OfficialWMAS

Monday 4^th March 2019 – 1.20pm – Murray MacGregor.

A seven-year-old boy who went into cardiac arrest at home has visited ambulance staff who helped save his life, just six weeks after the incident.

Tommy Plant became ill at home in the Brandwood End area of Birmingham on the morning of Saturday 19^th Jan 2019.  His condition worsened quickly and when ambulance crews arrived they found his dad Jason doing CPR.

Two ambulances and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene.

Tommy was taken on blue lights to Birmingham Children’s Hospital in cardiac arrest where staff at the hospital took over his care and managed to get his heart restarted.  Unbelievably, just 16 days later Tommy was discharged from hospital.

Today, Tommy and his parents came to meet the crews from Hollymoor Hub who helped to save his life.

Operations manager, Wendy Hands, said: “This was a real team effort, from the staff in the control room who provided CPR advice over the phone, the dispatchers who got the ambulances to the scene so quickly and the staff who took over from Tommy’s Dad.   None of us can believe how well Tommy looks and we’re just so pleased to be able to meet him today.”

Tommy was presented with a Birmingham City shirt with Tommy 999 printed on it as a gift from the Hollymoor staff.  The football club were also kind enough to donated six tickets for Tommy and his family to attend the next match against Millwall.

In return Tommy brought a card, chocolates and biscuits to thank staff for saving his life.  He was able to tell staff about his recollections of the day including “being in the bumpy ambulance”!

Picture shows (L-R): Operations Managers Wendy Hands, Tom George, Michael Francis, Alison, Tommy and Jason Plant, Jordan Lane, Michelle Stubbs and Worcester University Student, Daniel Stokes.

Tommy and his parents are now raising money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.  Speaking on their Just Giving Page, the family say:

“On 19th January 2019, life would never be the same again, our son Tommy suffered a cardiac arrest at home.  Against the odds they managed to get his little heart beating again.

“The staff within the A&E department worked tirelessly to save him, not forgetting the wonderful WMAS who supported him from home to the hospital.  Due to such amazing care, support, dedication and professionalism, Tommy walked out of Birmingham Children’s Hospital on 4th February.

“We owe them everything, so we are wanting to raise not just awareness of the world class care and treatments they provide, we also want to give something back…as much as we can, therefore we are hoping to raise money to support these life savers, to ensure that they can continue in the amazing work they do.

You can go to their fundraising page: http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jason-plant3

Monday 25^th February 2019 – 4.40pm – Murray MacGregor.

A cyclist has died after a road traffic collision involving a lorry.

It happened on Newtown Road in Bedworth, Warwickshire at about 1.40pm on Monday afternoon.

An ambulance arrived just five minutes after the 999 call and was backed up by a paramedic officer.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Sadly, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The lorry driver and a woman pedestrian who was at the scene were assessed but both were discharged.”

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Tuesday 19^th February 2019 – 08.00am – Murray MacGregor.

West Midlands Ambulance Service has welcomed a challenge from NHS England Chief Executive, Simon Stevens to vehicle manufacturers to help “blue lights go green”.

Mr Stevens wants the manufacturers to develop more environmentally friendly ambulances, which will cut air pollution.  The NHS accounts for almost 10 billion journeys each year – around 3.5% of all road travel in the UK – as staff and patients travel to work and appointments and medical supplies are delivered.

WMAS Fleet General Manager, Tony Page, said: “As a Trust we have the most modern ambulance fleet in the country and have made significant changes to our fleet that has substantially reduced the level of pollution we create over the past six years

“We use van conversions which are almost a tonne lighter than the modular vehicles used by other services which immediately produces savings in fuel and operating costs.

“We have worked closely with staff and the converters to improve the designs so they are easier to operate in and have then invested significantly in producing vehicles that are considerably lighter which has reduced our CO2 emissions.

“Had we not made the changes we would have created an additional 2.1 million tonnes of CO2 per year!

“We made a commitment to our staff five years ago that none of our frontline vehicles would be older than five years.  As well as meaning they are a better place to work, it has allowed us to make many other improvements including:

• Using new technology pioneered in the aircraft industry to reduce the weight of the ambulances by almost 10%. This brings real savings in fuel, tyres and vehicle spares as well improving the vehicles handling and ride quality
• A newer fleet substantially increases the availability of vehicles and reduces the level of spares required which has saved hundreds of thousands of pounds.
• Although the number of incidents has risen by 28% over the last six years, we have only increased our fleet size by 7% due to better availability of vehicles

“Our objectives for the next few years will be to implement the issues highlighted in the NHS Improvement Carter Report which will focus on further weight reductions from vehicle conversion, exploiting telematics, making further improvements to the saloons of the ambulances which will further improve the working environment for crews and make the patient experience better.  If the vehicle manufacturers can play their part too, we can continue to make a real difference to the environment.”

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Monday 11^th February 2019 – 11.20am – Murray MacGregor.

A motorcycle rider has suffered serious injuries and a car driver has been hurt after a crash in Stoke this morning.

It happened on Bucknall Road at around 6.30am this morning, Monday.

Four ambulances, two BASICS emergency doctors and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a car that had suffered significant damage to the driver’s door and a badly damaged motorcycle.

“The man riding the motorcycle had suffered serious injuries.  He was treated at the scene by ambulance staff and the doctors before being taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“Firefighters removed the car door so that ambulance staff could help the woman driving out of the vehicle.

“She was treated at the scene for less serious injuries before being taken to the same hospital.”

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A new non-emergency ambulance contract for Cheshire, Warrington and Wirral, will see additional staff based locally providing ever higher standards of care.

NHS commissioners have awarded a five-year contract to West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS). The service will provide around 180,000 journeys a year, taking eligible patients from their homes to hospitals and treatment centres for consultations, treatments and procedures including services relating to cancer, renal failure and bariatric surgery. The contract will start from 6 April 2019.

WMAS will use an additional 30 vehicles to the previous contract, most of which are wheelchair accessible. This will allow patients to stay in their chair while they are helped into the vehicle at the start of their journey and out at the end making their journey easier.

The number of operating bases will increase from three to five, with sites in Macclesfield and on the Wirral complementing those in Crewe, Ellesmere Port and Warrington. Therefore, staff will not have to travel as far to work and will be able to operate more regularly in areas with which they are familiar.

The new contract will allow WMAS to recruit around 40 additional staff.  They, together with the existing staff, will use additional equipment bought to enhance care in various specialties including bariatrics – the branch of medicine that deals with obesity.

Dr Julia Huddart, clinical lead for urgent and emergency care at NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) – one of the commissioners, said: “We and our partners recognised that this is an essential service for eligible patients. For that reason, we required potential providers to bid against a robust operating model that would ensure a high-quality, reliable and accessible service.

“The service specification was shaped by users of the existing service, with whom we worked closely throughout the tendering process.”

Michelle Brotherton, WMAS non-emergency services operational delivery director, said: “Putting patient care first has always been our number one priority and we feel this new contract will allow us to provide the level of patient care we feel is appropriate. Our bid was the perfect balance of value for money and quality.”

Unison staff side chair Stuart Gardner and GMB organiser Michael Buoey said: “All trade unions are pleased that WMAS has retained the contract, and we look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of our members, staff and patients in Cheshire and the Wirral.”

The contract was awarded by NHS Wirral CCG for itself and on behalf of NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG, NHS South Cheshire CCG, NHS Vale Royal CCG, NHS Warrington CCG, NHS West Cheshire CCG and NHS Wirral CCG.

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Monday 28^th January 2019 – 6.10pm – Murray MacGregor.

One man has suffered multiple injuries after a collision between a car and a double decker bus.

It happened at the junction of Friary Road and Handsworth Wood Road in the Handsworth area of Birmingham at around 2.30pm today, Monday.

Two ambulances, two paramedic officers, the Hazardous Area Response Team and the West Midlands Care Team were sent to the scene.

AWest Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival ambulance staff found a car that had suffered significant front end damage leaving the driver trapped.

“Ambulance staff worked with firefighters to extricate the man from the car.  He was assessed and treated at the scene before being taken to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with serious injuries.

“The teenage front seat passenger had suffered less serious injuries.  He was taken to Sandwell Hospital by ambulance.

Thankfully none of the passengers from the bus was hurt.  The man driving the double decker was checked over by ambulance staff.  He had minor injuries and was shaken up but was discharged after assessment.

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Monday 28^th January 2019 – 9.35am – Murray MacGregor.

A man has suffered potentially serious injuries after a rollover RTC.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Haselor Lane in Hinton on the Green near Evesham at around 9.30pm on Sunday.

An ambulance, a paramedic officer and The Air Ambulance Critical Care Car were sent to the scene.  On arrival they found a car on its roof and the patient around 20 metres away.

A WMAS spokesman said: “The man was assessed at the scene for multiple injuries.  He was treated at the scene before being taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“The doctor from the critical care car travelled with the crew.”

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Monday 7th January 2018 – 10.00am – Murray MacGregor.

It may be a bit late to make a New Year’s resolution, but make this one anyway; know what the signs of a heart attack are.

We’ve all seen TV programmes where someone collapses with chest pain and it’s therefore definitely a heart attack, but is that what the reality is like?

What is a heart attack?

First things first; a heart attack is where there’s a sudden loss of blood flow to a part of your heart usually caused by a blood clot.

This can seriously damage the heart muscle and be life-threatening.  As such you should dial 999 immediately.  The sooner you get help the better your chances of survival and rapid assistance could also reduce the level of damage meaning you’ll have a better quality of life going forward.

What signs and symptoms should I look out for?

Jason Wiles, Lead Paramedic for Emergency Care, said: “As with most medical conditions, the signs depend on the individual.  Pain in your chest that suddenly occurs and doesn’t go away is the classic symptom.  The pain may spread to your arm, neck, jaw, back or stomach.  For some, the pain or tightness is severe, while others just feel uncomfortable.  You may also feel sick, sweaty, light headed or short of breath.

“However, the elderly, women, or those with diabetes may not get classic symptoms as the condition can cause nerve damage which affects how you feel pain.  Some people also confuse their stomach for their chest and all they have is indigestion!

If I’m concerned, what should I so

Jason says: “Even if you aren’t sure, it’s important to seek medical attention to be on the safe side so phone for an ambulance immediately.

“Try to remain calm, answer the questions you’ll be asked as best you can as that will ensure you get the right help.  They call handler will also be able to provide advice while you await the ambulance.

“You should sit and rest; getting up and walking around may put unnecessary strain on your heart. If possible, get someone else to open the door for the ambulance crew as this saves time.”

A heart attack is life-threatening. If you think you or anyone else is having a heart attack, call 999 for an ambulance immediately.

You can get more information here

Thursday 3rd January 2018 – 4.30pm – Murray MacGregor.

West Midlands Ambulance Service says thousands of lives could be saved in years to come with news that all secondary school children are to be taught CPR and basic first aid skills.

Each year, West Midlands Ambulance Service attends about 4,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests.  Sadly, only about 7% of those people will survive!  It’s a shocking figure, especially when in some countries like Denmark, the figure is around 25%.

The Government has announced that it is planning to make health education compulsory in all state-funded schools.  Under the proposed new guidance, by the end of secondary school pupils will be taught how to administer CPR, the purpose of defibrillators, and basic treatments for common injuries.

WMAS Community Response Manager, Cliff Medlicott, said: “There is no doubt that coming across a cardiac arrest is scary.  It’s different to a heart attack.  In a cardiac arrest, the patient will be unconscious and their heart won’t be beating – they are clinically dead – unless someone is prepared to do something.

“Giving CPR buys the patient time, so the ambulance service can get there.  You can’t hurt the person; doing something can only help.

“For every minute without life-saving treatment the chance of surviving a cardiac arrest drops by about 10% – meaning that the time before an ambulance arrives is crucial

“I can speak from personal experience – saving a life is the most incredible feeling; knowing that your actions mean someone will get to spend time with their loved ones when they wouldn’t otherwise have had that chance.

“A cardiac can strike anyone at any time: it could be a loved one, a friend, a complete stranger.  If you know what to do, you could help save their life.  Why would you not want to learn how to do CPR?  It doesn’t take long to learn and there are courses all over the place.”

Here’s Cliff Medlicott demonstrating how to do CPR

 

 

 

 

Thursday 3^rd January 2019 – 8.25am – Murray MacGregor.

A woman suffered critical injuries after a collision with a car.

It happened outside the GP Surgery on Bunbury Road in the Northfield area of Birmingham at about 4.50pm on Wednesday afternoon.

A nurse was quickly on scene and provided care until the ambulance resources arrived four minutes after the 999 call.

Two ambulances, a paramedic officer, the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car and the West Midlands Care Team car with two doctors on board were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance crews took over care of the woman who had suffered very serious injuries.

“Staff used advanced life support techniques at the scene before she was taken by ambulance on blue lights to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham; the doctors travelled with the ambulance crew.

“There were a man and a woman in the car; neither was injured.”

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Thursday 29^th November 2018 – 12.55pm – Murray MacGregor.

Officers from West Midlands Police have arrested a man after he assaulted one of our crews as they tried to treat him.

The incident happened in Handsworth after a 999 call at just before 7am this morning (Thursday).

The crew was chased into their ambulance, where the perpetrator subsequently smashed one of the windows.

The Force Response Unit from West Midlands Police tweeted to say that one of their officers was assaulted during the arrest, but the perpetrator is now in custody.

WMAS Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “Although physically unhurt, this must have been a terrifying ordeal for our staff.  We will provide support for them going forwards, but this is something that simply should not happen.

“No one deserves to be assaulted, but our staff are there to help people in their hour of need; they are there to protect and save the lives of the public.”

Staffside Chair, Stuart Gardner added: “We will work with the Trust to push for charges to be brought against this individual and should he be convicted, we hope that the courts will use the full powers now in place through the new Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018 to hand down a punishment that will not leave ambulance staff feeling let down.

“The public have made their feelings known about such cases and we hope the courts will take that on board.”

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Thursday 22^nd November 2018 – 3.00pm – Murray MacGregor.

Three ambulance services have announced plans to form an alliance that could have a real impact on patient care.

Between them, South East Coast, South Western and West Midlands Ambulance Services take over 2.5 million 999 calls every year.  The three Trusts plan to form an alliance that will see them working even more closely to deliver efficiency savings to invest in front line services.

The alliance expects to deliver savings through initiatives such as the joint procurement of supplies, including equipment and fuel.  In addition, the three will work collaboratively to share best practice across the area for the benefit of patients and staff.  They will also work on improving resilience between the organisations for planned events and major incidents.

The work will draw upon existing benchmarking and evidence from the National Audit Office investigation into ambulance services, and more recently, the report from Lord Carter into efficiency and productivity.

There are no plans to merge services or restructure existing operations, but the changes mean that the three Trusts can make every pound of taxpayers’ money work as efficiently as possible.

Anthony Marsh, Chief Executive of West Midlands Ambulance Service added: “I can see real improvements in the way we work coming from the development of our relationships between organisations.  In particular I can see how we will improve the resilience of our Services which can only benefit staff and patients alike.”

Ken Wenman, Chief Executive of South Western Ambulance Service, said: “I am really excited by this new alliance.  There are significant benefits for both our people and our patients from the three services working more closely together.  It will allow us to reduce duplication and learn from best practice which will save money and ultimately improve the care we provide for our patients.”

Daren Mochrie Chief Executive of South East Coast Ambulance Service said: “This is the right thing to do for our patients and our staff.  By forming this partnership, we will be able to bring together the knowledge and experience of three Trusts to explore ways to reduce variation in some areas and develop new joint initiatives that will untimely enhance the quality of the care for our patients.”

The decision to move towards an alliance was agreed on Tuesday (20^th November) by the Chief Executives and Chairs of the three Trusts follows the recommendations of the Carter report, which described ambulance services working in an alliance to deliver efficiency savings and improved productivity.

WMAS Chairman, Sir Graham Meldrum, said: “There are clear advantages of the three organisations working together which can only benefit staff and the public we serve.  This alliance will allow us to improve the care we provide to patients whilst supporting our staff who work incredibly hard every day.”

SWAST Chairman, Tony Fox, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to capitalise on the best the three ambulance services has to offer, use the significant purchasing power we collectively have and learn from the experience and share best practice between alliance partners to improve the quality of the service to our patients here in the South West.”

SEACAMB Chairman, David Astley, said: “I am confident that, by working closely in partnership with our colleagues from SWAST and WMAS, we will all be able to benefit from sharing best practice and making efficiencies through joint procurement to drive real improvements for our staff and our patients.”

Note to Editors

• SECAMB: Covers 3,600 square miles and a population of 4.8 million. On average they receive 2,500 per day.
• SWAST: Covers 10,000 square miles (20% of mainland England) with a population of 5.5m. The Trust receives, on average 3,200 calls per day.
• WMAS: Covers 5,000 square miles with a population of 5.6 million. The Trust receives on average 4,000 calls per day.

The three services have a joint income of over £700 million, which means greater economies of scale for procurement.

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Monday 5^th November 2018 – 7.04pm – Murray MacGregor.

Today saw the return of a service that will help some of the sickest patients we see get to hospital on time while helping the 999 service get to patients even more quickly.

After weeks of planning, hard work from numerous departments within WMAS, today saw the PTS Urgent Referral Tier return for the winter months.

Tactical Commander, James Williams, said: “Last winter was one of the most challenging we have ever faced.  One of the ways we helped ensure ambulance crews got to 999 calls quickly was to launch the Urgent Referral Tier.

“The crews are made up on one member of our non-emergency patient transport service and a clinician, usually a paramedic.

“Together they transport patients who have already been assessed by a clinician, often a GP, who has decided they require attendance at hospital and are sufficiently poorly that they need to be taken by ambulance.   Equally, they will help the hospitals by taking patients home once they have been discharged.

By getting these crews to do the transfer, it means our frontline ambulances can concentrate on the 999 calls.

“Over the winter we will have 12 crews operating from Coventry, Dudley, Frankley, Gravelly Hill and Wolverhampton, solely attending urgent removal cases.

“These staff will play a vital role in helping to reduce the pressure on A&E Departments  and our frontline ambulances.”

Pictured: Some of the staff at our Gravelly Hill base just before they set off earlier today.

Over the weekend, the life of Glenn Hoddle was saved by the quick actions of a sound engineer who started CPR and used a defibrillator  when the former England international footballer suffered a cardiac arrest.

Each year, West Midlands Ambulance Service attends about 4,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests.  Sadly, only about 7% of those people will survive!  It’s a shocking figure, especially when in some countries like Denmark, the figure is around 25%.  Why? Simple, the number of people who know CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and are prepared to act is too small.  It’s even more tragic when you consider how easy it is to do.

When someone has a cardiac arrest, every second counts.  The patient will be unconscious and their heart won’t be beating – they are clinically dead and will stay that way unless someone is prepared to do something.

Giving CPR buys the patient time, so the ambulance service can get there.  You can’t hurt the person; doing something can only help.  For every minute after the patient’s heart has stopped, their chance of survival drops by 10%, so you can see why time is of the essence.

Community Response Manager Cliff Medlicott says: “While yes, it might be scary,  easy it is easy to be a #lifesaver:

While CPR can buy you time, it is the use of a defibrillator that will get save the patient.  There are now thousands of AEDS – automatic external defibrillators  – in the community.  You’ve probably seen them at airports, railway stations, but increasingly on the walls of village shops, supermarkets and even old telephone boxes.

The question is; do you know where your nearest #defib is?  If not, make sure you find out as your life, or the life of a loved one could depend on it.

Senior paramedic Nick Henry says: “I can only speak personally, but saving a life is the most incredible experience; knowing that your actions mean someone will get to spend time with their loved ones when they wouldn’t otherwise have had that chance.

“You don’t need any training to use an AED; they actually tell you what to do, so please take the time to find the closest device to your home and work at least and you could save a life:

A cardiac can strike anyone at any time: it could be a loved one, a friend, a complete stranger.  If you know what to do, you could help save their life.  Why would you not want to learn how to do CPR?  It doesn’t take long to learn and there are courses all over the place.

Monday 10^th September 2018 – 2.32pm – Murray MacGregor.

A teenager has died after an RTC despite the efforts of ambulance and hospital staff.

The incident happened on Wolverhampton Road in Quinton last night (Sunday 9^th September) at about 11.45pm.

An ambulance was on scene less than 3 minutes after the first 999 call and was backed up by a second ambulance, a paramedic officer the the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival ambulance staff found an 18-year-old was whose motorbike had hit a tree.

“Ambulance staff carried out life support and advanced trauma care at the scene before taking the man to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“Sadly, he died later at hospital.”

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Anyone with information can call the West Midlands Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101; quoting log number 2845 of 09/09/18.

Monday 10^th September 2018 – 9.25am – Murray MacGregor.

Ambulance staff worked with firefighters to treat a man who was found at the bottom of a cliff near Bridgnorth before he was lowered to safety using ropes.

Emergency services were called to High Rock, off Telford Road at 10.15pm lat night, Sunday.

An ambulance, a paramedic officer, the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and a senior paramedic officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The man, who was in his 20s, was found at the bottom of a 25 metre cliff, thought it wasn’t clear how he had come to be there.

“The man was complaining of back and shoulder pain.  He was immobilised, had his injuries splinted and was given pain relief.  The HART team then clipped the stretcher onto a rope system put in place by Shropshire Fire; the man was then lowered down a steep embankment before being taken to New Cross Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

Ambulance staff also joined police and fire colleagues in a search of the area after reports that there could have been a second patient.

Nothing was found and ambulance staff were stood down at about 2.50am (Monday).

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Tuesday 4^th September 2018 – 3.34pm – Murray MacGregor.

An elderly cyclist has died after reports of an incident involving a car.

It happened at about noon on Fen End Road West in Knowle

An off-duty paramedic started resuscitation at the scene while two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance were en-route.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The exact circumstances of what happened were not clear.

“Unfortunately, the elderly man suffered a cardiac arrest and despite CPR being started shortly after the incident, sadly it was not possible to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“There were no other injuries.”

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Tuesday 4^th September 2018 – 1:43pm – Murray MacGregor.

A total of six people have been assessed and treated by ambulance staff after a crash.

It happened at the junction of Wednesbury Road and Corporation Street West in Walsall, shortly before 11.00am this morning (Tuesday).

A total of three ambulances, two paramedic officers and the aircrews of two Midlands Air Ambulances, who responded in cars, were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival at the scene, there were a number of damaged vehicles.  One had collided with a lamppost and a wall.  There were three patients:

• A 20-year-old man had suffered a head injury. He didn’t wish to be immobilised and was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital by ambulance.
• A 16-year-old girl had suffered multiple injuries. After treatment at the scene, she too was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital.
• A second man had suffered minor injuries and was left with police.

“A second car had suffered significant damage that resulted in the driver being trapped for around an hour.  The woman in her 40s was extricated with the help of firefighters.  She had suffered multiple injuries and was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“A 3-year-old girl who was in a car set, escaped serious injury.  She was assessed at the scene and was discharged.

“The final patient was a middle-aged man who was a pedestrian.  He suffered a minor leg injury and was also taken to Walsall Manor Hospital.”

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Wednesday 22^nd August 2018 – 11:15am – Murray MacGregor.

A motorcyclist received advanced trauma care from ambulance staff after suffering serious injuries following a collision with a car.

The incident happened at just before 7.10pm on Tuesday evening near the junction of Uttoxeter Road and the B5013, just outside Abbots Bromley in Staffordshire.

An ambulance arrived on scene in under five minutes and was backed up by the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire which had a doctor and critical care paramedic on board.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a motorcycle that had suffered serious damage.  The car also had severe damage to the bonnet and windscreen.

“The rider, a 46-year-old man had suffered multiple injuries.  He was immobilised and received treatment from the ambulance staff and the doctor before being taken to the major trauma centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital.”

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Monday 13^th August 2018 – 4.05pm – Murray MacGregor.

A pedestrian has been taken to a major trauma centre in a critical condition after a collision with a light goods vehicle.

The incident happened at about 1.40pm on Hagley Road in the Harborne area of Birmingham

An ambulance that was transporting a patient to hospital came across the incident shortly after it had happened.  A second ambulance, a paramedic officer, the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a doctor on board were also sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When ambulance crews arrived, they found a middle-aged man who had suffered very significant injuries.

“The man was treated at the scene by ambulance staff.  He was immobilised before being anaesthetised by the doctor and was then taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

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Thursday 9^th August 2018 – 9.25am – Murray MacGregor.

A man has been taken to hospital after a crash on the M6 that saw a lorry leave the motorway and crash into trees on the embankment.

The crash happened at about 2.30am this morning within junction 13.

An ambulance and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene.

West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found an articulated lorry that had left the motorway to the nearside and was against the trees on the embankment.

“The driver was unable to get out until firefighters had stabilised the vehicle. He was then helped out of the cab by ambulance staff.

“The 63 year old was assessed at the scene and treated for a head injury and was taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further assessment.”

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Pictures courtesy of @HighwaysWMIDS

   

Wednesday 8^th August 2018 – 8.40am – Murray MacGregor.

A pilot has suffered multiple injuries after the microlight he was in crash landed.

It happened at Charity Farm off Main Road in Baxterley near Atherstone in Warwickshire at just after 6.30pm on Tuesday evening.

The Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire was first on scene and was backed up by an ambulance, a paramedic officer and the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When ambulance staff arrived they were told that the microlight had hit the ground before crashing into a metal fence.

“The pilot, a middle-aged man was initially trapped in the wreckage.  Ambulance staff worked with firefighters to free him.

“He had suffered serious injuries.  He was treated with advanced trauma care, had splints put in place, was immobilised and was given pain relief before being airlifted to the major trauma centre at University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire to a waiting trauma team.  His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.”

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Monday 6^th August 2018 – 9.55am – Murray MacGregor.

The life of a driver whose car crashed into the stone wall of a barn may have been saved by the swift action of passers-by who went to her aid and started CPR.

The crash happened just before 12.30am this morning near The Old Post Office in Bucknell, near the Shropshire / Herefordshire / Welsh border.

Two ambulances, one from Wales and the other from West Midlands attended the scene along with a West Midlands paramedic officer.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival ambulance staff found a woman in her 50s who had been pulled from the wreckage of the car she was in with excellent CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) being carried out.

“Ambulance staff took over and managed to get the woman breathing again for herself.  She was immobilised before the crew set off towards the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

“However, due to the serious nature of her multiple injuries, the Emergency Operations Centre got the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic to rendezvous with the crew near Ludlow.

“Once on board they anaesthetised the woman and provided advanced clinical care while the journey on blue lights continued.

“Once again, the actions of those at the scene have given a patient a chance at survival that they otherwise might not have had.  We would urge everyone to learn how to carry out CPR – you never know when you could be called upon to use the skill to save a life of a friend, loved one or total stranger.”

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(Library picture)

Monday 30^th July 2018 – 8:15pm – Murray MacGregor.

A man has died after a crash on a motorway involving two lorries and a van.

It happened ono the northbound M5 at junction 5 at around 3.15pm on Monday afternoon.

Two ambulances and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a van that had suffered severe damage after getting caught between the two lorries.

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

“The driver of the front lorry, a man in his 50s was assessed at the scene for knee pain and shock but was discharged.

“The 60-year-old driver in the rear lorry was assessed at the scene and taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital by ambulance with minor cuts and abrasions.”

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Monday 30^th July 2018 – 9.20am – Murray MacGregor.

A woman has died and two men have suffered serious injuries after a two car crash.

The incident happened at about 8.25pm on Kingsland Road in the Kingstanding area of Birmingham.

Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the MERIT Trauma doctor and critical care paramedic were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found two cars that had suffered significant damage.

“A woman and a man were in the first vehicle.  The woman was rapidly extracted from the vehicle and resuscitation carried out along with advanced life support, but sadly it was not possible to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The driver in the car initially had a reduced level of consciousness and was trapped for a short period.  Firefighters removed the roof to allow ambulance staff to extricate him.

“He had suffered multiple injuries, though he regained full consciousness while being treated.  He was immobilised and had a pelvic binder put in place before being taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“A man in his 20s from the Audi involved in the crash suffered multiple injuries.  He was anaesthetised at the scene and was immobilised before being taken on blue lights to the same hospital; the doctor and critical care paramedic travelled with the ambulance crew.

“A woman who was at the location but was not from either of the cars was also treated at the scene after becoming unwell.  She was discharged at scene.

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Friday 27th July – 8.45am – Jamie Arrowsmith.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received a call to Bishops Bowl Lakes on Station Road, Southam, at 6.12pm last night (Thursday) following reports of a patient in the water.

Three ambulances, two paramedic officers, the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Critical Care Car attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival at the scene, crews were told a teenage male had got into difficulty in the water.

“Ambulance crews worked closely with Warwickshire Fire Service and Warwickshire Police to begin searching for the teenager.

“Sadly, all of our resources were stood down for the night without the patient having been found.

“Specialist police water rescue teams have returned to the site this morning to continue the search.

“The family of the missing teenager continue to be supported by specialist officers from Warwickshire Police.

“Anyone with any information is asked to call Warwickshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 396 of 26^th July.”

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Thursday 19^th July 2018 – 5.20pm – Murray MacGregor.

Two people have been taken to a major trauma centre after a crash that left one patient trapped for over an hour.

The incident happened at about 10.50am this morning on the A3400 Shipston on Stour to Tredington road.

The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, two ambulance crews and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance crews found two cars that had both suffered front end damage.  One of the cars was off the road in a hedge and both drivers were trapped.

“Ambulance staff worked with firefighter to extricate the patients.

“The first, a middle aged woman was able to get out of the vehicle after firefighters removed the door.  She was treated for potentially serious injuries and was airlifted to University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.

“It took over an hour to get the driver of the second car out.  The man, who was in his 60s had less serious injuries.  He was given pain relief and was immobilised before being taken to the same hospital by land ambulance.”

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Thursday 19^th July 2018 – 4.30pm – Murray MacGregor.

An elderly walker who was injured after a fall has been airlifted to hospital.

The incident happened at just after 9.00am on The Wrekin, near Telford between Halfway House and Devils Gate.

An ambulance and a paramedic officer in a 4×4 were initially sent to the scene.  An off duty paramedic also stopped to offer assistance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The walker, who was in his 80s, had fallen and landed awkwardly.  The crew and paramedic officer were able to make up to the walker in the 4×4 but after assessing the patient requested an air ambulance be sent and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford was dispatched to the scene and landed on the path.

“The walker was assessed at the scene for arm, leg and head injuries before being flown to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further treatment.”

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Picture from @Helistig 

Wednesday 18^th July 2018 – 9.05am – Murray MacGregor.

A motorcycle rider has died after a crash last night (Tuesday).

The incident happened at about 9.00pm at the roundabout where The Ringway and Comberton Hill meet in Kidderminster.

A senior paramedic officer, a paramedic officer and an ambulance were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find the rider in the subway in the middle of the roundabout.

“The man had suffered multiple injuries and sadly, it was immediately obvious that nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

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Tuesday 17^th July 2018 – 12:45pm – Murray MacGregor.

A motorcycle rider has been airlifted to a major trauma centre after crashing this morning.

The incident happened at about 7.40am on Worcester Road by Hartlebury Trading Estate in Hartlebury, Worcestershire.

A number of passers-by including off-duty nurses and a firefighter came to the man’s aid before an ambulance and then the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford arrived.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The staff were told that it was a single vehicle crash involving a lamppost.

“The rider, a man in his 30s, had suffered some nasty injuries.  Working together, the crew and air ambulance staff provided pain relief before applying splints after manipulating the injuries.

“The air ambulance, which had landed in the road nearby, then flew the man to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“Whilst the man suffered serious injuries, the crews remarked that the fact he was wearing full biker leathers and a helmet reduced the level of injuries.”

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Tuesday 17^th July 2018 – 7.45am – Murray MacGregor.

Ambulance staff are urging youngsters to wear a cycle helmet when riding off road in the woods.  The call comes after a youngster was anaesthetised and taken on blue lights to a paediatric major trauma centre after crashing.

The incident happened in Perry Wood Local Nature Reserve, off Redfern Avenue in Worcester at about 3.30pm on Monday afternoon.

An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham, with a doctor and critical care paramedic on board, were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The incident happened on a steep slope about 50 yards into the woods when the boy crashed while going down the slope leaving him unconscious.

“The boy suffered a head injury. After being assessed by the doctor, the decision was taken to anaesthetise the youngster before he was taken on blue lights by road to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

“While it is clearly a matter for the individual or their parent/guardian, our view is that a cycle helmet can help prevent injury and could have resulted in a different outcome in this case.

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Thursday 12^th July 2018 – 4:30pm – Murray MacGregor.

A woman has died and a man has suffered potentially seriously injuries after a stabbing incident in the Small Heath area of Birmingham.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Aubrey Road at 11.00am this morning (Thursday).

Two ambulances, a paramedic officer, the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance were all sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found an 86 year woman who had suffered very serious stab wounds. Ambulance staff immediately started treating her, but sadly it was not possible to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.

“A second patient, an 18 year old man, had also suffered very serious stab wounds.  He was treated at the scene before being taken by land ambulance to a major trauma centre with an air ambulance doctor travelling with the crew.”

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