated for head, chest and leg injuries, whilst a woman in her 30s suffered facial, arm and leg injuries. They were both given pain relief and taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

“The driver of the van, a man in his 40s, was treated for minor hand and abdominal injuries and taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital as a precaution.”

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Wednesday 1^st August 2018 – 4.05pm – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Ambulance crews have described two patients as ‘incredibly lucky’ after they walked away from a helicopter crash without serious injury this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a helicopter that had crash landed in a field next to Naunton Road in Naunton Beauchamp, Upper Snodsbury, Worcestershire, at 1.54pm. One ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On our arrival, the two occupants, a man and a woman, had managed to get themselves out and were sitting away from the helicopter.

“The woman was treated for back and abdominal pain, given pain relief and transported to Worcester Royal Hospital by land ambulance.

“The man suffered minor bumps and bruises in the incident and was discharged at the scene.

“Given the incident had the potential for a far more serious outcome, it is pleasing that both patients have been incredibly lucky to walk away relatively unhurt.”

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Notes to Editors: Please credit the image to West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Tuesday 31^st July 2018 – 9am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

A man has died and seven others required transporting to hospital after receiving treatment from ambulance staff at the scene of a two-car RTC yesterday afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A454 in Worfield, Bridgnorth, at 4.44pm and sent five ambulances, four paramedic officers, a BASICS doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulances from Cosford and Staffordshire, as well as the Welsh Air Ambulance, to the scene. An off-duty student paramedic stopped to offer assistance at the scene as did an off-duty doctor and an off-duty nurse.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered eight patients.

“One of whom, a man, was found to be in cardiac arrest with CPR already being performed.

“Ambulance staff took over and administered advanced life support but sadly it became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“A man in his 20s was treated for leg injuries and facial injuries. He was immobilised and given pain relief and airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

“A 19-year-old-man was treated for leg injuries. He was also immobilised and given pain relief before being airlifted to New Cross Hospital.

“A third patient was airlifted, a man in his 40s, who was treated for a back injury before being flown to Shrewsbury Hospital.

“Crews treated a man in his 30s for arm and leg injuries before transporting him to Russells Hall Hospital whilst a man in his 20s was taken to the same hospital with leg and facial injuries.

“Two further patients were taken to New Cross Hospital. A man in his 40s who was treated for shoulder, chest and back pain as well as a man in his 30s who had suffered arm, leg injuries and facial injuries.”

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Friday 27th July – 9.15am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

Five people have been injured and taken to hospital following a motorway collision involving two lorries and a car this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the southbound carriageway of the M6, between junctions 15 and 14, at 4.35am and sent four ambulances, two paramedic officers and a BASICS doctor to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find five patients requiring treatment following the collision.

“A teenage boy, who had been travelling in the car, received treatment at the scene for serious injuries before being transported to Royal Stoke University Hospital on blue lights and sirens.

“Two further children, a boy and a girl, were taken to the same hospital with less serious injuries.

“A woman was treated for cuts to her face and hip pain and also taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital, as was a man, with minor injuries.”

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