News

Saturday 8th June 2013 – 7.45pm – Steve Parry.

Five people have been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision on the M6 near Walsall this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident between junctions 9 and 10 northbound of the M6, just before 4.15pm.

Three ambulances; a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle; a paramedic officer, and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Ambulance crews responded to a road traffic collision involving a single vehicle on the M6.

“Two men, believed to be in their thirties, were treated for neck and a head laceration. They were both taken by land ambulance to Walsall Manor Hospital.

“A 16 year old female was treated for a fractured leg. She was given pain relief and immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board before being airlifted to New Cross Hospital.

“A female and baby were treated for minor injuries and conveyed to New Cross Hospital for assessment.”

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Saturday 8th June 2013 – 6am – Steve Parry.

A motorcyclist has died in a road traffic collision in Halesowen yesterday evening (Friday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Manor Way at around 9.15pm.

Two ambulances, a paramedic officer together with the Medical Emergency Response incident Team (MERIT), which includes a trauma doctor, attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a motorcycle in collision with a post.

“Sadly, despite the efforts of ambulance crews, a man was conveyed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham where he was confirmed dead on arrival.”

 

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Friday 7th June 2013 – 7.30pm – Steve Parry.

A man has died and a woman critically injured following a road traffic collision near Six Ashes this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A458 near Wootton, Six Ashes just before 2.45pm.

Three ambulances; a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle; a paramedic officer; and two Midland Air Ambulances from Cosford and Strensham were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Ambulance crews responded to reports of a two-car road traffic collision.

“Despite the treatment given by medics, the male driver was confirmed dead at the scene.

“A woman passenger in the car was treated for serious multiple injuries. She was anesthetised by an air ambulance doctor before being airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

“The female driver of the second vehicle involved was treated at the scene for minor injuries.”

 

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Friday 7th June 2013 – 2pm – Steve Parry.

A lorry driver has been taken to hospital after his vehicle overturned just off junction 7 of the M6 in Great Barr.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident just before 1pm.

An ambulance together with two paramedic officers in a rapid response vehicles were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Ambulance crews responded to reports of a HGV overturning on an island just off the M6 motorway at Great Barr.

“Crews treated the lorry driver, a man in his 50s, for back and neck pain.

“The driver was found to be trapped in his cab. He was later released by emergency services, given pain relief to stabilise his condition and immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board before being conveyed to City Hospital.”

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Friday 7th June 2013 – 11.30am – Steve Parry.

A motorcyclist has been taken to hospital and three other patients were treated at the scene of a road traffic collision in Kidderminster this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called the junction of Hurcott Lane and Birmingham Road at approximately 7.15am.

Two ambulances, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and two paramedic officers attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The ambulance service responded to a collision between a car and two motorbikes.

“Crews treated a male motorcyclist, believed to be in his thirties, for a foot injury and neck pain. The patient was immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board before being conveyed to Worcester Hospital.

“A male pillion passenger together with the male rider of the second motorcycle and the female car driver were all assessed at the scene and later released.

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Thursday 6th June 2013 – 8.30pm . Steve Parry.

Nine patients have been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision near Lichfield this evening.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the junction of the A38 and Fradley Lane, Lichfield, just before 6.45pm.

Two ambulances and a paramedic officer in a rapid response vehicle were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Ambulance crews responded to a road traffic collision involving a car and people carrier.

“A female and a child travelling in the car were treated at the scene by ambulance staff.  The woman received neck pain and was immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board before being taken to Good Hope Hospital. The child also travelled to hospital with minor injuries.

“Crews treated seven patients from the people carrier. A female was treated for neck pain and immobilised before being taken to Queen’s Hospital, Burton.

“Five children and one male were treated for minor injuries and they were all taken to Queen’s Hospital Burton for further assessment and treatment.”

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Thursday 6th June 2013 – 7pm – Steve Parry.

A boy has been airlifted to hospital after being in collision with a lorry in Stoke-on-Trent this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Biddulph Road, Fegg Hayes, at around 4.30pm. An ambulance, a responder paramedic, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When crews arrived they found a 10-year-old boy who had been in collision with a lorry.

“The boy suffered chest and head injuries. Crews began treating him at the scene but due to his injuries the doctor decided to anaesthetise him to stabilise his condition.

“The boy was then airlifted to University Hospital North Staffordshire, a specialist trauma centre, for further emergency treatment.”

 

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Thursday 6^th June 2013 – 3.30pm – Chris Kowalik.

A volunteer for a charity that is teaching lifesaving skills to thousands of people in Herefordshire has completed a near-200-mile coast-to-coast fundraising walk.

Nicola Stock is a volunteer instructor for Herefordshire Heartstart. On Friday 3^rd May she started out on Wainright’s coast-to-coast walk at St. Bees in Cumbria.

She completed the walk in twelve days finishing at Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire and raised £760 for the organisation.

Nicola said: “The weather was mostly awful with extremely poor visibility on the peaks and sideways rain on the moors. It was still strangely enjoyable though!”

The money will be used to enable the charity to continue teaching lifesaving skills to people in the county.

Nicola added: “Every £1 really does count as it helps to pay for new manikin lungs and wipes, sterilising fluid and course paperwork/handouts which are essential for every course we run.”

You can still sponsor Nicola via www.virginmoneygiving.com/NicolaStock

Herefordshire Heartstart is a registered charity (no. 1082309) which is teaching lifesaving skills to thousands of people in the county with the support of West Midlands Ambulance Service.

If offers free two-hour courses to anyone aged 10 or over in techniques including CPR, the management of severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, choking and chest pain.

For more information on Herefordshire Heartstart or to book a course, visit www.herefordshireheartstart.org or email info@herefordshireheartstart.co.uk or contact Co-ordinator/Project Manager Loraine Coleman on 0845 60 60 654. Twitter: @Heartstart_hfd

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Thursday 6^th June 2013 – 2.45pm – Chris Kowalik.

Sports and leisure centres have them, shopping centres have them, offices and factories have them.

Anyone can have a defibrillator and anyone can be trained in how to use it.

West Midlands Ambulance Service is appealing to groups, businesses, councils and organisations in Herefordshire and Worcestershire to find a home for a defibrillator for the benefit of their community.

Acting Community Response Manager Jenny Sears-Brown said: “A cardiac arrest is when the heart has stopped, the person has stopped breathing and they are technically dead. Their chance of ultimately surviving a cardiac arrest diminishes by ten percent every minute. Their only chance of survival is CPR and defibrillation – the sooner the better.

“There is an initiative underway to have defibrillators in secure locked cabinets that can be accessed by the public and used while an ambulance is on its way.

“We will offer awareness training to any organisation that decides to have a defibrillator that can be accessed by the public.

“The more defibrillators we have out in the communities, the better.”

For more information – contact the Community Response Department on 01384 215855

Thursday 6^th June 2013 – 10.30am – Claire Brown.

Volunteers who help to save lives and support emergency work in the West Midlands are being thanked by ambulance bosses as part of National Volunteers Week.

Dedicated air ambulance charity fundraisers, voluntary aid societies, volunteer car drivers and over 1,100 Community First Responders (CFRs) help us to keep saving lives in the West Midlands each year.

Water and land rescue charities and 4×4 groups from across the region provide the Trust with support through harsh winters, periods of high demand and at the scene of incidents when skill and time are of the essence.

A host of businesses and organisations also help the ambulance service to save lives by giving funding to CFR groups to ensure they have all the latest equipment and even donate dedicated vehicles. Others house an automated external defibrillator (a device used to restart a heart when someone suffers a cardiac arrest) and take part in CPR training to ensure their staff know what to do in the event of an emergency.

Daren Fradgley, Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, said: “Thank you to all of the volunteers who provide essential help to patients in the West Midlands, whether directly or indirectly.

“Supporting any facet of the ambulance service, be it the Trust itself, your local CFR group or air ambulance charity, means a great deal to West Midlands Ambulance Service and helps to ensure we continue to provide life-saving care to patients who need it the most.

“Very often we don’t say thank-you enough. On behalf of all of our staff, thank you to all that you do. I am very proud of all of you; all of our volunteers and all of our staff, regardless of the role you fulfill.”

 

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Thursday 6^th June 2013 – 10.15am – Claire Brown.

A woman has died following a house fire in Telford this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Wombridge Road in Trench shortly after 8.00am (Thursday). An ambulance and a responder paramedic attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Sadly, it quickly became apparent to crews that nothing could be done to save the woman and she was confirmed dead on scene.”

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Wednesday 5th June 2013 – 8.40pm – Murray MacGregor.

Two children have escaped serious injury despite leaving a significant dent in the front of a car in Stoke on Trent.

The collision happened outside Express Flowers on Leek New Road in Sneyd Green at about 6.35pm this evening (Wednesday).

An ambulance that was en route to hospital with a patient came across the incident and stopped to assist. The crew was backed up by two further ambulances and a paramedic officer.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews feared the worst when they saw the damage to the car.

“On arrival the girls, aged 13 and 6 were on the pavement next to the road.

“Thankfully neither appeared to have life threatening injuries. Both had cuts and bruises to their foreheads, the side of their bodies and knees.

“The pair were immobilised using neck collars and spinal boards before being taken on blue lights to the Major Trauma Centre at University Hospital North Staffordshire as a precaution.

“The driver of the car, a young man, was understandably upset by the incident but was otherwise unhurt.

“Considering the circumstances it is fortunate indeed that the level of injuries did not appear to be far more serious.”

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This is Aimee – still trying to persuade Lisa to let me take a picture 🙂

Tuesday 4^th June 2013 – 8.45pm – John Hawker.

A cyclist has been seriously injured following an RTC in Leek this afternoon.

The crash occurred at the junction of Buxton Road and Ball Haye Road at around 4.00pm.  An ambulance, a paramedic officer, a BASICS Doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a cyclist and a HGV that had been in a collision.

“The cyclist, a man believed to be in his 60’s had suffered serious head and pelvic injuries.  He received emergency treatment at the scene and due to his condition was anaesthetised by the Doctor.

“The man was airlifted to University Hospital North Staffordshire for further emergency treatment.  The hospital had been pre alerted to the mans arrival and his serious condition.  Unfortunately, his injuries were considered life threatening.”

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Tuesday 4th June 2013 – 4.50pm – Chris Kowalik.

A cyclist has been injured in a collision with a car in Telford.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Cherry Tree Hill in Coalbrookdale shortly before 3.10pm today.

An advanced community paramedic attended in a rapid response vehicle along with an ambulance crew.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The cyclist, a man in his twenties had a suspected broken leg. He was immobilised by ambulance crews and was given pain relief at the scene before being taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.”

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Tuesday 4th June 2013 – 3.10pm – Chris Kowalik.

A Hereford woman found herself putting her Heartstart skills into practice while out walking her dog.

Meryl Kemp received her Heartstart training in May 2011. In February 2013 Meryl was in Aylestone Park when a man collapsed. She called for help and started chest compressions.

She said: “When I first came across him he was blue and making a strange noise, but I couldn’t see or feel any signs of breathing. After several rounds of chest compressions his colour returned to normal and he came round. By then his wife arrived and an ambulance was on its way.”

Herefordshire Heartstart is a registered charity (no. 1082309), supported by West Midlands Ambulance Service. It offers full-day courses training people to become Heartstart instructors who in turn run free two-hour courses to anyone aged 10 or over in lifesaving techniques including CPR and dealing with choking, loss of consciousness or serious blood loss.

Meryl was taught by one of her own colleagues who had become a Heartstart instructor.

Dr. John Ballance, Chairman of Herefordshire Heartstart said: “This was a fantastic achievement, made possible through the teaching of Heartstart. The more people we can train, the more lives will be saved.”

For more information on Herefordshire Heartstart, to book a course or become a trainer, visit http://www.herefordshireheartstart.org or email info@herefordshireheartstart.co.uk or contact the Co-ordinator/project Manager Loraine Coleman on 0845 60 60 654.

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Note to Editors: For any further information, contact Loraine Coleman on the number above.

Monday 3^rd June 2013 – 10.35pm – John Hawker.

A lorry driver has been trapped in his cab for an hour after a serious RTC in Worcestershire this evening.

The crash occurred on the A38, on a traffic island underneath the M5 Junction 5.  An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer, a BASICS Doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a HGV that had overturned onto its side.  The driver of the lorry, a man believed to be 37 years old, suffered serious head and arm injuries and was trapped in the cab of his lorry.  The man was receiving first aid from a passing off duty fire officer.

“Ambulance staff took over emergency treatment whilst the man was trapped in the vehicle and his condition was stabilised.  He was then extricated from the HGV with the assistance of the fire service.

“The man was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Major Trauma Unit for further emergency treatment.  The hospital had been pre alerted to the mans arrival and his serious condition.

“No other person was injured in the incident.”

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Saturday 1st june 2013 – 10.05pm – Steve Parry.

A man has died and two other patients taken to hospital following a road traffic collision in Perry Barr.

 West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Birchfield Road, Perry Barr at approximately 6.15pm.

An off-duty paramedic came across the incident.  His call alerted an ambulance, paramedic officer, paramedic in a rapid response car; the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford and the Medical Emergency Response Incident team (MERIT) to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews attended a two car road traffic collision near the flyover.  

“Sadly, it quickly became apparent to crews that nothing could be done to save a passenger in one of the vehicles involved. He was confirmed dead at the scene.”

“Crews treated the male driver of the car for minor injuries and he was conveyed to City Hospital.

“A woman in her twenties travelling in the second car involved was trapped for over two hours. She was treated for leg injuries and given pain relief and immobilised with the use of a neck collar and spinal board before being conveyed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further assessment and treatment. 

“The driver of the second car received minor injuries and was treated at the scene.”

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Friday 31st May 2013 – 8.30pm – Steve Parry.

West Midlands Ambulance Service attended two road traffic incidents during the early evening of Friday.

 A motorcyclist was taken to hospital following a road traffic collision involving a car in Stourport at approximately 6.15pm.  

 West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the incident at the junction of Stagborough Way and Lower Lickhill Road.

 A paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill attended the scene. 

 A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews treated a male motorcyclist in his twenties for a serious leg injury. The patient was conveyed by air ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for further assessment and treatment.

In a separate incident on Callow Hill Lane, Redditch at 5.35pm two female patients were treated by ambulance crews following a collision between the car in which they were travelling and a lorry.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews treated a female passenger in her twenties for facial lacerations, fractured arm and pelvic injuries. The patient was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital by land ambulance.

“The female driver of the car was conveyed to Redditch Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

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Friday 31^st May 2013 – 12.15pm – Chris Kowalik.

A woman has been airlifted to a major trauma centre after the car she was driving collided with a large motorhome-style vehicle in Herefordshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A465 in Ocle Pychard shortly after 9.45am today.

An advanced Community Paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance crew and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The woman in her late teens had a head injury. She was freed from her car with the help of the fire service. She was fully immobilised and was given pain relief before being flown to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.”

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Friday 31^st May 2013 – 11.10am – Chris Kowalik.

A Community Paramedic from Ledbury is to embark on a Ten Peaks Challenge in Cumbria to raise money for a new Young Person’s Room at a hospice in Herefordshire.

On Saturday 22nd June, Adrian Gilbert will aim to complete the ten climbs in 12 hours:

Leg 1 : Gatesgarth Farm – Red Pike 4.5 km

Leg 2 : Red Pike – High Style 1.2 km

Leg 3 : High Style – High Crag 1.5 km

Leg 4 : High Crag – Green Gable 6 km

Leg 5 : Green Gable – Great Gable 0.8 km

Leg 6 : Great Gable – Lingmell 4.2 km

Leg 7 : Lingmell – Scafell Pike 1.5 km

Leg 8 : Scafell Pike – Great End 1.8 km

Leg 9 : Great End – Esk Pike 1.6 km

Leg 10 : Esk Pike – Bow Fell 1.6 km

Leg 11 : Bow Fell – Stool End Farm 3.5 km

He’ll be fundraising for “Beth’s Wish”, a charity named after family friend Bethan Davies who died of cancer last year aged 20.

Before her death, she was looked after at St. Michael’s Hospice. The fundraising drive aims to raise £100,000 for a dedicated Young Persons’ Room in Beth’s memory in a new state-of-the-art extension due to be built at the hospice in Bartestree.

Adrian said: “Beth was an outgoing, vivacious young lady with her life in front of her. The reason I have chosen to take on this challenge, is I know it will be hard for me, but if it can be put towards keeping Beth’s memory alive whilst benefitting other young people then it is a small thing to do. It is also a small thing compared to what Beth went through.”

Details of the “Beth’s Wish” charity can be found on facebook (search for the group “bethswish”).

To sponsor Adrian, visit his fundraising page www.virginmoneygiving.com/adriangilbertbethswish

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Friday 31^st May 2013 – 6.30am – Suzie Fothergill.

A man has been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision on Foleshill Road in Coventry shortly after 10pm yesterday evening (Thursday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service dispatched two ambulances and a paramedic area support officer to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived on scene to find two cars that had been in collision. One of the vehicles had also been in collision with a bus stop.

“All of the occupants from both vehicles were out of their cars on the crew’s arrival.

“One man, who had been travelling in the vehicle that had collided with the bus shelter was treated for an ankle injury and conveyed to University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire for further assessment and treatment.

“The remaining three occupants from the same vehicle, all men, and two occupants from the second vehicle, a man and a woman, were assessed at the scene by crews but did not require any further treatment.

“Fortunately no one was at the bus stop at the time of the incident.”

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Notes to Editors

If used pictures must be credited to West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Thursday 30^th May 2013 – 3.30pm – Suzie Fothergill.

Two men have been taken to hospital following an incident in Sutton Coldfield today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a fire in a residential property off College Road in New Oscott shortly before 11.10am this morning.

Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer and the West Midlands CARE Team were dispatched to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived on scene to find two men outside of the property.

“One of the men was treated for severe smoke inhalation. Emergency medical treatment was provided to the man and he was conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further assessment and specialist treatment. The hospital was alerted to the arrival of the man and of his serious condition.

“The second man was also treated at the scene for smoke inhalation before being conveyed to the same hospital for further treatment.”

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Wednesday 29^th May 2013 – 4.45pm – Claire Brown.

A man has suffered a serious leg injury in a two car collision in Wolverhampton this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Holyhead Road in Codsall just after 2.00pm earlier today (Wednesday). Two ambulances, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill, a paramedic area support officer and a rapid response vehicle attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Two cars had been involved in a collision and when crews arrived the driver of one car, a man believed to be in his 20s, was still in his vehicle.

“Crews assessed the man and found he had suffered a fractured leg and grazes to his shoulder in the crash. Once the man received initial treatment and had been given advanced pain relief by the critical care paramedic off the helicopter, crews worked with the fire service to carefully extricate him from the car.

“The man was immobilised with a neck collar, spinal board and leg splint before being taken by land ambulance to New Cross Hospital. The critical care paramedic travelled in the ambulance to hospital.

“The occupants of the second car, a man and a woman, were checked over by crews but suffered minor injuries and did not require hospital treatment.”

 

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Tuesday 28th May 2013 – 8.40pm – Murray MacGregor.

One man has been cut free from the wreckage of the car he was in after four vehicles were involved in a crash in the Dudley area.

The incident happened at about 7.15pm at the junction of Dalston Close and St Peters Road in Netherton

Three ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and the MERIT Trauma Doctor were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews found three cars that had been involved in a collision and a ‘scooter’ type vehicle on its side nearby.

One of the cars, a silver Toyota had suffered significant intrusion into the passenger compartment. The driver, a 47 year old man was trapped for a while, while fire and ambulance staff worked to free him. He was complaining of chest and abdominal pain. He was given pain relieve and was immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board before being taken to the Major Trauma Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

“The driver of a black car, a man in his 20s, was checked over by ambulance staff but was discharged on scene.

The driver of the third car involved, an elderly lady, was also assessed at the scene but did not need hospital treatment and was taken home by police officers.

“The final patient, a teenage lad, had suffered a shoulder injury after putting his bike down prior to an impact with the cars. He was taken to Russells Hall Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

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Tuesday 28th May 2013 – 8.40pm – Murray MacGregor.

A young woman has had to be cut free from the wreckage of her car after it left the road and went into a ditch.

The crash happened on the A426 Dunchurch to Southam road near Draycote Water Reservoir and just before the Leam Valley Golf Centre.

A number of calls were received at just after 6.00pm on Tuesday evening.

An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic officer and a car containing the doctor from the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews found a car wedged in a ditch. The only occupant, a woman of approximately 20 years was trapped and complaining of pains in her shoulder, neck and back.

“Ambulance staff worked with firefighters to free her which took around 45 minutes as the roof and side of the car had to be removed to extricate her.

“After being assessed by the doctor, the woman was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.”

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Tuesday 28^th May 2013 – 4.30pm – John Hawker.

West Midlands Ambulance Service can confirm it was called to a crash on the M6 South bound, between junction 1 and Catthorpe at around 10.50am this morning.

An ambulance, a paramedic officer, the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, a response car from WNAA and also an ambulance from East Midlands Ambulance Service attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find two HGV’s, a van and a car that are believed to have been in a serious collision.

“Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save one of the lorry drivers who had been injured in the crash, and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The second lorry driver, a man believed to be in his 50’s, received treatment at the scene but did not require further hospital treatment.

“The woman travelling in the car, believed to be in her 40’s, suffered neck injuries and received treatment at the scene.  She was immobilised using a spinal board and neck collar and transferred by land ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“The occupant of the van was uninjured in the crash.”

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We have no further details on this incident.

Tuesday 28^th May 2012 – 11.30am – Suzie Fothergill

Staffordshire Paramedic, Ray Edensor has been presented with a Queens Ambulance Service Medal at Buckingham Palace.

Ray received the honour on Tuesday 21^st May and is just one of a handful of people to have been awarded with this prestigious medal within the whole of Great Britain.

The Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal for Distinguished Service was introduced on 11^th July 2011, with the first of the awards being given in the 2012 Birthday honours list. The award ensures that the dedication of ambulance staff has the same level of Royal recognition as other members of the emergency services.

Those recommended for the Medal will have usually have completed at least 10 years good conduct and exemplary service, and will have shown distinguished or commendable service.

Ray was nominated by a number of people within the community. His citation read: ‘Known as the ‘Running Paramedic’, Raymond has helped raise in excess of £250,000 for the Dreams Come True Charity who supports terminally ill children. He has twice run from Stafford to London followed by the London Marathon dressed in full decontamination equipment which he wore for 24 hours.

‘The efforts made by Raymond and the selfless and professional way that he goes about his personal and work life were recognised when he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship by the Staffordshire Rotary Club. He has an extremely caring approach to his profession and is an excellent ambassador of West Midlands Ambulance Service.’

Ray, who has served in a number of roles within the ambulance service over the last 30 years said: “I feel very honoured to receive this award. In my service I have seen some heart-warming incidents as well as many heart-breaking tragedies.

“Members of the ambulance service are there for patients every day of the year, so I’d like to dedicate this award to all those who have been there to help those in need at the most critical moments within their lives. This award is also in honour of all those good friends that I have worked with who are no longer with us.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “I’d like to express my congratulations to Ray on this prestigious award. It is excellent that a member of our service has been credited with such a high accolade. This demonstrates the dedication and professionalism held amongst staff within our organisation, who strive to provide the highest standards of healthcare, right across the region.”

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Notes to Editors

A picture of Ray receiving his medal from the Queen can be obtained by contacting the British Ceremonial Arts via info@bcafilm.co.uk or calling 01189776800.

Pictured: Ray and his family at Buckingham Palace.

 

 

Sunday 26^th May 2013 – 8.30pm – Claire Brown.

A man has been airlifted to hospital in a serious condition following a hang glider crash in Shropshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the Midland Gliding Club on Long Mynd, Church Stretton, shortly before 6.00pm this evening (Sunday). An ambulance, a community paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The 31 year old man had reportedly been hang gliding when he crashed on landing. Crews assessed the man and found he had sustained serious neck and back injuries. He was given pain relief to help stabilise his condition before crews worked carefully to immobilise his neck and back with the use of a neck collar, spinal board and pelvic splint.

“Once stabilised and packaged, the man was then carried by the crews to the awaiting helicopter where he was then airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, a regional trauma centre, for further emergency treatment.”

 

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Sunday 26^th May 2013 – 6.30pm – Claire Brown.

Two children have been airlifted and five other patients have been injured in a two car road traffic collision on the M6 in Wolverhampton.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received several 999 calls to the southbound carriageway of the M6 by Hilton Park Services shortly after 4.20pm this afternoon (Sunday). Three ambulances, two paramedic area support officers, a senior paramedic officer, the West Midlands Central Accident Resuscitation and Emergency (CARE) Team medics, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill and Cosford, one with the MERIT trauma doctor on board, attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find two cars which had been involved in a significant collision.

“A woman and her three children were in one car. Four off duty paramedics from another ambulance service were providing emergency treatment to two of the children. Medics and ambulance crews continued treatment on scene; one child suffered a leg injury and was immobilised and stabilised and the other was described as being in a critical condition. Both were airlifted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further emergency treatment; medics travelled in the helicopter to continue vital treatment en route.

“The third child and the mother suffered relatively minor injuries and were taken by land ambulance to the same hospital.

“Two men and a woman, all believed to be in their 20s and 30s, were out of their car when crews arrived. All three were assessed by crews on scene; one man was discharged from treatment whilst the second man and the woman were taken to Walsall Manor Hospital as a precaution.”

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Notes to Editors: I am afraid I have no more details regarding this case and am unable to provide the ages or sexes of the children airlifted. Please contact Staffordshire Police with media enquiries.

Sunday 26^th May 2013 – 9.45am – Claire Brown.

Five people have escaped serious injury after a two car collision in Stoke on Trent in the early hours.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to King Street in Fenton just before 1.00am this morning (Sunday). Three ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and a BASICS doctor attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Two cars had been involved in a significant collision causing extensive damage to both cars. Four occupants were in one car, all men believed to be in their 20s and 30s.

“The driver was initially trapped in the vehicle due to the damage. Upon assessment by crews and the medic, it was found that the man had no apparent serious injuries. They worked with the fire service to release him from the vehicle and, due to the nature of the crash and the damage sustained, the man was taken to University Hospital North Staffordshire as a precaution.

“One passenger suffered a minor leg injury, the other a facial injury and the third a slight head injury. All three were treated on scene before being taken to the same hospital.

“The driver in the second car was visibly shaken and was taken to hospital as a precaution.

“Considering the damage caused in the crash, it was fortunate that no one suffered more serious injuries.”

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Saturday 25^th May 2013 – 10.00pm – Claire Brown.

A woman has been seriously injured after being involved in a collision with a car outside Sandwell Hospital in West Bromwich earlier this evening.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to All Saints Way shortly after 7.00pm (Saturday). Two ambulances were quickly on scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The first ambulance was on scene in less than a minute as it was just leaving Sandwell Hospital when the 999 call came in.

“The woman pedestrian, believed to be in her 60s, sustained a fractured hip and ankle, a suspected fractured pelvis and pain in her chest and abdomen.

“Crews administered pain relief to help stabilise her and make her more comfortable whilst they continued to assess her injuries. The woman was immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board before being taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, a specialist trauma centre, for further emergency treatment.

“No one else was injured in the crash.”

 

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Saturday 25^th May 2013 – 7.30pm – Claire Brown.

West Midlands Ambulance Service has responded to two separate cases involving cyclists in Warwickshire today.

The first incident took place at 11.30am this morning near to Binton Social Club in Binton, Stratford-upon-Avon. A responder paramedic and the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance with a medic on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The woman, believed to be 40 years old, had reportedly fallen off her push bike and was initially knocked unconscious. An off duty nurse was giving first aid to the woman when crews arrived. Upon assessment, crews and the medic suspected she had suffered a head injury and worked to stabilise her condition before she was airlifted to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further treatment.”

The next 999 call was to reports of a woman who had come off her mountain bike at 4.50pm this afternoon in Brailes, Banbury. An ambulance, a responder paramedic and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance was sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a 37 year old woman who had fallen off her bike and onto the road, suffering head and facial injuries. The woman, once given treatment and stabilised, was airlifted to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further treatment.”

 

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Saturday 25^th May 2013 – 7.30pm – Claire Brown.

A man has been taken to hospital following a collision involving a car and a motorcycle in Oswestry this morning.

The incident happened on the A5 near Aston at 11.00am (Saturday). An ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a motorcyclist and a car which had been involved in a collision. The motorcyclist, a man believed to be in his 40s, sustained fractured wrists and a suspected head injury in the crash.

“Crews and the doctor administered pain relief to the man to stabilise his condition and immobilised him on scene before he was airlifted to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“No one else was injured in the crash.”

 

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Friday 24^th May 2013 – 9.15pm – Claire Brown.

A man has been airlifted to hospital after being injured in a collision involving an articulated lorry and a transit van on the M42 near the Birmingham and North Warwickshire area.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the southbound carriageway of the M42 between junctions 9 and 8 at 7.20pm this evening (Friday). An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a van and a lorry which had been in a significant collision. The van sustained serious front end damage. The driver of the van, a man in his 40s, was mechanically trapped in the vehicle due to the damage. Ambulance crews and the doctor assessed him to find he had suffered suspected pelvic, lower limb and abdominal injuries.

“He was given advanced pain relief by the doctor before ambulance crews, the doctor and the fire service worked as a team to carefully extricate the man from the wreckage. The man was fully immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board before being airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, a specialist trauma centre. The doctor travelled in the helicopter to continue treatment and assessment en route.

“The driver of the lorry was assessed by ambulance crews but was uninjured.”

 

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Friday 24^th May 2013 – 5.00pm – Claire Brown.

As well as cash, mortgages and insurance, a bank in Wolverhampton is now offering locals life-saving treatment.

Lloyds TSB on Station Road in Codsall is now home to a community public access defibrillator (PAD); a device used to restart someone’s heart when they’ve suffered a cardiac arrest. The defibrillator, located in a yellow box on the wall of the bank, is secure but publicly accessible in the event of an emergency.

West Midlands Ambulance Service and South Staffordshire First Responders officially handed over the defibrillator earlier today (Friday 24^th May).

Cliff Connigale, Bank Manager at Lloyds TSB in Codsall, said: “It’s all about the local community. When Emma (Wilkins) told me about how vital defibrillators are it was something we were keen to help with.

“We have over 1,000 customers passing through our doors every week and when you think about the number of people using our neighbouring businesses, it makes Codsall a very busy place. We hope the defibrillator never gets used but, if it saves just one life, it’s worth its weight in gold.”

Emma Wilkins, the Trust’s Black Country Community Response Manager, said: “Thank you to Lloyds for giving a defib a home and thank you to the other businesses in Codsall for supporting the scheme. It’s an ideal place for this device because it’s in the heart of this busy and bustling little village so everyone knows where it is. It’s important that the ambulance services supports communities like this so that locals know what to do in an emergency to help one another.  

“If someone suffers a cardiac arrest in the village locals should call 999 and head to Lloyds for a defibrillator. This will undoubtedly give a patient the best chance of surviving whilst an ambulance is on route.”

Andy Caddick, Chairman of South Staffordshire First Responders, said: “Minutes mean everything to a patient in cardiac arrest so the sooner CPR and a defibrillator can be used, the better. Codsall are really fortunate to have this life saving box on their doorstep which will help locals to start vital treatment on a patient before a CFR or ambulance arrives.”

To find out more about the yellow box on the wall at Lloyds TSB, come along to Parish Rooms on Church Road in the village between 9.00am and 12.30am on Saturday the 15^th June.  South Staffordshire First Responders and Emma Wilkins will be running an informal drop-in session to give locals the opportunity to get hands-on with the defibrillator and learn how to save a life.

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Notes to Editor:

 Pictured (photograph one) left to right: Steve Bennett (local butcher), Franchesca Jones (coffee shop and deli owner), Louise Davies and Andy Caddick (CFRs), Cliff Connigale (Bank Manager) and Emma Wilkins (Black Country Community Response Manager).  

Thursday 23^rd May 2013 – 7.30pm – Claire Brown.

A man has been taken to hospital in a critical condition following a crash in Herefordshire this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A4103 in Ridgeway Cross, near Cradley at around 4.30pm today (Thursday). Two ambulances, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham airbase, a senior paramedic officer, a responder paramedic and a paramedic area support officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find two cars which had been involved in a collision. The driver of one car, a man, was in cardiac arrest and being given CPR by bystanders.

“Crews immediately took over resuscitation attempts, administering advanced life support on scene before the man was conveyed to Hereford Hospital; resuscitation efforts continued en route.

“Hospital medics were pre alerted to the arrival of the man who, at the time, was in a critical condition.

“The driver of the second car, a woman believed to be in her 40s, suffered chest pain. She was treated on scene before being taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.”

 

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Notes to Editors: I am afraid I am unable to provide a condition check on the man.

Thursday 23^rd May 2013 – 7.00pm – Claire Brown.

A man and a woman have died in a road traffic collision in Oldbury this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received a 999 call to reports of a collision involving two cars on the A4123 Wolverhampton Road at the junction of Brandhall Road shortly after 1.20pm earlier today (Thursday). Four ambulances, a paramedic officer, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham and the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When crews arrived they found two cars which had been involved in a significant collision. A man and a woman were in one car and were both in cardiac arrest.

“Sadly, it quickly became apparent to crews that nothing could be done to save the woman and she was confirmed dead at the scene.

“Crews pulled the man from the wreckage and administered advanced life support at the roadside. Sadly, despite their best efforts, he was also confirmed dead a short time later.

“The driver of the second car, a man believed to be in his 30s, sustained a leg injury and was treated on scene before being taken to City Hospital by land ambulance. The passenger from the same car, a 26 year old man, sustained a pelvic injury, chest pain and a laceration to his head in the crash. He was given pain relief by crews and assessed before being extricated from the car with help from the fire service. He was immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board before being taken by land ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further treatment.”

 

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Thursday 23rd May 2013 – 5.10pm – Murray MacGregor.

“Enjoy yourself but don’t become an accident statistic.” That is the simple plea from the bosses at West Midlands Ambulance Service who are preparing the Trust for what is traditionally a very busy Bank Holiday weekend.

With the weather looking like it might play ball and stay dry and not too cold, literally thousands of people are likely to be out and about over the three day break.

Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, Daren Fradgley, said: “This Bank Holiday is traditionally the time when people start their summer activities and get out and about.

“Unfortunately, some of those activities do lead to us receiving 999 calls. This time last year, we dealt with people getting into difficulties in quarries, rivers and on the hills; other people who were injured by lawnmowers; cyclists who suffered head injuries while riding without a helmet; injuries for people camping; cuts, bumps, bruises and worse from DIY disasters and of course a range of crashes on the regions roads.

“By all means, go out and enjoy the fabulous area that we live in, but please take necessary precautions that will keep yourself safe;

Camping
Never use fuel-burning devices (e.g. disposable barbecues, camping stoves, camping heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills) inside a tent. You could put yourself at risk of suffering carbon monoxide poisoning or a fire.

Walking and Climbing
Make sure you take the appropriate gear including waterproofs, suitable footwear and warm clothing. Make sure you leave a note of where you are going and take a mobile phone and maps with you.

Cycle Safety
Whilst it is up to the individual, our recommendation is that you should always wear a cycle helmet and preferably have bright and / or reflective clothing on. Never wear headphones while on your bike; be aware of and show courtesy to other road users.

Rivers, Lakes and Canals
Use appropriate safety equipment such as life jackets, don’t dive into water as you are unlikely to know how deep it is and be aware that at this time of year you could get cold very quickly.

Gardening
Do not put your fingers in places where the blades of the likes of lawn mowers are. Ensure you do not mow over the electricity cable and ensure there is a circuit breaker on all electrical equipment. Do not try and lift things that are too heavy.

DIY Safety
Store tools out of the way of children and pets. Always use the correct tools for the job. Ladders are one of the main causes of DIY accidents. Wear protective clothing including safety goggles, gloves and dust mask when working with potentially hazardous materials. When fixing or checking electrical appliances or connections, always switch off the power and remove the fuse or circuit breakers. If in doubt, always consult a professional.

Driving
Allow plenty of time to make your journey and be aware of when the busy periods are likely to be. Don’t drive while you are tired and always use a child safety seat for youngsters. If you are on a motorcycle, please wear leathers and a helmet.

Mr Fradgley continued: “All of the above advice is basically common sense yet every year we have to deal with people injured in each of these types of incident.

“If you do injury yourself and require help from the NHS, we would ask that you ‘Choose Well’ and make sure you access the most appropriate part of the health service.

* Keep common remedies and pain relief at home
* You can get help and advice from NHS Direct (0845 46 47) or NHS 111 over the phone
* There is a wealth of information on line at http://www.nhs.uk
* You can ask a pharmacist for advice about over the counter medicines
* Make sure you have sufficient supplies of your regular prescriptions
* If it is less serious, why not make use of a minor injuries unit or walk in centre
* Only attend A&E or dial 999 if it is a life threatening emergency

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