Ambulance UK August 2014 - Volume 29 No.4 by Matthew Eamer

Volume 29 No. 4

August 2014

DEDICATED TO THE AMBULANCE SERVICE AND ITS SUPPLIERS

In this issue Reducing Risk/Improving Safety Responding to Child Abuse Paramedics In Peril

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Think

outside a box with

CONTENTS

CONTENTS 177

EDITOR’S COMMENT

178

FEATURES

178

Reducing Risk/Improving Safety

180

The paramedic duty in recognising child abuse

Ambulance UK This issue edited by: Barry Johns c/o Media Publishing Company 48 High Street SWANLEY BR8 8BQ ADVERTISING & CIRCULATION: Media Publishing Company Media House, 48 High Street

184

The importance of cooling a burn

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186

Alternative paramedic roles

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190

Paramedics in peril

194

NEWSLINE

224

IN PERSON

232

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

EDITOR’S COMMENT Welcome to the August edition of Ambulance UK, and already we are 8 months into 2014, a year which is witnessing the continuation of significant pressures on all ambulance services, with no sign of any ‘let up’ in the continuing escalation of demand levels as we approach further increases associated with the normal ‘winter pressures’ period. Additionally, we are also only 10 months away from a general election, where once again, the NHS and the ambulance services will be the subject of ‘political debate’, and no doubt the endless discussion on the need for potential future policy change. Despite best endeavours, I would venture to suggest that no real ‘in roads’ into addressing the core issues of demand v resources v finance have been made, as evidenced by the general under-performance on the key response targets and the financial challenges facing many services.

“Within this edition, we still read with, considerable pride, the various developments and remarkable achievements being made by staff throughout all the services, which naturally and quite rightly should be celebrated”

I have often referenced the need to undertake a paradigm shift in operational policy for services, and unless the ambulance service ceases to be the ‘default setting’ for both the general public and the rest of the NHS, then the direction of travel will unfortunately be one of continuing pressure and decline. Perhaps, it is time for the service, in whatever organisational model is appropriate, to only focus on those emergency calls classified as Red 1 and Red 2, as well as critical care transfers, and allow a variety of other ‘approved agencies’ to undertake and assume responsibility for all other calls. Ambulance Trusts could also become a ‘Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO)’ responsible for monitoring the performance of the other agencies and providing the quality and compliance assurance role for the NHS. Another developing aspect of the service, is the delivery of the medical response to serious trauma, and the increasing movement towards the provision of a ‘doctor + critical care paramedic’ helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) response, in which the emergency treatments of the emergency department, theatre and the intensive care unit are being delivered directly to the patient at the point of incident – perhaps this raises more sharply the question of considering a different model of provision, whereby the HEMS service becomes a more integral part of the dedicated trauma unit, managed and directed by the Acute hospital Trust. Such considerations are necessary in order to obtain serious engagement, preferably of a cross party nature, that will set out a ‘road map for change’, otherwise the current position will result in a ‘more of the same’ mentality, and the service will continue to operate within its repetitive annual cycle of operational and financial pressures. Within this edition, we still read with, considerable pride, the various developments and remarkable achievements being made by staff throughout all the services, which naturally and quite rightly should be celebrated, but should be done so in a manner that doesn’t lose sight of the wider and deeper organisational, cultural and financial challenges that continue to be applied. This need for change is also perhaps evidenced by the fact that Sir Stuart Rose, former boss of Marks & Spencer, has been asked by the Secretary of State for Health Jeremy Hunt, to review the failings of the NHS and report on ways to improve the service.

Barry Johns, Co-Editor Ambulance UK AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

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FEATURE

REDUCING RISK/IMPROVING SAFETY: SAFE MANAGEMENT PLANS Dr Paul Silverston

Introduction In the first two parts of this series, the author emphasised the need to place the consultation within the context of the illness, along with the principles and practices involved in performing a safe clinical assessment. The final article discusses methods of reducing risk and improving safety through the use of safe clinical decision-making and management planning.

Safe Decision-Making Clinical assessment is the diagnostic tool that connects the symptom that the patient presents with to the diagnosis and management plan that the patient leaves with. Once the clinical assessment phase of the consultation has been completed, the next step is to decide upon a management plan for the patient and their symptoms. The clinical decision-making process needs to balance the needs and concerns of the individual patient with the standardised approach to patient care that is often recommended in patient management guidelines. There are a number of factors that may influence this decision, such as whether or not it is possible to make a firm diagnosis so that one can follow a diseasespecific management plan. Other considerations that may influence this decision are the existence of co-morbidities, the age of the patient and psycho-social and medico-legal concerns. There are symptom-specific and disease-specific management plans that can be implemented, following standard management protocols and most of these have built-in safety features, so that alternative management pathways can be implemented if the primary management plan is unsuccessful. The decision to initiate and implement these management protocols is guided by the symptoms that the patient has presented with, or the diagnosis that has been reached during the clinical assessment.

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One of the most difficult clinical situations to manage safely involves decision-making in a situation where diagnostic uncertainty exists. Diagnostic uncertainty usually arises because the symptoms that the patient is presenting with are common to several different diseases, such as a fever, or a headache. In some cases, diagnostic uncertainty will be the result of the patient presenting so early in the course of the illness that a diagnosis cannot be made, as the specific diagnostic criteria required to formulate a diagnosis have not yet developed. In other cases, a diagnosis may be possible following a more complex clinical assessment by medical specialists with diagnostic skills and equipment not available in primary or pre-hospital care. In such situations, ambulance staff (and GP’s) are often required to make what is known as a “judgement call”, so it is important that this is based upon sound principles and practices, rather than idiosyncratic decision-making, wherever possible. In the modern NHS, ambulance staff require specific training not just in how to assess and manage patients with specific diseases but also in what the criteria are for admission to hospital; the referral pathways to use; and the admission avoidance strategies and systems that are available in primary care. The lack of such a joined-up approach is what

often leads to patients being taken to hospital who could have been cared for at home and other patients being left at home who are subsequently admitted to hospital. For example, there needs to be a more joinedup approach to the assessment and management of patients with exacerbations of chronic illnesses, such as COPD, as many areas now have Acute Respiratory Teams who can be mobilised to care for patients at home. Ambulance staff also need to be aware of new guidelines that involve clinical decision-making, such as the NICE guidelines for the assessment and management of the feverish child, or the assessment and management of patients with newly-diagnosed atrial fibrillation.

Managing Diagnostic Uncertainty Safely It should be recognised that illness is a dynamic process and that at the point that the patient is seen and assessed all illnesses will, have a past, a present and a future. When patients present with established disease, there is sufficient past to be able to elicit positive findings in the symptom history and to discriminate between “Red Line” and “Blue Line” illnesses. Similarly, at the point that the patient is seen, the present, the clinical findings will be positive and will be discriminatory between these illnesses. As such, the future course of the illness is likely to be predictable, with or without treatment. On the other hand, when a patient presents early in their illness, the discriminators in the symptom history and clinical examination may not have evolved, leaving diagnostic uncertainty and an unpredictable future, which needs to be managed safely. Safe management plans take advantage of the relationship between illness and time by arranging for the patient to be seen again after sufficient time has passed for the illness to have progressed to the point where we can discriminate between a “Red Line” and a “Blue Line” illness either through a change in the symptom history, or through the presence of positive findings in the clinical examination, tests and investigations. This can take the form of advice for the patient to return for a re-assessment after a specific period of time, depending upon the suspected “Red Line” illness. A short period of time is chosen for a “Red Line” illness that is expected to progress rapidly, or a “Blue Line” illness that is expected to resolve within that time frame. A longer period of time may be required to distinguish between slowly progressive, or resolving illnesses. Another option is to arrange for the patient to be admitted to the Emergency Department, for further re-assessments to be made over a period of time. This option is appropriate when rapidly progressive “Red Line” illnesses are suspected, or when a medical re-assessment is required. The patient can then be observed until sufficient time has passed to be confident that the patient is not going to develop a “Red Line” illness. The third option is to safety-net the patient, such that the patient is told to seek a further medical re-assessment if either the symptoms worsen, or if the symptoms do not lessen after a period of time. Safety-netting is used, for example, when patients sustain what initially appears to be a minor head injury. The patient is assessed for the presence of the symptoms and signs of a “Big Sick” injury and once this is excluded advice is given as to what to look for should a “Red Line” head injury begin to develop.

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FEATURE Safety-Netting Safety-netting is a skill in itself and should be approached as such, particularly in cases where a patient is not being transported to hospital immediately. The components of safety-netting are as follows: Firstly, a formal assessment of the patient’s, or relative’s, ability to understand the information that is being imparted to them must be conducted, incorporating the standard competency and comprehension guidelines for imparting medical advice. An assessment of their intellectual, emotional and practical ability to follow the instructions that are being given must always be performed. It should always be borne in mind that the patient, or their relative, is being asked to perform a clinical assessment, which they may not be competent or capable of performing. Safety-netting is a very complex process and is fraught with danger, so it must be performed well, if tragedies are to be avoided. Nothing must be assumed, such as the patient having access to a thermometer, or a phone to call for help. It is helpful to have a checklist of the components required for safety-netting and to record that these have been assessed, with one copy being given to the patient and another to be held as a record of this. At a time when there are political pressures within the NHS to reduce the workload within A&E Departments, thought needs to be given as to how to develop safe management plans that incorporate specific medical advice on how to safety-net effectively. This is what “Protective Medicine” is all about. Ambulance personnel need training and written guidelines relating to the criteria required for making a clinical decision not to take a patient to hospital, along with symptom-based, patient safety focused, patient advice sheets for common medical conditions. In the past, ambulance crews were required to arrange for patients to sign a simple statement whenever a patient was not conveyed to hospital. This needs to be replaced with a brief checklist that adheres to the principles of safety-netting and the patient, or relative, should counter-sign that this information has been imparted by the ambulance crew and understood by the patient, or relative. The “3 C’s” checklist can be helpful for this.

Safe Treatment Plans In drug prescribing and administration, the concept of “First, do no harm” involves adopting a patient safety-focused approach to this through first

For Advanced Paramedics who are treating patients with drugs such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, a careful assessment of the potential for these drugs to do harm is required, not just in terms of immediate anaphylaxis and allergy but also how these drugs will impact on other co-morbidities that the patient might have and with other medications that the patient may be taking. Recent warnings on the hazards associated with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and the drug interactions associated with use of macrolide antibiotics should serve as a warning to all who prescribe them. Paramedics should have access to the latest guidelines and warnings that relate to the drugs that they are carrying, such as the NICE guidelines on antibiotic prescribing and publications such as the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, so that they can make informed decisions with regard to the prescribing of drugs.

In Summary Throughout this series of articles, the author has stressed the need to take a symptom-based, patient safety-focused approach to the consultation, both during the assessment phase and also during the patient management phase. This is underpinned by the fundamental principle that there is a relationship between illness and consulting. Pre-hospital care is a dangerous environment in which to practice medicine, given its highvolume, time-constrained, consultations, often performed when the patient is in the early phase of an illness. The diagnostic uncertainty that exists in such situations must be managed with patient safety uppermost in our minds, if tragedies are to be avoided. A symptom-based, patient safetyfocused approach to information-gathering and processing is required and safe management plans must be implemented, particularly where there is diagnostic uncertainty. Hopefully, this series of articles will stimulate discussion and debate surrounding the way in which risk is managed and safety improved for ambulance personnel and their patients.

Supplementary Material The 3 C’s checklist for safety-netting: Capability: Assess the person’s mental capacity and mental competence to follow the safety-netting instructions that you are providing. Compliance: Assess the person’s ability to comply with instructions, in terms of the equipment that they have available; their knowledge base and any psycho-social or logistical factors that may influence their ability to comply with your instructions. Comprehension: Assess the person’s comprehension of the information that you have imparted, both in terms of the clinical re-assessment that you are asking them to perform; the decisions that you are asking them to make; and the actions that you are asking them to take in response to their findings. Dr Paul Silverston, Director of Primary Care Education and Hon.Visiting Senior Lecturer, The Postgraduate Medical Institute and Senior Lecturer in Clinical Assessment Teaching, Dept of Primary Care and Public Health, Anglia Ruskin University. Visiting Senior Fellow in Medical Education, University Campus Suffolk.

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

We must also do our very best to ensure that patients who are safetynetted understand that they need to seek medical help at point B in the Model of Illness and not at point C, when it may be too late to avert a tragedy. Whilst this may sound straightforward, it is not always the case. For example, you are called to see a 4yo child who has had a fever for a few hours. Your clinical assessment reveals that the child is well, other than for a slight fever and there is nothing in the history, or the clinical examination, to enable you to locate the source of the infection. In safety-netting this child, the symptoms and signs at point B in the Model of Illness that you are asking the relatives to watch for will depend upon which “Red Line” illness you are suspecting. However, these will differ depending upon whether the child is being safety-netted for influenza, meningococcal disease, croup, a quinsy, or urosepsis, to name but a few causes. In other words, safety-netting must include information on the symptoms and signs related to specific diseases but also changes to or the development of new, non disease-specific symptoms and it should address the intuitive concerns of both patients and relatives. In this case, there are NICE Guidelines on the management of feverish illness in children, against which the performance of a health care professional will be measured, so it is important that these guidelines are made available to ambulance personnel. Similarly, most Emergency Departments have Patient Advice Leaflets on the management of feverish children, which could also be used by ambulance crews.

making an assessment that the drug is indicated for the condition that is being treated and also that there are no medical contraindications to its use. A risk/benefit analysis must be performed whenever a drug is given, which may be straightforward when one is treating a life-threatening condition and there is only one drug available to treat the condition but which becomes more difficult when less serious conditions are being treated and also when there is a choice of different drugs. A checklist prior to drug administration should also include considerations such as selecting the appropriate drug dosage and route of delivery.

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FEATURE

THE PARAMEDIC DUTY IN RECOGNISING AND RESPONDING TO CHILD ABUSE IN THE PRE-HOSPITAL SETTING Presented by Mr Andrew Ormerod Paramedic North West Ambulance Service Social Care referrals regarding child abuse, are rising (Munro, 2010) suggesting the reality of childhood for many children is far from pleasant. For some children in the UK it appears their future depends on shaky foundations, where child abuse and neglect are common experiences

‘classist’ (Jones & Gupta, 1998). Turney & Tanner (2001) suggest that some professionals may become ‘desensitised’ to the effects of neglect contributing to defensive practice, with professional responses becoming routine; factors leading to an inability to act. With particular reference to Paramedic practice, Sibson (2009a) discusses features and signs to prompt Paramedics in considering neglectful parenting, this includes: severe and persistent infections; non administration of prescribed medication; parental failure in accessing

In attempts to define this experience The World Health Organisation (WHO, 1999) describe terminology of ‘Child mistreatment’ as; ‘All forms of physical and emotional ill treatment, sexual abuse, neglect and exploitation which results in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, development or dignity’.

health care; poor child presentation; failure to thrive and lack of supervision. Furthermore, Sibson (2009a) suggests that abuse should be suspected in all cases whereby medical attention is not sought; the child is persistently dirty and smelly and there are observations of poor hygiene, inadequate provision of food, and an unsafe living environment. As previously mentioned neglect is often a complex form of abuse occurring over time, it is therefore necessary that the

Despite being the most prevalent form of child abuse, neglect rarely captures headlines, with media attention restricted to extreme cases (Dubowitz, 2007) and those of severe physical (e.g. Baby Peter) and sexual abuse. The lesser reported issue of neglect is generally accepted to have more far-reaching consequences on the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of children than that of physical abuse (Berry et al., 2003; Tanner & Turney, 2003; Crittenden 1999), with resultant harm extending into adulthood (Sheehan, 2006). Neglect affects children of all ages (DfES, 2006), permeating every aspect of their existence (Bovarnick, 2007), yet it is the ‘most understudied and ... least understood type of child maltreatment’ (McSherry, 2007, p.607), a phenomenon often referred to as ‘neglect of neglect’ and a problem that professionals struggle to deal with effectively within the child safeguarding guidance. (Stone 1998; Daniel 2006; Turney & Tanner, 2001).

Paramedic uses their professional judgment in whether the situation is chronic, aided by a thorough account of history taking. Paramedics are often in the privileged position of witnessing and noting, first hand, the home conditions from which a child lives, this environment may have changed by the time other professionals, such as Social Workers, visit. Paramedics often have the opportunity to observe the home in an unprepared state. Greaves, Hodgetts and Porter (1997) comment that the initial story given to Paramedics offers an opportunity to appraise inconsistencies, whereas ‘stories’ may be better ‘thought out’, given the time taken to transport the patient to hospital. In the detection of abuse, namely neglect, Sibson (2009b) recommends

For the frontline Paramedic, establishing that neglect is present can

that the Paramedic considers four tools to assist, these being, ‘listen

prove problematic, for example, a Paramedic working as part of a crew

and observe’, ‘seek an explanation’, ‘record’ and ‘consider, suspect or

may have a different perspective on the presenting situation to their

exclude abuse’ as described by the National Institute for Health and

colleague, a differing opinion to their patient and a conflicting view to

Clinical Excellence (NICE) (2009).

other professions. Listening and observing involves listening to the parents or carer and AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

Paramedics generally concur that a lack of food, clothing, shelter,

consideration of whether the history matches injury. ‘What to do if

affection, and attention or supervision is generally considered

You’re Worried a Child is Being Abused’ (DoH, 2003, 10.8) suggests

inadequate care, however, establishing minimal thresholds in practice

communication between professional and child should take place and

is extremely difficult (McSherry 2007; Turney, 2000), it may therefore be

be appropriate to their age, understanding and preference. It could

necessary for the Paramedic to make a professional judgment about

be argued that it is crucial that the Paramedic speaks with the child,

what is ‘good enough’ parenting.

whilst observing the child’s general appearance and behaviour may indicate possible neglect. In seeking an explanation the Paramedic

Judgments about ‘good enough’ parenting can create dilemmas for

should access the ‘Redbook’ or any other health related records held

those working in the child protection arena. That is Paramedics, may be

by the family, whilst appraising the history, presentation and possibility

reluctant to pass judgments on vulnerable and disadvantaged parents

that illness or injury has been perpetrated. It is then vital that all

(Rose & Selwyn, 2004; Stevenson, 1998) and may fear being labelled

observations, examinations, actions and outcomes undertaken are

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FEATURE thoroughly recorded, as they may be called upon as clinical evidence in

High profile cases of child abuse tragedies, such as those of Victoria

safeguarding proceedings.

Climbié and Peter Connelly have instigated changes in legislation and national/localised policy, which has ultimately changed the way

Moulton and Yates (1999, p.277) offer the Paramedic a list of possible

in which professionals work in cases of child abuse and have placed

indictors that neglect is occurring and state that the Paramedic should

safeguarding children under increased scrutiny. Lord Laming (2003)

actively look out for; shortness in stature and underweight for age; cold

made a number of recommendations following the inquiry into Victoria

mottled and discoloured extremities; poor skin condition (especially in

Climbié’s death; some specifically targeted at health care professionals.

the nappy area); dry sparse hair; diarrhoea; vicarious appetite; flat affect and unresponsiveness and lack of energy and failure to play. However,

Recommendation 64, states that, ‘When a child is admitted to hospital

some of the indictors described could also indicate genuine illness. It

and deliberate harm is suspected, the nursing care plan must take

is therefore the task of the Paramedic to distinguish between genuine

full account of this diagnosis’ (Laming, 2003, p.378). Translating this

illness and possible neglect.

recommendation to reflect the responsibility of Paramedics perhaps highlights the need for thorough recording and documentation, pre-

Further discussion of neglect, examples and indictors, have been offered by Blaber (2008) who describes the child’s ‘needs not being met’ (p. 144), through: neglect of physical care such as warmth, nourishment and safety; hygiene poor and an unkempt presentation; rashes on body or nappy area; insect bite marks; scabies; a failure to encourage development; impairment of intellect; poor attachment (unfeeling, ignoring); an unhappy child (miserable continually crying, hiding in corners); and finally, unusual behaviours i.e. head banging or rocking.

hospital, whereby a full account can be included in the child’s care plan. Following transportation of the child to hospital, the importance of a clear, accurate and detailed ‘handover’ is stressed between the Paramedic and the receiving practitioner, such as a Nurse (Sibson, 2009b). Recommendation 68 (Laming, 2003 p.379), discusses the importance of raising concerns with the medical team so that comprehensive and contemporaneous notes can be made of such concerns, this may be done by alerting the Nurse or Sister of the

The Paramedic should also consider wider factors and employ a holistic approach to assessment. Consistent with research, it has become apparent that there are several circumstances in which neglect is more likely to occur, including; extreme poverty; young or/and lone mothers; mental health issues; learning difficulties; social isolation, attachment relationships; domestic violence and substance misuse (Stone 1998; Lewin & Herron, 2007). Some groups like children born prematurely, of low birth weight, those ‘in care’ or with disabilities and black and ethnic minorities seem particularly vulnerable to neglect. Nevertheless, it is important to note, that families sharing similar disadvantages, do not neglect their children and there is currently no way to identify the child who will come to be neglected from the child in virtually identical circumstances who will not (Lewin & Herron, 2007), thus making neglect difficult to evaluate. Indeed, professionals have often been criticised for imposing middle-class standards of ‘good enough’ parenting (Brandon et al., 2008; Stowman & Donohue, 2005). In assessing possible cases of neglect, Social Workers in a ‘Section 47 Enquiry’, Children Act 1989, categorise the outcome of the enquiry as: Concerns are not substantiated; Concerns are substantiated, but there is no continuing risk of significant harm, or Concerns are substantiated, and there is a continuing risk of significant harm. Similarly for the Paramedic,

Emergency department to child safeguarding concerns, however this is an informal handover of information and does not require the completion or handover of safeguarding written material. The Department of Health (2002) suggest there are four main processes of safeguarding children, these being, assessment, planning, intervention and reviewing. In summarising the role of the Paramedic in safeguarding children, perhaps ‘observe’, ‘record’ and ‘report’ best describe activities and role, however it appears more complicated than transference of information. Neglect is a serious and seemingly growing problem that can have catastrophic consequences on children and families. It is diverse and complex, making it difficult to define. Definitions regarding abuse and neglect can be politically, culturally, historically and socially constructed. Professionals hold different views about what constitutes neglect, often depending on their discipline, be this medical, social, legal or educational. This can create tension in practice, although, collaborative working and information sharing may help overcome many problems. Collaborative working is enshrined within the Every Child Matters agenda and the 2004 Children’s Act, together with the 2007 Children’s Plan (Leonard 2009). Yet, concepts of ‘reasonable’ or ‘good enough’

of abuse, these being: child abuse is considered a factor, child abuse is

parenting are difficult to define, often leading to conflicting professional

suspected and child abuse is excluded, the first two of which requiring

viewpoints (Rose and Selwyn, 2004). Such discrepancies can strain

an immediate safeguarding response.

professional relationships (Rose and Selwyn, 2004), albeit highlighting the importance of collaborative practice, as required by Working

Working Together to Safeguard Children (DfES, 2006a) places a

Together to Safeguard Children (DfES, 2006a).

responsibility upon all professionals working in situations whereby a child may be subject to significant harm to act in order to ‘safeguard

In practice, neglect exists on a continuum, with care ranging

and promote their welfare, and where necessary, to help bring to justice

from excellent (needs fully met) to grossly inadequate (needs

the perpetrators of crimes against children’ (p.32: 1.14). To this end,

completely unmet). Exactly when care becomes inadequate is

the policy places a responsibility on those registered professionals,

difficult to pinpoint, not least because assessing neglect demands

including Paramedics, to adhere and promote the welfare of arguably,

consideration of many variables, including the child’s age,

the most vulnerable demographic in society.

development, physical and mental health.

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there are three possible decisions and outcomes to potential situations

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FEATURE Krane and Davies (2000) point out, that Social Workers and debatably

References

Paramedics, must be prepared to make judgments and to intervene where necessary, and that to do so requires them to draw on a wealth of evidence-based knowledge to inform practice. There is a wealth of knowledge regarding the recognition of neglect (i.e. Sibson 2009a & Bovarnick, 2007), however, it appears that Paramedics are unsure of, and absent from collaborative Safeguarding processes. Arguably, all Paramedics should have an understanding of the Framework for Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (2000) and the CAF Process (2009) to assist in the assessment of children. Similarly higher management discussions should take place regarding the Ambulance Services role and contribution to Child Protection processes and plans. Paramedics as professionals, registered by a governing body, should be accountable and responsible for Safeguarding children, to this end; it is imperative that education and training considers the recognition and response to childhood abuse. Similarly education and training should consider collaborative working in cases of abuse, whereby the Paramedic is not just an absent, invisible source of information, but an active participant in Child Protection planning and intervention. McCallin (2005) suggests safeguarding teams need to learn skills together, assumptions regarding roles; language and values need to be explored, therefore multidisciplinary training such as that offered by Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards (LSCB) may be beneficial to Paramedics. A Paramedic may be the first professional to observe a child in their home environment and witness to the failure to meet the child’s physical and/or psychological needs. Arguably, the most crucial response to witnessing an abusive situation is to ‘do something’, however, it is this ‘doing something’, that requires greater explanation, through policy, training and research to assist the Paramedic in safeguarding children. Paramedic’s require understanding of National and Local policy and legislation surrounding safeguarding children in order to fulfill their professional responsibility.

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Paramedics generally concur that a lack of food, clothing, shelter, affection, and attention or supervision is generally considered inadequate care, however, establishing minimal thresholds in practice is extremely difficult (McSherry 2007; Turney, 2000), it may therefore be necessary for the Paramedic to make a professional judgment about what is ‘good enough’ parenting.

Berry, M., Charlson, R. & Dawson, K. (2003).Promising practices in understanding and treating child neglect. Child and Family Social Work, 8, 13–24. Blaber, A. (2008). Foundations for Paramedic Practice: A theoretical Perspective. Berkshire: Open University Press. Bovarnick, S. (2007) NSPCC Child Protection Research Briefing: Child Neglect, London: NSPCC. Brandon, M., Belderson, P., Warren, C., Garner, R., Howe, D., Dodsworth, J. & Balck, J. (2008). The Preoccupation with Thresholds in Cases of Child Death or Serious Injury through Abuse and Neglect. Child Abuse Review, 17, 313-330. Children Act (1989). London: HMSO. Children Act (2004). London: HMSO. Children’s Workforce Development Council (2009). Early identification, assessment of needs and intervention, The Common Assessment Framework for children and young people: a guide for practitioners. Children’s Workforce Development Council. Crittenden, P. (1999). Child Neglect; Cause and Contribution. In: Dubowitz, H. (ed) Neglected Children: Research, Practice and Policy, Thousand Oaks: Sage. Daniel, B. (2006). Operationalizing the concept of resilience in child neglect: case study research. Child: Care, Health and Development, 32, 303-309. Department for Education and Skills (DfES). (2004). Every Child Matters: Change for Children in Social Care. London: TSO. Department for Education and Skills (DfES). (2006). Working Together to Safeguard Children: A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. London: TSO. Department of Health (2000). Framework for the assessment of children in need and their families. London: TSO. Department of Health (2002). Working with Children in Need and their Families: Draft Consultation Document. London: The Department of Health. Department of Health (2003). What To Do If You’re Worried A Child Is Being Abused. London: Department of Health Publications. Dubowitz, H. (2007). Understanding and addressing the “neglect of neglect:”Digging into the molehill. Child Abuse & Neglect, 31, 603-606. Education Act. (2002). London: HMSO. Greaves, I., Hodgetts, T., Porter, K. (1997). Emergency Care: textbook for Paramedics. London: Elsevier. Krane, J. & Davies, L. (2000). Mothering and child protection practice: Rethinking risk assessment. Child and Family Social Work, 5, 35-45. Jones, J. & Gupta, A. (1998). The Context of Decision-Making in Cases of Child Neglect. Child Abuse Review, 7, 97-110. Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liason Committee (2006). Clinic Practice Guidelines. Assalt/Abuse- Safeguarding Children. October 2006. The Lord Laming (2003). The Victoria Climbié Enquiry. Norwich: HMSO

182 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

FEATURE

The Lord Laming (2009). The Protection of Children in England: A Progress Report, London: TSO.

Sibson, L. (2009a). Safeguarding Children: role of Health Professionals. Journal of Paramedic Practice, 1 (12), 493-500.

Lewin, D. & Herron, H. (2007) ‘Signs, Symptoms and Risk Factors: Health Visitors’ Perspectives of Child Neglect’, Child Abuse Review, 16 (2): p.p. 93-107.

Sibson, L. (2009b). Safeguarding Children Part 2: Reporting and Acting on Abuse. Journal of Paramedic Practice, 1 (13), 539-544.

Leonard, M. (2009). Children’s agency in politically divided societies: The case of Northern Ireland. In: D.A. Kinney & L.E. Bass (ed.) ‘Structural, Historical, and Comparative Perspectives’ Sociological Studies of Children and Youth, 12, 115-138.

Stone, B. (1998). Child Neglect: Practitioners’ Perspectives. Child Abuse Review, 7, 87-96. Stevenson, O. (1998). Neglect: Where Now? Some Reflections. Child Abuse Review, 7, 111-115.

McCallin, A. M. (2005). Interprofesssional practice: Learning how to collaborate. Contemporary Nurse, 20, 28-37.

Stowman, S. A. & Donohue, B. (2005). Assessing child neglect; A review of standardized measures. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 10, 491-512.

McSherry, D. (2007). Understanding and addressing the “neglect of neglect”: Why are we making a mole-hill out of a mountain? Child Abuse & Neglect, 31, 607-614

Tanner, K. & Turney, D. (2000). The Role of Observation in the Assessment of Child Neglect. Child Abuse Review, 9, 337-348.

Mouton, C. and Yates, D. (1999). Lecture Notes on Emergency Medicine. London: Blackwell Publishing. Munro, E. (2010), The Munro Review of Child Protection. Part One: A Systems Analysis. London, Crown Publications. Rose, S.J. & Selwyn, J. (2004). Child Neglect: An English Perspective. International Social Work, 43, 179-192

Turney, D. (2000). The Feminizing of Neglect. Child and Family Social Work, 5, 47-56. Turney, D. & Tanner, K. (2001). Working with neglected children and their families. Journal of Social Work Practice, 15, 193-202. World Health Organisation (1999). Report of the Consultation on Child Abuse Prevention, 29–31 March 1999. Geneva: World Health Organisation.

Sheehan, R. (2006). Emotional Harm and Neglect: The Legal Response. Child Abuse Review, 15, 38-54.

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The FUTURE

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THE IMPORTANCE OF COOLING A BURN INJURY IN THE PRE-HOSPITAL SETTING By Patrick Bourke

The Importance of Cooling a Burn Injury in the Pre-Hospital Setting Claudius Galenus (Galen) AD 129 – c. 200, was a prominent physician and surgeon to the Roman Emperors of his time. During his lifetime Galen influenced the development of numerous scientific studies covering anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology and pharmacology, he is considered by many as one of the founding fathers of these medical disciplines. Interestingly, one of the oldest recorded references to the use of cool water to alleviate the pain of a burn injury is credited to Claudius Galenus who used water as a method of stopping the pain and ongoing damage of burn injuries. Albubecar Mohamed (Rhazes) AD 852 -923 considered to be the Galen of his time was a very important physician in Arabia who went on to become the resident chief of medicine in the renowned Hospital of Bagdad, advocated the benefits of cooling with water to relieve pain and stop the burning process.

So what has changed since then? Not a lot except... Serious burn injuries continue to be devastating events that leave patients with long term physical and psychological challenges that are recognized by paramedics worldwide as one of the most horrific and challenging injuries known to the emergency medical and rescue services (11). According to Adam J. Singer et al, One of the earliest and most often used therapies for burns is surface cooling. Cooling of burns has many potential benefits, including pain relief, reduced edema formation, reduced infection rates, reduced depth of injury, more rapid healing, reduced need for grafting, reduced scarring, and reduced mortality. Although cooling should begin as soon as possible, Delayed cooling also may be beneficial (16).

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Today there are numerous clinical papers written worldwide by respected emergency burn professionals advocating and debating the perceived correct use of cool running water as a means of first response to cool a burn injury (1,2,3,4,5,6,8,9,10 22). The depth of analysis by these distinguished authors is exhaustive in their efforts to provide the perfect circumstance in the use of cool running water for the initial management of a burn injury, taking into consideration the ideal temperature, quantity, source, time of application, optimum time, hypothermia, infection, evaporative or convective cooling etc, all with an ongoing desire for successful reepithelialisation (23). The list goes on and on, as each attempt to put forward their thinking on an internationally recognized simple solution to a potentially devastating injury. If water is readily available in sufficient quantity, the use of cool clean running water applied as soon as possible for a period of 20 minutes is the recommendation for immediate burn injury management by many

of the world’s leading professional emergency burn injury organizations (4). Unfortunately this 20 minute marker is seldom achieved (15) as the desire for higher clinical intervention becomes paramount in the mind of the patient/responder combined with a concern for infection and causing hypothermia. Interestingly it is reported in papers by Singer et al and Lonnecker et al (6,7,16) that pre hospital cooling does not appear to contribute to hypothermia in the pre hospital setting. As stated by De Boer et al (17), Burn pain is unlike any other pain and may require considerable analgesia (17), at the time of the burn injury the primary desire of the burnt patient is to alleviate the pain (superficial and partial thickness burns (17)) and stop their skin being damaged further, it is the natural reaction of any human being to immediately seek a source of cooling to alleviate the pain and damage from a burn injury, bearing in mind that the skin structure of children and the elderly is much thinner, their potential for serious damage is higher, and it has been shown that the threshold temperature for cutaneous pain sensation in adults is quite low at about 43°c (109.4°F) (3), partial thickness burns will be incurred at temperatures of only 60°c (140°F) (11, 17). Should the burn damage be such that it requires attendance at a hospital emergency department (ED) or Burn Unit for further evaluation and treatment, then the initial response (pre-cooling history) is very relevant to the patient’s outcome. As shown by Cuttle et al, Many people only apply first aid for the analgesic effect (and this should also be taken into account when determining the duration of first aid treatment), however first aid definitely also provides wound healing benefits and for this reason it should be widely promoted (14). Unbeknown to the patient their action or that of the responding emergency medical professional may have significantly influenced the burn outcome and assisted in decreasing morbidity and healthcare costs by limiting the degree of tissue damage, reducing the possible need for surgery and further reconstruction (1) with a reduction in post burn hyperthermia, inflammatory and microvascular changes and less tissue necrosis and fibrosis. There is also a reduction in the release of histamine, prostaglandins and thromboxanes, as well as reduced aerobic metabolism and less lactate production and metabolic acidosis (3,5, 18). Cooling may also promote catecholamine function and cardiovascular homeostasis (24). All of the aforementioned benefits will assist in reducing the number of days as an in hospital patient. According to Baldwin et al (9) if there is a delay between the termination of the burn and the initiation of the cooling a great portion of the damage occurs either during the burn process or within the first few seconds after the termination of a burn. Whereas Venter et al (19) shows that cooling of fresh burn wounds is beneficial to relieve pain and was shown clinically and histologically in this study to limit tissue damage and allow more rapid healing in deep dermal burns. Delayed cooling of up to 30 min is effective in limiting tissue damage to the burn wounds. The wounds that were cooled with tap water for 3 hours showed the least tissue damage. The temperature of the water used to cool the burn wounds is important.

184 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

FEATURE In the Pre-Hospital setting, the ideal emergency response cooling medium for burns needs to be easy to use, non evaporative, readily available, efficient and effective, adult and child friendly, acceptable to all modes of emergency transport, easy to apply, water based, water soluble, non adherent, sterile, easily transported, supporting the maintenance of a clean burn site, have an ability to absorb high temperatures without a concern for inducing hypothermia, conforms to any and all areas of the body and burn tissue and does not require any further supportive application of water with an extended optimum usage time without drying out (12,13,21).

Conclusion: With all the clinical evidence now available from around the world advocating and supporting the benefits of early cooling of burn injuries (25), there are still those who continue to promote the use of a “no cooling with the application of a dry dressing only” protocol, or insisting that the area that may be cooled does not extend beyond a TBSA ranging anything from <10% to <50% with even less clinical support as to why these particular percentages are selected, the reasoning put forward is one of a concern for the onset of hypothermia, this concern has been evaluated and evidenced in more than one paper not to be the case (6, 7, 16), yet these same recommendations fail to address the concern for dry dressing adhesion to burnt tissue and the fact that they should not be applied circumferentially with the use of tape, as this may restrict the oedema taking place on site. Any supporting evidential clinical papers for this dry dressing protocol are at best scarce, against the weight of ongoing international evidence supporting a controlled cooling protocol. It is interesting to note from all of the available research studies that advocate the benefits of cooling with cool running water, the potential for infection from unknown water sources is not discussed in detail. There are recent clinical papers available from distinguished authors addressing this new concern in the Prehospital and In-hospital setting (26, 27, 28, 29). Note: As this article is relating only to the necessity for efficient and effective Pre Hospital cooling of the burn injury, it is important to state that the complete management of the burn patient may involve much more than what is covered in this article. References

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1. Reduced Hospitalisation of burns patients following a multimedia campaign that increased adequacy of first aid treatment Adrian M. Skinner, Tim La H. Brown, Bruce G. Peat Michael J. Muller ISBI Burns 30 (2004) 82–85 South Auckland Burn Service, C/- Department of Plastic Surgery, Middlemore Hospital, P.O. Box 93311, Otahuhu, Auckland, New Zealand 2. Nguyen NL, Gun RT, Sparnon AL, et al. The importance of immediate cooling a case series of childhood burns in Vietnam. ISBI Burns 2002;28:173–6. 3. Prompt cooling of burned areas: a review of benefits and the effector mechanisms J. W. L. Davies ISBI BURNS 1982 University Department of Surgery, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow 4. The Australian and New Zealand Burn Association Limited (ANZBA) British Burn association (BBA).Emergency management of severe burns (EMSB) course manual. 4th ed. Australian and New Zealand Burn Association Ltd.; 2001. 5. Jandera V, Hudson DA, de Wet PM, Rode H. Cooling the burn wound, evaluation of different modalities. ISBI Burns 2000;26(3):265–70. 6. The Association Between Hypothermia, Pre Hospital Cooling and Mortality in Burn Victims Adam J. SingerMD, Breena R> Taira, MD, Henry C. Thode Jr, PhD, Jane E. Mc Cormack, RN, Mark Shapiro, MD, Ani Aydin, MD and Christopher Lee, MD. 2010. Journal for the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

7. Lonnecker S, Schoder V. Hypothermia in patients with burn injuries: influence of prehospital treatment. Chirurg 2001;72(2):164–7. 8. Cooling in the Emergency Treatment of Burns. Michael F. Epstein and John D. Crawford. Paediatrics 1973;52,430 American Academy of Paediatrics. 9. How to Cool a Burn: A Heat Transfer Point of View Anne Baldwin,* Jie Xu, PhD,† Daniel Attinger, PhD‡ ABA Journal of Burn Care and Research 2012 10. First Aid Treatment of Burn Injuries Cuttle L & Kimble RM Wound Practice and Research 18:1 2010 11. Severe burn injury- Pre hospital paramedic response- if it goes wrong: PM Bourke & KW Dunn: UK Journal of Paramedic Practice 5:10 2013 12. Monitoring Of Temperature While Cooling Burn Injuries Dr Th. Castner Association for the practical treatment of Accidents Continued Education, Rescue Service 1:23:2000 Germany 13. Cooling – Out of the bag Dr. Med. Thomas Castner et al 2002, AGAN Institute for Emergency Medicine, Merkdorf Germany. 14. The optimal duration and delay of first aid treatment for deep partial thickness burn injuries Leila Cuttle a,*, Margit Kempf a, Pei-Yun Liu a, Olena Kravchuk b, Roy M. Kimble: ISBI BURNS 3 6 ( 2 0 1 0 ) 6 7 3 – 6 7 9 15. An Audit of First-Aid Treatment of Pediatric Burns Patients and Their Clinical Outcome Leila Cuttle, BSc (Hons),* Olena Kravchuk, PhD,† Belinda Wallis, BBEnv,*Roy M. Kimble, MBChB, MD*(J Burn Care Res 2009;30:1028–1034) 16. The Effect of a Commercially Available Burn-cooling Blanket on Core Body Temperatures in Volunteers Adam J. Singer, MD, Brenda Freidman, MD, Prachi Modi, BS, MD, Harry H. Soroff, MD: ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2006; 13:686–690: by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. 17. Prehospital and emergency department burn care: Scott DeBoer et al. Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America. 16 (2004) 61-73 18. The Totality of Burn Care: Leigh Ann Price and Stephen M Milner: Trauma 15 (1) 16-28 , 2012 19. Cooling of the burn wound: The ideal temperature of the coolant T.H.J. Venter, J.S. Karpelowsky *, H. Rode BURNS 3 3 ( 2 0 0 7 ) 9 1 7 – 9 2 2 20. Burn Care in EMS: Emergency Medical Services: 33.2.2004 Scott DeBoer, Craig Felty, Michael Seaver 21. Quo Vadis…Where Are We Going With Burn Care? Richard A. Clinchy, PhD, EMT-P 22. World Health Organization “BURNS” Fact sheet number 365 May 2012 23. Miller School of Medicine University of Miami Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery Wound Healing Research Laboratory PRELIMINARY STUDY REPORT Second-degree Burn Wound Study 2010 24. Emergent Management of Thermal Burns. Jamie Angela Jenkins MD: Medscape Reference Dec 17 2013 25. Pediatrie: 1990; 45(4):237-9. Immediate cooling with water: emergency treatment of burns J.Latarjet [Article in French] 26. Burn Wound Infections Deirdre Church,1,2,3* Sameer Elsayed,1,2 Owen Reid,3 Brent Winston,4 and Robert Lindsay3 CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Apr. 2006, p.403 – 434 Vol. 19, No. 2 0893-8512/06/$08.00_0 doi:10.1128/CMR.19.2.403–434.2006 Copyright © 2006, American Society for Microbiology. 27. Incidence and bacteriology of burn infections at a military burn center§Edward F. Keen IIIa, Brian J. Robinson a, Duane R. Hospenthal a,b, Wade K. Aldous a, Steven E. Wolf c, Kevin K. Chung c, Clinton K. Murray 28. INFECTION CONTROL IN BURN PATIENTS Authors: Joan Weber, RN, BSN, CIC Infection Control Coordinator, Shriners Burns Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Albert McManus PhD, Senior Scientist (retired), U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, San Antonio, Texas; Nursing Committee of the International Society for Burn Injuries. 29. Burn wounds infected by contaminated water: Case reports,review of the literature and recommendations for treatment Noel F.F. Ribeiro a, Christopher H. Heath b,c,*, Jessica Kierath c, Suzanne Rea d,e Mark Duncan-Smith d, Fiona M. Wood BURNS 36 (2010) 9 – 2 2

185 Do you have anything you would like to add or include in Features? Please contact us and let us know.

FEATURE

ALTERNATIVE PARAMEDIC ROLES MY YEAR OUT..... In October of last year James Davies (HCPC Paramedic) decided to take some time out from the NHS and explore alternative Paramedic roles.

I’ve been a paramedic for nearly ten years now. I have to admit the last couple have been difficult. The relentless increase in call volume and poorly implemented plans to combat this have taken their toll on my motivation. That and my time in Afghanistan have skewed my idea on what an ambulance service is actually here for. Time for a change.

We sit watching through the windscreen of our armoured SUV, engines running. Through a gap in the blast walls appears my team leader and

Two years previous I was sat in the back of a helicopter flying over

the client. In this case an oil worker returning home on leave. As the

Helmand Provence. As a RAF reservist I was lucky enough to serve on

client struggles to pull open the heavy door of the vehicle to my front, I’m

the MERT. We regularly attended to the most critically injured people

reminded of the B6 level armour we’re encased within.

I have seen or am ever likely to see again. A daily flow of traumatic amputations, GSW and associated battlefield injuries made up my tour

Everyone in. The radio crackles to life. “Radio check”. We all reply. I turn to my Iraqi driver and tell him the destination. We tend to leave to the detail late for security reasons. We stop just before the main gate. We debus the vehicles into the searing heat. Move to the loading bay and attach a magazine to our AK-47 rifles.

of duty. During the tour I got to perform many interventions outside my normal scope of practise. As a team of two paramedics, a nurse and Doctor. We gave blood products pre-hospital on the aircraft. Regularly used Intraossesus access. Had access to extended range of drugs ie

Then our convoy rolls out through the security gate. Gone is the relative security of our compound. We turn on to the main road and head south toward the airport. We’re surrounded by open Iraqi desert. We’re exposed now. The constant radio traffic between the vehicle convoy is reassuring.

Ketamine, Midazolam, TXA and often assisted with RSI. We got to use some amazing new innovations such as Fentanyl lollipops. These are exactly what they say they are. A lollipop impregnated with a dose of Fentanyl. The patient simply sucks on the lollipop for analgesia. We used to tape them to the patients thumb for

The environment couldn’t be more different to home. It was only a

safety. If they had too much they’d pass out and out comes the lollipop.

few months ago I was sat in a dreary Hampshire lay-by on yet another

These would be ideal for pre hospital use. Being privy to all these

standby. How did I get here? Working as a close protection medic?

alternatives made me realise that there is more out there to be learned. Ambulance services seem to have a narrow mind set, this is even noticeable between different trusts. As they say there’s more than one way to skin a cat. Knowledge should be shared. Meanwhile back at the lay-by. My phone rings and old army mate asks me if I’m interested in a job in Iraq as a Close Protection Medic. “What’s that?” “We need Paramedics for our close protection teams in Iraq. Get yourself on a CP course and the jobs yours, buddy” Unless you are ‘in the know’ you’ll need an Security Industry Authority (SIA) recognised Close Protection licence. Mine lasted 3 weeks. The first

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

part was UK based and the hostile environment/firearms package was abroad in the Czech Republic. All courses follow the SIA curriculum including foot drills, vehicle drills, route planning, venue recce, anti surveillance training and so on. The days were long with a considerable amount of written work to complete also. If your idea of close protection is big guys in suits then think again. It’s essentially a lot of planning to avoid trouble and actions in the event of. Fig 1 – MERT Afghanistan 2010 – With fellow Paramedics (L-R, Me, Tommo, Twisty)

The firearms package although not essential for the license is a definite for those without military backgrounds. Weapons safety around a ‘client’

186 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

FEATURE is very important. Accidently discharging a weapon anywhere near a client will be career ending.

• Tier 2 medics are clinicians i.e. Paramedic, Nurse (with trauma experience), Combat Medical Technician 1 (or other service equivalent) • Tier 3 facilities are remote medical clinics – often manned by a doctor

You don’t need FPOS if you’re a paramedic. You can be accredited for FPOS in order to gain your CP qualification. An FPOS element is included in all CP courses. Find one that will let you sit that part out so

(not always though!) • Tier 4 facilities are definitive care facilities i.e. Often a hospital in another country. Aeromedical evacuation is often required to achieve this.

you can save some cash. Check with the training provider. The Tier system represents the evacuation chain in a remote environment and forms the basis of any MERP (Medical Emergency Response Plan). So if the client becomes a casualty they are initially rendered first aid by the Tier1, then you (the Tier2) get involved and enhance treatment as required and make a clinical decision. Can you manage on site or go to your nearest Tier 3 facility. Serious casualties are stabilised at Tier 3 and then aero medical evacuation is arranged. Security companies utilise their Tier 2’s in different ways. Some have them as a member of the Private Security Detail (PSD), some have them in a central location with an emergency response vehicle, ready to respond if a PSD requests them. My contract involves me being a team member. So I’m primarily there as a close protection operator and secondly as a medic should anything arise. However when back at camp you will be seen as a point of contact for all things medical. You’ll Fig 2 – CP Course Czech Rep. (2013) – Live Fire vehicle anti ambush drills (Author on right)

Fig 3 – Debriefing after Vehicle Anti Ambush drills Czech Rep – (Author on center)

be amazed as to what problems people will approach you with!

Fig 4 – Example of a Tier 3 Facility

The bigger security companies generally have another medical These courses are not cheap. You’re looking in the region of £3000.

company i.e. Prometheus to look after the Clinical Governance and

However you need to way this up against potential earnings of $475

equipment supply chain issues. You have to report back to them weekly

a day. On the right rotation that’s $120000 a year (Tax free).

with equipment checks and any Patient report forms generated. They with a doctor. You are essentially a remote practitioner also. You may find yourself dealing with all kinds of primary care needs, lower back

Oil and gas industry companies will be your main clients. They often

pain, UTI’s, toothache, diabetic problems etc. People are people they

have written into any security contracts that they require Tier 2 level

will have issues at some point. Remember you’re it. You can’t just

medics to accompany their staff. What’s a Tier 2 medic I hear you say?

take people to the local A&E here. You are in a hostile environment. You also have to accept there are limitations and that patients may not

Well the security industry has a Tier system for their medical support.

get the best care. You could also be managing them for prolonged

It is loosely based on the military system and goes as follows;

periods while aero medical evacuation is arranged. While this may seem

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

So what’s the actual job?

also provide a useful reach back service if you need to discuss a case

daunting it can be strangely rewarding as you rapidly become a key • Tier 1 medics are qualified to FPOS/MIRA level

figure in your little community.

187 Do you have anything you would like to add or include in Features? Please contact us and let us know.

FEATURE Ok so it all sounds very exciting but there are some harsh realities. It’s potentially dangerous. You could potentially be shot, blown up, kidnapped or involved in a RTC (driving standards appalling). So you still want to do it?

Fig 5 – My Iraqi driver and me

I’m fairly well kitted out here. You get all the obvious pre hospital equipment as well as a range of primary care equipment and drugs. However you have a limited amount of equipment. A couple of serious casualties will deplete your stock rapidly. In my role everywhere the client goes the med kit goes too. In my vehicle will be a trauma bag, primary care bag, O2, AED, folding spinal board and scoop. You have to be prepared to convert your 4x4 to a mini ambulance quickly. This involves dropping the seats on one side and lashing the board/scoop down. We also have cords running around the interior roof grab handles for hanging fluids etc. Not ideal, but improvisation is the name of the game out here.

On top of the CP course you will need an ALS qualification. But I’m a paramedic I do that for a living I hear you cry! Every job I’ve seen has it as a requirement. PHTLS is a close second. Most contracts are American and these are there standards. Ideally you will have a military background although this not always the case. If you haven’t join the reserve forces. This will help massively.

What will you gain from it? Exposure to different cultures. Most of my team are Iraqi’s. This is an interesting experience. Work ethics and time management in Iraq are, how shall we say different. Working with locals will thoroughly test your man management and diplomacy skills. You will work with other security contractors from a variety of countries such as South Africa, Australia, Canada, USA and Fiji. It is truly a multi cultural society. It’s well worth talking to other Tier2 medics from these different countries. They’ve all got there quirky ways of doing things and its useful to build contacts for arranging foreign work experience. The South African paramedics are only too happy to show you some real trauma back home! Being in a foreign environment you will come a across some more exotic medical conditions. Such as leishmaniasis and frightening array of things that bite and sting. I don’t remember the section on the management of neurotoxic snake envenomations in JRCALC.

Fig 6 – The Med Bags (Trauma and Primary Care) AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

Ok so it all sounds very exciting but there are some harsh realities. It’s potentially dangerous. You could potentially be shot, blown up, kidnapped or involved in a RTC (driving standards appalling). Living conditions are far from perfect. You may be sharing a room, your

The job will improve your medical planning skills. You’ll do a lot of ‘What if?’ thinking. You may be asked to brief new arrivals/management on the current MERP. Training is often a role you’ll be expected to take on. First aid training will be delivered to other security staff and clients. Thus improving presentation skills. You have to ask yourself whether it’s a viable long term option. At times there is the minimal patient exposure. As a serious clinician you need to be getting some extra patient contact whilst on leave either through a bank contract or private work. You need to be on top of your CPD requirements also. Subscribe to journals, do an online course and definitely complete some reflective practise on all patient contacts.

internet may break down and the food might not be great. It varies a lot from site to site. There’s also the reality of long periods away from home. Not so bad if you’re single but difficult with a family. This all needs serious consideration before embarking on your little adventure.

As for me I’m half way through my year out now and have taken on a new contract. I’m leaving the security side behind and heading off to Baghdad to work in a remote site clinic. I’ll let you know how it goes.

188 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

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email: sales@unwin-safety.co.uk

189

FEATURE

PARAMEDICS IN PERIL REDUCING ASSAULTS ON LONDON AMBULANCE SERVICE CREWS Introduction The London Ambulance Service (LAS) plays a massive role in the

Assault

protection of Londoners. Responding to thousands of incidents a month,

Even worse than LAS crews being verbally abused while trying to

they are the frontline of healthcare for our city. However, through Freedom

provide emergency medical treatment is an act of violence against

of Information (FOI) requests it has been found that abuse and assaults

these first responders. Assault has risen 23% in the past year with

against the people manning this frontline service are increasing. More

582 reported incidents. Over the past three years it has become more

than three LAS frontline responders are abused or assaulted every day.

dangerous to be on an LAS crew in terms of assault.

Changes need to be made to lessen the toll this is taking on LAS crews and the financial burden this is placing on the service itself. This report will recommend a costed way to help reduce these unacceptable attacks against our frontline responders. Borrowing successful systems used by other emergency services could make the LAS the first ambulance service to trial body-worn cameras to deter these crimes.

“This is wholly unacceptable, and it is all too often becoming a regular part of the job.” - Waltham Forest Ambulance Operations Manager Michael Pearce1

The top 5 most common themes recorded3 Category

2011

2012

2013

Total

Physical assault by a patient or third party (no weapons involved)

435

363

434

1232

Verbal Abuse (general)

219

250

309

778

Verbal Abuse (with threats)

190

255

268

713

Antisocial Behaviour (e.g. s5 POA)

237

131

460

Spat on by a patient or third party

136

Current Safety Precautions The LAS puts a great deal of effort towards mitigating and avoiding abuse and assaults against its frontline workers. Using a mixture of preventative

Wholly Unacceptable Risk

measures, informational campaigns, and harsh prosecutions, the LAS has made an effective start but their work could be strengthened by the

It may seem hard to believe that an individual providing emergency medical

recommendations set out in this report.

help would become a target of abuse and violence, but more than three LAS frontline responders were abused or assaulted every day of 2013.

Dangerous Residences List The LAS employs a system of marking problem residences in a private

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

Abuse

database that helps crews to prepare their responses for violent or

Abuse of LAS crews seems to be a relatively common occurrence, with

abusive patients, which may include wearing a stab-proof vest or bringing

749 reported instances of abuse in 2013. What is most shocking is that

police with them to the response.4 In 2013, the list - compiled using an

threats of violence have increased by 29% over the past three years.

information sharing scheme with the Metropolitan Police - included 390 residences across London. Of these 226 are classed as serious and require the need for police assistance.5

The numbers of incidents of assault and abuse2 Calendar Year

Assault

Abuse

Total

2011

541

894

1435

2012

446

805

1251

2013

582

749

1331

Information Campaigns In the past the LAS, and the National Health Service (NHS) as a whole, have provided information campaigns to help prevent violence, such as their “No Excuse” campaign that reminded the public to treat first responders with respect, and that prosecutions for violence and abuse against first responders have increased.6

190 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

FEATURE Prosecution as a deterrent

A direct staffing toll to the LAS

Prosecuting those who commit assaults against first responders is the

There is a clear measurable effect on staffing following an assault. In one

NHS’s major deterrent, and with co-operation with the Met, prosecutions

case a shoulder injury due to assault led to three weeks off the job for one

are made easier. Punishments for assault have included community

crew member,13 in another eight weeks off for a severely sprained wrist.14

service, fines of several thousand pounds, probation, and even prison

Through a LAS Freedom of information (FOI) request it was found that an

sentences.7 Of course this deterrent can be costly not only in terms of

estimated 633 working days are lost a year as a direct result of assaults,

the time needed to properly report crimes, but also in the time it takes for

averaging 1.167 work days lost per assault. With that volume of days lost the

these criminals to reach court.

LAS would need to have more than three extra frontline workers just to make up for the time lost every year.15 The severity of these assaults varies and this

A Cost of Wellbeing

adds to the number of days needed to recover to a working state. After being

With these levels of abuse and assault there are four major concerns

1.6% took over 10 days. These figures do not even cover cases where

principally regarding the health of LAS crews, but also the cost to the

attacked, 5.5% of LAS staff took more than 5 days off work, while another members of staff are absent at later dates due to the cumulative effects of

entire LAS.

injury, so these numbers are most likely higher in actuality

Ambulance personnel physical wellbeing

The suspected cost

Cases of severe assault can have life-changing results for LAS staff. One member of staff suffered permanent injuries when they lost the partial movement in one finger after being so savagely bitten by a drunken patient that surgery was required.8 Another member of staff, whose wrist was so severely sprained while restraining a violent patient, found that long after the incident they still had “twinges of pain every now and then”. These crimes which cause permanent physical injuries are being

The LAS have calculated that an average lost day of work for their staff costs £231.16 With 633 days lost to assault a year, this costs the LAS an estimated £125,700.17 Over the past three-year period an estimated £377,100 was lost from sick days due to assault. These figures are conservative estimates, not taking into account the costs of therapy, taking the assailant to court, or other cumulative effects of injury.

punished by harsh penalties, nevertheless better ways to prevent these incidents from recurring need to be explored.

A Modern Approach Visible deterrents

The mental wellbeing of staff

Two very viable options to significantly reduce abuse and assault against LAS

The mental toll on the ambulance crews has been explored by the NHS

frontline staff would be to either implement on-vehicle CCTV or body worn

and LAS. The average ambulance attendant in the UK takes 14.7 sick

cameras. Both would act as visible deterrents to individuals whose intent is to

days a year, which is much higher than 2.8 days taken by doctors.10

assault frontline responders. Vehicle CCTV is now quite commonplace with

Whilst this is only partly due to cases of assault it illustrates how difficult

other ambulance services across the UK. Some ambulance services, such

and physically demanding the job can be. Studies have shown that 34%

as those in Merseyside and Cheshire, had CCTV as far back as 2004.18 The

of ambulance drivers in the UK have suffered from post-traumatic stress

equipment uses straight forward, user friendly technology which allows staff

disorder (PTSD), and the LAS have put precautions in place to reduce the

to quickly activate the system at the first sight of trouble by hitting a “panic

occurrence in new recruits.11

strip” that extends across the length of the vehicle.19

- Paramedic Leo Nakhimoff, 29, was assaulted in 2012 by a drunken patient12

Cameras could be placed not only inside the vehicle, but facing outwards, as most assaults have been found to occur away from the ambulance.20 The East Midlands Ambulance Service estimates the cost of CCTV systems at £400 per vehicle in 2013, including inside and outside cameras and video storage systems.21 Further to this point - as crews will be far away from the vehicles when initially responding to incidents - body-worn cameras (much like some UK police forces wear) could be given to first responders. Much like the on-vehicle systems they are only activated by staff when an incident is either in progress or when entering a dangerous environment. The Staffordshire police trial of police body-worn cameras led to significant reductions in disorder and anti-social behaviour.22 After the successful trial the Staffordshire police rolled out 550 cameras at a cost of £660 per camera, and the associated equipment to access the footage.23 Better Prosecutions As discussed earlier, prosecutions are a significant deterrent to abuse and assault against LAS crews. On-vehicle CCTV and body-worn cameras enable easier reporting of crimes against staff as they do not require lengthy descriptions of the crime, just a short description with the

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

“When you’re going about your daily job treating patients you don’t expect to get attacked with a fence post – it was completely unprovoked. It affected me quite badly at the time and I questioned whether I wanted to continue working as a paramedic. It’s now at the back of my mind when I get called to similar incidents. At the end of the day, we’re here to help people and we don’t want to be in fear of being attacked.”

submission of the video evidence. The recorded evidence also results in shorter trials as there is less chance of dispute over the events in question.

191 Do you have anything you would like to add or include in Features? Please contact us and let us know.

FEATURE Implementation Implementation of on-vehicle CCTV or body-worn cameras should first be explored through a trial of the technology before significant investment is made. A trial might consist of body-worn cameras being given to crews visiting any of 390 residences marked as violent/abusive. With one or more cameras available in each of the LAS’s 70 ambulance stations24 many of the dangerous call-outs could have surveillance available. The cost of a rollout of 100 cameras, if similar technology to the Staffordshire police were used, would be £66,000 which is approximately half the average annual cost of sick days due to assault. Other distributions of the camera technology should be trialled as well to fully test the viability of the technology in a myriad of circumstances, such as crews stationed at busy times on high streets, or during large public events in London. If the trial of the body-worn camera proves successful, a pilot of 100 onvehicle CCTV systems could be initiated. Using a similar priced system to that of the East Midlands Ambulance Service, a trial of 100 vehicles would cost approximately £40,000, which is less than one-third the financial total of the yearly sick bill due to assault. It is the expectation of this report that these technologies, if proven feasible, would pay for themselves though the time saved in prosecuting assault cases. This technology would also act as a visual deterrent with the aim of reducing the number of assaults, which would have various savings.

References 1. http://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/news/news_releases_and_ statements/assault_sentence_welcomed.aspx 2. London Ambulance Service, Freedom of Information request data March 2014 3. London Ambulance Service, Freedom of Information request data March 2014 4. http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/ screaming-blue-murder-we-join-a-london-ambulance-crewforthe-busiest-nightshift-of-the-year-1850007.html and http://www. dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2382076/London-ambulance-servicesblacklisted-households-inhabitants-pose-danger-paramedics.html 5. http://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/news/news_releases_and_ statements/ambulance_workers_assaulted_da.aspx?lang=en-gb 6. http://www.prweek.com/article/109405/campaigns-publicawareness---no-excuse-ads-strive-cutassaults 7. http://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/news/news_releases_and_ statements/ilford_man_who_punched_ambulan.aspx?lang=en-gb and http://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/news/news_archive/ ambulance_service_welcomes.aspx 8. http://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/news/news_archive/ ambulance_service_welcomes.aspx

“At the end of the day, we’re here to help people and we don’t want to be in fear of being attacked.” - Paramedic Leo Nakhimoff, 29, was assaulted in 2012 by a drunken patient25

9. http://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/news/news_releases_and_ statements/assault_sentence_welcomed.aspx 10. http://www.nhsemployers.org/HealthyWorkplaces/LatestNews/ Pages/StaffSicknessFiguresReleased.aspx 11. http://www.kcl.ac.uk/iop/news/records/2008/11November/PTSD-inambulance-workers.aspx 12. http://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/news/news_releases_and_ statements/ambulance_workers_assaulted_da.aspx?lang=en-gb 13. http://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/news/news_releases_and_ statements/ilford_man_who_punched_ambulan.aspx?lang=engb

Conclusion

14. http://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/news/news_releases_and_ statements/assault_sentence_welcomed.aspx

The London Ambulance Service despite its work on reducing the volume

15. 633 (days lost) / 181 (average number of LAS work days a year) = 3.5

of abuse and assault on staff still faces a problem. The toll that such

16. London Ambulance Service, Freedom of Information request data March 2014

assaults take on crews both physically and mentally is unacceptable. It is clear that reducing assaults has the potential of paying for itself. In light of this we recommend the London Ambulance Service:

17. Ibid. 18. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/3925661.stm

1. Immediately begin a year-long trial of 100 body-worn cameras. Distributing the cameras in varied settings would help evaluate the effectiveness of this technology in reducing assaults and speeding up AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

the prosecution of future crimes against staff. 2. Begin an information campaign to highlight the use of body-worn cameras by crews, and the increased ability to prosecute assailants. 3. Following the body-worn camera trial, the LAS should trial 100 onvehicle CCTV systems to further improve the chances of prosecuting criminals and reducing future assaults. The capital cost of the 200 CCTV camera pilot would be an estimated £106,000 – less than just one year of the annual £125,700 sick bill caused by attacks and injury.

19. http://www.southcentralambulance.nhs.uk/content/homepagefeature/assaults-on-ambulance-staff-on-the-increase.ashx 20. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-22356712 21. https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/information_139 22. http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/stoke/hi/people_and_places/ newsid_8439000/8439390.stm 23. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2459991/Police-force-equipofficers-body-worn-video-cameras.html 24. http://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/working_for_us/career_ opportunities.aspx 25. http://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/news/news_releases_and_ statements/ambulance_workers_assaulted_da.aspx?lang=en-gb

192 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

NEWSLINE 4x4 Ambulance fleet boost for WMAS

will come into their own during

Devonshire said “We are

the winter months and will add an

again delighted to be able to

extra dimension to the ambulance

show our support to Devon Air

service when responding to

Ambulance with this donation

emergency calls.

of £4000. A great many lives would be lost without the swift

A fleet of new 4x4 ambulances

First ever Ambulance Aid (Technician) IHCD 6 week course

is set to hit the region’s roads

“A number of ambulance staff

life-saving help provided by

after West Midlands Ambulance

recently attended the Prodrive test

the air ambulance doctors

Service (WMAS) took delivery of

facilities in Warwickshire along

and paramedics. That is why

Thames Training and

with Mercedes training staff to

Freemasons are passionate

Development part of the

use the vehicles off road. WMAS

about supporting the air

Thames Group are pleased

driver trainers also attended and

ambulance services in England

to announce that our

will be passing on their knowledge

and Wales. Air ambulance

well established Training

to all frontline staff who will all be

charities are reliant on voluntary

establishment will be running

vehicle replacements and the

trained to use the vehicles over

donations to operate, and we

its first ever Ambulance Aid

new 4x4 Mercedes ambulances

the coming months.”

hope that our contributions will

(Technician) IHCD 6 week

help them to continue saving

course, delegates will be trained

lives in the future”

alongside NHS and Private

16 of the new specially designed emergency vehicles. The ambulance trust is continuing with a ‘significant’ investment in

will give the Trust much more capability to get to patients in

The cost of one of the new

difficult weather and muddy off-

4x4 ambulances is £140,000

road conditions.

compared to £100,000 for a normal new two wheel drive

WMAS currently has one of the

ambulance.”

most modern 999 fleet of any ambulance service in the country with over 300 ambulances and

DAA

as an everyday ambulance.

Saving lives: Freemasons support Devon Air Ambulance Trust with £4000

Craig Cooke, WMAS Support

The Freemasons’ Grand

Services Director, said: “The new

Charity has announced that

vehicles will mean that for the

it is granting £192,000 to air

first time we will have a full size

ambulance charities nationally,

ambulance with 4x4 capabilities.

£4000 of which is being given to

This investment in new vehicles

the Devon Air Ambulance Trust

will help us provide high quality

(DAAT). Freemasons are regular

clinical services to people who

supporters of the air ambulance

suffer serious injuries or medical

charities and since 2007 have

conditions when they are out and

donated £1.5 million in total to

about on uneven and difficult

the twenty two rescue services

to access terrain. This should

in England and Wales.

200 rapid response vehicles. It is planned that one of the 4x4 vehicles will be based at each ambulance hub around the region, able to be used the same

sector colleagues following Caroline Creer, Fundraising

a set syllabus and resulting

Director of Devon Air

in the Nationally recognised

Ambulance Trust said “We are

Ambulance Technician Award,

delighted to once again receive

the course Directing Staff are

this generous donation from

all IHCD HPC Paramedics and

the Devon Freemasons and

Tutors, plus guest presenters

would like to thank them for

on specialist subjects such as

their continued support. This

Paediatrics, Emergency child

donation really does mean a

birth, and ECG interpretation,

great deal and will go a long

the six weeks will comprise of

way to helping Devon’s two

Module D / E and F of the IHCD

Air Ambulances flying. Since

programme.

2007 over £35,250.00 has been donated by generous Devon

After the six week classroom

Masons.”

based study the students will

improve the comfort and care to patients and offer a much better

Air ambulance charities rely on

working environment for our staff.

voluntary donations to operate, Support from grant-makers

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

Assistant Area Manager, Nigel

like The Freemasons’ Grand

Wells, said: “The new Mercedes

Charity means that doctors and

4x4 sprinter has been developed

paramedics reach patients in

with staff and Mercedes to ensure

emergency situations as quickly

they meet all the requirements

as possible – saving lives in the

of both the patient and the staff.

process.

The fully automatic 4x4 system is very simple to use and will give

On making the donation R.

staff greater access to patients

W. Bro. Ian Kingsbury, the

in challenging conditions. They

Provincial Grand Master for

Caroline Creer, receiving the cheque from R.W.Bro. Ian Kingsbury

194 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

be set operational assignments

to secure employment in the

and portfolio work in order to

Independent Ambulance Sector,

gain evidence (750 hours) of

for further details of these or

Clinical Placements, these will

any other of our extensive

be based on the needs of the

range please contact one of our

individual learners and their

Training Team on 01268511151.

ability to gain such evidence in

Or by email: training@

the workplace clinical patient

thamesambulance.co.uk.

focused exposure environment,

Visit our web site:

please contact the Training

www.thamestraining.co.uk.

Manager Ashley Harrison to

If you think we can help you we

discuss your own personal

probably can!

requirements. Exciting opportunity If you place your name on our expression of interest list for the February 2015 course we will give you a 10% discount on the course fee and secure the 2014 cost now, that offer will then stand for the whole of 2015, just for adding your name to our waiting list of potential delegates, if your circumstances then change and you end up not needing the place then there will be no obligation, but by expressing an interest now at least you have secured this years prices plus a 10% discount. Perhaps you are not ready for the full IHCD Course yet? Perhaps you are new to the independent ambulance sector? If so we can also offer basic initial training in a wide range

EEAST

Extra training allows paramedics to treat at home Specialist paramedic training has seen hundreds of patients able to be treated in their own homes rather than in hospital according to latest figures. In 2013/14, more than 400 patients received wound closure treatment in their own homes from the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST). One of EEAST’s Clinical Operations Managers, Jori Krijgsman said: “The treatment ultimately means better care for patients and saves them a journey to hospital. The wound can be treated quickly and effectively

portfolio of courses to help you

thorough the use of adhesive

get started:

stitches or dissolvable glue.”

• First Aid at Work 1. 2. 3 Day Course

After successful feedback from patients and paramedics, the

• Safer Manual Handling

training has now been introduced

• Infection Prevention

to the new student paramedic

and Control • Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Children

course. The ambulance service is continuing to recruit 400 students; more than 200 people have now

• First Person on Scene

received offers, and 100 have

Intermediate (IHCD)

started their training across the

• First Person on Scene

region.

Enhanced (IHCD) • 3 week IHCD Ambulance Driving D1 / D2

The campaign to recruit more student paramedics is still ongoing and more information is

A combination of these courses

available at

could help the right person

http://www.eastamb.nhs.uk/

NEWSLINE EMAS

Outstanding achievement award for Dr Woods Our annual Values and Recognition Awards celebrate colleagues for their outstanding achievements within our service. One of the award categories is contribution, this award identifies staff that have gone above and beyond their duty and made a significant contribution and commitment to provide the best service to our patients. Dr Matt Woods from East Midlands Immediate Care

of a patient after they have been

and local knowledge of the area

For more information about

admitted to hospital.”

are among their many assets.

the work of Community First Responders or to become one

Matt has been with EMICS for three

CFRs will be called by the

yourself, contact West Midlands

years and is one of the most active

ambulance service’s control room

Ambulance Service Community

of the team of doctors, attending

to medical emergencies in their area

Response Manager Noel Orbell

typically around 5 incidents each

while an ambulance is en-route.

on 07980 094808, or the CFR

week to support EMAS.

They are vital in life-threatening

Admin office on 01384 215855 or

situations, particularly in the case of

email CFRAdmin@wmas.nhs.uk

EMICS Doctors are all volunteers

a cardiac arrest, stroke and trauma

who are fully trained in trauma

when every minute counts.

work. They are equipped with a

WMAS

Civic role for Paramedic Adam

wide range of specialist equipment

Community Response Manager

to perform life-saving interventions

Noel Orbell said: “Volunteers

at the scene of an incident such as

come from all walks of life. When

industrial or road traffic accident

they make themselves available

A Birmingham paramedic has

or rail crash. This equipment is

to respond they can continue to

been named Consort to the Mayor

funded by EMICS and can range

go about their daily lives, but if an

of Dudley.

from a defibrillator costing £2,000

emergency call is received by the

to protective boots costing £80.

ambulance service within a five or

Adam Aston, based at Aston

six mile radius, they are sent and

Ambulance Hub in Birmingham,

always backed-up by an emergency

has worked for West Midlands

ambulance service vehicle.

Ambulance Service for the past

Scheme (EMICS) has won our Contribution award after being nominated by three of our

ten years and is a Staff Governor

paramedics for his ‘calm nature’

“To volunteer, you must be aged

and ‘extreme professionalism’

at the Trust.

18 or over, have a full driving

when providing support on a

When he’s not saving lives in his

traumatic jobs.

licence and lots of enthusiasm.

Dr Matt Woods is a Registrar

“Help will be provided in obtaining

Councillor for Dudley Metropolitan

Anaesthetist at the Leicester Royal

the necessary equipment and no

Borough Council serving the

Infirmary and volunteers for EMICS

previous experience is necessary

Upper Gornal and Woodsetton

in his own time. EMICS doctors are

as West Midlands Ambulance

Ward and was named as the new

trained in specialised trauma work

Service will provide the training.

Mayor’s consort on the 5th June.

“Applicants will attend a

For the next 12 months, Adam

nationally recognised training

will attend civic engagements

course covering Basic Life

and official duties with his mum,

Support and Defibrillation,

Councillor Margaret Aston, who

Medical Emergencies, Traumatic

is the borough’s new Mayor and

Emergencies and Preparing for

was formerly the Deputy Mayor.

Active Duty. They will then train

Adam was consort to the Deputy

alongside ambulance crews

Mayor in the previous 12 months.

and are dispatched from our control centre to provide assistance with

day job, Adam is also a Labour

EMAS Chairman, Pauline Tagg, presented Dr Matt Woods with his award on Wednesday 9 July

the most serious emergencies. Those who nominated Matt praised his encouragement, enthusiasm and confidence when providing support.

WMAS

Appeal for volunteer lifesavers in Worcestershire

One nominator said: “All of our frontline staff in Leicester

before going ‘live’”. Adam said: “It’s a real honour

An appeal has been made for Community First Responders

Michelle Brotherton, West Midlands

and a privilege to be, once more,

(CFRs) in south Worcestershire.

Ambulance Service General

working in the Mayoral team as

helping people. His attendance,

Manager for the West Mercia area

it’s a fascinating role. I’m really

experience and advanced skills

Volunteers are particularly needed in

said: “We really support Community

looking forward to meeting even

and around Malvern, Upton-upon-

First Responders and call upon

more people in our communities

Severn, Tenbury and Broadway.

them to help their local community.

who make a real difference to the

Community First Responders are

borough.

are hugely appreciative of the dedication Matt gives to

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

at traumatic incidents is always invaluable to crews. He is always calm in his approach and always gets EMAS staff fully involved

CFRs are everyday members

an integral part of the ambulance

in advanced techniques whilst

of the public who are trained in

service. The work they do is

“West Midlands Ambulance

explaining his decisions. Dr

lifesaving techniques including the

outstanding and is greatly valued.

Service has been really supportive

Woods also makes a point of

use of a defibrillator, a device used

It’s about giving something back

in my role as a Councillor

getting in touch with crews after

to restart the heart of someone

to their local community. In a

and I hope I can serve as an

a particularly traumatic job and

who has suffered a cardiac arrest.

life-threatening case every minute

ambassador for the trust in my

is able to explain the diagnosis

Their availability, close proximity

makes a difference.”

new role as the Mayor’s Consort.”

196 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

NEWSLINE LAS

World’s first balloon surgery for internal bleeding performed on roadside London’s Air Ambulance at global forefront of medical innovation London’s Air Ambulance, the charity that delivers a 24/7 advanced trauma team to critically injured people in London, has performed the world’s first roadside balloon surgery to control internal bleeding. Use of pre-hospital Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA), a technique used first in the UK at The Royal London Hospital, to control haemorrhage in trauma patients is a ground breaking move by London’s Air Ambulance. On average the charity is called six times a day to deliver its life-saving medical interventions to people seriously injured in the Capital. Many of these patients are suffering from catastrophic bleeding. Tragically some die at the scene as a result of their severe blood loss and never make it to hospital. London’s Air Ambulance can now perform REBOA on patients suffering severe pelvic haemorrhage, an injury most commonly associated with cycling incidents and falls

number of patients who quite

continue to evaluate and develop

The Mayor of London Boris

simply bleed to death before they

the technology into the future.”

Johnson said: “London’s Air Ambulance delivers a world-class

have the chance to get to hospital where there are highly developed

Having treated over 30,000

service for a world-class city. It’s

systems for stabilising and

people in the Capital, London’s Air

astonishing to see how these

preventing blood loss.”

Ambulance has an international

stunning advances in medical

reputation for pioneering

care are helping people survive

REBOA works by controlling or

medical procedures which

serious injury in London, injury

preventing further blood loss.

have been adopted across the

that they probably wouldn’t

Blood carries oxygen which

world. London’s Air Ambulance

survive elsewhere in the world.

is delivered to major organs

pioneered thoracotomy (open

That change is being pioneered

including the heart and the brain.

heart surgery) at the roadside

and delivered by an incredible

Starved of blood our organs

and in 1993 produced one of the

group of men and women - the

stop working effectively and can

World’s first survivors from this

doctors, paramedics, pilots and

become permanently damaged.

procedure.

support staff of the London Air Ambulance.”

The balloon is fed into the bottom end of the aorta, the largest

Dr Gareth Davies continues:

blood vessel in the body, and

“We have always provided highly

then inflated, temporarily cutting

trained, expert teams to care for

off blood supply to damaged

injured Londoners and today we

blood vessels. The patient is

are pleased to further improve our

then transported rapidly to the

service by adding this innovation.

Royal London hospital to undergo

As a charity, it is only through

further vital interventions.

the support of the community

London’s Air Ambulance has

of seriously injured people in

worked closely with The Royal

we serve, that we can save lives London.”

>>>

London Hospital to deliver REBOA safely in A&E before embarking on the surgery outside of hospital. Speaking about this partnership,

CLIMATE ConTroL

Professor Karim Brohi, Consultant Vascular and Trauma Surgeon at Barts Health NHS Trust said: “We have to stop people bleeding to death - it’s one of the world’s biggest killers. Over 2.5 million people bleed to death from their injuries each year around the world. The Royal London

from height.

Hospital Major Trauma Centre and

Commenting on the use of

together led the way in developing

REBOA to treat trauma patients,

new strategies and treatments to

Dr Gareth Davies, Medical

reduce this death toll.

London’s Air Ambulance have

Director for London’s Air “While it sounds relatively simple it

to provide our patients with the

is an extremely difficult technology

world’s most innovative and

to deliver in the emergency

effective pre-hospital care. Being

department in hospital, never

able to effectively manage blood

mind at the roadside. This

loss at the scene is a significant

successful deployment of REBOA

advancement in pre-hospital

represents nearly 2 years of

medicine.”

development work by our staff. We are excited about the potential

“We believe the use of REBOA

for REBOA to reduce death and

can lead to a reduction in the

suffering after trauma and will

A comfortable environment whatever the weather Quality assured, regulated installation and local service.

A world of CoMforT

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

Ambulance, said: “Our aim is

w w w. e b e r s p a c h e r. c o m – 0 1 4 2 5 4 8 0 1 5 1

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197

21/01/2014 10:04

NEWSLINE At the present time, REFLECT

educational and it has changed

The new centre is one of four

REFLECT – on the consequences of alcohol

has one referral route which will

my views on alcohol and the

applications the Trust has recently

be following arrest and detention

way actions can be devastating

submitted to create purpose-built

within a custody office and is the

to others. I learned a great

Make Ready Centres. The other

final step of a conditional caution.

deal. I’d like to thank you for

three applications, which have all

the opportunity to learn about

been given the green light, are for

25 June 2014 saw the official

The course, which is already

the services and how badly it

centres in Brighton, Crawley and

proving to be successful, also

affects others.

Polegate. The Trust has already

launch of the REFLECT initiative at

developed two purpose-built

Burnley Fire Station.

offers and insight in to the emergency resources available

The findings from the project will

centres in Ashford and Paddock

The multi-agency initiative,

in the areas across the night time

be shared and used as evidence

Wood, Kent.

and weekend period; examples

of good practice to inform the

of first-hand experience in dealing

future development of a uniform

SECAmb’s Programme Director

with incidents where alcohol is

Drunk and Disorderly Disposal

for Estates, Geoff Catling, said:

the primary contributory factor

across Lancashire.

“These facilities will not only

involving Lancashire Police, Burnley Council, Lancashire Fire and Rescue and Inspire, aims to address alcohol related disorder in the Burnley area and reduce repeat offences of drunk

ensure that our clinical staff are

and the legal aspects of alcohol consumption.

and disorderly. It also raises awareness of the danger of

An agreement has now been

alcohol and the effect it has on

reached with the Lancashire Police

the town and its public services.

to deliver the project to all drunk and disorderly offenders throughout

SECAMB

Trust to develop a Make Ready Centre in Chichester

REFLECT offers a restorative

East Lancashire, with approximately

South East Coast Ambulance

approach to offenders through the

60 attendees per month.

Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) has submitted a

delivery of a multi-agency themed

freed up to do the job they are trained to do – treat patients, there will be the prospect of job opportunities as our Make Ready contractors look to recruit make ready operatives from the area.” Traditionally ambulance crews have been responsible for cleaning and restocking

Paramedic Caroline Hargreaves,

planning application to create a

who is involved in the delivery

purpose built Make Ready Centre

The hard-hitting course

the course said: “The project is

in Tangmere, near Chichester.

shifts. Within the Make Ready

predominantly provides an

excellent and I am delighted to

insight into the consequences of

be involved. Alcohol related

The Trust recently submitted the

are employed to clean, restock

an individual’s behaviour where

incidents undoubtedly put

application to create the centre

alcohol is the primary contributory

additional pressure on the

on a site at Chichester Business

factor. This is done through

ambulance service, and part of

Park, Tangmere.

These teams are responsible

case studies and the testimony

our contribution to the course

of the professionals tasked with

demonstrates how dealing with

If approved, the new centre

and swabbing vehicles for the

dealing with the situation and

avoidable incidents may delay an

will not only be a place where

the aftermath. It also offers

ambulance attending a genuine

ambulances are made ready

advice on how an individual can

emergency.”

for crews before every shift,

educational course.

consume alcohol in a way which

but also provide training and

is less damaging to themselves,

A participant recently gave

meeting for facilities for staff

their family and their community.

this feedback: Excellent, very

working in the area.

ambulances before and after system specialist teams of staff and maintain vehicles.

for regularly deep-cleaning presence of micro-organisms including MRSA and CDiff. They restock ambulances to a standardised specification, checking and servicing equipment on regular basis. To reduce the risk of vehicle breakdowns, on-site vehicle maintenance experts are also on-hand to undertake routine checks and maintenance. It is expected that crews currently reporting to Chichester, Midhurst,

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

Bognor Regis and Pulborough will relocate to the new centre. The staff will begin and end their shifts at the centre but during their shift will respond from a network of Ambulance Community Response Posts. They will be Representatives of each of the agencies involved in the REFLECT initiative

198 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

located based on patient demand but it is expected that posts will

NEWSLINE be found in towns currently served

Both of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s

Without any direct government

his role as President of the

by ambulance stations.

aircraft have state-of-the-

funding, the only help the

Ambulance Service Association.

Decisions regarding the closure

art medical and helicopter

charity receives is through the

David will enlighten delegates

of ambulance stations will be

specification. They can reach

secondment of its paramedics

of the changes now taking

made on an individual basis

speeds of up to 160mph and

from the Yorkshire Ambulance

place within the CQC and the

and on whether they are in the

together provide a life saving

Service NHS Trust.

impact that this will have on all

best location to respond to

rapid response emergency

patients. However, the closures of

service to 5 million people across

ambulance stations will only take

4 million acres of Yorkshire.

place once a response post is operational – thus protecting and

In November 2012, the charity

enhancing the service we provide

became the first air ambulance

to patients.

in the UK to acquire its own JAROPS Air Operators Certificate,

YAA

Yorkshire Air Ambulance one of first to get Euro compliance Yorkshire Air Ambulance has become one of the first air operators in the country to achieve compliance with new European air safety regulations. The emergency rapid response charity – which operates two MD902 Explorer helicopters – has revised all its operator manuals to meet new European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requirements that come into force on October 28. It now becomes just the third out of nearly 70 UK operators to be awarded a new Air Operators Certificate by the Civil Aviation Authority, which is responsible for ensuring compliance with EASA regulations.

employing all its own pilots. Extended daily flying hours now ensure the service is operational for up to 14 hours during daylight, with the aircraft operating from air support units at RAF Topcliffe near Thirsk and a new, purposedesigned and developed base at Nostell, near Wakefield. Andy added: “For many people the paperwork involved may seem onerous, but proper safety can only be achieved through the implementation of robust procedures that comply with published regulations. I am fortunate that the charity has provided support to ensure we achieve compliance so early.” Yorkshire Air Ambulance has carried more than 5,500 people in its 13year history directly to hospital for treatment. It needs to raise £9,990 each day to keep its two helicopters in the air and maintained - equivalent to £3.6 million each year.

ambulance services in the UK. AOAA

First high profile aero medical pre hospital care speakers announced The first of a prestigious line up of expert speakers have confirmed their attendance at this year’s National Air Ambulance Conference run by the Association of Air Ambulances, which takes place on Monday 17th November at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London. The event, which has become a firm fixture in the events calendar for the European air ambulance community, is open to members and non-members. It aims to inform, incite debate and provide a platform for the air ambulance industry to come together, share

The key colleges of Clinical, Charity and Air Operations are all present in an agenda which is comprehensive and packed with experts within their fields. Additionally, group debates and further presentations will be made in many of the workshops taking place throughout the day. More exciting news on conference speakers will be announced over the coming months. Last year’s conference saw a total of 22 speakers and over 25 sponsors with over 330 delegates attending. Clive Dickin, National Director of the AAA said: “This year’s event offers even more to our delegates, from high profile expert speakers and

ideas and build partnerships.

advanced practises, to more

Professor Keith Willett, Director

workshops that will challenge

for Acute Episodes of Care NHS England, will provide an update on Urgent and Emergency Care Review, explaining developments, findings and the likely impact

opportunities to network and and inspire. As a member, delegate rates are exceptional value and as a non-member extremely competitive for the level of specialist information you will

on pre-hospital aero medical

receive. Don’t forget CPD points

care. Winner of last year’s AAA

will be available.”

Lifetime Achievement Award More information on the

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Chief Pilot

Ambulance, Dr. Gareth Davies

programme of events and to

Andy Lister said: “We were very

will deliver a presentation on

aware that we would be moving

Resuscitative Endovascular

or the gala dinner early bird

from a UK to a European system

Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta

(before 1st September), please

of governance and so have re-

(REBOA) in the pre hospital

visit: www.aoaa.org.uk.

written all our operating manuals

environment for which he recently

in accordance with the new

carried out the first pre-hospital

procedures laid down by EASA.

procedure in the UK. David Griffiths, Care Quality Commission

“That has now been approved

(CQC) National Professional

by the CAA and we are delighted that we have become one of the first air operators in the country to achieve this.”

Advisor (NPA) for Ambulance and Andy Lister, Chief Pilot with Yorkshire Air Ambulance

Emergency Care has previously influenced the development of NHS ambulance services through

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

and Consultant at London’s Air

>>> 199

Life Connections - The Affordable CPD Provider: www.lifeconnections.uk.com

NEWSLINE WMAS

Students go ‘behind the nines’ for work experience week A group of teenagers have been learning about life behind the nines with West Midlands Ambulance Service this week. Health service savvy students from schools in Warwickshire, Birmingham, the Black Country and Staffordshire have spent the week at Erdington Hub in Birmingham as part of the Trust’s work experience programme. The 11-strong group of teenagers met a range of operational staff, including paramedics from the Trust’s Hazardous Area

for thought to apply for future jobs

comment on the ideas of others

Clever Together, said: “ We’re

with us.”

and vote the best to the top.

really excited to be working with so many organisations across

Jack Dudley, 17 from Leamington

An NHS England event bringing

London on this ground-breaking

Spa, is a student at Myton School

together staff is taking place this

project, which values the voice of

in Warwick and said: “I’ve really

week to encourage engagement

those that deliver services in the

loved this week as I’ve wanted

with the project and officially

community.

to be a paramedic since I was

launch the crowdsourcing

young so it’s been inspiring for

process at www.transformldn.org.

me. To learn about the different

responsibilities. The students discovered how 999 calls are handled, the work of community first responders (CFRs), the management of trauma patients and how the Midlands Air Ambulance help patients. They also got to grips with the back of an ambulance and had a go

The project is designed to

crowdsourcing model means that

incredible. I always thought you

produce a ‘co-created’ vision and

all staff, rather than just senior

had to go to university to become

set of principles to help inspire

managers and commissioners,

a paramedic, but I’ve found out

commissioners and providers

will be able to help shape future

you can apply directly with West

of community health and social

improvement for services users

Midlands Ambulance Service

services in London to look at ways

across the capital,” he added.

so I’m now counting down the

of making their services more

days until I leave college. HART

integrated, patient-centred and

were definitely the highlight for

efficient. Contributors can click a

me as they’re so specialised; it’s something I’d love to be a part of one day.”

restart someone’s heart when

LAS

Community staff sought to transform London health & social services

button to vote for an idea, but can also click a ‘thumbs-down’ button keen on.

EMAS

£6m of savings to be made by ambulance service Ambulance service bosses will have to find savings of £6 million

NHS England London Chief

in the next financial year to make

Nurse Caroline Alexander said:

ends meet.

““I am personally championing the creation of a shared vision for

The news comes ahead of

London’s community services.

a board meeting at the East

This is a key priority for me this

Midlands Ambulance Service

year. With a clear and shared

today to discuss finances of the

inspire service transformation

direction, I strongly believe our

past and coming years.

Nurses, physiotherapists,

lead a positive transformation in

The service has drawn up a plan,

our capital’s health and social

which would see £6.2 million of

care.

savings made in a range of areas

Crowdsourcing project to collect frontline ideas to

occupational therapists and all

they’ve suffered a cardiac arrest)

frontline and support colleagues

to test their life saving skills.

across health community services in London are being invited to

Diane Pittom, the Trust’s

Facebook-style ‘Like’ thumbs-up

to demote an idea they’re not so

at using an automated external defibrillator (a device used to

their ideas anonymously, our

job roles available has been

Response Team (HART), to find out more about their roles and

By allowing everyone to present

take part in a ground- breaking

services in the community can

– including modernising vehicles, “I also passionately believe

decreasing fuel and insurance

in unlocking the expertise

payments and sharing or twinning ambulance stations.

project to develop ideas to help

and creativity held within our

Officer, said: “Engaging with

organisations transform health

workforce. So throughout

young people is an important

and social care services in the

July 2014 I am asking nurses,

This is where stations are either

capital.

physiotherapists, occupational

shared with other emergency

further enhance the quality of our

therapists and all frontline and

services or merged with nearby

future workforce. This opportunity

A network of London health and

support colleagues across health

stations.

has allowed the students to

community organisations are to

and social community services in

see beyond the blue lights and

use innovative crowdsourcing

London to join me in a ground-

Despite the savings in its £140

explore the service ‘behind the

methods to engage as wide

breaking project.

million budget, ambulance

scenes’ to discover to broad

a variety of staff as possible.

range of roles that make up the

This unique crowdsourcing

no adverse impact on front-line

ambulance service.

who specialise in facilitating

approach will enable us to

services” and pledged to hit

innovation and change by

capture the collective wisdom of

response times.

“Their enthusiasm to learn,

engaging and empowering staff

frontline staff from across London

John Barber, EMAS director

confidence to ask questions and

and stakeholders, the process will

to create a shared vision that we

of finance, said: “Our cost

unique personalities have made

encourage community workers

can all aspire to,” she added.

improvement programme is about

this week incredibly successful

to submit ideas anonymously

and I hope it’s given them food

via a social-media style website,

Organisational Development

investment for us and helps to

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

bosses said the aim is to “have

us making the best use of our Dr. Peter Thomond, founder of

200 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

finance and resource.

NEWSLINE “The savings we will make as a

protect the NHS budget. As a

local charity partner for this

She added “In return for their place

result will help us to continue to

result, the NHS is performing well

year’s Exeter’s Great West Run,

on our team, we are asking our

despite rapidly rising demand.

which takes place on Sunday 19

runners to pledge to raise a minimum

Patients have a right to high

October 2014.

of £200 in sponsorship. Of course

protect our main assets – our staff and vehicles.

if you have already secured your

quality, reliable, urgent and “All the cost improvement

emergency care. We are clear

As part of the partnership the Charity

place we’d also still love to hear from

programme schemes are

that East Midlands Ambulance

has 50 places up for grabs for keen

you if you would like to also raise

reviewed by the director of

Service must meet their statutory

runners who would like to raise

sponsorship for us. In return we can

nursing and medical director to

duty to balance their books,

funds for Devon Air Ambulance

help by providing sponsor forms/

ensure there is no adverse impact

whilst making sure patient

Trust. Could that be you?

online sponsorship area, general

on the quality of care.”

safety and quality care are never compromised.

The ambulance service said it

fundraising advice and of course a Caroline Creer, Fundraising Director

running vest to wear on the day.”

of Devon Air Ambulance Trust said

intends to cut costs in a number

“We expect East Midlands

“We are asking anyone who would

The deadline for applying for one

of ways over the coming year,

Ambulance Service to work with

like to be considered for one of our

of our bond places is Friday 6

including: implementing a new

the local CCGs to ensure services

50 places to get in touch with us as

June at 5pm.

continue to meet the needs of

soon as possible. You can do this

senior leadership team; reducing sickness levels; reducing the number of private ambulances paid for; and reducing management costs in back-room operations like IT, finance and human resources. A Department of Health spokesman said: “The difficult

local people.”

DAA

Exeter’s great west run names local charity to support for 2014 event

economic decisions this

by emailing fundraising@daat.org

Lucy Perry, Partnerships Manager

or by writing to me at 5 Sandpiper

at GO2 Events said “We chose

Court, Harrington Lane, Exeter, EX4

Devon Air Ambulance Trust this

8NS marked ‘GWR ballot’. You

year as our local charity partner

should include your full contact

because they truly are at the heart

details and a short explanation of

of the community. They are here

why you would like to run for Devon

for everyone whatever the age.

Air Ambulance Trust. Maybe you

We recognise that Devon is a

are looking for a personal challenge

very remote county and therefore

or have had personal experience of

being able to get essential

Government has taken have

Devon Air Ambulance Trust has

the charity funded service and want

emergency treatment to the ill or

meant we have been able to

been announced as the official

to give something back?”

injured quickly is important.”

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

201 Do you have anything you would like to add or include in Newsline? Please contact us and let us know.

NEWSLINE Warwick Area Manager, Martyn

WMAS

From Hong Kong to the Midlands

Scott, who organised the visit to West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “It was really interesting to hear more about the

Two of the top officials from the

way that the ambulance service is

ambulance service in Hong Kong

run in Hong Kong and exchange

have been visiting West Midlands

ideas.

Ambulance Service as part of a fact finding mission to the UK.

“Our visitors were very interested to see the seamless approach

Shun Kwok-leung is the Deputy

within the hubs with regard to

Chief Ambulance Officer for

command structure, resourcing,

the Hong Kong Fire Service

training, operations and fleet.

(HKFS) and together with Dawn Shui Ching Lee, who is the

“We were able to demonstrate

Superintendent of the Kowloon

the high quality of cleaning,

East Sector, they were given a tour

preparation and staff support that

of the new Coventry and Warwick

they bring.

hubs on Thursday last week. “It was a pleasure to meet our The HKFS has a fleet of around

visitors and hear about how

350 ambulances and deal with

ambulance services are run in

almost 2,000 calls a day. The pair

Hong Kong. There was a lot of

were in the UK to look at the way

interest amongst staff at the hubs

ambulance services operate in the

in a trial they are about to run

UK and to see if there are any ideas

using an electric, one person use,

they can take back to Hong Kong.

ambulance stretcher.”

LAS

Ambulance workers proud to be part of Pride London Ambulance Service is once again proud to be taking part in this year’s Pride event – with a large crew of medics and civilian staff parading three emergency vehicles through central London. Thousands of people from all parts of London’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community are expected to take part in the parade which culminates in a rally in Trafalgar Square. This year, London Ambulance Service will also be on hand offering medical cover to Pride revellers. London Ambulance Service LGBT Forum Chair, Steph Adams, said, “Pride is just a fantastic, joyful day. We all go in our own time but we are proud to be seen in our uniform

COMFORTABLY THE TOUGHEST WORK BOOT SINCE 1960

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

NEW TRENT STEEL TOE AVAILABLE FROM MAY 2014

# STANDFORSOMETHING DRMARTENS.COM/SERVICERANGE

202 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

to show the public ‘this is us, this is who we are’ and that we’re part of an accepting organisation. We always get a good reception from the crowds.” The Service is ranked in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers 2014, the definitive list of Britain’s most gay-friendly workplaces. Spectators who feel unwell or with minor injuries or illness on the day are being urged to make their own way to one of the treatment centres. This will be the quickest way to access medical help. The service is asking people to bring waterproof clothing or sun cream depending on the weather and to drink plenty of water. The annual Pride event has been going since 1972, and is now the second largest public event in the capital after the Notting Hill Carnival. Conchita Wurst, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in May, will headline the main stage.

NEWSLINE

WORKING IN ‘PARTNERSHIP’ WITH THE UK’S AMBULANCE TRUSTS IN DELIVERING MORE EFFICIENT AMBULANCE PREPARATION MODELS Today, Churchill MakeReady™ (formally Lightbridge Support Services)

Having highly skilled medical staff wash vehicles, carry out infection

is delivering high efficiency service models to several of the UK’s NHS

control cleaning and then repack medical consumables along with

Ambulance Trusts and providing infection control services to many

testing all medical devices is no longer an economically viable solution.

private ambulance providers who assist the NHS in delivering either full accident and emergency services or patient transport solutions.

In addition, the management of stock and its control is often left to unqualified staff who just happen to be chosen to look after the stores

However the question that is continually asked is whether or not,

on a station. This is clearly not best practice and is why many Trusts

either a once day vehicle preparation programme (VPP) or a full ‘Make

spend more than is required on consumables and often end up with

Ready’ system (MR) is actually needed; or can it indeed be worth the

high disposal rates. In either of the two systems we provide (VPP or

investment. The final question that is asked is whether or not it should

MR), stock management is a critical component. Setting the correct

be delivered as an in-house solution or as an outsourced service.

stock levels and managing those levels both in station and within the vehicles / response bags can bring about further financial benefit

In the first instance, we should examine whether or not either of the models deliver any real benefit to an Ambulance Service or whether the money they cost could be better allocated within the Trust. There is no easy answer to this. Having now worked in this sector developing and implementing both once a day VPP systems and full MR systems it is difficult to give a definitive answer as much of the information needed to be able to establish the cost benefit is not available (as the current management systems used within the Trust’s is unable to provide data that would be of real use). In truth, if we look at the facts then we could in all likelihood establish the financial benefits of the systems. Firstly, the reduction of lost time at the start of shift for oncoming crew staff. The MR system ensures that for all shift starts there is a fully functional prepared and serviceable double manned / crewed ambulance or response car available for duty. This clearly reduces lost time. The crew are immediately available for control to assign tasks to them and thus time wasted carrying out checks and dealing with vehicle issues are all taken away.

to the Trust as waste is reduced to an absolute minimum. This can thus become a clear cost reduction for the Trust and assists in the justification for the implementation of the system. Both systems require the introduction of a standard load list or packing list for both the vehicles and response bags. This results in additional major benefits for the Trust or private provider as it tackles several problems. Firstly, it reduces the overstocking problem that we have found in every ambulance service we have audited. There is no real need today to carry an overstock of medical consumables on each and every vehicle. It has always been argued that “you never know when we are going to be called to a major incident”. This argument is fundamentally flawed as in a modern ambulance service other resources are immediately deployed to any major incident such as the HART (Hazardous Area Response Team) and with them are the incident tenders which carry additional medical stock and medical equipment. Therefore, there is no requirement for vehicles to carry more than is needed for the shift plus

We know that within a traditional ambulance service model without either VPP or MR, oncoming crews can spend up to 20 minutes checking and preparing their vehicle for duty and if they find a vehicle fault this time

a small buffer stock. So by implementing either VPP or MR, a standard packing system is put in place and again this brings significant benefit as stock rotation and date management can be fully implemented.

factor can go beyond an hour (whilst fleet deal with the problem and/or another serviceable vehicle is found). It is argued by some that the crew returning should clean and restock possible given overruns and duty time with all crews now being fully utilised throughout their shifts. The oncoming crew is often faced with a stark situation – go out and respond without having done a thorough check of the vehicle or delay response when calls are stacking up whilst they take the time to re-stock and check all items in the vehicle. So whilst we cannot quantify the exact saving that can be achieved from

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

their vehicle for the oncoming crew; however, in reality this is often not

the introduction of either system, it is clear that systems ‘do’ deliver increased performance for the Trust or private provider.

203 For all your equipment needs visit: www.ambulanceservicesuppliers.com

NEWSLINE

An additional benefit is the introduction of standard packing for the

Where we have operated this close working partnership for over ten

response bags. This has two benefits: firstly, the weight of the bags

years with Fleet, the reduction in lost unit hours for crews has been

can be managed and thus reduce the risk of injury to crew staff and;

significantly reduced. There is also a significant reduction in the

secondly, the Trust can be confident that the correct medical devices

number of ‘moody defects’; defects that are not real but created as

and medical consumable is packed within the response bags so the

the crew would prefer a different vehicle for their shift. In this system,

crews are able to deliver competent patient care.

this possibility is eliminated as the vehicle would have been checked thoroughly prior to issue and thus these events rarely take place in a

This removes the issue of crew staff putting their own medical devices

VPP or MR centre.

into the response bags; often bought cheaply and not certified by the

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

Trust as safe for use on a patient and thus placing the Trust at risk.

Now on to the last part of the process, should either VPP or MR

Recently, we have removed several Pulse Oximeters that crew staff

be provided as an ‘in-house service’ or ‘outsourced’ to a private

purchased from the web which were made cheaply and which were not

contractor? Over the ten years I have worked in this sector, I have

for professional medical use. Whilst we cannot quantify the cost benefit

audited many of these systems. In the main, the in-house systems are

on this part of the service model, the reduction in the potential for claims

more costly and less effective than the outsourced services. I am often

from patients’ families when things go wrong due to missing equipment

asked by Trusts “why this is the case” and I have to concede my bias

or device failure is significantly minimised.

given that I work in the contracted part of the sector.

Finally, linking VPP or MR with the Fleet team is a critical component

However, I am also fully committed to helping my colleagues within the

of bringing about significant benefits to the Trust and private provider.

NHS deliver a better service; to assisting them to deliver better patient

Through integrating the two teams together, VOR (vehicle off road –

safety; and more importantly, in assisting them become more financially

through mechanical failure) can be better managed and minor issues are

efficient. Therefore my bias does wane as I or my family could need their

dealt with by both teams prior to any crew being allocated the vehicle.

services, so I have a vested interest in those services being the very best.

MR or VPP staff are able to work with fleet to ensure that when a shift

The main issue that I have found over the years with in-house solutions

starts, serviceable vehicles are available; and when we do get a crew

are that they are both expensive (due to the much enhanced terms and

breakdown mid-shift a prepared vehicle is able to be deployed by an

conditions of employment which have a higher cost than those provided

MR / VP Operative to the crew. Therefore crew are able to return to duty

by the private sector) and secondly, the in-house service is not normally

and become available for dispatch whilst the non-clinical Operative is

as focused on service delivery as they are bound by or tied into penalty

able to await recovery back to the centre.

clauses for failure on service delivery.

204 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

NEWSLINE

The contracted service is normally more focused. There is no drain on internal Trust resource for recruitment, training or assessment. Issues are managed quickly and disciplinary systems are designed to deliver results more expediently. On the other hand, Trusts who have issues with staff members can have to deal with paid absence for months and thus the MR / VP Centre can be drained of vital resource and thus fail due to these issues. These are but a few of the reasons, but I have found that it in the main it is better to outsource this element of the service to a professional provider as their sole focus once committed, is to provide the benefits set out in the contract and to enhance the service the Trust provides by working together as a team. I have worked now with four of the Trusts and have advised several other Trusts; working continually towards finding ever better systems and solutions that help and assist them. This is our key goal.

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

M.K Johnson Medical & Technical Services Director â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Churchill MakeReadyâ&#x201E;˘

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NEWSLINE

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206

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NEWSLINE DAAT

Off the starting line for Devon Air Ambulance Trust and Devon based Tozers Solicitors It’s been quite a few weeks for Devon’s Air Ambulance charity. Not only was it was named as the official local charity partner for this year’s Exeter’s Great West Run, which takes place on Sunday 19 October 2014 but it has also been chosen by main sponsor Tozers Solicitors as their charity of the year! Rachel Elliott, Business Development Manager at Tozers Solicitors LLP said: “The partners at Tozers Solicitors LLP decided to nominate Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) as their charity of the year for 2014, not least because one of them had been previously airlifted as a result of an equestrian accident. Caroline Creer, Fundraising Director

of Devon Air Ambulance Trust said “We are delighted to be working with Tozers as their charity of the year and also as part of Exeter’s Great West Run.” She added “It really does mean a great deal to be chosen as Tozers’ charity of the year because it gives us an opportunity to work alongside those right at the heart of business and community. We are able to build relationships and work together so that everyone gets the best experience whilst getting the feel good factor of raising funds for a local good cause.” Tozers’ staff are getting involved in fundraising through lots of different ways. For example they have already held the “Great Tozers Bake Off” with staff competing against each other for the prestigious title. Staff are also taking part in Exeter’s Great West Run, the Charity’s Motorcycle Ride Out and the Commando Challenge, as well as. Tracy Lambert who is a partner at Tozers is running the New York Marathon in aid of DAAT on 2 November 2014 and Tozers’

Wills and Probate team has offered to write Wills in the week of 22-26 September 2014 (to coincide with national air ambulance week) in return for donation to DAAT. Tozers will be asking for a minimum donation of £100 for a single Will and a minimum donation of £150 for a double Will.

WMAS

Frankly, they save lives ASDA in Belmont has become the first of the supermarket chain’s stores in Herefordshire and Worcestershire to be fitted with lifesaving equipment. Defibrillators are being installed in all of ASDA’s stores throughout the country in conjunction with the British Heart Foundation. On Wednesday 11th June it was the turn of the superstore in Hereford where 14 members of staff were trained in its use by West Midlands Ambulance Service.

June Thurston, Community Life Champion at ASDA in Belmont, explained that their defibrillator has been given a name: “His name is Frank because frankly he is going to save lives!”. Noel Orbell, West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Community Response Manager for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: “It is a lifesaver. When the patient hits the ground they have an eighty per cent chance of survival with a defibrillator as long as we can get there within the first two minutes. For each minute that goes by the chance of survival diminishes. Having June and other first-aiders at the store, the patient’s chance of survival will be greatly increased.”

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

The Power from Stryker

The machine, which can restart the heart of someone who suffers a cardiac arrest, will be placed in four other stores in the two counties over the next fortnight and West Midlands Ambulance Service will be training their staff.

207 Life Connections - The Affordable CPD Provider: www.lifeconnections.uk.com

NEWSLINE Each EFR has been trained

to have world class levels of

by Andrew Percy MP, who

Blue light services join forces to launch Yorkshire’s first Emergency First Responder scheme

in basic life support,

survival from cardiac arrest and

himself volunteers for YAS as

cardiopulmonary resuscitation

the launch of this initiative is one

a Community First Responder.

(CPR) and oxygen therapy.

more important element in saving

Andrew commented: “I have

They are equipped with a kit

more lives.

worked closely with local NHS

Successful pilot sees scheme

YAS

rolled out across Humberside and the East Riding More than 70 fire fighters across 7 fire stations in Humberside and the East Riding will soon be responding to selected emergency calls at the same time as an ambulance, thanks to the launch of the county’s first Emergency First Responder (EFR) scheme. The scheme is a joint initiative between Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS) and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) and officially launches on Friday 16 May 2014 with the support of Andrew Percy MP.

which includes oxygen and an

Trusts and others for some time

automated external defibrillator

“Humberside and the East

now to look at ways to improve

(AED) to help patients in a

Riding are already served by

patient outcomes and response

medical emergency such as a

our award-winning Community

times. We have some great CFR

heart attack, collapse or breathing

First Responder teams who do

schemes across the area, with

difficulties.

a fantastic job as volunteers in

hard working volunteers, and I

their local areas. The addition of

hope that this will complement

An EFR will be despatched at

Emergency First Responders will

those schemes to ensure that we

the same time as an ambulance

further strengthen our response

reach as many calls as possible

and will not replace the usual

in these communities and the two

as soon as possible.

emergency medical response

models will work side-by-side to

from YAS. However, their location

save more lives.

within local communities could

“As an active Community First Responder myself, I know the

mean they are nearer to the

“We are also working with health

value of these schemes and

scene in those first critical

partners, local MPs, Councillors

hopefully the linkup between

minutes of a medical emergency,

and the British Heart Foundation

Humberside Fire and Rescue and

delivering life-saving care until an

(BHF) to increase the number of

Yorkshire Ambulance Service will

ambulance clinician arrives.

public access defibrillators in the

increase the hours responders

area and further improve cardiac

are available and that could save

David Whiting, Chief Executive

arrest survival rates in the East

lives.”

at YAS said: “We have a

Riding.”

responsibility to ensure we explore

YAS Chief Executive, David

every available option to improve

Emergency First Responders are

Whiting, summed up the move

clinical outcomes for people in

only available for dispatch when

by adding: “The demand placed

Humberside and the East Riding

staffing levels at their Fire Station

upon blue light emergency

and we are delighted to be

allow and the scheme will not

services increases every year and

working in partnership with HFRS

impact fire cover.

our approaches to providing the

The scheme was trialled at

on the launch of the county’s

Pocklington Fire Station during

first Emergency First Responder

2013 and volunteer fire service

scheme.

staff have now received training at Market Weighton, Howden, Goole,

“We have a very clear ambition to

Driffield, Brough and Snaith Fire

improve the survival rate for those

Stations with additional locations

people who suffer from a cardiac

planned for later in the year.

arrest in the community. We want

best response and best patient Chief Fire Officer, Dene Sanders

outcomes available are continually

at HFRS said: “I am delighted that

evolving. By exploring innovative

the trial at Pocklington was such

and alternative ways of working

a success and that the scheme

with all partners, together we

will now be rolled out across more

can ensure our service remains

of our stations in the East Riding.

responsive and safe and leads to

Our fire fighters have received

more lives being saved.”

exceptional training from Yorkshire Ambulance Service and are

Yorkshire Ambulance Service

looking forward to offering their

NHS Trust covers almost 6,000

assistance to patients through the

square miles of varied terrain from

scheme.

isolated moors and dales to urban areas, coastline and inner cities

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

“The overriding aim of

and provides 24-hour emergency

Humberside Fire and Rescue

and healthcare services to a

Service is to protect our

population of more than five

communities and reach and save

million people. The organisation

those in danger who are in need

receives an average of 2,180

of our help as quickly as possible.

emergency and urgent calls per

This joined-up approach can only

day and employs over 4,600 staff.

enhance the service we provide

Our Patient Transport Service

and will improve patient outcomes

makes just under one million

across the East Riding.”

journeys per year transporting patients to and from hospital and

The scheme has been praised

208 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

treatment centre appointments.

NEWSLINE WMAS

Ambulance and Fire Service at home in Aston Ambulance staff moved in with their fire service colleagues in Aston last week, marking the start of a new and exciting era of joint partnership working. After more than 60 years of calling Henrietta Street Ambulance Station home, ambulance staff based there moved one and a half miles away into a newly refurbished hub on the site of

West Midlands Fire Service

into at jobs for years! The hub

space of time, from a tired and

has provided the Trust with the

is fresh, clean and modern with

empty building into a really smart

temporary accommodation whilst

comfortable facilities for staff

hub for the ambulance service.

negotiations continue to build

and is a world of difference their

a new joint hub in Aston which

previous home which was in a

“I’ve already formed strong

could be up and running in about

state of disrepair.

relationships with Tony and his colleagues during the

three years’ time. “Thank you to West Midlands

refurbishment and I’m excited

Tony Iommi, the Trust’s Assistant

Fire Service for providing this

about the future. Personally, I

Area Manager for Birmingham

fantastic facility, they’ve done a

like busy stations as it’s good

Central, said: “The move from

fantastic job and have pulled out

to see lots of people about so

Henrietta Street to Aston couldn’t

all the stops. It’s a privilege to be

I’m looking forward to our two

have gone any better. It’s a real

sharing a site with our emergency

services getting to know each

testament to the meticulous

service colleagues. We were very

other and hopefully, learning from

planning, hard work and

grateful for the warm welcome

one another along the way.”

professionalism of everyone

provided by Station Commander

involved in the project, both from

Rob and his fire colleagues on

the fire service and ambulance

Wednesday morning. Bringing

service.

the services together on one site

Aston Fire Station on Wednesday

is definitely the way forward and

21st May. The hub is on the 1st

“It goes without saying that

we’re already planning some joint

floor of a building adjacent to

moving out of Henrietta Street was

exercises to further improve our

the fire service facilities and is

emotive, as it’s been part of the

interoperability.”

self-contained comprising a mess

Trust for such a long time, but I’m

room, dining room, kitchen, locker

confident staff will settle in well at

Rob Woolley, West Midlands Fire

rooms, toilets, showers, office

Aston. For many staff, it’s going

Service’s Station Commander in

space and car parking bays for

to mean working alongside the

Aston, said: “The facility has been

ten ambulance vehicles.

firefighters they’ve been bumping

transformed, in a relatively short

>>>

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

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NEWSLINE medical corp. The group

KM Ambulance Life write-up

attended services at CollevilleMontgomery, Ranville, Bayeaux and Arromanches as well as many other smaller services

Many of the veterans who

and were delighted to meet

attended this years Normandy

members of the royal family and

D-Day anniversary in France

well known politicians.

were looked after by a small team of volunteer Kent ambulance medics. Clive Goddard and Peter Butler from South East Coast Ambulance along with Chris Jones, Barrie Hall, Barrie Hoare and Mark Blackwell from Medicar European, all travelled to Normandy to assist the Normandy Veterans Association with what was to be their last pilgrimage before being disbanded later in the year. It was a comforting sight for the veterans to see English

Two ambulances and a motorhome were supplied by Medicar European, Chris

WMAS

Mental Health Scheme awarded for ‘excellence’

to 999 calls to help people

A mental health scheme involving the ambulance service, police and mental health service was recognised for its partnership working at an awards ceremony last night.

Rob Cole, West Midlands

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust’s ‘Quality and Excellence’ awards, held on Wednesday 11th June, recognised staff who provided exceptional care to people who use their service. West Midlands Ambulance Service, West Midlands Police and mental health colleagues scooped second place in the ‘Working in Partnership’ category for their involvement in the successful mental health triage team.

In Birmingham and the Black

Jones from Medicar stated that it was a fantastic experience working with the Pompiers, (French state ambulance service) the Army allowed us to give close medical support to the veterans, and to the best of my knowledge all the events we attended suffered no significant medical problems. These veterans are wonderful

ambulance uniforms in a foreign

people and along with their

country.

families they are a wonderful example of what the British

Working alongside the local

Bulldog mentality is. It has been

Pompier’s (State ambulance

a privilege and an honour to be

service) and Samu (Hospital

with them these last few days

ambulance service) and also

and we all wish them the best

alongside the British army

for the future.’

paramedic. The team respond who need mental health care and provide them with the right support.

Ambulance Services Head of Clinical Practices for Vulnerable Person’s, said: “Every day this team responds to our most complex patients who are suffering mental health issues. Country we are able to deliver a world class response from a team of professional staff to provide those patients with the highest level of care possible. We are genuinely leading the way in the provision of high quality mental health care and we should all be very proud.” Krystle O’Brien, the Trust’s Education and Training Officer, said: “I’m extremely proud to be part of the team of paramedics

The mental health team, which has been running for six months, operates a car with a police officer, mental health nurse and

that work on the mental health car. It’s allowed me to both gain and provide knowledge and experience to improve patient outcome. This award has come after six months of hard work and I am truly impressed with the dedication of all of the team and the positive outcomes we have achieved.” Chief Inspector Sean Russell of West Midlands Police said: “This collaborative approach in Birmingham and Solihull has already helped more than 1,100 people in the last 20 weeks; and has reduced the number of people being detained under section 136 of the Mental Health

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

Act by some 50 per cent. “The pilot has helped establish a really strong partnership, which is resulting in a very high quality of care and service being provided to those who suffer with mental ill health. Picking up the award From L-R – Clive Goddard (SECAmb), Barrie Hall (Medicar), Chris Jones (Medicar), Barrie Hoare (Medicar), Peter Butler (SECAmb).

210 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

last night is recognition for the contribution that our staff and partners have made in this

NEWSLINE complex arena and our work now

Commenting, Erfana Mahmood,

“As a charity delivering many

who work or volunteer within the

continues to replicate what is an

a Non Executive Director with

services across Leeds including

sector to submit nominations

already successful model across

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS

drug and alcohol treatment, we

for this year’s Air ambulance

the wider West Midlands.”

Trust and Chair of the Yorkshire

feel the Community Medical Unit

Awards of Excellence.

Ambulance Service Charitable

is a valuable facility to have in

Fund Committee, said:

city centres. This scheme is an

After winning last year’s Special

excellent example of charities

Incident Award, the charity

“We are very excited about this

working together to ensure that

is hoping that the doctors,

new vehicle which can be used

their assets continue to provide

paramedics, staff, trustees and

to support healthcare initiatives

essential services to the people of Leeds and across the county.

volunteers will receive even

across different communities and

YAS

Ambulance Charitable Fund donates Community Medical Unit Thanks to funding from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service Charitable Fund, a new Community Medical Unit has opened its doors to provide additional clinical support at busy locations. The vehicle will initially be used to provide a static ambulance facility in busy town and city centres on Friday and Saturday evenings and other key dates including bank holidays.

make a real difference to people who need care and treatment for

“Members of the public who have

minor injuries and illnesses.

concerns about their drug use are able to call our single point

“A member of our Emergency

of contact on 0113 242 1161 and

Care Practitioner (ECP) team has

this information will be available

worked extremely hard to get this

on the vehicles.”

initiative off the ground and put forward a detailed proposal to

Yorkshire Ambulance Service

obtain the funding required for the

NHS Trust regularly uses

vehicle. It is very rewarding to see

Community Medical Units in

the idea become a reality thanks

Leeds, Sheffield and York on

to the valuable contributions and

Friday and Saturday evenings

fundraising efforts of many people

and bank holidays.

who have come into contact with the ambulance service in some

Patients can self-refer and

way and wanted to support the

ambulance clinicians see patients

work it does.

with a minor injury or illness.

“Residents will see the Community

Between 1 April 2013 and

starting in Yorkshire during July.

Medical Unit out and about in busy

31 March 2014 a total of 765

town and city centres and at large-

patients were seen at the Leeds

Staffed by an Emergency Care

scale events across the region.

location, saving an estimated 351

It will also be used to provide support at large-scale events in the region including this summer’s Tour de France cycle race which is

more nominations this year and become finalists in one or more of the nine categories. Tracey Bartram, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Communications Manager said: “Because the Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence are judged and awarded by our peers and those who know the sector well, it makes them extremely special. “This year, in addition to submitting nominations ourselves, we hope patients who have needed the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, the public who have attended our events, those who have experienced our volunteers at work and members of our

ambulances which were made

staff and crew will submit

“We very much appreciate the

available for patients with more

nominations themselves.”

donations which are made to the

serious illnesses and injuries.

Charitable Fund and the Community

The most common presenting

The awards are organised

Medical Unit is an excellent example

clinical complaint is a soft tissue

by the Association of Air

injury and the majority of people

Ambulances and honour the

help many people.”

seen at the unit are male and in

contributions of staff and

the 18-30 age group. A third of

volunteers within the UK’s air

It aims to provide on-scene

The unit is the second to be

patients require an assessment

ambulance community.

medical treatment for patients

donated to the Trust, after Leeds-

with minor injuries and illnesses

based charity Barca donated a

an assessment and wound care.

The finalists in each category

to free up ambulances to deal

further vehicle earlier this year.

The remaining third are also given

will be invited to attend the

medication primarily for pain relief

Air Ambulance Awards of

relieve pressure on busy hospital

Mark Law, Chief Executive at

and to control infection.

Excellence gala dinner in

emergency departments.

Barca added: “Barca-Leeds

Practitioner and Emergency Care Assistant, the mobile unit has been developed to incorporate a clinical assessment/treatment area and waiting area for patients. It is equipped to the same level as an ambulance.

of how these funds can be used to

with more seriously ill patients and

only with a further third requiring

where the winners will be

DAA

It is the most significant project

Yorkshire Ambulance Service

to be supported by the Yorkshire

by donating a vehicle to be

Ambulance Service Charitable

used as a Community Medical

Fund which receives donations

Unit and it’s great that two units

DORSET:Air ambulance crews in line for excellence awards

and legacies from grateful patients

are now on the road thanks

and their families, members of the

to the further support of the

Dorset and Somerset Air

website, www.aoaa.org.uk/

public and fundraising initiatives

Yorkshire Ambulance Service

Ambulance is calling on

aaae/ and the closing date for

throughout Yorkshire.

Charitable Fund.

Bridport residents and those

nominations is September 1st.

announced. Anyone can nominate an individual or team via the Association of Air Ambulances

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

London on November 17th

are delighted to support

211 For all your equipment needs visit: www.ambulanceservicesuppliers.com

NEWSLINE SECAMB

Trust achieves Equality Gold Standard South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) has been awarded top marks by a national equality and inclusion organisation. SECAmb was awarded the Gold Standard by the Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (ENEI) in the organisation’s 2014 benchmarking exercise. As an NHS Employers Equality

Other recent work saw the Trust launch a series of alert cards designed to support people with learning disabilities. SECAmb Inclusion Manager Angela Rayner said: “We’re really delighted to have achieved this standard and performed well against the already excelling fellow organisations involved. “We’re proud that we work hard to ensure that we engage with all sections of our local population so all our patients receive the service they expect and deserve and so that SECAmb is a place where our staff can be confident they can be themselves.”

and Diversity Partner SECAmb took part in the process and submitted supporting evidence. Its score was then ranked against other participants and fellow partners with SECAmb being one of only five organisations to achieve the Gold Standard. The Trust was also the only ambulance service involved in the exercise which recognises the commitment of organisations to achieving diverse and inclusive workplaces and which celebrates the teams and individuals who are making a difference. Recent work has seen SECAmb promote Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month which runs throughout June. Representatives

A World Record Achievement On the 21st of June, 281 skydivers took the jump through Skydive UK to set a new Guinness World Record for the most tandem parachute jumps at a single venue in 24 hours. A dozen of those participants leapt from great heights for Devon Air Ambulance Trust. The clear sunny weather was ideal, and the longest day of the calendar year set the stage for this shattering number of participants to achieve greatness. From 5am through sunset, Dunkeswell Airfield was filled with

people heading into the sky and coming back down, all with family and friends cheering them on. Linda Bulpin, Charity Coordinator for Skydive UK, said, “Amazing thing is that most people who participated in the world record raised money for charity”.

Creer, Director of Fundraising at Devon Air Ambulance Trust, “We would like to congratulate the participants of the World Record Skydive on their achievement; we are endlessly grateful to those who jumped for the Charity, and used their accomplishment to give back in a big way”.

The participants who chose to raise funds for Devon Air Ambulance Trust, all had their own reasons their support. Will Thornton wanted to give back to the Charity he had seen in action. “I chose to support DAAT because I’ve seen how the helicopters save people in areas that no one else can get to and therefore wanted to help keep the helicopters in the sky”. Nathan Hutchinson (pictured) was thankful for all those who helped him support the Charity and allowed him to have the experience of a lifetime. “The feeling was indescribable; the rush of air in my ears and eyes was incredible. I was speechless, it was a feeling like no other and I loved every minute of it. I am thankful to everyone who sponsored me and helped me raise roughly £600 for DAAT”. It’s truly remarkable that individuals who had such an intimate personal experience achieving a skydive, would share their journey to give back to the community. Caroline

WMAS

Pitmaston Defibrillator There are calls for all schools in Worcestershire to be equipped with a potential lifesaving machine. A defibrillator could restart the heart of someone who suffers a cardiac arrest. On Wednesday 18th June, Pitmaston Primary School in Worcester took delivery of its defibrillator and twelve staff are to be trained in its use. The school agreed to get a defibrillator when it was revealed one its pupils, 9 year old James Vinson has a heart condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. The cost of the machine was covered through fundraising by the school and by James’ mother Alison Vinson, who is also a paramedic with West Midlands Ambulance Service, and with help from ‘Redditch Heart Safe’, a charity founded by a couple following the deaths of two

from the Trust attended the

of their children who had suffered

Epsom Derby to meet members

cardiac arrests. The charity

of the local Gypsy, Roma and

campaigns for defibrillators to

Traveller community, which attend

be placed in schools and public

the popular Surrey event in large

places.

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

numbers. All three would like to see other The day provided an ideal

schools in the county follow

opportunity to engage with the

Pitmaston Primary School’s

Gypsy and Traveller communities

example. Alison is also offering to

– a group which often experiences

help train the staff of any school

significant health inequalities.

that does.

Paramedics carried out a large number of mini health checks

Alison said: “I know how

and signed up more than 70 new

important it is. My elder brother

members.

who (also) suffered with the

212 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

NEWSLINE condition collapsed and died at

Scottish Ambulance Service

being taken to hospital for a fall

100 Volunteer Responders

the age of 14. There was no quick

said:

where there was no injury.

schemes across Scotland

So, knowing James will have that

“During the year we responded

“The new national retrieval

assistance to patients while

gives me great peace of mind

to more life threatening

service, ScotSTAR, was

the ambulance is on its way.

because I know that he stands a

incidents than ever within 8

launched this year, representing

Responders provide an

much better chance of surviving if

minutes, reaching 105,200,

an annual investment of £9.5

invaluable community service,

it were to happen.”

which is an increase of 8,285,

million, providing a single

as an addition to existing

or 22 more every day. We

integrated national service with

ambulance teams, that is often

Kate Wilcock, Deputy

achieved this while maintaining

a sustainable multidisciplinary

life saving.

Headteacher of Pitmaston Primary

a national average response of

medical and clinical team to

School, said: “For us, it’s hugely

6.5 minutes for these cases.

make best use of the range

“The National Resilience team

of road and air transport

has spent much of the year

resources.

preparing detailed operational

that provide essential early

access to CPR or a defibrillator.

important that we’re not only supporting James’ needs, but we

“Ambulance crews used their

are supporting the needs of all

clinical skills to save the lives of

pupils in our school and parents

509 patients in cardiac arrest.

“ScotSTAR brings together the

Games this year. There will be

and the community.”

The continued development

three transport and retrieval

240 ambulance staff dedicated

of the 3RU (Rapid Response

services; the Scottish Neonatal

to providing medical cover

Rob Underwood, founder of

Resuscitation) initiative to

Service (SNTS), the Transport of

at Glasgow 2014 using a

Redditch Heart Safe gave this

improve survival from out of

Critically Ill and Injured Children

variety of vehicles, including

message to other schools: “Get

hospital cardiac arrests was

Service and the Emergency

36 ambulances and a number

a defibrillator. It’s not necessarily

recognised with a national

Medical Retrieval Service, with

of motorbikes and bicycles, in

for the children, it’s there for the

award from the British Medical

the Scottish Ambulance Service.

order to respond immediately to

teaching staff, members of the

Journal.

plans for the Commonwealth

any medical emergencies. “The scheduled care service,

public walking past the school, workers and families who are on

“Emergency teams answered

which transports over 1 million

“Our teams work closely with

school premises at any one time.

over 850,000 calls to our

patients with medical need to

other emergency services

It’s going to help hundreds and

control rooms and responded

their healthcare appointments,

every day across Scotland

hundreds of people every day

to more than 650,000 incidents

improved punctuality for

and the exemplary response

when the school is open.”

across the country. All calls are

appointments from 52% last

to the Clutha Bar tragedy

prioritised so that those with the

year to 71%. This aligns with a

was the result of our ongoing

For more information about

greatest clinical need receive

5% improvement in punctuality

multi agency planning and

Redditch Heart Safe visit

the fastest response.

for pick up after appointment

preparation for major incidents.

to 78%.

www.redditchheartsafe.com

“We continued to manage

“The air ambulance service flew To arrange training, email Alison

3,427 missions, an increase of

“Continued investment in

resources effectively for the

Vinson via

6% on the previous year, mainly

control rooms to develop

benefit of patients and once

alison.vinson@wmas.nhs.uk

serving island and remote

“virtual’ call handling capability

again met financial targets for

communities across Scotland.

resulted in a significant

the year, achieving efficiency

improvement in 999 calls being

savings of £7.1 million to

“We continued to safely treat a

answered in 10 seconds to

be reinvested into front line

significant number of patients

88%, against 66% the previous

services.”

at scene (77,399) reducing

year.

SAS

Ambulance Service maintains 6.5 minute average response to life threatening emergencies

A&E. As greater integration

“Our staff recognise that

within wider NHS and social

the patient is at the heart of

care agencies continues to

everything that we do and

develop more care pathways,

continue to demonstrate their

this figure will increase.

dedication and commitment to patients, delivering care with

Ambulance Service maintained its average response time of 6.5

“The Service continued work

sensitivity and understanding

minutes to the most serious life

with NHS Boards to embed

in what are sometimes very

threatening calls, despite a 10%

the national framework for frail

challenging situations.

increase in these incidents.

and elderly patients who have fallen, with around 23 active

“The Service has continued

Speaking at the Service’s

partnerships in place. This has

to strengthen community

Annual Public Review today,

resulted in a 12% reduction in

resilience, building its network

David Garbutt, Chairman of the

the number of patients over 65

of volunteers. There are over

“Emergency teams answered over 850,000 calls to our control rooms and responded to more than 650,000 incidents across the country.”

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

In the last year the Scottish

inappropriate attendance at

213 Do you have anything you would like to add or include in Newsline? Please contact us and let us know.

NEWSLINE allow student paramedics to

The borough’s binge drinkers are

by freeing up prison cells and

Students on road to success

fully participate in disaster and

costing the ambulance service

emergency rooms for London’s

accident scenario days with

£302k, as Hackney ranks as the

real problems.”

other emergency services which

fifth worst borough for drunken

are already fully integrated

call outs.

Student paramedics at

within paramedic training at

Staffordshire University will

Staffordshire University.

WMAS

A Freedom of Information request shows that alcohol cost the

be able to experience patienthandling and care skills in a

Mark continued: “Our students

capital’s ambulance service

fully-operational ambulance,

are often young people straight

£16m every year, with 1,304 such

which has been kitted-out to bring

from school and also people who

incidents in Hackney last year.

the highest level of reality to the

have worked in related roles such

student experience.

as ambulance technicians. Our

Conservative campaigners are

new ambulance, together with

backing plans to bring a ‘booze

The ambulance, previously in

our existing practice facilities at a

bus’ to the borough, where nurses

operational use with the West

fully functional ‘ordinary’ house on

can deal with people under the

campus will give these students

influence without the need to call

fresh opportunities for realistic

out hard-stretched ambulance

simulation training, and make

services. They are also calling for

them even better paramedics.”

the doubling of fines for drinkers

Midlands Ambulance Service, has been purchased by tutors for the two-year Foundation Degree in Paramedic Science in order to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Aimee Trimbee, Organisational

Mark Garratt, Senior Lecturer

Placements) for West Midlands

Paramedic Science in the School of Social Work, Allied and Public Health, at the University, said: “Our students learn lifesaving and patient care techniques in the classroom to the highest standard, but a classroom is not where a fully trained paramedic works. This ambulance will allow our students to really understand the reality of patient care in the community, and to learn and improve their techniques for moving patients and maintaining treatment in a small, cramped

Development Officer (Practice Ambulance Service said: “The new vehicle will provide students with the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of working within this environment and provide a chance for them to familiarise themselves with their surroundings before they take on their student placements out on the road. We work extremely closely with Universities and students to ensure they get the best training possible; helping them on their way to a career within the service.”

to “hit those who repeatedly abuse our NHS.” Admissions relating to alcohol in London’s hospitals have tripled in the last decade - from 56k in 2002 to 156k in 2011, putting a heavy burden on the city’s already struggling accident and emergency centres. The cost to the public purse for emergency hospital admissions relating to alcohol is around £45m. GLA Conservative London Assembly Member, Andrew Boff said: “Many people like a tipple but our public services should not be catering for bingers who can’t handle their drink.

area. For ambulance transport, our students must learn how

John Surtees OBE presents £75,000 to Air Ambulance Charity Motorsport Legend John Surtees OBE, has presented a £75,000 cheque to charity Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance, on behalf of the Henry Surtees Foundation. The presentation, which took place at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey was made to the Air Ambulance Chief Executive Adrian Bell; the money will be used for ‘High Fidelity Simulators’. Presented by John Surtees OBE, the £75,000 will be used to fund ‘High Fidelity simulation manikens for the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust (KSSAAT). High Fidelity manikens are the very latest in simulation technology, helping the clinical teams to practice their skills, learn new techniques and improve patient safety by creating situations that are as close to ‘real life as possible. Speaking of the charity, John Surtees OBE, said “With a background in motorsport, I know that every second counts and none more so than for the

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

to prepare their patients

“Our ambulances, prison

Air Ambulance Services; I am

appropriately, how to access and

cells and A&Es are designed

honoured to present the cheque

treat their patients from one side

for medical emergencies or

to such a fantastic charity. The

only, how to move equipment

dangerous criminals, yet we are

idea that this money will contribute

about inside an ambulance safely

seeing London’s drunks hogging

to saving lives is outstanding! The

and perform resuscitation whilst in

these services, costing the capital

Air Ambulance already offers an

a moving vehicle.”

millions of pounds.

exceptional service, but if we can help them reduce risk even further

The ambulance will not be used

LAS

for high-speed driver training but

Rise in big boozers cost ambulances £302,000

occasionally it will travel around the Staffordshire University campus at slow, safe speeds while students learn on board.

“We need to deal with drunks

then we have done a good thing!”

in a more appropriate way. Purpose-built Sobering Centres

Motorsport enthusiast and

and Booze Buses, manned by

Hollywood legend Sir Patrick

nurses, can provide low level

Stewart, said “I am disappointed

treatment such as blood pressure

not to be present this evening.

Believed to be the first fully

Drunks are costing ambulances

and blood sugar checks as

My admiration of John for his

operational learning ambulance

in the borough £302,000 per year,

well as a bed for the night. This

dedication to the Foundation

at a UK university, it will also

new figures reveal.

will deliver significant savings

goes without saying and I

214 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

NEWSLINE Nineteen initiates are preparing to

It follows the appointment of four

join the Patient Care Service, which

Nurse Advisers and five Call Handlers

provides non-emergency transport

at Swansea’s Clinical Contact Centre

to routine hospital appointments for

earlier this year, and coincides with

4,000 patients a day in England and

the recruitment of more Dental Health

Wales.

Advisers, also in Swansea.

Staff will undergo training in basic

Iwan Griffiths, Clinical Manager at

life support, moving and handling,

NHS Direct Wales, said: “We are

customer care and specialist driving,

pleased to welcome the new nurses

and will operate from Dobshill,

to NHS Direct Wales. They will

Wrexham, Rhyl, Denbigh, Colwyn

integrate into the service, ensuring

Bay and Bangor in North Wales.

callers are advised on the most appropriate care for their needs.”

Steve Williams, Locality Manager must congratulate them on

the service to provide nearly 70

for Conwy and Denbighshire, who

Nine Emergency Medical Service

the marvellous sum raised. Air

transfusions in its first year. The

helped lead the recruitment process,

Call Takers have also been recruited

Ambulances do an outstanding

Foundation has also donated

said: “We are pleased to welcome

in the Trust’s Clinical Contact Centre

job and this donation will have a

£131,000 to Headway to help

these new staff on board, and

in Cwmbran and five have been

significant impact on their ability to

people with brain injuries.

look forward to strengthening our

recruited in the Clinical Contact

dedicated teams across North Wales

Centre in Llangunnor, and all are due

This year, both John and his

and further improving our service to

to be operational by August.

KSSAAT Charity Chief Executive,

machines will be at some of the

patients.”

Adrian Bell said “We are

most prestigious classic racing

overwhelmed to receive such

events and venues across the

Meanwhile, 24 recruits are gearing up

controllers and planners will have

a fantastic donation; The Air

country, raising funds for the

to join the Urgent Care Service, crews

also been recruited in Cwmbran by

Ambulance Service is a charitable

Henry Surtees Foundation.

trained to care for and transport

the end of August.

trust and without funding we

George Barber, owner of the

urgent and non-urgent patients who

are unable to deliver the service

Barber Museum which holds a

require basic care, such as pain relief

Finally, 23 paramedics across Wales

that’s so sorely needed! The

collection of cars and motorcycles

are preparing to join the Emergency

High Fidelity Maniken Simulators

from John Surtees’ life, has

on their journey to hospital.

will mean we can develop our

made a title-winning Ferrarri 158

education and training programme

available for these events. He

to ensure that our crews are able

has also committed to matching

to provide the highest possible

£50,000 with a donation, if

care to our patients, 24 hours a

the Henry Surtees Foundation

day, in any situation.

manage to raise it.

respond to emergencies.”

Our thanks go to John Surtees for his time and effort, to the Henry Surtees Foundation for their fundraising and to Sir Patrick Stewart for his support.”

WAS

Dozens of new recruits join Welsh Ambulance Service

In addition, five Patient Care Service

Medical Service, nine of which went All of the new recruits will be trained

operational in June and 14 of which

at the Trust’s training facility in Cefn

are scheduled to start in September.

Coed, Swansea, and will work across Wales.

A number of HEI (Higher Education Institute) paramedics, due to

Assessments are currently underway

graduate in July, are also expected to

to recruit a further 26 people into the

be operational from December.

Urgent Care Service. In 2011, the Trust launched its Six Nurse Advisers have also been

five-year modernisation and clinical

appointed at NHS Direct Wales, the

transformation programme Working

health advice and information service

Together for Success, and pledged

available twenty four hours a day,

to recruit, train and retain the right

The Welsh Ambulance Service has

every day, when someone is feeling ill

staff, in the right roles and with the

£75,000 to KSSAAT for the

recruited more than 80 extra staff into

and is unsure what to do.

right skills.

simulators, the Henry Surtees

its workforce.

Foundation has also previously

The service joined the Welsh

The Welsh Ambulance Service

supported the provision of a

The candidates have been offered

Ambulance Service in April 2007, and

employs more than 3,000 staff across Wales and is supported by

blood transfusion service for

roles in the Trust’s Emergency

is staffed by Call Handlers, Health

KSSAAT. This support included

Medical Service, Urgent Care Service,

Information Advisers, Nurse Advisers

more than 3,000 volunteers, including

vital equipment such as

Patient Care Service and NHS Direct

and Dental Health Advisers who offer

Community First Responders and

thermostatically controlled boxes

Wales following a large-scale, all

confidential advice about health,

Ambulance Car Service drivers.

and blood warmers, and the

Wales recruitment drive.

illness and the NHS.

vehicles for SERV (Service by

Most embarked on their official

The new Nurse Advisers will work

www.ambulance.wales.nhs.uk if

Emergency Rider Volunteers)

duties in June, while others will go

from NHS Direct Wales’ Clinical

you would like to work for the Welsh

to transport blood, enabling

operational later in the year.

Contact Centre in Bangor.

Ambulance Service.

purchase of two Honda CR-V

Search for ‘Vacancies’ at

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

As well as raising and donating

215 Life Connections - The Affordable CPD Provider: www.lifeconnections.uk.com

NEWSLINE One of Your 12 A Day Often, on hearing what you do for a living, people will say “I don’t know how you can do what you do every day. I certainly couldn’t do it, not for any amount of money.” I suppose it’s just not in some folks. This then inevitably leads to the question of “Why do you do it?”

These inspirational posters also began life in Alnwick railway station, in Northumberland.

It’s taken a while for me to narrow it down but my standard answer to the standard question is now... In one, 12 hour shift, you can get 12 or more different calls. Just one of those calls might be resuscitating a baby or stopping granny from having a massive M.I.

My thinking is that the 12 A Day message may be best conveyed by an inspirational poster... Or maybe...

Just one of those 12 A Day calls might just send you home with a smile on your face and a feeling that money just can’t buy. You honestly can’t get that feeling in any other job because the ambulance service is not like, any other job. I feel a slogan coming on...

“Make Saving a Life One of Your 12 A Day”

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

The ancient town of Alnwick is world famous for Quidditch and a particular railway station... Please send your comments on a postcard to Martin Jackson c/o Alnwick Ambulance Station, Northumberland. Thanks for doing what you do.

216 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

NEWSLINE WMAS

School defib scheme welcomed Bosses at West Midlands Ambulance Service say a decision to help every school in the region get a defibrillator could make the difference between life and death for pupils. The Department for Education has announced plans to allow schools to purchase defibrillators at a reduced cost in time for the start of the autumn term. Head of Community Response, Emma Wilkins, said: “For every parent in the region, there is nothing more important than keeping their children safe at school. “There is no formal data on the number of deaths of pupils under the age of 18 in schools, but the Department of Health estimates around 88 children per year die of sudden cardiac arrest. “Thankfully it doesn’t happen very often, but it can literally happen to anyone whether they have been diagnosed with a cardiac condition or not. “We know from the work that we do every day just how important such machines can be in saving lives. It would be great if every school in the region had a look at the scheme.

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AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

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217 Do you have anything you would like to add or include in Newsline? Please contact us and let us know.

NEWSLINE EEAST

Have a ‘summer to remember’ urges ambulance service The ambulance service is urging people to have a ‘summer to remember, not one to forget’ with an increase in demand on the horizon. Warmer weather and school holidays contribute to the seasonal increase in 999 demand, according to the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), especially in a region which attracts many tourists every summer. And with more people enjoying sporting events like the upcoming World Cup and Tour de France, EEAST Locality Director Matt Broad said people need to ensure they’re being safe and help keep emergency calls down.

added: “Simply put, 111 is for

It provides additional capacity to

of care provided in Cardiff city

when it is less urgent than 999 -

help the accident and emergency

centre.

for those who think they have a

department at the University

medical condition which needs

Hospital of Wales in Cardiff deal

Paul Schanzer, Head of NHS

treating, but who don’t need

with people who have drunk too

Leadership and Development,

emergency care or even a trip to

much alcohol.

Academi Wales, who judged

hospital. It is there to help people Cardiff Locality Manager Greg

embodies multi-agency working

condition but to also support the

Lloyd, who helped to lead the

and ensures that the right patient

999 service so that our frontline

project, said: “It’s a privilege to

is diverted to the right treatment

staff can respond to the very

be at the awards ceremony and

at the right time according to their

seriously ill who need more care.”

a wonderful feeling that we have

need. The impact on police time

For advice on a safer summer,

been recognised in this way.

and waiting times in A&E was truly

visit eastamb.nhs.uk. Follow @

of calls to people enjoying the

inspiring.”

EastEnglandAmb on Twitter and

“We have worked hard to make

follow #999summer, and visit the

the alcohol treatment centre the

The annual NHS Wales Awards

service’s Facebook page to post

success it is and it has certainly

celebrate the work of healthcare

your comments or queries about

made a difference to ourselves

staff across Wales whose innovative

having a safer summer.

and our partners in terms of better

work is improving the quality and

use of resources and the freeing

safety of care for patients.

WAS

Centre to treat alcohol related injuries wins NHS Wales Award The creation of a special centre in

“In the summer we see increases

this award, said: “This project

who are worried about their

Cardiff to treat people with alcohol related injuries and reduce

outdoors such as coastal areas

demand on the local emergency

and open waters and, with

services has won an NHS Wales

up of resources which would otherwise have been engaged

Nine awards were given to NHS

in the city centre attending

organisations and a full list of

unnecessary and low-priority calls

winners is available at www.

and incidents.

nhswalesawards.org.uk

“We’ve heard of many innovative

NHS Wales Chief Executive Dr

and excellent projects from

Andrew Goodall, who presented

organisations across Wales, and to

the awards at the ceremony, said,

have come out on top is a reward

“The NHS Wales Awards are a

to the partnership as a whole.”

great opportunity to recognise and celebrate the wonderful

Award.

Evidence shows that 70%

achievements that healthcare staff

soon, many of these will be

of accident and emergency

are making in improving services

children. We also host events

The partnership project, which is

admissions at peak times are

and care for patients across Wales.

schools closed for the summer

like the V Festival and Latitude

ensuring the right care is delivered

where people suffering from

at the right time, scooped the

drink, substance use and heat exhaustion could have prevented a problem with more care.

Working Seamlessly Across Organisations Award, supported by Welsh Local Government

due to alcohol, increasing the potential for anti-social behaviour

“I was also impressed that so much

and violence, as well as increased

of the healthcare improvement

demand which means people

had co-production at the heart of

have to wait longer to be seen.

it, showing the real difference that can be made when we work with

Association, in a ceremony at the “Please use common sense if spending a day out in the sun,

SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff on

It was launched as a year-long

patients to design services that

Wednesday 2 July.

pilot in September 2012 and

really meet their needs.

made a big impact by providing

think about drinking sensibly by having plenty of water and

The Alcohol Treatment Centre

soft drinks, and watch out for

(ATC) is provided by Welsh

more efficient care.

“The NHS Wales Awards ensure improvement stays at the forefront

Ambulance Services NHS Trust,

It is open at peak times such as

of all that we do. It is also an

Cardiff and Vale University Health

weekends and when big sporting

opportunity to challenge ourselves

be busier than usual on a good

Board, Cardiff Council, Vale of

events are taking place.

as to whether we are learning

summer’s day. Once you have to

Glamorgan Council, South Wales

hazards or unsafe areas around AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

crowds and on roads that might

ring 999 because of something

Police and Cardiff Street Pastors.

from and implementing these Less than 25% of people treated

areas of good practice.

were referred onto accident and

you could have prevented, you turn your summer into something

It builds on the work already

emergency for further care and

“I would like to thank today’s

memorable for all the wrong

carried out by the Welsh

many patients said the care they

winners and everyone who

reasons.”

Ambulance Service and

received had helped them to stop

entered - your improvement work

emergency nurse practitioners

drinking to excess again.

is making a real difference to the

Adrian Maasz, EEAST’s Regional

in setting up mobile medical

Lead for Primary Care and 111,

response units in the city centre.

quality and safety of care being The centre is now an integral part

218 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

delivered to patients.”

NEWSLINE The awards are organised by 1000

NEC, Birmingham), comprising

and organisations will be

important for our paramedics,

Lives Improvement, part of Public

a mix of 30-minute lectures and

showcasing the latest solutions

so I hope the judges recognise

Health Wales, which supports

workshops. Topics covered

in communications, emergency

this and the nomination is

organisations and individuals

will include burns, paediatric

medical care, protective clothing

progressed further.”

to deliver improved health,

assessment, mental health,

and uniforms, vehicles and

healthcare outcomes and user

emergency childbirth, stepwise

fleet, vehicle equipment and

Leanne Sheppard, CQUIN

experience in NHS Wales. They

to airway management and

outsourcing.

Project Manager, has worked

were launched in 2008 to celebrate

paediatric ALS. All attendees will

the 60th anniversary of the NHS

be provided with CPD certificates

The NEC is physically linked to

years: “I saw the HSJ awards

and recognise and promote best

for inclusion in their portfolios.

Birmingham International Station

as a perfect opportunity to

and Birmingham Airport and is

showcase the hard work

Martin Berry, Executive Officer,

directly accessible from the UK

undertaken by our frontline

College of Paramedics, says:

motorway network. Parking for

staff.

practice across Wales. More than 140 entries were received from organisations, with

on the project for the past two

visitors and exhibitors will remain

24 making the finals, revealing a

“The College of Paramedics are

high standard of innovative and

once again attending this year’s

diverse work that is transforming

Emergency Services Show. As

To register and for more

for this award is a fantastic

patient care.

always we are working hard to

information visit

achievement and a true

provide as many of our popular

www.emergencyuk.com

reflection of the dedication

Welsh Health Minister Mark Drakeford, who attended the ceremony, said: “I have been very impressed to hear of the number and standard of entries to the

free of charge.

involved and to be shortlisted

of frontline staff who have

free high quality CPD workshops to visitors attending the show as possible. Come and say hello when you find us.”

NHS Wales Awards this year,

“I feel extremely proud of all

EEAST

Ambulance service award shortlist

given their time, expertise and passion to this project.” The HSJ Value in Healthcare Awards seek to recognise and

which demonstrate just how much

A project to help 999 patients

reward outstanding efficiency

innovative and diverse work is

receive quicker care for minor

and improvement by the NHS. A

being delivered across Wales to

wounds has reached a crucial

successor to the HSJ Efficiency

enhance patient care.

stage in a national awards

Awards, the scheme continues

scheme.

to recognise excellent use of

“This year I have been

resources but also seek out

emphasising the role prudent

The East of England Ambulance

examples of demonstrable

healthcare can play in the NHS so

Service NHS Trust (EEAST) has

improvement in outcomes, both

I was delighted to see so many

been shortlisted for its wound

within back office functions and

entries carry this theme in their

closure training in the 2013

clinical initiatives.

submissions.

Health Service Journal (HSJ)

“The NHS is held in high regard

Value in Healthcare Awards

The shortlisted organisations,

innovation category.

chosen from a record number

by the people of Wales and part of that regard is based on the work being showcased through the

of entries, will now complete Martin Berry, Executive Officer, College of Paramedics

presentations and interviews to

received wound closure care

a specific judging panel made

in 2013/14 thanks to the extra

up senior and influential figures

The National Ambulance

training paramedics received

from the health sector.

Resilience Unit (NARU) has also

to use a special glue on cuts

confirmed it will exhibit at the

and wounds, which can mean

For more on wound closure,

show in the popular Emergency

patients do not need hospital

visit the EEAST website:

Response Zone which features

treatment. The project was

http://bit.ly/1pMPHMR

over 80 support responders,

funded by Commissioning for

voluntary sector partners and

Quality and Innovation (CQUIN)

NGOs, and is designed to

money from commissioners.

NHS Wales Awards process.”

College of paramedics workshops and NARU confirmed for Emergency Services Show 2014

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

More than 400 patients

promote multi-agency working. Trust Chief Executive Dr Now in its ninth year the growing

Anthony Marsh said: “It’s

The College of Paramedics will be

Emergency Services Show is

fantastic news and I’m very

running a series of free Continual

free to attend for all staff levels

proud of what the team have

Professional Development (CPD)

within the Ambulance Service

been able to achieve so far.

sessions at The Emergency

and private ambulance operators.

Giving the best care to patients

Services Show (24-25 September,

Over 400 exhibiting companies

in innovative ways is very

>>> 219

For all your equipment needs visit: www.ambulanceservicesuppliers.com

NEWSLINE saving lives that could be lost

HELP Appeal An ambition for every Major Trauma Centre to have a helipad County Air Ambulance Trust established the HELP (Helicopter Emergency Landing Pads) Appeal with an ambition that every Major Trauma Centre have its own helipad facility. Since its creation, the HELP Appeal has provided funding to improve helipad facilities at eight hospitals across England. A three further helipad schemes attached to Major Trauma Centres have come to fruition this year. Two are rooftop helipads: at St George’s Hospital in Tooting and Bristol Royal Infirmary, while a third is a ground level helipad with covered walkway at Bristol Southmead hospital. Pipeline helipads are planned for hospitals in Sheffield, Hull, Nottingham, Liverpool and Plymouth. Robert Bertram, chief executive at County Air Ambulance explains: “We know that many Major Trauma Centres and key A&E hospitals would benefit from a safe on-site helipad facility. When a critical injury or accident takes place, every second is vital in getting the patient to the often life-saving treatment they require. With a helipad on-site, which has direct access to the hospital’s A&E department, transfer times are significantly reduced thus

through secondary road transfer. “Work to open these facilities is well underway across the country and HELP is working with a number of hospitals to help fulfil this requirement.” Their work includes upgrading existing helipads, providing extra equipment such as lighting to enable night flights between helipads, as well as the construction and opening of new helipads, with each project St. George’s London

requiring its own assessment and planning permission. Mayor of London officially opens St George’s helipad Mayor of London Boris Johnson

many vital minutes off transfer

helicopter for cardiac treatment.

times. A ground level helipad at Bristol Robert Bertram, chief executive,

Southmead hospital became

HELP Appeal, says: “It is always

operational in April and the HELP

satisfying to see a project from

Appeal has donated £250,000 to

concept through to completion.

a total build cost of approximately

The helipad at St George’s has

£450,000. A covered walkway

taken over two years to plan

partly funded by a £1 million grant

linking the hospital to the helipad

and build with transfer times for

from the HELP Appeal.

is currently being planned.

critically ill patients now being

officially opened the helipad at St George’s Hospital in April – this is the second helipad in London and first south of the river. The £5 million life-saving helipad was

significantly reduced, ensuring Located on the roof of the St

life-saving treatment is received

James Wing of St George’s,

by patients far quicker.”

patients with serious injuries, such as those caused by road

Bristol helipad takes first flights

accidents, shootings, stabbings,

In Bristol the construction of a

major burns and falls from

£3 million helipad on the roof

height, can now be treated more

of the Bristol Royal Infirmary is

efficiently, landing directly on the

part of a wider programme of

Future plans

roof of the hospital rather than

redevelopment and refurbishment

A new fundraising manager,

being taken to locations further

currently underway by University

Sally Booth, has recently joined

afield. From the helipad patients

Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation

the HELP Appeal to boost

will be transported directly to the

Trust. A grant of £500,000 was

revenue income, identify new

Emergency Department saving

provided by the HELP Appeal to

opportunities and develop new

support the construction of the

supporter relationships. A

helipad.

particular focus will be to increase revenue for the charity from Trusts

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

A total of six air ambulance

and Foundations and to build

providers in the region will use the

relationships with organisations

helipad to transport seriously ill

from the corporate and financial

and injured patients to hospital.

sectors to support its work to

The 25 x 25 metre aluminium

build helipads at hospitals across

helipad connects directly to

the country.

services within the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children as well as

Robert Bertram says: “We have an

the adult emergency department

ambitious target for raising funds

at Bristol Royal Infirmary. The

needed to construct or update

Bristol Heart Institute will also

existing helipads around the

receive patients transferred by

country. The HELP Appeal relies

220 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

NEWSLINE solely on charitable donations and

to respond to real emergencies,

“Our staff work incredibly hard

WMAS has been running 111

does not receive a single penny

involving genuine patients who

across the three counties and I’m

since November 11, 2013, after

in government funding or from

may have been suffering from life-

privileged to have this chance to

previous providers NHS Direct

the National Lottery, which is why

threatening conditions.

work with them, support them,

decided to step out of their

and ultimately help us deliver the

contract. A lot of hard work has

very best patient care.”

been carried out since then to

Sally’s appointment is so crucial “We hope that the joint working

to our work.”

between the ambulance service

improve it; including revamping

He concludes: “Our dream is that

and the police sends out a

Chief Executive Dr Anthony

the training programme and

every Major Trauma Centre across

clear message that this type of

Marsh said: “I am delighted that

making changes to the way the

the country has access to a life-

behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Matt has been appointed to this

call centre operates.

saving helipad. Any hospital that would like to discuss its helipad requirements should get in touch with us.”

WMAS

Hoax caller issued with fine A man from Staffordshire has been fined after making a hoax 999 call to the ambulance service. Ambulance crews rushed to the scene of what they thought was a serious life-threatening 999 call at a property in Meir, Stoke-onTrent only to arrive at the address to find no such incident and the occupant of the property completely unaware that a call had even been made.

role. His wealth of experience is pivotal to the role, as well as

NHS 111 providers have a

good understanding of the three

number of key targets they are

counties and the different needs

measured against, including the

of the communities. I look forward

number of calls answered within

to working with him as we make

60 seconds and the number of

changes, better support staff and

calls that are abandoned by the

improve services to patients.”

caller.

Matt, who has recently completed

Across the 500,000 calls, WMAS

a 999-mile charity cycle ride

has answered 96.8 per cent

moving in the right direction.

as a member of the Pedalling

within 60 seconds against a

Paramedic team, will sit on the

national target of 95 per cent,

Matt Broad has been appointed

Trust Board to ensure his counties

whilst just 0.4 per cent have been

are represented at the top level

abandoned, against a national

of the Trust and the communities

target of achieving less than five

the East of England Ambulance

have a direct link to the Board.

per cent.

Service NHS Trust (EEAST) and

The next Trust Board meeting is

is tasked with running the 999

tomorrow (28th May) at Harlow

NHS 111 (West Midlands) Director

service in the three counties.

Leisure Zone, at 1.30pm.

Daren Fradgley said: “Landmarks

EEAST

New Director aims to continue making ‘great strides forward’ at ambulance service The ambulance service’s newest director has spoken of his determination to keep patient care

as Locality Director for Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire with

such as this provide us with a chance to reflect on how far we

He has worked in the ambulance

have come since taking over the

service for 17 years, beginning his

The incident was reported to Staffordshire Police and following further investigations police officers were able to track down the caller at an address in Tunstall. The individual was issued

111 service and there are a lot of

career in London before a move

good things to look back on.

to Suffolk where he was based at Newmarket station. Having

“We initially managed to stabilise

qualified as a paramedic, his

the service in a short space of

career took him into the training

time ahead of the busy Christmas

and education arena followed

period and our performance levels

by the Essex Clinical General

with a £90 fixed penalty notice for

Manager role and, from March

malicious communications which

last year, the service’s General

caused a nuisance and distress.

Manager for Norfolk.

have remained high ever since. “A lot of people have put in a lot of hard work to help restore the

A West Midlands Ambulance

“I know the area well because

public’s faith in the service, for

Service spokesman said: “We

of my previous roles within the

which I am extremely grateful.

are extremely pleased that

service and I’m pleased to have

this individual has received a

been given the opportunity to

fine. All 999 calls to the service

help move the service forward

are received in good faith.

in these particular counties,”

Unfortunately this call turned

he said. “We’ve already made

out to be a hoax which wasted

great strides; recruiting hundreds

valuable resources from an

of student paramedics and

Seven months to the day since

already busy ambulance service.

deploying more ambulances to

stepping in as providers of the

the frontline, and I’m determined

NHS 111 (West Midlands) service,

“While crews were responding

to ensure that the service

West Midlands Ambulance

to this hoax incident on blue

continues to move in the right

Service (WMAS) received its

lights, they were not available

direction.

500,000th call on Wednesday.

Landmark call made to 111 service

“As we look ahead to the next 500,000 calls we will strive to continue making improvements and providing the best service possible for patients.”

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

WMAS

>>> 221

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NEWSLINE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;For cutting edge medical equipment this is the Show to attend.â&#x20AC;? With over 450 key suppliers of kit and services, along with free workshops and demonstrations, The Emergency Services Show covers the entire spectrum and is the only show you need to attend this year. Register for FREE visitor entry at www.emergencyuk.com

Free visitor entry at www.emergencyuk.com AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

222

The Emergency Services Show - Covering the entire spectrum of the Emergency Services

FREE PARKING for all visitors thanks to

NEWSLINE EEAST

Record number of volunteers want to be lifesavers More volunteers than ever want to help save lives according to latest figures. Last month, the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) received a record 110 applications to become a community first responder (CFR), a figure that has doubled compared with June last year. The success comes off the back of National Volunteers’ Week in which EEAST celebrated the work of CFRs via its website and social media. Regional Lead for Community Partnership, Lorna Hayes said: “Our community first responder scheme has gone from strength to strength and it’s wonderful to see so many people wanting to get involved. Our volunteers do a fantastic job and make a great contribution to their communities.” The latest figures have brought the total number of applications to 565 so far this year. There are 266 responder groups in the east of England and around 40 newly

Charity urges support professionals to ‘be prepared’ with child bereavement seminars Brake, the road safety charity, is encouraging anyone who works with children or young people to have the right support in place in case of bereavement. Brake is running two seminars for educators and support professionals to help them build on their understanding of how children and young people experience and express grief, and develop skills to enable them to support children and young people through their bereavement. The ‘Supporting suddenly bereaved children and young people seminars’ are run by Sudden, an initiative by Brake. These essential seminars will give a vital insight into how children and young people can be helped through the shock and grief of sudden bereavement.

practitioners working with bereaved children and young people • Case study from a Brake bereaved volunteer Attendees can register for these seminars online, by calling +44 (0)1484 559909, or emailing professional@brake.org.uk. The cost to attend is just £71 +VAT. Ellie Pearson, Brake’s senior professional engagement officer, says: “Sudden bereavement is a horror that many children and young people have to face, and one that can have catastrophic consequences, particularly if they don’t get the support they need. If properly prepared and informed, educators and support professionals can play a vital role in making sure bereaved children are well supported through the shock and grief. I would encourage anyone who works with children or young people to attend one of our seminars and learn from experts and practitioners about providing

support during this emotional time.” Deborah Johnson, principal lawyer and national head of road collision at Slater & Gordon Lawyers and Brake trustee, says: “As a lawyer specialising in representing bereaved families, I am all too aware of how the death of a loved one can affect a child. It is all too easy for them to get forgotten when there is so much else going on, making everything even more bewildering and frightening. This seminar brings together not only different experts and specialists working in the field but also those who are brave enough to share their own very personal experiences with the aim of making sure that bereaved children get the best possible support as they try and come to terms with what has happened to them and move forward towards a brighter future. I am proud that Slater and Gordon are supporting these two very important days.”

The seminars, sponsored by Slater & Gordon Lawyers, will take place in Manchester on Tuesday 21 October 2014 and London on Thursday 27 November 2014.

trained volunteers every month. The CFRs respond to 999 calls in their local area and can get to patients in life threatening conditions within three minutes. They are trained by EEAST but raise money for extra equipment and oxygen themselves. Many of them teach others first aid skills and have campaigned for public access defibrillators in their areas. The volunteer applications were made via the EEAST website where there’s more information about the CFR takeover week.

• Insights into how children and young people experience and express grief • A common-sense approach to helping children, young people and families deal with the horrendous shock of sudden death • Practical provision of long-term empathetic support to children, young people and families to aid their recovery • The range of services and resources available for

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

they need such as a defibrillator

Practitioners and academics specialising in sudden bereavement will discuss:

223 Life Connections - The Affordable CPD Provider: www.lifeconnections.uk.com

IN PERSON was highly commended after being nominated

News

for his ‘leadership, drive and dedication’ which

Paramedic receives Police National Bravery Award

has carried the CFR scheme. Ian has spent his entire working life in public

A South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS

service, his first career was serving in the Royal

Foundation Trust (SECAmb) paramedic has

Navy and then latterly as a fire fighter at East

been awarded a prestigious bravery award for

Midlands Airport.

his actions in disarming a man in Hailsham, After officially retiring from full time work, Ian

East Sussex, last year.

joined Castle Donington’s CFR team as a Gary Criddle, a paramedic based at Hailsham Ambulance Station in East Sussex, was presented with the Association of Chief Police

Gary Criddle, a paramedic based at Hailsham Ambulance Station in East Sussex

from strength to strength and now boasts a

ceremony in Harrogate on 19 June.

News

It was on driving back to base in the early

Award for Community First Responder

Gary and his crewmate were stopped by a man who suddenly leapt in front of their

The Values and Recognition Award ceremony

ambulance. When winding down the window

recognised staff that had gone above and

to check what he wanted, the man suddenly

beyond and the volunteers who give their own

produced a gun and pointed it at Gary. They

time to respond to emergency 999 calls.

team of seven responders.

WAS News

Team thanked for cardiac arrest survival A Cardiff grandmother has thanked the Welsh Ambulance Service and other healthcare staff

quickly drove to a safe position and put in a Ian Beard, scheme coordinator for Castle

call to the police.

co-ordinator in 2009. Under his guidance the scheme has gone

Officers (ACPO) National Bravery Award at a

hours of the morning in June last year that

responder in 2008 and took over as scheme

for saving her life.

Donington Community First Responders was Gary said: “A regular part of our job is calming

highly commended in the Volunteer Award

The 50-year-old, from Pentrebane, suffered a

people down and persuading them, so I

category at East Midlands Ambulance Service’s

cardiac arrest whilst with her daughter on the

walked back to the man and did just that.

annual Values and Recognition Awards.

school run seven months ago, but thanks to her daughter’s life-saving skills, ambulance

Despite the man’s threats, fortunately, he calmed down and dropped the gun to the

A Community First Responder from Castle

crews, and several days in the University

ground.”

Donington was among the award recipients at

Hospital of Wales (UHW), Annette Sexton is

an annual East Midlands Ambulance Service

now recovering well and back to enjoying the

ceremony.

company of friends and family, including her

Gary’s bravery had not gone unnoticed,

nine grandchildren.

when earlier this year he was nominated by SECAmb Senior Operations Manager James

The Values and Recognition Award ceremony

Pavey to receive a SECAmb Chief Executive’s

recognised staff that had gone above and

“When people ask how I am,” said Annette, “I

Commendation which he collected in March.

beyond and the volunteers who give their own

tell them I’m very well thanks considering I was

time to respond to emergency 999 calls.

‘dead’ back in January.

when others, given the same circumstances,

Ian Beard, scheme coordinator for Castle

“I can’t remember anything about the cardiac

may not have done so, therefore upholding the

Donington Community First Responders (CFR),

arrest or for days afterwards, and I didn’t even

James said: “Gary acted selflessly and bravely

feel ill before it. All I can remember is hearing

very highest standards of public service.”

the voices of my nine grandchildren calling SECAmb Chief Executive Paul Sutton added:

‘Nanny’, but I’m told only one of them was

“Gary’s actions were extremely brave and well

anywhere near me when it happened.

beyond what we would expect of him. He deAMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

escalated the incident quickly and calmly and

“I’ve got so many people to thank. I’m just so

we are very proud that he has received such a

grateful to my daughter Amanda and my son

high profile award.”

Anthony who kept me going with CPR for a short while.

Chief Inspector Gary Pike of Sussex Police, Wealden District, said: “We admire this example

“Then a big thank you to the paramedic Paul

of the initiative and courage of our colleagues

who arrived minutes later and shocked me

in other emergency services, with whom we are proud to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, helping to protect our communities.”

Ian Beard, scheme coordinator for Castle Donington Community First Responders

three times to bring me back from the ‘dead’, and ambulance crew Angela and Lynda who rushed me to the right place in UHW to get the

224 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

IN PERSON first and taking every opportunity to promote the service throughout the UK and beyond as a world class leader. On joining Sussex Ambulance Service in 1980 after training as a nurse he became one of the first NHS Paramedics and put these pioneering skills and abilities to use to save lives and bring advanced treatment to patients in the pre-hospital environment. He also made a major contribution to bystander intervention in an emergency as one of the first ‘Save a Life’ instructors. Joining the Scottish Ambulance Service in 1989 allowed Mike to move to operational management roles, with his visionary ideas leading him to manage the ‘scenes’ of many significant incidents and develop the training correct treatment straight away, and finally the

survivors have done once they’ve gone into

needed to pass on these skills to others. He

staff on the wards in UHW.

hospital, so it’s fantastic to be able to meet

has been the Gold Commander for the Service

Annette once again and know that the work we

at many incidents and events, including the G8

“They were all fantastic and I’ll be forever

did was successful and that she can carry on

Summit, Glasgow Airport bombing, Royal and

grateful to them.”

enjoying her life, family and grandchildren.”

Papal visits and extreme weather challenges.

Amanda had just gone to pick up her mother

Annette remained in a coma for three days

He works with absolute passion at national

to join the school run when Annette slumped

in UHW’s intensive care before moving to

level to develop new concepts, designs,

in the car.

the high dependency unit, but was able to

systems and ideas, which, have resulted

celebrate her 50th birthday with a party on the

in the successful introduction of Special

ward just seven days after the episode.

Operations, extending the skills of paramedics

“Mum got into the car outside her house and I was in the driver’s seat. I heard a gurgling

to enter and treat patients in environments

noise, Mum’s eyes rolled and she suddenly

“I can’t thank the ambulance crew enough,”

previously considered too dangerous. Many

slumped onto my shoulder,” said Amanda.

she added.

of his original ideas – new equipment, skills,

“My training as a youngster with St John kicked

“Their actions have given me more time with

in and I started doing CPR on Mum by my side.

my family. It’s lovely to meet people who do

But then the ambulance call-taker, Irene [Taylor]

such a great job. The ambulance service

Mike has been integral to major developments

who was brilliant, told me I needed to get her

needs to be given credit for the many positive

at a UK and Scottish level, working closely

flat so Dad [Michael Sexton] helped me get

things it does.

with Government, including post 9/11

systems and training plans have now been

her out of the car and my brother Anthony then

implemented across the UK.

procedures, crowd event guidance, marauding

joined me to do CPR to keep Mum going. But

“What’s a life worth? Whatever it is, these

terrorist firearms, CBRN response and at the

if I’m honest her colour looked so bad I wasn’t

wonderful ambulance staff have given me a

Home Office Emergency Planning College,

too hopeful at the time.”

chance to live and enjoy life a little longer.”

Easingwold.

Advanced Paramedic Practitioner Paul Burrows added: “It was a typically cold and

SAS News

Mike is now serving his third term as a member

Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal for Herriot

of the British Red Cross Board of Trustees,

brilliant job and they continued whilst I set up

Mike Herriot, General Manager, National Risk

Pauline Howie, Chief Executive, Scottish

the defibrillator.

and Resilience Department, has been awarded

Ambulance Service said:

wet January day and when I arrived Amanda and her brother-in-law were performing CPR

and also chairs their Clinical Governance and Patient Safety Committees.

the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal. “It took three shocks to bring Annette round.

“I am delighted that Mike’s dedication and

The ambulance crew arrived soon after and

Mike is known as a visionary, innovator, quality

service has been recognised with this honour.

informed UHW they were on their way and

champion and initiator of leading edge patient

Over his many years of service his focus has

required intensive care on arrival.

centred ambulance services. His career

always been on patient care and he has been

has been epitomised by devoted service,

instrumental in the development of our special

considering new ways of putting the patient

operations and major incident capabilities.”

“We rarely get to know how cardiac arrest

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

at the side of the road. They’d both done a

225 Do you have anything you would like to add or include? Please contact us and let us know.

IN PERSON busy motorways to remote hilltops, seaside

News

cliffs to industrial estates.

Steve flies into sunset after 10 years as Air Ambulance pilot

“We are part of a close team and we each respect each other’s roles within that team,

The pilot who flew BBC presenter Richard

“ he added. “You can pick someone up who

Hammond to hospital after his horror high-

seems fine and then next day you hear that

speed crash has retired after a decade with

they have passed away, and then someone

the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

else, who doesn’t look like they have a chance, comes through.

Capt Steve Cobb has flown hundreds of missions for the rapid response emergency

“I remember one of the first jobs I went to was

charity, many as its Chief Pilot – but none as

a girl who had been in a phone box when a

high profile as the 2006 rescue of the Top

car came off the road and smashed into it. The

Gear host who was fighting for his life after

scene was chaotic, and they were carrying her

sustaining serious head injuries in a 280mph

on the door which was all that was left of the

jet car crash at Elvington Airfield.

phone box. She had just a broken nose. It was incredible.

The father-of-two went on to make a full “I thought it would be hard seeing people

recovery, in large part because of the speed he was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary. Steve, 59, said: “The Richard Hammond

Capt Steve Cobb has flown hundreds of missions for the rapid response emergency charity, many as its Chief Pilot

of the easiest jobs I’ve done. “But landing on that airfield ended up being one of the biggest events for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance – leading to enough money being raised to put a deposit down for our second helicopter G-CEMS.”

such fantastic paramedics and people on the ground are always very pleased to see us. This job is literally the best single thing you can do

incident was certainly the one that generated the most interest, although it was actually one

badly injured, but it is amazing to work with

including the opening credits for Emmerdale – and would rapidly transport components for

with a helicopter.

car companies using just in time production.

“It’s been amazing meeting those people

“I really enjoyed the work, you never knew

for what we’ve done for them - people are so

who want to come back and say ‘thank you’

what was coming in from one day to the other.”

grateful for what the air ambulance does and it

His move into emergency service flying

is so appreciated and valued.”

has been very special to work for a charity that

again came by chance, after the Yorkshire His flying career got off the ground by chance

Air Ambulance helicopter landed at Steve’s

Steve who recently moved to Scarborough, is

in 1986 when Steve – who was enjoying a

heliport on a mission.

now enjoying his retirement with wife Christine walking and cycling on the Yorkshire coast.

successful career in contract IT - spotted a roadside advert for a helicopter trial lesson.

“I got chatting to the pilot and about a week

Steve also hopes to have the time to restore

later saw an advert for an emergency service

Lambretta scooters and a VW camper van.

“I really enjoyed the lesson and after getting

pilot for the North of England. It was for the

my private license I spent the next five years as

police in Newcastle but was then told they also

He added: “The over-riding thing that sticks with

a self improver, building up enough flying time

needed a contract pilot in Yorkshire.

you from the job is how quickly your life can change. One minute you’re doing something

to be able to fly commercially – working three months in IT and then a month flying.”

“I started doing ten days a month for the

completely normal and the next, because of

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Because I’d always

something out of the ordinary, it can be over. It

Steve got his commercial license in 1992 and,

flown out of Leeds I knew the area really

certainly makes you appreciate life.”

after three years of working on the ground

well and because I’d done a lot of aerial

during the winter and in the air during the

photography work I was very used to flying the

summer, became a full-time charter pilot in

aircraft at the right speed and height.

1995, based by Leeds Bradford Airport. “It becomes almost second nature, you can

EEAST News

National award for staff communications

“It was really busy, a time when there was

hear and feel the aircraft, so you can then

a lot of money around and we were flying

concentrate on finding the right landing spot,

A first-of-its-kind for ambulance staff

businessmen and wealthy people to major

making sure the crew can get to the job

communications has won a national award just

sporting events, weddings and functions,”

quickly and safely.”

months after it was set up.

Steve was appointed Chief Pilot in 2005 and

Rolling news site ‘Need to Know’ went live

has since flown to hundreds of incidents

in the East of England Ambulance Service

across the county – landing everywhere from

NHS Trust (EEAST) in March, following staff

added Steve, who worked for Northern Helicopters and then Helijet. “We also did a lot of aerial filming for TV –

226 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

IN PERSON feedback about using a more easily accessible and regularly updated form of communication. Internal Communications Manager Tara Crabtree, Internal Communications Officer Sophie Taylor and Digital Officer Gail Huggins worked with existing web site providers Sitekit on the project from inception to launch, and it was announced on 17th July that it’s won an Institute of Internal Communication Award of Excellence for a new channel. Tara said: “It’s an incredible achievement to win a national award for Need to Know and I’m immensely proud of the team. Developing the site took a lot of hard work and creativity and it’s really satisfying to see that come to fruition; now we have a 24/7 rolling news channel that’s more interactive, engaging and accessible – and most importantly it works better for our staff.” The site works in a similar way to news websites with daily updates, a scrolling ‘Bitesize’ feature, and even a Twitter feed. Staff can also access it off-site (e.g. mobile devices) and it’s also printable for those who want it. Chief Executive Dr Anthony Marsh added: “I am very proud of the team for winning this award, and for coming up with an easyto-use but dynamic and effective way of communicating with staff.”

Excellence by Coleg Cambria’s Principal and

of evidence to support the hard work and

Chief Executive, David Jones.

dedication he has offered to the role.

The Lion Awards celebrate the most inspiring

Chris Jones, Chief Executive of the City and

achievers who have accomplished extraordinary

Guilds Group, said: “It’s a huge achievement

results through skills-based learning.

to win a Lion Award, and Melfyn should feel really proud of his accomplishment. It’s

The annual ceremony is a culmination of City

inspiring to see how he is changing his life

and Guilds’ Medals for Excellence awards

through skills education.

programme, which has run since 1879. “We’re all about helping people get into a job, Each year, City and Guilds invite all Medals for

progress on the job and move on to the next

Excellence winners from across the UK and

job, and it’s amazing to celebrate those people

Was

Republic of Ireland to London to celebrate their

who are really living this. I wish him the very best

Trust’s Welsh Language Officer scoops prestigious ‘Learner of the Year’ award

achievements together.

of luck for the future, wherever it may take him.”

Melfyn, of Ruthin, Denbighshire, said: “Winning a

David Jones, Principal of Coleg Cambria, with

Lion Award is a very proud moment in my career.

whom Melfyn completed his course, added:

I hope to always use the skills that I employ

“We wish to congratulate Melfyn on winning this

through my course to benefit the community.”

prestigious award. We are extremely proud of his

The Welsh Ambulance Service’s newlyappointed Welsh Language Officer has

achievement; his professional attitude, dedication

collected a prestigious ‘Employee Learner of

Judith Hardisty, the Trust’s Executive Director

and hard work has clearly demonstrated

the Year’ award.

of Workforce and Organisational Development,

excellence in learning and development.”

added: “This is a very prestigious award and Melfyn Hughes collected a City and Guilds

we wish to congratulate Melfyn, and we are

The Welsh Ambulance Service recognises that

Lion Award during a red carpet ceremony

very pleased that he has chosen to continue

many people can only communicate their care

hosted by television presenter Heather Skelton

his career with the Welsh Ambulance Service.”

needs effectively through their first language, which for approximately a fifth of our population is Welsh.

Melfyn, who joined the Trust in April, embarked Melfyn, who is based in St Asaph,

on a 12-month learner journey in January 2012

Melfyn’s role at the Welsh Ambulance Service

Denbighshire, was shortlisted for the award

to discover how to quality assure an education

is to ensure that the communication needs

after completing Coleg Cambria’s Level 4

and training programme which was supported

of Welsh-speaking patients are met, and that

Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality

by his previous employers at North Wales Fire

the Trust continues to offer a patient-focused

Assurance of Assessment Processes and

and Rescue Service.

service which respects people’s cultural identity.

He spent many hours researching and

Melfyn Hughes (centre) with television

studying the role of an internal quality

presenter Heather Skelton and Chris Jones,

assurer and produced an extensive portfolio

Chief Executive of City and Guilds.

Practice while employed by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. He was subsequently awarded a Medal for

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

at Camden’s Roundhouse in London.

227 Do you have anything you would like to add or include? Please contact us and let us know.

IN PERSON News

Charity role for injured Burton Paramedic

John Eames will also take up the role of

of ambulance personnel who have shown

Ambulance Service Representative at the

exceptional devotion to duty, outstanding

Foundation. He joins David Allsopp who is Fire

ability, merit and conduct in their roles within

Service Representative and Trustee and Bob

NHS Ambulance Services.

Aynsley who is Police Service Representative A Paramedic who was injured whilst on duty

and newly appointed Trustee.

helped him after his accident.

SECAMB News

John Eames, 41, from Burton on Trent was

Paramedics named in Queen’s Birthday Honours

badly injured in a road traffic accident in February 2011 when a Polish lorry crashed into

The number of nominations for a QAM in any one year may never exceed ten and includes

is to become a Trustee of the charity which

up to four Medals for England each year. For more than 30 years Andy has played a major role in establishing the high reputation of paramedics in their current pre-hospital role

the Ambulance he was travelling in.

Two South East Coast Ambulance Service

and has been a leader in practice, education

NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) paramedics

and management in the profession.

After 22 weeks in hospital, John was finally

have been recognised in this year’s Queen’s

able to go home thanks to a grant from the charity set up to help injured Emergency Services personnel. The grant enabled vital home improvements meaning John could continue his recovery in the comfort of his own home. PC David Rathband’s Blue Lamp Foundation was set up after David Rathband was shot whilst on duty in Northumberland in July 2010. John was the recipient of the first ever grant from the charity after it was set up in October 2010. Since then John has been an active fundraiser for the charity and is already a charity champion representing the West Midlands Ambulance Service. John said: “I was both surprised and delighted to be invited to become a trustee, it was a great privilege for the grant to be presented by David. It is so pleasing to be able to help spread the word about the Blue Lamp Foundation in memory of David.”

Birthday Honours list which was announced at

He led the way in helping establish telephone

the weekend.

triage in NHS ambulance services. His commitment to education has been

The Trust’s Director of Clinical Operations and

unparalleled and instrumental in the growth

Consultant Paramedic, Professor Andy Newton

of programmes across the UK and led to the

has been awarded the Queen’s Ambulance

formation of the first paramedic degree course

Service Medal (QAM) for Distinguished Service

at the University of Hertfordshire.

while Paramedic, Philip Wadey, from Hastings receives the British Empire Medal for his

The country’s first consultant paramedic, Andy

voluntary service to First Aid.

has been heavily involved in the development of specialist paramedic roles at SECAmb

Andy is one of just a handful of paramedics

including the introduction of Paramedic

to have ever received the QAM which was

Practitioners and Critical Care Paramedics.

introduced in 2012. He was among the first paramedics to qualify in the UK, one of the

He now mixes his senior academic role

first to fly with the London Helicopter Medical

with his management position as Executive

Service and has been at the forefront of

Paramedic Director with SECAmb, with

developing the paramedic profession in the UK.

responsibilities for Professional Standards and Innovation. He chairs the College of

SECAmb has had a recipient of the medal

Paramedics and remains clinically active.

each year since its introduction with Andy now becoming the third SECAmb paramedic in as

Andy, who lives in Surbiton, Surrey said: “I’m

many years to be recognised.

delighted to receive the Queens Ambulance Medal and regard it as recognition for both the

The QAM honours a very small, select group

Peter Sweeney, Chairman of PC David

ambulance service and paramedic profession as a whole. I feel both fortunate and privileged

Rathband’s Blue Lamp Foundation, said: “It

to have been involved in the ambulance

was a very proud day for David Rathband

service for so many years and regard the

when he met John for the first time and

constantly improving clinical care that can

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

handed over the charity’s inaugural grant

now be routinely be provide to patients as

cheque. Since that day we believe John has

the single most significant advance in the last

repaid the grant many times over in all that he

three decades. With every prospect that the

has done to raise awareness of the work we

role of paramedics and the ambulance service

do, despite the fact that the treatment for his

will continue to expand further I look forward to

injuries is still ongoing.

being involved in future developing the role we play in improving patient care and outcomes.”

“For us it was a fitting tribute to John’s continued involvement with the charity and his

Philip Wadey was recognised primarily for his work

dedication to make his role official. We look

as a trainer with the British Red Cross. Originally

forward to working with him to help shape the future of the charity going forward, from his position as someone who the charity was set up to help.”

Paramedic, Philip Wadey, from Hastings received the British Empire Medal for his voluntary service to First Aid

founded in 1917, the medal was re-introduced in 2012 to coincide with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. It is now awarded annually to around 300 community volunteers across the county.

228 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

IN PERSON On Tuesday, Sam, accompanied by his mum Lynda and his baby brother Elijah, travelled to Nursling Resource Centre where he chatted to some of the emergency frontline staff who treated him at the scene. During his visit to Nursling, Sam presented staff with a thankyou card before having a tour around the vehicles and kit at the ambulance station. Sam said: “It was lovely to see the paramedics and crew who helped save my life. Although I have no memory of the day, it was nice to put faces to the stories I have been told, and to hear about the day from their perspective. They will have my eternal gratitude, I don’t even know if I would be here without them.” Lynda explained: “On that day I remember Professor Andy Newton has been awarded the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal (QAM) for Distinguished Service

having complete and utter faith that Sam was in the best hands as the crew put tubes down his throat and did what they needed to do. They even managed to reassure and calm us,

Philip has worked for the ambulance service

Both Andy and Phil will be formally presented

despite the gravity of the situation. It was really

for nearly 30 years and for around 40 years

with their medals at an investiture ceremony

with the British Red Cross. He also trains

a pleasure to meet the crew and say thank you

later this summer.

to these wonderful people for what they did -

volunteer crews with the Red Cross and has seen a number of the first volunteers he trained go on to become paramedics for both SECAmb and the air ambulance service. Philip is also one of only around 150 British Red Cross volunteers to have received a Special Service Cross for his actions in trying to save a person’s life in 2007. He said: “It was a surprise to find out but really nice to be recognised for my work and the work

making the decisions and taking the actions SCAS News

Romsey Teenager Reunited with SCAS Staff Who Helped Save His Life

that ensured Sam not only survived, but did so with no lasting damage. I know paramedics are professionals - but they are people too, and I think it’s so important to acknowledge the wonderful work they do and the part they play in creating miracles every day. My

Romsey teenager Sam Mangoro kept a very

husband, and I, and everyone who knows and

special appointment this week during his

loves Sam will be forever grateful.”

school holidays by meeting South Central The reunion was equally as special for the

save his life.

SCAS crews.

Sam, 16, a student at The Mountbatten

Sue May, SCAS Emergency Care Practitioner,

School, suffered a cardiac arrest during a PE

admitted: “It was brilliant to see Sam looking

lesson in March this year. His teacher began

so fit and well after everything that happened.

CPR on him before being joined by colleagues

I am very pleased to have had the chance to

to give Sam shocks from the school’s recently

meet up with him, he seems a lovely young

installed defibrillator.

man and I wish him well for his future.”

paramedic profession over the years has been

SCAS emergency crews including quickly

Perry Roles, SCAS Technician, explained:

outstanding. Phil’s role both as a committed

arrived on scene and continued to treat Sam

“It was great to meet Sam looking so well

SECAmb paramedic and as a volunteer trainer

and stabilise him before transporting him

and to speak to his mum. We don’t often get

with the British Red Cross is also something he

to Southampton General Hospital where he

the chance to be reunited with patients post

should be very proud of. I would like to thank

spent several weeks. Sam was initially put in a

cardiac arrest so the meeting was very special

both of them for their continued hard work and

medically induced coma before being treated

in that respect. Attending and treating Sam on

commitment and I am delighted that SECAmb

in intensive care and a cardiac ward. He has

that day so quickly and effectively was thanks

will once again be represented at the highest

since has an internal defibrillator fitted to help

to fantastic teamworking not only from the

level with these awards.”

prevent another cardiac arrest.

bystanders but all the SCAS crews.”

the ambulance service or volunteering for the recognition but appreciate being nominated. I enjoy my work and I’m looking forward to receiving the medal later this year.” SECAmb chief executive Paul Sutton added: “Both Andy and Philip are extremely deserving of this recognition. Andy’s dedication to both SECAmb and his drive to develop the

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

Ambulance Service (SCAS) staff who helped

of all Red Cross volunteers. I’m not involved in

229 Do you have anything you would like to add or include? Please contact us and let us know.

IN PERSON News

News

BASICS and SAVES doctor receives MBE

Rachel Morrison joins EMAS team

Knightirst responders get award

A Somerset-based GP who also carries out

The NHS Trust Development Authority (NHS

Knighton Community First Responders have

work on behalf of South Western Ambulance

TDA) has confirmed the appointment of Rachel

received the NHS Direct Central and West

Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT)

Morrison as a Non-executive Director of the

Regions, volunteers of the year award for their

under the umbrella of the British Association

East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust

work in Knighton and the surrounding area.

for Immediate Care (BASICS) and Somerset

(EMAS). The Knighton responders started eleven years

Accident Voluntary Emergency Service (SAVES) has been recognised in the Queen’s

Rachel is a highly accomplished senior

ago and currently have a team of fourteen

Birthday Honours.

executive with experience at board level in a

volunteers who in 2013 received 288 calls. The

variety of roles within complex organisations.

responders are called to patients when the

Dr James Hickman, GP in North Curry,

Rachel, who has lived in the Rutland area most

ambulance cannot get to the scene within four

has been awarded an MBE for services to

of her life, is currently a Director within the

minutes.

healthcare, particularly emergency medical

Finance division at Santander UK. The responders are trained to treat people with

care.

breathing problems caused by heart attacks, Among the incidents Dr Hickman has attended

strokes, angina, asthma or panic attack and to

alongside the Trust include the multi-vehicle

reassure and comfort people in times of need.

crash and fire on the M5 in 2011 and in 2012 he helped rescue a patient by amputating

If anyone is interested in joining the team the

their arm whilst high in the roof space of an

next training session is in August.

industrial building. For more information contact Brian Jones on 01547 528031.

Speaking about receiving his award Dr Hickman said: “I am delighted, not just for the personal recognition, but also for the charities that I work with and the work that all our members do in the field of pre-hospital

Rachel Morrison joins EMAS team

emergency care. “There are so many deserving people out

Commenting on her appointment, Rachel

there, so it is a great honour to be singled

said: “I’m delighted to be taking up this role.

out. I am very touched that somebody, or

My initial impression is that EMAS’ Better

some people, have thought to put my name

Patient Care improvement plan will allow it

forward.”

to enjoy a much brighter future. It certainly has highly skilled and dedicated staff which

Ken Wenman, Chief Executive of SWASFT,

is an essential ingredient for any successful

added: “I am exceptionally pleased to see

organisation. I’m looking forward to playing a

that Dr James Hickman has been awarded

part in helping the service to progress.”

an MBE for services to healthcare, particularly emergency medical care.

EMAS’ Interim Chairman, Pauline Tagg added: “Our Non-executive directors have skills and

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

“Dr Hickman has a special interest in pre-

expertise in the public and private business

hospital emergency care and, as a member of

sectors which complement those of our

SAVES he has attended hundreds of incidents

Executive Directors. I’m delighted that Rachel

in support of the Trust.

has joined us and am sure she will be an asset to the team.”

“Oh behalf of everyone at the Trust I would like to thank Dr Hickman for all his hard work and

Non-executive appointments to NHS Trusts

support and would like to congratulate him on

made by the NHS TDA are subject to the Code

receiving a very special honour.”

of Practice of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

For more information about BASICS and SAVES visit www.saves.org.uk and

Rachel has been appointed from 1 July 2014

www.basics.org.uk.

until 30 June 2016.

230 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

Some of the Knighton Community First Responders with the award. Adie Preece, Helen Carter, Brian Jones, Kay Morris and Ian Carter.

IN PERSON Midland’s Air Ambulance Charity and have been

last year. Looking back on the event, Poppy

Interest from members and non-members alike in National Air Ambulance Awards

blessed by a terrific level of support from local

Young, Outstanding Young Person of the Year,

fundraisers and donors, so I accepted the award

said: “I like making a difference and informing

on behalf of everyone who gave their time and

people about my local Air Ambulance and what

money to the life-saving service.”

it does. When I help the Herts Air Ambulance I

Winners from last year reflect on their

Anyone can nominate an individual or team

AAAE News

feel proud and very happy that I have helped a

experience

so the sector’s most inspirational people get

The Association of Air Ambulances (AAA) is

are judged by a panel of experts, chaired by

the recognition they deserve. The Awards

calling on those who work in the Air Ambulance sector to act now and nominate the people they believe deserve recognition at this year’s

Guy Opperman MP, and the winners will be announced at the Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence gala dinner in London on 17th

Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence. The

November. Nominations are sought in the

Awards are operated by the AAA and are open

following categories:

to all air ambulance operations in the UK.

worthwhile cause. I used to be shy and reserved but all this has made me more confident, outgoing and determined to succeed. I will continue to do everything I can to help raise money for the Herts Air Ambulance and I don’t think that I will ever stop raising money for them. This is only just the start.” Janice Flower, Charity Staff Member of the Year added: “I was thrilled and honoured to win this

Nominations are welcome from AAA members

• Outstanding Young Person Award

and non-members alike who wish to honour the

• Charity Staff Member of the Year

exceptional contributions of staff and volunteers

• Air Ambulance Paramedic of the Year

within the UK’s air ambulance community. The

• Air Ambulance Doctor of the Year

strict deadline of 1st September 2014 is fast

• Air Ambulance Pilot of the Year

approaching.

• Air Ambulance Campaign of the Year

The closing date for nominations is 1st

• Charity Volunteer of the Year

September 2014. Further information, together

Jenny Ashman was one of the winners last year.

• Special Incident Award

with a nomination form can be found at:

The Charity Volunteer of the Year, who works with

• Lifetime Achievement Award

http://www.aoaa.org.uk/aaae/

prestigious award. I am extremely lucky to work alongside a great team who have been incredibly supportive.”

Midland’s Air Ambulance Charity, said: “I was honoured to be shortlisted, so to actually win

The Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust were

A brief review of last year’s Awards can be found

was truly overwhelming. I love volunteering with

lucky enough to have two winners in their ranks

at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ3Kz2n_Sjw

on et re el.n mo erj ad at Re w.w ww More information

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

Professional burn care – around the world

231 Do you have anything you would like to add or include? Please contact us and let us know.

PRODUCT SHOWCASE ZOLL Medical Awarded 3 Year Contract to Supply X Series Monitor/ Defibrillators to West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust The prestigious award for the supply of pre-hospital defibrillators to the West Midlands Service NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded to ZOLL® Medical UK Ltd. The decision was made after a thorough evaluation of the ZOLL X Series® monitor/ defibrillator by the clinical team at West Midlands Ambulance. The award will see the ambulance service replace all of its existing monitors with the latest technology from ZOLL.

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

232

Weighing less than 6 kilograms, the X Series is half the size and half the weight of most fullfeatured defibrillators, yet powerful and built to the most rigorous standards for ruggedness. The X Series has every advanced monitoring and communication capability required by a leading ambulance service. Andrew Carson, Medical Director, West Midlands Service NHS Foundation Trust said “The X Series monitor/defibrillator allows clinicians to provide improved clinical care and treatment at the patient side. These defibrillators offer the very best in clinical diagnostic tools and provide our patients optimal care in the community, before making the decision to convey them to hospital. The high specification devices will enhance the clinical treatment through EtCO2 monitoring, highquality 12-lead ECG acquisition, and robust telemetry.”

Richard Knell-Moore, ZOLL UK Country Manager, said “We are delighted to be to continuing our partnership with the West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. The trust is one of the highest profile services in the UK and we are proud to say that they will continue to use the very latest ZOLL technologies. The Trust serves a population of 5.36 million people covering an

area of more than 5,000 square miles and provides some unique challenges. The fact that the Trust chose the X Series to meet their clinical requirements and the operational demands that they face every day, is a testament to the design and functionality of the device.” For more information on X Series please visit www.zoll.com or call 01928 595 160.

PRODUCT SHOWCASE Saving your life is a way of their lives The Saviour Medical Rescue Stretcher is the latest versatile rescue stretcher to be available to the emergency, resilience and rescue services as a single product solution. Ideally suited for work in confined spaces, rescue, hazardous and water based environments, the stretcher is an innovative design likened to being the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Swiss Army Knifeâ&#x20AC;? of rescue stretchers. This lightweight device (5kg) with its polyethylene skin and removable straps is infection control compliant. The stretcher is neutrally buoyant making water based rescue possible and the sand and waterproof design of the fixings further support such use. The stretcher, fixings and strap system are load rated to 200kg (31 stone) making it suitable for most patients. The integral headblock and double skin in the spinal area assists in the management of patients with potential spinal injuries.

The stretcher is supplied as a rolled device in a robust carry bag, making it compact and aiding access to confined spaces as well as requiring little storage space. The device is also X-Ray translucent and CT friendly. The simplistic, colour coordinated strap system ensure there is little additional training requirement. The stretcher is CE marked and manufactured in the UK.

The Saviour Medical Rescue Stretcher has been designed and developed by a group of highly skilled and experienced rescuers. The stretcher is manufactured in the UK and distributed through DS Medical, a Hampshire based medical supplier.

The Saviour Medical Rescue Stretcher has already been rigorously tested across the UK by a renowned water based rescue organisation. The tactical variant of the stretcher is also in

Mr Jason Warrener: 07872 039998

use by the military.

Hackett Way Fareham PO14 1TH Tel.: 01329 311451 Fax: 01329 829276 Email: info@dsmedical.co.uk Web: www.dsmedical.co.uk

The UK emergency services, local Government and national rescue organisations have experienced increased demand for suitable rescue equipment to ensure emergency preparedness and resilience.

Contact Mr Richard Bourke: 07960 866335

Data Southern (Enterprise) Ltd (T/A DS Medical) Unit 6 Fareham Enterprise Centre

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

233 For all your equipment needs visit: www.ambulanceservicesuppliers.com

THE CLASSIFIED SITE For further information or to make a reservation please contact

Maggie or Rachel Tel: 01322 660434 Fax: 01322 666539

AMBULANCE VACANCIES ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN The East Midlands, and the North East of England for the following grades:

email:

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For an application pack please email: vacancies@thamesgroupuk.com Supplying our Human Resources department with your name and address

fe Connections 2014 Exmed Study Day PARAMEDICS

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Thursday 15 May 2014 ng Conference Centre, Kettering NN15 6PB TH

It’s not only our clinicians in the field who provide first class care to the people of Surrey, Sussex and Kent. We have a professional team of Nurses and Paramedics who work in our regional control centres providing advice and guidance to members of the public accessing healthcare through the 999 system.

PRESENTATION Registration AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

on & History of the Course

y Algorithms of the Difficult Airway

Laryngoscopy

ea/Coffee, Exhibition

PRESENTATION TheseTIME: roles play P.M an essential part in helping ensure we maximise the use of our resources, signposting callers to the appropriate service and providing urgent or emergency healthcare advice when required. 12.00 - 12.30

Skill Stations

The role will include providing clinical supervision and coaching to non-registered staff. Successful candidates will have access to excellent career development and ongoing promotion opportunities.

Rotation 2

If you are a registered Nurse or Paramedic and would like to have an informal discussion please contact Lucas Hawkes-Frost, NHS Pathways Clinical lead on 0300 123 0999 or Dave Hawkins, Senior 12.30Manager - 13.30 Lunch, Exhibition Operations on 01622 740403. To apply, please visit www.jobs.nhs.uk quoting job reference 278-EOC-2029-LW. 13.30 - 14.00 Skill Stations Alternatively visit our website www.secamb.nhs.uk @SECambRecruit

14.00 - 14.30

tions 234(4 rotations/30 min. each)

Rotation 3 Recruitment SECAmb Skill Stations Rotation 4

For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

14.30 - 14.45

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