Volume 33 No. 3
June 2018
DEDICATED TO THE AMBULANCE SERVICE AND ITS SUPPLIERS
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS 84
EDITOR’S COMMENT
86
FEATURES
86 Pre-hospital advanced airway management in children: a challenge that training can handle
Ambulance UK This issue edited by: Sam English c/o Media Publishing Company 48 High Street SWANLEY BR8 8BQ ADVERTISING: Terry Gardner, Brenda Pickering
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EDITOR’S COMMENT
EDITOR’S COMMENT I write this on a glorious bank holiday weekend. The sun is out, along with the tourists, and I get a chance to reflect on the past week. Performance is starting to improve; hospital queues are a little better; and there is a sense that we have got through the worst of it. Having just about survived the horrors of last winter, with the record-breaking queues at some Emergency Departments, and the consequences that brings to our patients waiting for a response, it is all too easy to take a sigh of relief as things become marginally better, and forget the pressures that have just gone.
“What is essential is that we keep moving forward with our ideas, and developing them to cope with the everincreasing demands of the outof-hospital arena”
The summer months should allow us time to learn the lessons of previous years, and start making plans for what we can anticipate next winter. This edition has some great examples of innovative working, such as the multi-agency response vehicles in Wales, and the Save a Life App being introduced in Yorkshire. The summer months are the ideal time to test and evaluate these initiatives; to see whether they really add something to the service. Not everything will. It is difficult to let go of a project that you have been close to, and admit that it isn’t working as you would have liked. That is natural. However, some things seem like a good idea in principle, but under real scrutiny they don’t have the effect that was anticipated. There is nothing wrong with this. As one of my close colleagues, Adrian, pointed out to me this week, you rarely learn when things are going right. It often takes a failure to drive innovation. What is essential is that we keep moving forward with our ideas, and developing them to cope with the ever-increasing demands of the out-of-hospital arena. We need to make hay whilst the sun shines, because as sure as eggs is eggs, the demand will increase again, and we don’t want to be looking back asking why we didn’t make changes when we had the opportunity. But in the meantime, the evening sun is calling. I hope you get a chance to enjoy some of it this summer.
Sam English, Co-Editor Ambulance UK
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
84 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
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FEATURE
PRE-HOSPITAL ADVANCED AIRWAY MANAGEMENT IN CHILDREN: A CHALLENGE THAT TRAINING CAN HANDLE Joanna B. Watterson1,2*, Cliff Reid1,3, Brian J. Burns1,3 and Luke Regan4 See related research by Tarpgaard et al., https://sjtrem.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13049-015-0140-0 Reproduced with permission from the Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine
Abstract: We respond to the Tarpgaard et al. article reporting on pre-hospital
the following results: 100, 91 and 14%, respectively. We propose training
endotracheal intubation (PHETI) success and complications by
and operating protocols we believe contribute to this relative success in
Danish critical care teams including critical care anaesthetists.
paediatric PHETI.
We compare the authors’ results with previously published results from our service’s experience with PHETI in a similar patient population, also with physician and paramedic medical teams. From 25 children <16
Key words:
years of age, the Danish study reports overall success, and first-pass success, and complication rates of 96, 75 and 20%, respectively.
Paediatric intubation, Out-of-hospital paediatric intubation, Training,
A recently published study of 82 patients that we completed revealed
PHETI
To the editor, Tarpgaard et al. published a prospective descriptive study designed to assess pre-hosptial paediatric endotracheal intubation success by critical care anaesthetists [1]. We appreciate the authors’ recognition of the importance of this issue and the need for more research in this area. To this end, we applaud their publishing of success and complication rates for this rare but definitive procedure. However, we reject the authors’ suggestion that paediatric patients represent a substantial advanced airway management challenge. We present data to support our argument that, given a training environment characterized by structured simulation and use of standard operating procedures, paediatric advanced airway management is no more challenging than adult advanced airway management in the out-of-hospital environment.
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
86
The 2015 Danish study reported an overall success rate of 96% (24/25), a first pass success-rate of 75% (18/24) and a complication rate of 20% (5/25). In a forthcoming 2017 study in Annals of Emergency Medicine, we reported on the same end points in a similar but larger (n = 82) study population [2]. Overall success rate was 100% (82/82), first-look success rate was 91% (75/82) and complication rate per attempt was 14% (13/90). The patient populations and systematic factors of these two studies are comparable in many ways, especially scarcity of paediatric PHETI as a potential obstacle to proficiency, indication for advanced airway management, medications used for Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI), age range of patients, and definitions of complications. Furthermore, the study designs were similar, with near-identical primary and secondary outcomes, and both were potentially subject to errors due to * 1 2
low population size, as well as registration and recall bias. Tarpgaard et al. acknowledge that the subgroup of patients <2 may have been sicker than their older counterparts. Similarly, our study reported a higher frequency of cardiac and respiratory arrest in our youngest patients. However, there are some differences between the two studies worth noting. Tarpgaard et al. report on a younger population, with the majority of their patients <2 years of age. Our patient population reflected a higher percentage with trauma, and a lower percentage with pre-existing disease. Another key difference is the exclusion of interhospital missions by their study and inclusion in ours, in which interhospital missions represented 24% of the total. Additionally, paramedics in our service routinely perform intubation, whereas in the Danish study, Emergency Medical Technician team members never intubate [3]. The physicians in our study included not only anaesthetists, but also emergency physicians. One issue in comparing the results of these studies directly is that our study does not directly compare paediatric and all-population PHETI success. However, we previously published a study on difficult intubation factors that offers success metrics for all PHETI that can be compared [4]. Unlike the Danish study, we did not find a lower first pass success rate in paediatric patients (Table ( Table1).1). The lower success and higher complication rates in the adult study are likely reflective of improved training and greater protocolization of ETI in our service in recent years, rather than age-related differences in performance. We believe this in light of trends in yet-unpublished data we use to track airway management performance.
Correspondence: Joanna.Watterson@nyumc.org Greater Sydney Area Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (GSA-HEMS), New South Wales Ambulance, Sydney, NSW, Australia New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. Full list of author information is available at the end of the article
FEATURE Table 1 Comparison of paediatric and all-population PHETI success Article
Tarpgaard et al. [1]
Tarpgaard et al. [1]
Burns, Watterson et al. [2]
Burns, Habig et al. [4]
Age
Paediatric <16
All
Paediatric <16
All
N
25
735
82
443
Study Period
2/2011–11/2012
2/2011–11/2012
1/2010–4/2015
9/2009–9/2013
Overall success rate
96%
99.7%
100%
98.9%
First-attempt success rate
75%
77.6%
91%
84.0%
Complication Rate
20%
13.9%
14%
26.2%
While the adult and paediatric studies from our service have different study periods and are not directly comparable, we believe that our results demonstrate that paediatric intubation need not be considered a substantial challenge. High overall and first-attempt success, as well as low complication rate, are achievable. It is worth noting that complication rates remained lower even though our definition of a critical complication, desaturation/hypoxia, was more stringent, at oxygen saturation of <93%, than that of Tarpgaard et al., at <90%. Ours is not the only service that has recently documented paediatric PHETI success. Schmidt et al. retrospectively reviewed records of 225 patients <17 and found a first-attempt success rate of 95.3% and an overall success rate of 98.6% [5]. Eich et al. designed a prospective observation study of 52 patients <15, documenting 85% first-attempt success rate and 98% overall success [6].
Acknowledgements None.
Ethics approval and consent to participate Not applicable. Consent for publication Not applicable. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Publisher’s Note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Author details 1 Greater Sydney Area Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (GSAHEMS), New South Wales Ambulance, Sydney, NSW, Australia. 2New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. 3Discipline of Emergency Medicine, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia. 4Emergency Department, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, Scotland, UK. References 1. Tarpgaard M, Hansen TM, Rognås L. Anaesthetist-provided prehospital advanced airway management in children: a descriptive study. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med. 2015;23:61. 2. Burns BJ, Watterson JB, Ware S, Regan L, Reid C. Analysis of out-ofhospital pediatric intubation by an Australian helicopter emergency medical service. Ann Emerg Med. 2017. Epub 2017 April 29. 3. Rognås L, Troels MH, Kirkegaard H, Tønnesen E. Pre-hospital advanced airway management by experienced anaesthesiologists: a prospective descriptive study. Scand J Resusc Emerg Med. 2013;21:58. 4. Burns B, Habig K, Eason H, Ware S. Difficult intubation factors in prehospital rapid sequence intubation by an Australian helicopter emergency medical service. Air Med J. 2016;35:28–32. 5. Schmidt AR, Ulrich L, Seifert B, Albrecht R, Spahn DR, Stein P. Ease and difficulty of pre-hospital airway management in 425 paediatric patients treated by a helicopter emergency medical service: a retrospective analysis. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med. 2016;24:22.
Funding None.
6. Eich C, Roessler M, Nemeth M, Russo SG, Heuer JF, Timmermann A. Characteristics and outcome of prehospital paediatric tracheal intubation attended by anaesthesia-trained emergency physicians. Resuscitation. 2009;80(12):1371–7.
Availability of data and materials Not applicable.
7. Kerrey BT, Rinderknecht A, Mittiga M. High risk, low frequency: Optimizing performance of emergency intubation for children. Ann Emerg Med. 2017. Epub 2017 July 24.
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
There are a number of factors we believe contribute to our relative success in PHETI in general. These include mandatory use of the service Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), RSI manual and challenge-response checklist for pre-hospital RSI. These materials are routinely integrated into training of service clinicians before and during employment. All aspects of prehosptial RSI are standardized and drilled in training, including a teambased approach which involves both the physician and paramedic in the intubation process, specific pharmacological agents and dosages, patient positioning to optimize view on laryngoscopy, use of boguie, and routine ‘thirty second drills’ used to improve sub-optimal glottic visualization. For paediatric patients, clinicians are taught to use paediatric reference cards providing drug dosing, tube sizing and insertion depth based on patient weight or age. We believe that sufficient training and preparation can make airway management challenges feasible, even in the complex prehospital environment. This is evidenced by our finding that, despite the youngest patients being substantially sicker than their older counterparts, PHETI success was not decreased in this subgroup as it was in the Tarpgaard et al. study. Further details on GSA-HEMS training and materials are available in the forthcoming study described above [2]. Additionally, an Annals editorial in response to this same article, written by clinicians at a major American children’s hospital, summarizes some key aspects of the GSA-HEMS approach to optimising performance and safety of paediatric intubation [7].
Authors’ contributions CR conceived this letter. JW drafted the letter. BB and LR provided revisions. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Life Connec
Aylesbury Event - Thu 6th September 2018 The G Paramedic Conference Programme Time
Presentation
9.00 - 9.30
Registration
9.30 - 10.00
Tea / Coffee
Intergrating Service Users & Carers 10.00 - 10.30 Into Undergraduate Paramedic Education 10.30 - 11.00
Impact Brain Apnoea & Head Injuries
11.00 - 11.30
Advanced Airway Management
11.30 - 12.00
Tea / Coffee Exhibition
Using Simulation as 12.00 - 12.30 a Learning, Teaching & Assessment Tool 12.30 - 13.00
Burns - Timing is Everything
Speaker
Position
Around 200 delegates registered to attend each of our Harrogate and Bristol multi-conference/workshop events and we are hoping for a similar turnout in Aylesbury. In addition to our Paramedic & Resuscitation conferences, separate conferences will also be taking place for First Responders and First Aid Trainers, both have excellent presentations in place that include: Why Trauma Patients Die (Professor Sir Keith Porter), The Alternative Role of the CFR (James Crawley), The Changing Face of First Aid (Dr Mark Forrest), First Aid...The Need for Effective Teaching & Learning (Rob Shaloe) and First Class First Aid...Enhancing Care at the Point of Immediate Need (Paul Jones). For full events details, please visit: www.lifeconnections.uk.com
Miriam Perry
Senior Lecturer
In addition, Pre-Hospital Care Consultancy are running a morning Trauma Workshop that includes Trauma Patient Assessment, Catastrophic Bleeding and Splintage Skills followed by an afternoon Airway Management Workshop that includes Direct and Video Laryngoscopy and Emergency Surgical Airways.
Amy Kyle
Amy Chan-Dominy
Paediatric Consultant
Dr Natasha Taylor
Principal Lecturer
Kristina Stiles
Clinical Nurse Specialist
13.00 - 14.00 Lunch, Exhibition
Topics & Speakers correct at the time of press but may be subject to change.
To view all conference programmes or to register please visit www.lifeconnections.uk.com or call 01322 660434
Only 50 Places are available on each of our Paramedic and Resuscitation Conferences at a cost of ÂŁ30pp to include VAT, lunch/tea/cof combined rate of just ÂŁ42 to include VAT, lunch, etc. To view all programmes and to secure your delegate place please visit: www.lifec
A further Conference is planned later in th
www.lifeconnections.uk.com For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
ctions 2018
Gateway Conference Centre, Aylesbury HP19 8FF Delegate feedback received from our Harrogate and Bristol events has been very positive, a typical example being as follows: ‘We had 6 x personnel attend your workshops / conference last week in Harrogate. The feedback from this has been very positive. Everyone felt they benefited from attending for the day’ Thanks to the generosity of WEL Medical, delegate rates at our Aylesbury event start from just £18 per person to include lunch, tea/coffee, free parking, etc. Combined rates are also available for those wishing to attend both a morning and afternoon conference or, alternatively, a conference plus a workshop or, two workshops. As delegate places are limited, particularly on the workshops, early registration is recommended to avoid disappointment. Our Life Connections road show will then move on to Stoke-onTrent (October 25th). We look forward to welcoming you to Life Connections 2018.
Resuscitation Conference Programme Time
Presentation
Speaker
Position
Amy Chan-Dominy
Paediatric Consultant
Jonathan Leung
HEMS Pre-Hospital Registrar
Mike Davis
Keele University
Joanne Mildenhall
Paramedic Team Leader
Ken Spearpoint
Principal Lecturer
12.00 - 12.30 Registration
12.30 - 14.00 Lunch/Exhibition
What Doies Adult 14.00 - 14.30 Congenital Heart Disease Mean? Ultrasound Application 14.30 - 15.00 for Traumatic Cardiac Arrest 15.00 - 15.30
Simulation Challenging Reality
15.30 - 16.00 Tea/Coffee/Exhibition
16.00 - 16.30
Dealing with Distressing Incidents
16.30 - 17.00
Application of Educational Theory
Topics & Speakers correct at the time of press but may be subject to change.
To view all conference programmes or to register please visit www.lifeconnections.uk.com or call 01322 660434
ffee and free parking. Delegates can attend both our morning Paramedic Conference and afternoon Resuscitation Conference for a connections.uk.com or call the organisers on: 01322 660434
he year for Stoke-on-Trent (October 25th)
www.lifeconnections.uk.com
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NEWSLINE LAA
Saharan superheroes raise £90,000 to keep London’s lifesaving charity flying London’s Air Ambulance, the charity that delivers an advanced trauma team to critically injured people in London, has welcomed
She ran the race alongside Dr Tom Konig, the doctor who treated her that day, and Capt. Neil Jeffers, the pilot who flew her to hospital. Reflecting on the race, Chloe said; “It’s been a dream for a long time to take part in the Marathon des Sables – and normally when I mentioned that to people they told me it wasn’t a good idea – which
a team back from the Sahara
made me all the more determined.
who took part in the Marathon
There were incredibly hard
des Sables ultra-marathon. The
aspects to the challenge, not least
£90,000 raised is enough to treat
the tiredness and hunger, but
53 people in London.
London’s Air Ambulance inspired me to keep going during the race
The team completed an epic
and finish – without this charity I
256km, self-sustained run across
wouldn’t be alive.”
the desert to raise crucial funds for the life-saving service to
The team completed the race in
continue serving London. The
a total time of 610 hours and 13
relentless challenge has been
seconds. Their fastest runner was
called ‘the toughest footrace on
paramedic Charlie Henderson,
earth’ and was described by Sir
who finished the race in an
Ranulph Fiennes as the hardest
incredible 34 hours, 4 minutes
thing he has ever done.
and 53 seconds, finishing 71st out of 777 men. In addition, both
London’s Air Ambulance’s team
Chloe and Dr Claire Park finished
comprised of 14 runners who
in the top 50 out of 159 women.
represented all sides of the charity, with doctors, paramedics, pilots,
There is no underestimating a
fire crew, the CEO and supporters
challenge of this size, and the
all putting on their running shoes
team endured severe blisters,
in order to undertake the massive
dehydration and even a late-
challenge. One team member, Dr
night sandstorm. This year’s
Chloe Baker, is a former patient
‘long stage’ stood at 86.2km
of the charity having been treated
long, leaving entrants running
in 2007 after sustaining critical
day and night for up to 35
injuries in a road traffic accident.
hours. Unfortunately, this stage
saw Marie LeBrec, the sister of one of the charity’s former patients, forced to withdraw after completing over 120km of the race. London’s Air Ambulance CEO and teammate Jonathan Jenkins said; “Even though she did not complete the race, Marie has accomplished something that most people would think was impossible. Not only that, she’s done it while raising money to help our service treat those who need us most. I think I speak for everyone when I say just how lucky we are to have had her running with us.” On arrival back in London, the team found out that they raised a massive £85,000 for the charity. With each mission costing £1700, this means that the team have raised enough to be there for 53 patients in need of urgent trauma care in the capital.
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
90 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
Responding to the news Jonathan said; “This is an absolutely incredible amount. We all knew how much goodwill there is towards us in London, but this goes above and beyond anything that we expected. This was the toughest challenge I have ever undertaken, but our suffering is nothing compared to what our patients go through. It was the knowledge that we were doing it for them that kept us going.” London’s Air Ambulance is the charity that delivers a 24/7 advanced trauma team to London’s most critically injured. It treats on average five people in London each day, performing medical interventions at the roadside which are normally only found in a hospital emergency department. The service costs £10 million per year, the majority of which has to be found through fundraising.
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30 years as a leader in the design & build of A&E Ambulances & still innovating So whats new?
?
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Be part of our new vehicle launch Emergency Services Show 19th & 20th September Stand G27 T:03300 130 130 E: sales@ohvc.co.uk W: www.ohvc.co.uk
91 For all your equipment needs visit: www.ambulanceservicesuppliers.com
NEWSLINE NWAS
How the North West Ambulance Service is transforming patient care While demand on ambulance services in the UK is increasing year-on-year, providing the best possible patient care remains the top priority for those working in the service. That’s why the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is introducing a number of initiatives designed to improve patient care and manage demand. Mark Newton, Assistant Director of Transformation at NWAS, explains more about their plans for the future.
case at NWAS - our patients are
have otherwise transported that
our number one priority – which is
patient is still available to attend a
why we’re looking at how we can
life-threatening emergency.
develop our services to make sure we’re providing the right care, at
We’re also doing more to equip
the right time, in the right place.
our crews with the support, skills and systems required to provide
Our Transforming Patient Care
more people with the right care
programme was officially
once they are on scene – this is
launched last September
known as ‘see and treat’. Often a
and covers a number of
paramedic crew will arrive to find
different initiatives and service
that although a patient is unwell,
developments that are all aimed
they don’t need to be taken for
at improving care for patients.
hospital treatment. There are a number of initiatives underway to
“More than just flashing blue
support those crews to be able to
lights”
do more ‘see and treat’ of patients,
Many people still believe
including: rolling out enhanced
that dialling 999 will mean an
triage systems and extra training;
ambulance arrives in minutes to
making even more clinical support
take a patient to hospital. While this
available to help with decision
is a vital part of our role when there
making on scene; and the building
is a lifethreatening emergency, the
of better links with other healthcare
ambulance service is much more
providers and third sector services
than just flashing blue lights and a
in our local area to ensure we can
speedy route to A&E.
refer patients to the right service to meet their needs.
In fact, the majority of 999 calls we
Mark Newton, Assistant Director of Transformation at North West Ambulance Service.
receive are not for life-threatening
A trial is coming soon where we
emergencies and we’re putting
will introduce an ‘Urgent Care
even more measures in place
Practitioner’ role. These are
to make sure we can support
clinicians, mainly paramedics
patients closer to home if they do
and nurses, who are dedicated
not need to go to hospital.
to responding to calls where the patient could potentially benefit
Community Specialist Paramedic Richard Peters and Suzanne Harrison, Manager of Holme Manor Residential Home in Lancashire with the Nursing and Residential Home Triage Tool. Suzanne comments: The triage tool is fantastic and really helping to improve our service delivery. There has definitely been a decrease in 999 calls since we started using it; I feel all homes should get involved. The tool has been invaluable to staff who now feel they have clear guidance to make the correct call, ensuring each resident receives the correct care for their needs. As a result of these changes, the quality of patient care has improved significantly.
For example, we’re introducing
from support on scene, in vehicles
enhanced clinical roles into our
equipped appropriately for ‘see
NHS 111 service and Emergency
and treat’. This is an exciting
Operations Centres (EOCs) where
development and we’re looking
999 calls are managed. We’re
forward to measuring the impact
piloting the use of paramedics,
of having a more clinically diverse
we’re receiving more calls and
general nurses, mental health
and flexible workforce.
responding to more incidents.
nurses, pharmacists and even
At NWAS, we’ve recognised that
GPs in the EOC to work alongside
It’s all about making sure the
we have to change the way we
and offer extra support to the
right resource is responding to an
work to respond to the increasing
Emergency Medical Dispatchers
incident. If it’s an emergency, life-
demand and ensure we can
(EMDs) who take the calls. In
threatening situation, we want to
continue to provide safe and high
some cases, a clinician can call a
make sure we have ambulances
quality patient care into the future.
patient back and offer specialist
available to get there as quickly
advice or make a referral onto a
as possible. To do this, we need
If you ask anyone working
different health service within the
to make the most of other parts of
within the emergency services,
community, preventing them from
the health service to respond to
particularly those on the frontline
having to go to hospital. This is
less urgent calls.
and primary care services.
of service delivery, about the most
known as a ‘hear and treat’ and
important part of their job, I’m
is beneficial to the patient who
Working in partnership
We have a team looking at
confident they would talk about
is receiving the right care closer
Much of what we’re doing under
improving patient pathways
providing the best response to
to home, but also means an
our Transforming Patient Care
across the North West, which
the public. That’s certainly the
ambulance resource that may
programme incorporates better
involves working closely with other
Along with other emergency services and most parts of the NHS, the ambulance service has been getting busier –
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
92 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
“The tool has been invaluable to the seven senior staff, including myself, who received training in how to use it from Community Specialist Paramedic Richard Peters. Following training we all feel more confident and supported as we now have clear guidance to make exactly the correct call, something we can easily pass on to other members of staff too.” partnership working, particularly with local hospitals, community
NEWSLINE healthcare providers in the area to
We’re still relatively early on in our
Service struggles to deal with the
make sure the right services are
Transforming Patient Care journey
demand. It was reported earlier
accessible for patients who don’t
and some of what we’re working
this year that police and fire
need to go to hospital but require
on is completely new to the
services had been called upon to
some level of support.
organisation so we’re constantly
help out with certain patients.
evaluating the schemes to learn We’ve also done a lot of
what can be improved and how
The Scottish Conservatives
work already with other care
successful elements can be
previously campaigned for
professionals to help them make
applied more widely. As improving
measures such as recovery centres
better decisions about using the
the quality of patient care is our
for people who had drunk too much
ambulance service.
main driver, I am delighted to be
at weekends and during big events
working closely with our Director
to take the strain off ambulances
With nursing and residential
of Quality, Improvement and
and accident and emergency
homes, for example, we’ve
Innovation, Maxine Power, to make
departments. Scottish Conservative
sure quality improvement methods
public health spokeswoman Annie
are factored into our entire
Wells said it had become clear
programme, no matter how small
people who had drunk too much
the change, so we can monitor
alcohol were putting an immense
how we’re making a difference.
and unnecessary strain on the
developed a triage tool that staff can use if a resident is unwell. Based on the person’s symptoms, the tool will guide nursing home
Patient Transport Service team member, Stephen Henty, giving patient Graham Kilmartin information about the seasonal flu vaccination.
staff to the most appropriate care option such as a GP, 111 or 999. An NWAS team has visited more than 200 care homes to deliver training to staff on the tool and has found that it has reduced calls to 999 by up to 50% from some care homes, whose employees are much more confident in making judgements about which health service to contact for the right care for their residents. Making every contact count As well as making changes to allow us to better manage calls that come into the service, the ambulance service has a role to play in health promotion and prevention, helping to keep people healthy. Our Patient Transport Service (PTS) carries out more than 1.5 million patient journeys every year, supporting patients across Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cumbria, to
campaign, with many useful tips on how to keep healthy over the colder months and where to turn if you’re feeling unwell. Most recently, we teamed up with Age UK to share advice on how to live healthily and happily for longer. Feedback from patients has been
ambulance service.“The SNP This is a long-term change,
Government needs to ensure
rather than a quick fix, but we’re
ambulance staff are sufficiently
committed to making sure that,
resourced to deal with current
even at times of high demand, we
challenges and regrettably that
can provide every patient with the
includes alcohol,” she said.“We
best possible outcome, now and
need to start discussing measures
in the future.
that could take the pressure off paramedics, including the
positive so far and we’re currently undertaking a patient experience exercise to measure whether this is a scheme they’ve found useful. We’ve also introduced a new
SAS
Paramedics deal with 50 alcohol cases daily
concern raising process for our
possible role of temporary units in towns and cities to deal with those who’ve consumed too much, meaning they wouldn’t need to go to A&E or trouble the ambulance service.”
PTS crews. Now, if they spot
Ambulance crews were forced
anything at all that causes them a
to attend more than 15,000
Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour
concern about a patient’s health
emergencies last year where
shadow cabinet secretary for
and wellbeing, or think they might
alcohol was to blame.
health, said: “It is clear Scotland needs to radically change its
need some extra support at home, It’s even easier for them to
Figures obtained by the Scottish
relationship with alcohol, but
escalate that concern. We have a
Conservatives reveal the number
we should also recognise there
team that will make contact with
of incidents where drink was an
are serious health problems
the patient and refer them on to
“additional factor” have increased
linked to poverty and inequality
an appropriate local health or care
from 2016. In total, there have
around Scotland.” A Scottish
service if required.
been 53,141 alcohol-related
Government spokeswoman said:
incidents in the past three years
“Scottish Ambulance Service
get to and from non-emergency Looking ahead to the future
– the equivalent of nearly 50 a
staffing has increased by nearly
identified that these journeys were
Technology is a key part of our
day. The Freedom of Information
24 per cent since 2006 and we
a great opportunity to be sharing
service developments and it’s really
response showed Glasgow had
have increased the ambulance
health advice with a large number
important we’re keeping up with
the highest number last year, with
service budget by 46 per cent,
of patients.
digital advances. We are dedicated
a total of 3783. That figure was
to £237 million, while we are
to looking at digital solutions that will
followed by Edinburgh with 1,674
committed to training a further
In the last few months, PTS crews
make it easier to share information
and North Lanarkshire with 1,279.
1,000 paramedics by 2021.“We
have handed out more than
between our own services internally,
The exact number is likely to be
have taken a number of actions to
50,000 health information leaflets
but also with other parts of the
higher as paramedics often do not
tackle alcohol misuse, including
across the North West about the
NHS to ensure we have the right
specifically record if alcohol was
pressing ahead with minimum unit
flu vaccination and the national
information to hand to help us
one of the causes. The figures
pricing and we will be refreshing
NHS England ‘Stay well this winter’
deliver the best care to patients.
come as the Scottish Ambulance
our alcohol strategy shortly.”
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
medical appointments. We
93 For all your equipment needs visit: www.ambulanceservicesuppliers.com
NEWSLINE SWAST
Mum thanks paramedics after emergency baby born A grateful patient from St Austell has written to the paramedics of South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust to thank them for helping to safely deliver her baby boy in the back of an emergency ambulance. Rebecca Welch, 30 and now a proud mum of 4, was so impressed by the crew that she now wants to meet up with them and say thanks in person with her new baby boy, Grayson; “The crew were amazing and treated me with dignity and respect throughout the whole labour. They were very professional, asking me questions and asking my permission throughout.” Rebecca’s sister helped when she called 999 as the contractions started to come on quickly– little did she know that she would be giving birth in an ambulance less than an hour later. Rebecca said: “I was feeling very anxious and scared before
“I had cannulas put in, my blood
Contact Centres (CCCs) in
who work in Llangunnor, and call
pressure went low, and I was
Llanfairfechan, Llangunnor and
handler Danielle Burrows from
asked by the paramedics to lie on
Cwmbran travelled to Las Vegas
Vantage Point House in Cwmbran.
my left side.”
on April 23 2018.
“After a few minutes in the
It comes as all three of the
the Welsh Ambulance Service’s
ambulance, my waters broke
Trust’s 999 control rooms have
and I gave birth to my son. Lizzie
Charitable Funds Bursary
successfully been awarded
delivered my son whilst talking to
Centre of Excellence status by
Scheme, which aims to help
me throughout.”
the International Academies of
The visit has been funded by
Emergency Dispatch. Paramedic, Lizzie Watts said: “We did a few checks and then started
This accomplishment will be
our journey to the hospital. About
celebrated at the organisation’s
5 minutes into the journey, the
annual Navigator Conference
woman’s contractions intensified,
for police, fire and medical
I asked my crew mate to stop so
dispatchers, which is being held
I could check how things were
at the city’s ARIA Resort.
progressing, and then realised very quickly we would not be
It recognises high standards of
delivering at the hospital.”
operating the Medical Priority Dispatch System, which is used
anxious.” Paramedic, Lizzie Watts arrived in an ambulance with her emergency care assistant, Darren Williams. Shortly after, paramedic Steve Puckey arrived in a rapid response vehicle.
professionally. Stephen added: “This conference is a once-in-a-career opportunity for those attending to share and celebrate Wales’ success in improving the quality of our emergency call taking services on a global stage. “They will represent their colleagues as international ambassadors and also be able
“We quickly prepared a delivery
by call handlers and all staff who
pack and then coached Rebecca
receive, process and dispatch
to learn from others to further
through 2-3 intense pushes and
help to patients in Wales.
improve the services we provide.”
then her baby boy was delivered.” There are currently more than “After a quick check and a rub
3,000 emergency medical
down, baby was handed to mum
dispatch centres that use the
and we continued on our way
system worldwide, and only 250
to hospital. Great team effort
currently hold this accolade.
although I think mum did all the work really.”
Stephen Clinton, the Trust’s Assistant Director of Operations
Rebecca wanted to thank
for CCCs, said: “Every day staff in
Paramedics Steve and Lizzie for
our three 999 centres save lives
their support throughout the birth
through the advice that they give
of her baby boy.
to callers and their attention to detail in getting help to patients
the crew arrived. After the crew arrived I felt so relieved, a lot less
staff develop personally and
when they need it.
WAS
Welsh Ambulance Service control room staff to fly across the pond to be recognised for excellence
“We are proud to be the first country worldwide which has achieved three Centres of Excellence simultaneously.” The conference is a threeday educational event, where
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
the latest developments are Rebecca said: “The paramedics
Ambulance control room
discussed and examples of best
came in and introduced
staff are set to fly across the
practice are presented.
themselves, they asked me a few
pond to be recognised for
questions then Lizzie passed me
their achievements in front
Those travelling from Wales will be
the gas and air.”
of colleagues from round the
Utilisation Manager Gill Pleming
globe.
and call handler Codie Williams based in Llanfairfechan, MPDS
“Lizzie then helped me to get my trousers on and helped me to
Five employees from the Welsh
Facilitator Michelle Perry and
walk to the ambulance.”
Ambulance Service’s Clinical
call handler Debbie Goldsmith,
94 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
“Every day staff in our three 999 centres save lives through the advice that they give to callers and their attention to detail in getting help to patients when they need it.”
NEWSLINE
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2018 EVENTS BASICS Scotland
12th & 13th June (Telford)
7th & 8th September
Bristol Paramedic Conference*
ESS
21st June
19th & 20th September (N.E.C.)
Aylesbury Paramedic Conference*
Stoke-on-Trent Paramedic Conference*
6th September
25th October
*Life Connections
Come and see us at any of these events to ďŹ nd out more about corpuls3
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AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
NAPFM
95
NEWSLINE SWASFT
Mum meets paramedics after life-threatening asthma attack A mum has thanked South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) for saving her life after she had a severe asthma attack which led to a cardiac arrest. Marie Flint-Fewkes, 28, had major breathing difficulties at her home in Paignton on 16 December. Her condition was so serious that her
without a daughter. I’m so grateful
She said: “There was sheer panic.
“Her recovery was amazing, and it
to the paramedics for coming to
I’ve had asthma for most of my life,
has been fantastic to meet her. It
my house, supporting my family,
but it’s never been that bad before.
is occasions like this that remind
and saving my life.”
It was a life or death situation.
us all of why we do what we do.”
Without everyone’s help, and Husband Sean initially called 999,
especially the CPR, I wouldn’t be
because Marie was struggling
here. Now I’m considering training
to breathe. Minutes later her skin
to become a paramedic myself.”
turned blue, she lost consciousness and stopped breathing. SWASFT Emergency Medical Dispatcher, Alex Hawkes, told relatives how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in an effort to keep her alive. SWAFT Paramedics Sam
heart stopped beating.
Jarman and Hannah Guest,
Family members dialled 999
as well as Emergency Care
Student Paramedic Lucy Kelly,
and began to do vital chest
Assistants Simon Slade and
compressions before SWASFT
Gemma Southcott treated Marie.
paramedics arrived.
They managed to get her heart beating again – and she regained
At a special event in Torquay Marie
consciousness.
Asthma is a common lung condition that can cause
SWAST
SWAST and Media Publishing create a unique event
breathing difficulties. Around 5.4
A collaboration between Media
million people in the UK have the
Publishing (the publishers of
disease, and an average of three
Ambulance UK) and SWAST
people die from it every day.
resulted in a unique multiconference/workshop event
Paramedic Sam Jarman said: “Mrs
taking place in Bristol on June
Flint-Fewkes represents a great
21 for the benefit of SWAST
example of how prompt, good
members and personnel from
quality treatment can save lives.
other NHS areas.
“Her asthma attack was about
Those who attended the
as serious as it could have been.
Paramedic, Resuscitation,
Thankfully the 999 Control Hub
First Responder and First Aid
staff quickly recognised it was
Conferences were given the
life-threatening, resulting in an
opportunity to hear a number of
effective response.
topical presentations including:
met the crews who saved her.
Dealing with Distressing Incidents, Marie was driven by ambulance
“We worked as a team to provide
Paramedics & End of Life Care,
She said: “Without the help of the
to Torbay Hospital where she
quality CPR, airway management,
Advanced Airway Management,
ambulance service my husband
remained for three days. She
and special medications to help
Sepsis - Time Critical Treatment
would be without a wife, my son
made a fantastic recovery, and
reverse her condition and open
in the Acute Setting, Decision
without a mum, and my mother
returned home for Christmas.
her airways.
Making in Cardiac Arrest, Assessing & Assisting the Fallen Patient, Why Trauma Patients Die, The Alternative Role of the CFR, The Changing Face of First Aid, Deteriorating Patient Could it be Sepsis?, plus many more. The event also included a morning Trauma Workshop and an afternoon Airway Management Workshop, both run by Jamie Todd of Pre-Hospital Care Consultancy Limited and a third morning/ afternoon Workshop entitled Seven Ways to Die in Cold Water which was run by Paul Savage OBE.
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
The event formed part of the regional Life Connections concept, with further one day events being planned for Aylesbury on September 6 and Stoke-on-Trent on October 25. For further details of forthcoming events please visit: www.lifeconnections.uk.com
96 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
NEWSLINE WAS
Welsh paramedic highlights plight of Rohingya refugees after flying out to help them
severe injuries and are deeply
There were also patients suffering
“Alongside the geographical
traumatised, after widespread
secondary trauma injuries
barriers to healthcare, many
media coverage brought their
sustained in camp, chronic health
people can’t leave their tents for
struggles to global attention.
conditions, exacerbated by
a variety of reasons; some due
restricted access to healthcare in
to the disfiguring injuries inflicted
Burma, and general illnesses.
upon them in Myanmar, which
Tom said: “The first thing which
means they don’t want to be seen
strikes you when you get there is
in public.
just how many people are living in
While half the team treated
these camps. If you climb to the
patients throughout the day in a
A paramedic has highlighted the
top of a hill the sea of tents goes
makeshift clinical area, the other
“That’s not to mention those
plight of people affected by the
on as far as the eye can see.
half delivered a four-day training
bearing heavy psychological
course to a group of 30 Rohingya
scars from the violence, which
“I was with a small team of
volunteers, consisting of wound
makes them unwilling to leave the
Australian paramedics and
care, first aid, CPR and stretcher
familiarity and relative comfort of
Tom McLay, who works for the Welsh
nurses, called the Backpacker
building.
their shelter.
Ambulance Service in Llanrwst,
Medics Disaster Response Group,
shared his experiences after seeing
and we had two main aims.
On completion, the groups of
“Since leaving, we receive daily
five became first responders for
updates from the first responder
world’s fastest growing refugee crisis after flying out to help them.
first-hand the distressing conditions facing hundreds of thousands of
“Those were to provide medical
their block and are being paid a
teams through a larger aid
Rohingya people fleeing violence
aid throughout the camp and
competitive salary for a six month
agency, and we’re told they’re
and persecution.
also to train a group of Rohingya
period thanks to fundraising
very busy and that their work is
volunteers to act as a network
efforts.
held in high regard.
More than 700,000 refugees have
of first responders, similar to the
arrived from Myanmar’s Rakhine
ones we have in Wales, in outlying
Tom said: “The experience I had
“It’s definitely something that I’d
State (Burma) to Bangladesh’s
areas of the camp.
in Bangladesh definitely put the
do again and I’m grateful for the
problems I face in my life into
support of the Welsh Ambulance
south-eastern districts since August 2017 to escape a military
“New arrivals are sent to the far
perspective and taught me to be
Service in allowing me to take up
offensive being waged against
south western edge of the camp
thankful for what I’ve got.
this opportunity.”
them at home.
and could face a 5km walk through difficult terrain to a road to then be
Tom, who lives in Betws y Coed,
transported to hospital, hence the
spent 18 days in the Cox’s Bazar
need for mobile medical teams.”
area as part of team of volunteer medics treating those living in
The medics grouped the people
overcrowded camps, which lack
they were treating into four main
clean water and sanitation.
categories, including primary trauma patients, suffering injuries
He said he was inspired to assist
as a result of violence in Myanmar
the refugees, many of whom have
or on route to Bangladesh.
A 2 B
W I T H
D I G N I T Y
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
PRO M VE Welsh Ambulance Service paramedic Tom McLay, who is based at Llanrwst Ambulance Station, in one of the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar
97 Do you have anything you would like to add or include in Newsline? Please contact us and let us know.
NEWSLINE EMAS
EMAS crowned World Champions at competition in Copenhagen A team of experienced paramedics are ‘elated’ after being crowned world champions at a medical competition held in Copenhagen. Ricky Harrison, from Derbyshire; Ross Ludford, from Leicestershire; Rosie Sears, from
day, it is our bread and butter, so
services in the world are able to
The eight week trial, which ran
Northamptonshire; and James
we just pretended it was a real job
enter the competition.
between December and February
Harness, from Lincolnshire; went
and did the best we could for the
head to head with ambulance
people who were injured.”
crews from Denmark, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Switzerland and Sweden at the Emergency Services European Championship. Not only did the EMAS team win the overall trophy to be named EMS2018 Champions, but they became double winners as they were chosen as ‘audience favourites’ as well. They were the only British team to make it into the final of EMS2018 and had to face the challenging scenario of a road traffic collision between a car and a bicycle, involving five patients with serious injuries such as gunshot wounds. Ricky, 27, from Swadlincote, explained that the four paramedics had only met twice in training before the competition, but that they worked quickly and seamlessly to help the ‘patients’ who needed them.
on particularly busy evenings, Details about each of the
mainly at weekends, comprised
members of staff:
of a Senior Paramedic, a Police
EMAS was one of just two NHS
Sergeant and a Watch Manager
ambulance trusts in the UK to
Ricky Harrison, 27, from
and responded to 999 calls from
qualify for one of the 12 spots
Swadlincote, Derbyshire,
all three services.
at the European EMS2018
Paramedic and Clinical
Championship, with the Scottish
Operations Manager
Ambulance Service taking the
Nick Sutcliffe, Consultant Paramedic for NWAS, who
Ross Ludford, 26, Market
oversees the project from an
Harborough, Leicestershire,
ambulance prospective said: “For
In the preliminary round, the
Paramedic and Clinical
us, the idea of the collaboration is
EMAS team had to deal with two
Operations Manager
not only to work together with our
other place.
intense scenarios – a man who
emergency services colleagues
had been electrocuted and fallen
Rosie Sears, 28, Kettering,
but if a patient is able to be
from a ladder, and a young child
Northamptonshire, Paramedic
treated at scene and doesn’t need
who had gone into cardiac arrest. Their excellent clinical skills
to hospital, it reduces the need for James Harness, 33, Louth,
an ambulance to attend, freeing
Lincolnshire, Paramedic
up vital resources.
NWAS
“So far we’ve been really happy
secured them a place in the final against just two other teams – both from Denmark. The final involved the team dealing with a much more complex scenario – surrounded by an audience of 1,400
Emergency services join up to create super team
with the success of the scheme and hope to run it again on key dates throughout the year.” 90% of incidents attended by the multiagency vehicle were able to
clinicians, under spotlights in
People ringing 999 in East
be resolved at scene without the
the centre of an arena and being
Lancashire and asking for the
need for hospital transportation.
scrutinised by judges.
help they require have been finding themselves getting
He said: “We are elated. Our hard AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
work has paid off and we are so
As the team have won the
a response from all three
happy to have won; although it is
overall competition, they have
emergency services at once.
still a bit of a shock.
been invited to attend the
This is because colleagues from
conference next year and EMAS
North West Ambulance Service,
“It’s amazing to think that six weeks
is guaranteed a place in the
Lancashire Fire and Rescue
ago we didn’t know each other, but
EMS2019 Championship.
Service and Lancashire Police have teamed up to create a
we worked really well as a team.
WAS
Welsh Ambulance Service and Gwent Police win joint award for innovative partnership
The EMS2018 Championship
multi-agency vehicle meaning
“Dealing with emergency
is part of a three-day medical
that all three services can work
A groundbreaking emergency
scenarios is what we do every
conference and all ambulance
closely together.
services partnership is
98 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
TESTED
NEWSLINE
celebrating success after
There were also two awards
winning an award.
for paramedic Chris, who spearheaded the initiative after
The Joint Response Unit
witnessing a similar operation
(JRU), operated by the Welsh
involving London Ambulance
Ambulance Service and Gwent
Service and the Metropolitan
Police, was one of the finalists
Police.
ADVANCED AMBULANCE SEATING
for the Working Together Award at the iESE Public Service
Under the scheme, the team in
Transformation Awards 2018.
a specially marked vehicle carry out shifts covering the Aneurin
The team made the cut after the
Bevan Health Board area,
shortlist was whittled down from
self-selecting appropriate 999
28 UK entries demonstrating
incidents via remote access to
innovation in public services, and
calls coming into local control
took home the bronze award.
rooms.
The JRU sees a Paramedic
For patients who don’t require
and a Special Constable
hospital treatment this enables
attending incidents together,
ambulance crews who would
such as assaults and road traffic
normally attend to respond to
collisions, to provide medical
members of the public facing
assistance and free up their
potentially life-threatening
colleagues to help others.
emergencies elsewhere, while police officers can also move on
Welsh Ambulance Service JRU
to other cases when appropriate.
Project Lead Chris Hughes said he was delighted with the
Currently the team works three
accolade, which was presented
12-hour shifts per week on a
to both services at a glittering
Friday, Saturday and Sunday,
ceremony held at Church House
when the emergency services
in London
often experience their highest demand.
He said: “I’m really proud of the whole team and what they’re
Each member of the Special
doing.
Constabulary team has been
M1 SEATS APPROVED TO LATEST R44.04 CHILD SEAT STANDARDS
given additional training by the “What was originally a three
Welsh Ambulance Service so
month pilot has now become
they can assist paramedics with
an integral part of our weekend
medical incidents.
cover in Gwent and is also being trialled in other areas,
Richard Lee, the Welsh
including Neath Port Talbot and
Ambulance Service’s Director of
Pembrokeshire.
Operations, said: “The JRU is a fantastic example of partnership
“I’m really grateful for everyone’s
work and I’m really pleased that
efforts. It’s become like a family
the team’s efforts have been
and close network between the
recognised in this way.
Contact us for further information and brochures
what makes it work.”
“This initiative demonstrates an innovative, prudent and effective
Their excellent work was also
approach to delivering services
recognised at Gwent Police’s
to patients.
annual awards, where the team of five paramedics and
“It’s also benefiting both blue
ten Special Constables were
light services by increasing the
awarded the Commandant’s Cup
availability of frontline ambulance
for Joint Working.
teams and police officers.”
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
two emergency services, which is
99 Life Connections - The Affordable CPD Provider: www.lifeconnections.uk.com
NEWSLINE WAS
Newport woman who performed CPR on husband thanks Welsh Ambulance Service team for saving his life
restore the 61-year-old’s heart
was first admitted, Lisa and Claire
at the local leisure centre as
rhythm.
came into intensive care when
part of the cardiac rehabilitation
they were coming off shift to see
programme.
They were then supported by
how he was doing.
colleagues Mike Cashman and
“I will never be able to put into “They came on the ward once
words, or truly able to express
or twice to get an update and
my thanks and gratitude to the
Emergency Medical Technician
a couple of months later I had
wonderful paramedics who
Claire, who has been with the
cause to call the service again.
brought my husband back and
Kate Jones in a second ambulance.
A Newport woman who
ambulance service for 14 years,
performed CPR on her husband
said: “When we first got there
“It just came out of the blue. He’d
where the incredible A&E staff,
after he stopped breathing has
Sarah was doing CPR and
been fine the day before, but the
intensive care consultants and
thanked the ‘angels in green’
obviously quite distressed.
following morning woke up and
doctors and nurses worked their
had a high temperature and was
magic.
who saved his life.
got him swiftly to the Royal Gwent,
“We carried on doing CPR straight
shaking uncontrollably. He had all
Sarah Lightbody was getting
away and actually got a rhythm
the indicators of sepsis.
ready for work at her home in
back after we shocked Yule twice. “Imagine my surprise when both
Rogerstone one morning, when she noticed her husband Yule was
“The second crew helped us
Claire and Lisa appeared at the
snoring unusually loudly in bed.
get him down the stairs and into
door for a second time. As soon
the ambulance, it wasn’t a long
as they came in I knew he was in
journey to hospital.
safe hands, they truly are angels
After checking on him, she soon
in green.”
realised he had gone into cardiac arrest and dialled 999.
“I was driving and Sarah was in the front with me, so I was trying
Fortunately Yule, who has four
Sarah, who work as a security
to reassure her because she was
children from a previous marriage
operations manager, was then
absolutely beside herself, as you
and four grandchildren, only
talked through performing CPR
can imagine.”
spent a few days in hospital and recovered after taking antibiotics.
by Welsh Ambulance Service call handler Lucy Fisher before an
The former sergeant major was
ambulance arrived.
taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital,
He’s now home undergoing both
where he was immediately moved
cardiac and neurological therapy,
She said: “I called 999 and spoke
to the resuscitation area, before
after sustaining a brain injury as a
to the call handler, who gave me
being admitted to the intensive
result of losing oxygen to the brain
advice. It was quite frightening
care unit.
during his cardiac arrest.
couldn’t get him on the floor. He
Yule spent three months in hospital
However Sarah, who met Yule 17
had no previous history or warning.
in total, including ten days in
years ago when he retired from the
intensive care and a further ten in
army to become a facilities manager,
the high dependency unit.
said his short term memory is
as he was a dead weight, so I
“They encouraged me to get the
beginning to improve and he’s able
sheet under him and pull it towards
from the Gwent Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team as well, they’ve been absolutely phenomenal.” Claire, who’s based at Bassaleg Ambulance Station said: “Sarah was very thankful and appreciated everything we did, she’s a lovely lady. “Whenever we went to see Yule, she would explain who we were and was very appreciative. She also took a couple of pictures of us with him. “We went out to him again when he had an infection. We recognised the address straight away, but fortunately he wasn’t as ill the second time.” Calls where a patient is
to go out and meet friends.
unconscious and has stopped
artery, as well as having a stent
She said: “We have good days and
RED under the Welsh Ambulance
fitted to improve the flow of blood
bad days. Yule’s short term memory
round his heart.
was badly affected, but he’s slowly
model, the Trust aims to get to at
getting better and remembering
least 65 per cent of these calls in less than eight minutes.
the edge of the bed to try and get
He underwent an angioplasty
him onto the floor, so I did that and
procedure to widen an obstructed
performed CPR for a few minutes. “I was still in my dressing gown
“We get a lot of support
when the ambulance crew arrived AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
and they encouraged me to get
Yule and Sarah, who have been
things he did the day before,
dressed and make sure our dog
married for 11 years, were reunited
whereas before he couldn’t.
was safe so the second crew
with Lisa and Claire as they made
could come in.”
several visits to check on him.
breathing, are categorised as Service’s new clinical response
The Trust is also measured on “He’s never had any difficulty
whether the patient’s heart is
remembering people though, he
restarted following resuscitation
Ambulance crew Lisa
It wasn’t the last time they’d meet
knows who we all are, which is
(this is called a return of
Challingsworth and Claire Snow
either, as the crew were called to
quite nice. He remembers all his
spontaneous circulation or ROSC)
arrived within three minutes
their house again approximately a
grandchildren and their ages.
for cardiac arrest patients as part
of Sarah’s call and continued
month after he was discharged.
performing CPR, before delivering two shocks with a defibrillator to
Sarah said: “A few days after he
of the Emergency Ambulance “He goes out with his friends for
Service Committee’s Ambulance
a pint and goes up to the gym
Quality Indicators.
100 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
NEWSLINE Director of Operations Richard
vehicle was able to help us provide
In what the team describe as
Ray and Dee were delighted
Lee said: “Every second counts
a fast and efficient response to a
a textbook resuscitation, first
to thank the team in person at
number of incidents where people
to arrive at the scene was
SECAmb’s Crawley Make Ready
were in need of assistance.
paramedic Lauren Cox in less
Centre.
when somebody is in cardiac arrest and Sarah’s actions in
than four minutes. This followed
dialling 999 and beginning CPR in what would have been a very distressing situation for her, was the first step that led to her husband’s life being saved. “It was then thanks to our call handler, allocator, ambulance crews and hospital staff that Yule was able to make it through and we send him our heartfelt best wishes for his ongoing recovery.”
“It had the added benefit in
the vital 999 call made by Dee
Grandfather of 10, Ray said: “Quite
many cases of allowing officers
who followed the instructions
simply, without them I wouldn’t
to continue with their regular
of Emergency Medical Advisor
be here today. They should all be
Charlotte Rance.
very proud of themselves. It’s a
duties keeping people safe in Inverness city centre where they might otherwise be tied up for an extended period.” The jointly crewed vehicle will now be available on the final Saturday of the month throughout the year, as well as on additional days
SAS
Inverness joint 999 response car trial extended Police officers and paramedics in Inverness are to continue attending incidents in a joint response vehicle. It follows a trial over the festive period when a patrol car was deployed in this way on three of the busiest nights. The car was dispatched to
around the festive period. Scottish Ambulance Service area manager Steven Gorman added: “Time is of the essence in lifethreatening incidents and these
ambulance vehicles to attend. Both police and ambulance services say valuable time was saved. Over three nights, the vehicle attended 21 incidents. Most required no further back-up. It was estimated that 13 hours of police time was saved, and eight
an outstanding job and it’s been
about treating Ray including
brilliant to meet everyone.
delivering the first shocks to attempt to return his heart to a
Dee said: “We really wanted to say
normal rhythm.
thank you. They were all amazing. Charlotte the call taker was lovely
Lauren was backed up by
but I think I was a little bit short
colleagues Paul Harris and Nigel
with her on the phone as I was
Martin shortly before Critical Care
in a bit of a panic so I’d like to
Paramedic Richard Brandon
apologise for that. They were with
arrived at the scene.
us so quickly and just got on with everything so calmly and quickly.”
The team continued to provide expert care and called in for
Paramedic Lauren Cox said:
further support from SECAmb’s
“It was lovely to meet with
Crawley-based Hazardous Area
Ray and Dee in much better
Response Team (HART) to assist
circumstances. It was a real team
“Working in partnership with Police
in safely getting Ray down a tight
effort which gave Ray the very
Scotland in this way has helped
staircase to the ambulance in a
best chance of survival. On behalf
saved valuable time, freeing
horizontal position.
of everyone involved I’d like to
results illustrate the benefits for patients and both of our services.
up both police and ambulance
wish him and his family all the very
resources, and we’re delighted
Ray was then taken to East Surrey
that this new approach to patient-
Hospital in Redhill where he was
centred care is continuing.”
further stabilised before being
Ray added: “I’ll be forever grateful.
transferred to St George’s Hospital
And thanks to the SECAmb team
in Tooting. There he underwent
and everyone who treated me in
surgery to clear a number of blocked
hospital I’m still around to watch the
stents he had had fitted previously.
next series of Game of Thrones!”
calls which would normally have required both police and
huge thank you from us. They did Lauren and her crewmate set
SECAMB
Cardiac arrest survivor shocked eight times by lifesaving ambulance team
best for the future.”
A Horley man who was shocked with a defibrillator eight times by the attending ambulance crew when he suffered a
‘Fast and efficient’
reunited with some of his life-
cardiac arrest was recently saving team.
Police Scotland Sgt Nick MacRae said: “We are pleased to be able
Ray Shore, 65, and his wife
to continue to work in partnership
Dee, met with South East Coast
with our colleagues in the Scottish
Ambulance Service (SECAmb)
Ambulance Service on this initiative.
staff to thank them for their efforts
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
hours of ambulance crew time.
on the morning of his collapse on “The deployment of the joint
10 February 2018.
101 Do you have anything you would like to add or include in Newsline? Please contact us and let us know.
NEWSLINE SWAST
Grandfather reunited with lifesaver A grandfather has been reunited with a teaching assistant who saved his life – because of a last-minute supermarket trip to buy cake. Martin Hyde, 71 from Trowbridge, had a cardiac arrest in the street when he was out with his wife in November 2017. His heart had stopped beating, and his chances of survival of slim. But teaching assistant, Michael Hunt, stepped-in and performed CPR to keep Martin alive. During a special event on Thursday 29 March, Martin expressed his gratitude to Michael and the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) crew who saved his life. Martin said: “It’s amazing that I’m here today. It feels like I was gone,
and then came back. The right people showed up to keep me alive, including strangers in the street. I’ll be eternally grateful to everyone. I’m a lucky boy.
really make things any worse. So I rolled him onto his back and started CPR. He made a gargling sound, but I carried on doing chest compressions until the first paramedic arrived.”
“I’d encourage anyone to act as quickly as possible in a cardiac arrest situation, and do chest compressions. Don’t be afraid to step in, and pump fast and hard to the beat of Stayin’ Alive. CPR kept me alive.”
Richard Tilsley, a SWASFT Operations Officer, treated Martin with the assistance of Paramedic Simon Cocks. Between them, they managed to get his heart beating again.
Martin had just been discharged from hospital after undergoing heart surgery. It was the first time he had been out since returning home.
Paramedic duo, Danielle Askey and Wilf Griffin, then used a stretcher to move Martin from the pavement into a helicopter.
Michael had recently completed a First Aid course, during which he learned how to do CPR. He was on the way to visiting his mum.
Martin was airlifted to Bristol Royal Infirmary where he remained in intensive care for several days. Martin has gone on to make a fantastic recovery.
Michael said: “I decided to go to the supermarket to buy marzipan stollen, because it’s a family favourite. That’s when I saw Martin lying on the ground.”
Meanwhile, Michael eventually got to the supermarket to buy his snack, and then travelled to see his mother.
“Martin looked in a very bad state. He wasn’t breathing, and his face was purple. I knew that I couldn’t
Michael said: “I did what I could for Martin, but it didn’t think it was too promising. So I was over
the moon when I heard he was alive and home for Christmas. It’s remarkable. A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood around the body. Some 30,000 people are treated for cardiac arrests in the UK every year. Only around 1 in 10 patients return home alive, but the chances of survival increase significantly when CPR is administered early. Richard said: “As Mr Hyde’s case demonstrates, the sooner that basic life support and a defibrillator can be provided to someone in cardiac arrest the better their chance of survival. “I am delighted that he has made such a good recovery and would like to thank him for formally acknowledging the work of everyone involved. “The more people equipped with the knowledge and confidence to administer CPR and the more defibrillators there are available, the more people we can save.”
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
“It’s amazing that I’m here today. It feels like I was gone, and then came back. The right people showed up to keep me alive, including strangers in the street. I’ll be eternally grateful to everyone. I’m a lucky boy.”
102 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
NEWSLINE WAS
Welsh Ambulance Service contact centre staff recognised for excellence at Las Vegas conference Ambulance control room staff are celebrating success after being recognised in front of colleagues from round the globe. Five staff members from the Welsh Ambulance Service’s three Clinical Contact Centres recently travelled to Las Vegas for the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch’s annual Navigator Conference. The Welsh contingent were there to be commended after the Trust’s regional emergency call centres in Cwmbran, Llanfairfechan and Llangunnor were awarded Centre of Excellence status. The accolade recognises the highest standards of triaging calls using the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS), used by call handlers and all staff who
Gill said: “It was such a proud
The conference also saw
moment to be representing
discussions surrounding the latest
the Welsh Ambulance Service
technological developments and
as we were recognised for
examples of best practice.
being reaccredited at all three emergency call centres in Wales. “The learning and the networking was fantastic and we definitely took lots of gold nuggets of information back with us. “There was also a very emotional and powerful opening presentation, where the centre manager involved in responding to the Las Vegas attack spoke and we remembered those who lost their lives. “It really brought the impact of these incidents home and how well the services worked together
The visit was funded by the Welsh Ambulance Service’s bursary scheme, which aims to help staff develop personally and professionally. Gill said: “This was all about recognising our staff, including our call handlers, who were chosen to attend in recognition of their excellent work. “They all thought it was absolutely amazing and the presentations by some of the call handlers from around the globe were truly
“It really brought the impact of these incidents home and how well the services worked together to help people.”
to help people.”
inspiring.
There are currently more than
“Looking into the future, we heard
3,000 emergency medical
about the possibility of people
dispatch centres that use the
being able to make an emergency
“It was also confirmation that we
MPDS system worldwide, and
call from an app and other ideas
are ahead of the game on some
only 250 have achieved Centre of
such as call takers working from
things, including how we register
Excellence status to date.
home.
defibrillators on our systems.”
Do you want to work as a Paramedic Practitioner in Surrey? Location: East Molesey, Thames Ditton and Woking Salary: Competitive salary
receive, process and dispatch
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a large, friendly and forward thinking practice.
help to patients in Wales.
This is a full or part time position.
The three-day educational event
We are looking for a competent Paramedic Practitioner to join our urgent care team who is looking to apply their skills in a General Practice setting.
also included an emotional presentation from those involved in co-ordinating the response to the mass shooting outside the city’s Mandalay Bay Casino in October, where 58 people tragically lost their lives.
Wales were Utilisation Manager Gill Pleming and call handler Codie Williams based in Llanfairfechan, MPDS Facilitator Michelle Perry and call handler Debbie Goldsmith, who work in Llangunnor, and call handler Danielle Burrows from Vantage Point House in Cwmbran.
You should be HCPC registered and hold one of the following qualifications BTECH Level 4, BSc, DipHE, FdSc or have achieved the IHCD Paramedic Award. It would be advantageous to have completed modules in the following: Minor Illness, Minor injuries, Drugs and therapeutics, Clinical thinking and reasoning. This role would suit candidates interested in moving into primary care and wishing to develop their skills working in a multi-disciplinary team. We are a large GP Practice operating over three sites (East Molesey, Thames Ditton and Woking) in Surrey. We already have an established team of Advanced Nurse Practitioners and a Paramedic and would like an additional Paramedic Practitioner to join our medical team who would support the work of the urgent care team and also undertake home visits. Please send your CV and covering letter to carole.tyrrell@nhs.net or post to Carole Tyrrell, Glenlyn Medical Centre, 115 Molesey Park Road, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 0JX.
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
Those who travelled from
You are already an experienced Paramedic able to deal with the challenges of the role and looking for a change of environment. We can offer broad experience with more family friendly hours and career progression within a supportive multi-disciplinary team structure.
103 For all your equipment needs visit: www.ambulanceservicesuppliers.com
NEWSLINE YAS
Yorkshire Ambulance Service Launches Life-Saving App: Does Your Community Have A Defibrillator?
A cardiac arrest occurs when a
has been verified by Yorkshire
The reunion followed a warming
person’s heart stops pumping
Ambulance Service and the date
thank you letter sent by the
blood around their body and to
of verification included so users
Alexandra with a photo of her
their brain. The earlier a patient
can see when it was last checked.
and her family together on their
can receive CPR and a shock
first holiday abroad in Lanzarotte,
from a defibrillator, the greater
An AED and its secure storage
their chance of survival.
cabinet cost around £1,400. The
following her recovery.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service
Alexandra had collapsed after
Curtis Randle, from
Charity provides part-funding
feeling unwell when at home with
Yorkshire Ambulance Service
Knaresborough, was walking
grants for the kit, along with
her three children, then aged 2,
(YAS) NHS Trust is launching a
through the Market Place when
various other organisations
5 and 8. Husband Stuart arrived
life-saving app which maps all
he suffered a cardiac arrest
including the British Heart
home from work and soon
the 1,288 automated external
in May 2016. By coincidence,
Foundation.
realised something wasn’t right
defibrillators (AEDs) across the
it happened right next to the
county.
town’s very first public access
If you would like to consider
the phone to Emergency Medical
defibrillator.
buying an AED for your
Advisor Katie Stringer, Alexandra,
community, contact:
became unresponsive and Katie
The Save a Life app tells you
and decided to call 999. While on
the location of your nearest AED
An off-duty Community First
and provides cardiopulmonary
Responder and off-duty GP came
resuscitation (CPR) guidance in
to his rescue, closely followed
uk - East Yorkshire and North
Ambulance crews were
the event of someone suffering a
by another Community First
Yorkshire (East of the A1)
dispatched as Stuart began
cardiac arrest.
Responder and ambulance crews.
The app is designed to make
Curtis said: “The defibrillator
members of the public aware
undoubtedly saved my life and
of their nearest AED, as well as
I’m so grateful that it was there
highlighting communities which
when I needed it. My family and
don’t have a life-saving device.
I are now constantly looking out for defibrillators so that we know
Paul Stevens, Head of Community
exactly where they are.
Resilience at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: “There has been a
“I’m really pleased that the app
staggering increase in the number
has been launched, because
of AEDs across Yorkshire; four
it’s so important that people
years ago there were 100 and
are made aware of defibrillators
today there are 1,288. This app
and how they really can make a
plots all the AEDs so members
difference.”
of the public can familiarise themselves with the location of
The Save a Life app, which is
their nearest device.
iOS and Android compatible and free to download, was originally
recognised agonal breathing. • warren.bostock@yas.nhs.
• emma.scott@yas.nhs.uk -
CPR under Katie’s instruction
South Yorkshire, Calderdale,
before Paramedic Sue Barnett
Kirklees and Wakefield area
and Ambulance Technician
• dave.jones@yas.nhs.uk Airedale, Bradford, Leeds and Craven area (West of the A1 in North Yorkshire). If you know about an AED which is not included in the Save a Life app, contact aed@yas.nhs.uk
SECAMB
Life-saving ambulance team reunited with cardiac arrest survivor
Jean-Pierre Ball arrived at the scene in a little over four minutes and took over the resuscitation. Further support arrived in the form of volunteer Community First Responder Jasmine Hughes and Paramedic Laura Walker before the air ambulance team of Dr Matt Miller and Critical Care Paramedic Simon Goodwin joined their colleagues at the scene. By this point Alexandra had been resuscitated but needed to be placed in an induced coma by the air ambulance team so they could treat her more easily.
“We also hope that communities
developed for South Central
which don’t have the life-saving kit
Ambulance Service by its partner,
A Burgess Hill woman has been
Her expert treatment continued
will consider purchasing one via
O2, and uses GPS functionality to
reunited with the ambulance
at Royal Sussex County Hospital
the various funding streams which
show the location of the nearest
team who helped save her life
where she was fitted with a stent that
are available.
defibrillator from wherever the
when she suffered a cardiac
evening. However, Alexandra was
user is in Yorkshire.
arrest.
far from out of the woods as she suffered two further cardiac arrests
“However, the app should not be AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
used in an emergency. In the event
As well as storing the details of
Mum-of-three, Alexandra Watts,
and underwent further emergency
of someone suffering a cardiac
the 1,288 AEDs across Yorkshire,
38, who has made an amazing
surgery while her family were told to
arrest, you should still call 999 and
the app contains videos which
recovery which has seen her
be prepared for the worst.
will then be told the location of your
demonstrate how to carry out CPR
complete two charity 5K runs, was
nearest AED and the code needed
on adults, children and infants,
joined by her husband Stuart at
Over a three-week period,
to access it. We would encourage
along with a myth-buster section
Burgess Hill Ambulance Station
however, and following further
members of the public to proactively
that dispels the most commonly
recently. There, the couple were
procedures as well as a transfer
use the app to locate their nearest
held misconceptions about the
able to thank the ambulance team
to Harefield Hospital in London,
AED so that they can be prepared
risks of attempting CPR. The
who came to her aid in on the
Alexandra’s condition improved
for an emergency situation.”
location of each AED on the map
evening of 25 February 2016.
and she came out of her coma.
104 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
NEWSLINE “I remember being so pleased to
Alexandra and her family have
recognise people when I came
now completed two Harefield
round,” said Alexandra, who
5K runs raising money for a new
has fully recovered and had an
ICU for Harefield Hospital – the
internal defibrillator fitted.
first just seven months after her
“At first I was convinced that I had
Four things in one pack, one less thing to think about
cardiac arrest.
been in a car crash. I’m just really thankful for everything everyone did. I’m having ongoing checkups but in essence I can do pretty much everything I want to.” Alexandra had opted to take voluntary redundancy from her civil service job just weeks before her cardiac arrest. With Stuart also choosing to do the same, the couple admit they went a little bit mad in 2017, travelling the world and enjoying new experiences with their children. “We had a really good year and wanted to give the kids some good memories after everything that had happened, said Alexandra.” Stuart added: “I can’t really put into words how grateful we are. It’s been amazing to see everyone again and say thank you faceto-face. I’d also like to thank our family and friends who have been so supportive and helpful.” Critical Care Paramedic Simon Goodwin said: “This was a real team effort right from the moment Stuart started CPR under Katie’s instruction. The team did a fantastic job getting Alexandra’s heart started again before I arrived at the scene with Matt. We were then able to provide critical care support en route to Brighton so that Alexandra had the best care in hospital.” Paramedic Sue added: “It was lovely meeting with Alexandra and Stuart. It’s very rare for patients to make such a full recovery and I’m delighted to have met with her to wish her and her family well. I’m very
www.i-gel.com
Quality, innovation and choice
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
chance of survival following expert
“This was a real team effort right from the moment Stuart started CPR under Katie’s instruction. The team did a fantastic job getting Alexandra’s heart started again before I arrived at the scene with Matt. We were then able to provide critical care support en route to Brighton so that Alexandra had the best chance of survival following expert care in hospital.”
proud of everything everyone did.”
105 Do you have anything you would like to add or include in Newsline? Please contact us and let us know.
NEWSLINE Violent attacks on ambulance workers rocket by 34% in just four years, GMB study shows
ambulance workers averaged more
cent) were aware of attacks on
sight, brain damage, loss of
than eight (8.2) every single day.
their colleagues.
consciousness and asphyxiation.
Examples of violent attacks
The union’s survey of over 500
GMB is supporting new legislation
reported by GMB members
ambulance staff across the UK
that faced its final House of
include: being bitten, stabbed,
found that:
Commons votes on Friday 27 April
having blood spat at them by intravenous drug users, having
2018. The Assaults on Emergency • 21 per cent of ambulance staff
Workers (Offences) Bill would
bones broken, attempts to hit
had to take sick leave due to
introduce a new offence of common
Ambulance staff bitten, stabbed
them with cars, and racist and
violent assaults
assault against an emergency
and have blood spat at them
sexual abuse.
• 37 per cent have considered
worker and require courts to treat
leaving their job due to the
attacks on emergency workers as
threat of violence
an aggravating factor for sentencing
in barrage of more than 14,000 physical assaults since 2012.
The union revealed the shocking figures ahead of a crunch vote
The number of violent attacks
by MPs on tougher sentences for
on ambulance workers in the UK
attacks on emergency workers
increased by 34 per cent between
this week.
2012/13 and 2016/17, a major
• Almost half (48 per cent) said
purpose.
the support offered by their employer was ‘inadequate’
However, sexual assaults are not currently covered by the Bill.
Reports of violent assaults against
GMB’s investigation reveals that
investigation by GMB, the union for
GMB carried out a Freedom of
health workers to the Health and
reported sexual assaults and
ambulance workers, has revealed.
Information Act survey of employers
Safety Executive increased by 20
other sexually abusive incidents
after national reporting of physical
per cent between 2012/13 and
increased by 211 per cent
A total of 14,441 physical assaults
assaults was ended when NHS
2016/17, the investigation found.
between 2012/13 and 2016/17. [4]
were recorded against ambulance
Protect was abolished last year.
To be reported to the HSE, an
workers between 2012/13 and January 2018. In 2016/17, recorded attacks on
attack must result in seven days
One Trust – South West
A total of 72 per cent of ambulance
or more off work, or a ‘specified’
Ambulance Service – provided a
workers have been attacked while
injury which may include:
detailed breakdown of criminal
on duty, and almost all (94 per
fractures, amputation, loss of
outcomes. Just one custodial
Powerful solutions for EMS care
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
A surgeon must always rely on his or her own clinical judgement when deciding which treatments and procedures to use with patients. For For verifying availability of Stryker products in your area please contact your Stryker representative. Copyright © 2017 Stryker. The products shown above are CE marked. Stryker Corporation or its divisions or other corporate affiliated entities own, use or have applied for the following trademarks or Service marks: Stryker, Power-PRO XT, XPS, Power-LOAD. ©2017 Physio-Control, Inc. All names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective Specifications are subject to change without notice. Not all products are available worldwide. Check the manufacturers’ Declarations of Compliance for a list of products and accessories authorised for use within the EU.
106 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
NEWSLINE sentence was reported out of the 294 reported physical assaults between 2016/17 and 2017/18. Kevin Brandstatter, GMB NHS National Officer, said: “No one should be told that facing violence is just ‘part of the job’. The number of attacks faced by ambulance workers as they try to save lives is beyond unacceptable. “Our members do their jobs with complete professionalism - but everyone has their breaking point. “As lone working becomes more common and cuts to services bite, ambulance workers are increasingly vulnerable to violence in the line of duty. “Changing the law will be an important first step as current sentences aren’t providing an adequate deterrent. “MPs must back emergency workers by backing this crucial legislation on Friday and widening its scope to include sexual
assaults.“The best laws will only be effective if they are enforced. Ambulance workers are there when the public need them.
SECAMB
Emergency Operations Centre and HQ officially opened by The Countess of Wessex HRH The Countess of Wessex was welcomed by ambulance service staff in the Crawley sunshine as she attended South East Coast Ambulance Service to officially open the Trust’s new Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and HQ on Manor Royal in Crawley. Accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, Mrs Susan Pyper, The Countess was given a tour of the EOC where she met and spoke with emergency medical advisors, dispatchers and clinicians on 8 May 2018.
The Trust also welcomed The Mayor of Crawley, Councillor Brian Quinn, Chief Executive of Crawley Borough Council, Natalie BrahmaPearl and Crawley MP, Henry Smith. Staff began moving into the new building in May 2017 with staff from the Trust’s former EOC in Lewes the first to relocate. EOC colleagues from the Trust’s former site in Banstead in Surrey moved to the new building in September. The moves provided greater capacity across two EOCs and ensured SECAmb is better placed to manage current and future demand. It also meant support services were brought under one roof for the first time since the formation of SECAmb in 2006 with the merger of Kent, Surrey and Sussex ambulance services. The centre, with SECAmb’s other EOC in Coxheath, Kent, typically handles some 2,500 calls every day. The new EOC is home to some 250 staff with a further 250 support staff based on the floor above.
999 calls are answered by emergency medical advisors non-geographically across the Trust’s two EOCs. Ambulances are dispatched locally from each EOC. A team of clinicians are also on hand in each EOC to provide advice and support to patients and colleagues. SECAmb Chief Executive Daren Mochrie said: “We were delighted to be joined by the Countess and local civic guests for what was a real celebration of the dedicated staff who work in this new premises. The day gave us an opportunity to pay tribute to all those who contribute to making this building a reality and I’d like to thank the Countess and everyone for coming to meet staff and see the amazing work they do day-in, day-out. Without them, of course, this is just another building. With them, and their dedication and professionalism, we are a service which saves lives and helps people every day.”
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
107 Life Connections - The Affordable CPD Provider: www.lifeconnections.uk.com
NEWSLINE communities’, published today,
Report reveals majority of people want to help in an emergency in their area but don’t know how – until now
reveals that almost nine in ten
The British Red Cross and
The British Red Cross, in
Aviva launch campaign to
partnership with Aviva, is calling
sign up 10,000 volunteers to
on people across the UK to
support in local emergencies
sign up to a new scheme called
people (88%) say that if an
flames. I thought ‘I’m not sure • More than nine in ten
alive’. The British Red Cross got
community they would want
experienced a major
me sat down, checked all my
to get involved, yet more than
emergency helped or had
vital signs, and made sure I was
half (53%) of people would
wanted to help
alright. If I had been away from
not know what to do if a disaster struck.
• Two thirds of people (66%) who had been involved in a major emergency felt there was more their community could have done to help if they knew how • Last year’s events in London and Manchester have
to an emergency every four
network of people ready to help
heightened our awareness
hours in the UK - from fires,
in a local emergency.
of crisis response in the UK.
to extreme weather conditions
More than half of people
and flooding, to national
The scheme hopes to recruit
(53%) feel it’s more likely
emergencies including acts
10,000 community reserve
that their community could
of terror
volunteers across the UK by the
be vulnerable to a major
end of 2019. It takes just ten
incident in the future
the UK have witnessed or experienced a large-scale emergency such as fire and flooding • The drive to sign up 10,000
minutes to sign up at redcross.org.uk/reserves The volunteers don’t need any specialist skills and will be called in if crisis strikes in their
volunteers comes after
area. It’s quick and easy to
the British Red Cross
sign up online and community
experienced one of its
reserve volunteers will be
busiest years since WWII
contacted by text if there is an
in 2017, assisting 9,265
emergency in their community
people in more than 1,500
they could help with. They will
emergencies across the UK
undertake vital practical jobs
in 2017
like packing food parcels,
• Almost nine in ten people (88%) say that if an emergency happened in their community they would want to get involved, yet more than half (53%) of people would not know what to do if a disaster struck.
I’m going to make it out of this
emergency happened in their
to help create a national
• One in five (21%) people in
second I was engulfed in
people (93%) who had
community reserve volunteers, • British Red Cross responds
The findings showed that:
blowing up airbeds for rest centres and filling sandbags in times of flooding. The call for people to sign up comes after the British Red Cross experienced one of the busiest years since WWII, assisting 9,300 people in
• The most prepared areas were coastal locations,
their help I’d potentially have had much more serious injuries. “In the aftermath of the crash the British Red Cross did a lot to help the emergency personnel on the scene and people in the community can help with in those extreme circumstances. I think the community reserve volunteer initiative is a really great idea because not everyone has the time to volunteer on a weekly or monthly basis but people do want to get involved when something major happens. It’s something that I’ll be proud to help the Red Cross with.”
where three in ten (30%) people had experienced
Simon Lewis, Head of Crisis
an emergency and 66% of
Response at the British Red
people feel their community is
Cross, said:
prepared to cope with one “The British Red Cross The research also highlighted
responds to a UK emergency
that people want to help, but
every four hours.
don’t always know how. More than nine in ten (94%) of
“Last year we faced a huge
people feel it’s important to
number of major emergencies
know how they can help in
like those in London and
an emergency to help speed
Manchester. They brought
up the recovery. The biggest
tragedy to so many people,
reasons that would hold
but we witnessed remarkable
people back from helping in an
acts of kindness and saw that
emergency were not knowing
people really want to give
how they could help (27%)
practical help when crisis hits.
and feeling like they didn’t have the right skills (19%).
“The findings of our report with Aviva show that despite this
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
more than 1,500 emergencies
Thomas Milburn, 26, signed
desire to help, people often
across the UK in 2017,
up as a community reserve
don’t know how best to assist or
the British Red Cross and
including terror attacks in
volunteer after being assisted
worry they don’t have the right
Aviva shows that the majority
London and Manchester, and
by British Red Cross volunteers
skills to get involved.
of people in the UK want to
the Grenfell Tower fire.
when he was badly burnt in the
A new report published by
help if disaster strikes in their community but would not know
As part of the report published
what to do.1
today, the British Red Cross and
Shoreham Air Show disaster.
“By creating a national taskforce
He said:
of community reserve volunteers we want to put local people
Aviva surveyed more than 4,000
“I looked up into the sky and
at the heart of emergency
The report, ‘When Crisis Hits:
UK adults about how prepared
this plane was coming straight
response, to help communities
mobilising kindness in our
they are for a local emergency.
towards me. The next split
rebuild and recover faster.
108 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
NEWSLINE “Everyone has a role to play when
your availability when you are
the ‘Golden Nugget’ presentations
excellent performance in relation
disaster strikes, even the smallest
contacted.
which will be judged for the award.
to successful placement of the
difference. It’s quick and easy to
To learn more about the British
During the period between
is a credit to skill and dedication
sign up online community reserve
Red Cross’ Community Reserve
November 2012 and April 2017 pre-
of the cohort.”
volunteers, you don’t need
Volunteer scheme with Aviva and
hospital surgical cricothyroidotomy
specialist skills and we need your
how to sign up, visit:
was performed on a total of 36
Following evaluation, the overall
help now more than ever.”
redcross.org.uk/reserves
occasions by NWAS advanced and
finding demonstrates that surgical
consultant paramedics. Medical
cricothyroidotomy produces
cardiac arrest accounted for 18
highly favourable success
emergency airway. This success
act of kindness can make a huge
Graham Brogden, Head of
1. The findings come from a
Property Technical Claims at Aviva
nationally representative
(50%) and traumatic cardiac arrest
rates when compared with
UK, said:
online survey of 4,000 adults
for 12 (33%) of interventions. The
other national and international
conducted by Opinium, 9th-
remaining 6 (17%) interventions
professional groups undertaking
13th March 2018.
were performed on patients with
the intervention within the pre-
traumatic and disruptive major
cardiac output at the time of the
hospital environment. Moving
events can be to communities.
intervention.
forward, the trust will ensure
“At Aviva we understand how
Our own claims teams are often among the first on the ground when incidents occur and we see first-hand how important it can be for communities to pull together in times of crisis.
NWAS
NWAS brings surgical cricothyroidotomy to paramedic practice The North West Ambulance Service’s advanced and
“That’s why we’re proud to be launching the community reserve
consultant paramedics are performing a procedure
volunteer programme as part of
previously restricted to the
our ongoing partnership with the
remit of doctors. Surgical
British Red Cross. By recruiting 10,000 volunteers across the
cricothyroidotomy was introduced into the scope of
UK, we hope to support the vital
practice of NWAS’ advanced
work of emergency responders
and consultant paramedics in
and the British Red Cross teams
2011 as an emergency airway
in helping communities manage
management intervention for
the unexpected, as well as help
otherwise unmanageable patient
prevent or limit the damage
airways resulting from traumatic
caused.
or medical aetiologies. A recent service evaluation
programme is the latest initiative
demonstrated a favourable
in our three-year partnership
success rate when compared
with the British Red Cross to
to other professional groups
help make communities stronger
undertaking the procedure and
and safer. Sadly not every
provided valuable insight for the
emergency can be prevented, but
Trust’s governance and assurance
by equipping volunteers with the
processes. The service evaluation
skills they need, we can help bring
was completed by Consultant
neighbours together to make the
Paramedic Steve Bell and is
difference they want to should the
believed to be the first published
worst happen.”
British paramedic cohort of
the procedure providing both
for pre-hospital surgical
increased assurance as well as
cricothyroidotomy, defined as the
enhanced data capture for future
provision of adequate ventilation
review and evaluation.
via surgical cricothyroidotomy with confirmation of tube position
To find out more about Steve
using end tidal carbon dioxide
Bell’s award nomination
capnography, was 97% (n =
please visit
35). There were no reported complications or adverse
https://www.
incidents as a result of attempts of
collegeofparamedics.co.uk/
surgical cricothyroidotomy during
events/steve-bell
the evaluation period. To book a place at the College of Mike Jackson, Chief Consultant
Paramedics’ National Conference
Paramedic had the following
2018 please visit
to say “the innovative work undertaken by our advanced
https://www.
and consultant paramedics
collegeofparamedics.
in performing surgical
co.uk/events/national-
cricothyroidotomy demonstrates
conference-2018-1
peer reviewed evidence on the To be a community reserve
technique.
volunteer you don’t need specialist skills to make a
Steve’s work has been nominated
difference and simple acts
for a British Paramedic Journal
of kindness can make big
award at the upcoming College of
difference. Any necessary training
Paramedics’ National Conference
will be given at the scene of
2018 on 9th – 10th May. He will
the crisis and you can confirm
be presenting his work as part of
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
“The community reserve volunteer
enhanced governance around The overall success rate
109 Do you have anything you would like to add or include in Newsline? Please contact us and let us know.
NEWSLINE During a special event at
Izabela said: “We thought
saved my life. A huge ‘thank you’
Bournemouth Ambulance Station,
something was wrong. I ran over
to everyone involved. Words
Kevin thanked the ‘A Team’ of
and found Kevin not breathing
cannot describe how grateful I am
bystanders, SWASFT paramedics
inside the car. We were desperate
to you all.”
and hospital staff.
to help him.”
Kevin said: “Without their skill,
A SWASFT Emergency Medical
hear Kevin was alive, and it’s been
hard work and dedication, I would
Dispatcher in the 999 Control
brilliant to meet him. It shows how
A retired aviation director who
almost certainly not be alive today.
Hub provided crucial medical
much difference people can make
had a cardiac arrest at the wheel
To say ‘thank you’ is not nearly
instructions over the phone,
if they are prepared to help in an
has been reunited with South
enough. They really were an ‘A
including CPR directives, which
emergency. I’d encourage anyone
Western Ambulance Service
Team’ of lifesavers, and my family
gave Kevin a fighting chance of
to do CPR.”
NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT)
and I will be eternally grateful.”
survival.
Dramatic video footage from
The bystanders pulled Kevin
and act quickly to save lives in an
Kevin’s car dashcam shows the
out of his car, and began to
emergency situation.
extraordinary episode, which he
do chest compressions before
has no recollection of.
SWASFT crews arrived. The crews
Martyn Box, the SWASFT
moved Kevin into an ambulance
Operations Officer who was in
Kevin drove normally through the
where they continued CPR and
charge on the night, said:
city streets, before experiencing
undertook defibrillation, which got
serious breathing difficulties.
his heart beating again.
SWAST
Airlines boss meets lifesaving paramedics after cardiac arrest
paramedics and members of the public who saved his life. Kevin Steele, 66, was driving home through Bournemouth after watching a Premier League football match in November 2017 when his heart suddenly stopped beating. The former airlines chief executive was unconscious and without oxygen for five minutes. He had a very slim chance of survival.
Izabela said: “I was so happy to
Paramedics urge people to step in
His vehicle slowed to a halt on
“Everything went according to the Chain of Survival for Kevin.
Wellington Road, and remained
Kevin was taken to Royal
He had early access to the
stationary for several minutes.
Bournemouth Hospital Intensive
emergency response system,
Care Unit, where he was put into
early CPR and defibrillation, and
A male passer-by eventually spotted
a coma and given 24/7 care. He
paramedics were on the scene
the lifeless Kevin and dialled 999.
has gone on to make a fantastic
quickly. Then he received further
recovery.
treatment in hospital. His survival
But various passers-by and paramedics treated Kevin at the
Polish trio Izabela & Peter
scene and on the way to hospital
Fiszbach and Greg Erdmann also
Kevin said: “It’s been amazing
– to keep him alive.
stopped at the scene.
to meet the people who literally
was a multidisciplinary team effort. “I am delighted that he has made such a good recovery, and it’s been fantastic to meet him. “As Kevin’s case shows, the more people equipped with the knowledge and confidence to administer CPR and the more defibrillators there are available, the more people we can save.” A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood around the body. Some 30,000 people are treated for cardiac arrests in the UK every year.
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
Just 9% survive an out-ofhospital arrest, but their chances increase significantly when CPR is administered early. If you suspect someone is having Left to right: SWASFT Operations Officer, Martyn Box; SWASFT Paramedic, Jason Brown; Greg Erdmann; Kevin and Paula Steele; Izabela & Peter Fiszbach; SWASFT Emergency Care Assistant, Dave Cooke.
110 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
a cardiac arrest - dial 999, begin CPR, and use a defibrillator if one is available.
NEWSLINE Bluelight UK When Bluelight UK Ltd first opened in 2003 there were a
(drivers with HGV license) many
for stretchered patients of all sizes
As there is currently a shortage
of the private ambulance services
and wheelchairs. Details will be
of good quality used HDU
saw a cost saving in adding B
available soon.
ambulances, Bluelight UK
license vehicles to their fleets. The second project is a 3.5 tonne
continues to order new vehicles built to HDU specifications. If
With the limitations a van
box body Renault Master A&E
conversion under 3.5 tonnes brings
Baus AT conversion which can
ambulances for the public sector.
it is essential to make the vehicle as
be uprated to 3.9 tonnes GVW.
a quality product for your clients
The used vehicle market was
lightweight and robust as possible
Built on a chassis platform this
from a company with a proven
buoyant with many new private
as well providing a comfortable
lightweight conversion will provide
track record, contact
ambulance services coming
environment for the patient. It is just
the extra space required the
on board. At the turn of the
sales@bluelightuk.co.uk for
as important to provide good, clean
increasing needs of a modern
millennium most of the services
more information or call the
open space for the crew, after all
ambulance service.
were able to use C1 category
this is their office.
office on 01942 888800
handful of converters, building
vehicles as most of the staff were
you are interested in providing
Both projects will
ex-NHS Trust and the preferred
Bluelight UK and Renault Trucks
be covered by
choice was the 5 cylinder
have been developing concepts
Renault Trucks
Mercedes Sprinter modular
over the past few years and are
3 year 100,000
box ambulance, built by UVM,
pleased to bring two new vehicles
mile warranty
MacNeillie or Wilker. Non-C1
to the market later this year. The
and covered by
vehicles (van conversions) were
first project is a multi-purpose
“out-of-hours”
in use by St John Ambulance and
van conversion using an “all-new
services which is
Red Cross.
design” for patient transport
essential for any
movements. This vehicle will
operator needing
With the emission charges coming
ultimately converted in Belfast with
to maximise the
into force, the cost of new vehicles
partners Gray & Adams and will
use of their new
and the increased cost of labour
offer an array of layouts to cater
assets.
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
111 For all your equipment needs visit: www.ambulanceservicesuppliers.com
NEWSLINE WMAS
Excellence in the community awards
of kindness and bravery and it is
delivered, which together with
travelling. There he was reunited
very humbling.
the CPR, ensured Ben’s heart
with Ethan’s mum Georgia, who
had been successfully restarted
had been taken to hospital with a
“You are doing the things that
before the first ambulance crew
police escort.
really count in society and we’ve
arrived. However, Ben was still
An awards ceremony to honour
heard many heartwarming stories
in an agitated state as more
Ethan had been sedated but
members of the public from
this evening about things you
resources arrived on scene,
within 48 hours was out of his
across the West Midlands
have achieved to help people in
including Ian Jones and Karen
induced coma and sitting up in
who have gone beyond the
their hour of need. I just want to
Baker on the Midlands Air
bed talking! I’m thrilled to say
call of duty to help save lives
say thank you very much indeed
Ambulance from Staffordshire,
that Ethan has gone on to make
and support the work of West
for what you do, you are all
just minutes after the initial 999
a full recovery after a rare genetic
Midlands Ambulance Service’s
wonderful people.”
call.
narrowing of the left coronary
WMAS Chairman, Sir Graham
Karen and Ian administered
The event, sponsored by Zoll,
Meldrum, added: “This is a very
sedative drugs but unfortunately
Growers United, Cardiac Science
special event that allows us to
the medication did not have the
and WEL Medical, took place at
recognise some very special
desired effected.
the Copthorne Hotel in Brierley
people.
artery had been operated on.
5,000 staff has taken place.
St John Ambulance Curtis Molloy, Thomas Strachan
Further support arrived in the
Hill on March 15th, recognising the efforts of Community First
“The time that people give
shape of Dr Paul Dias on the
In April last year a large fire at
Responders, St John Ambulance,
in volunteering can never be
Midlands Air Ambulance from
a care home in Tamworth led
other emergency services and
underestimated, even more so as
Cosford who anaesthetised Ben
to 25 residents having to be
other voluntary organisations,
we live in a society now, where
in order to stabilise his condition
evacuated and rehoused. Curtis
businesses and individuals.
people just don’t have free time.
before he was airlifted to Royal
Molloy and Thomas Strachan
Stoke University Hospital.
were the first two St John
Addressing the audience, West
“Here with us tonight, we have
Thankfully, Ben went on to make
volunteers to step forward and
Midlands Ambulance Service
a group of people who are
a full recovery.
they helped to assist residents
Chief Executive Anthony Marsh
prepared to give up their free
said: “Our volunteers do a great
time, and give it to the people
job, saving lives across the West
in the communities in which we
Midlands every single day, and I
serve. “We can never repay you
Charlie Braid, Maggie
aforementioned winter weather
want to say a big thank you to all
for that, but I would just like to
Setterfield, Stuart Askew
and are always prepared to help,
of you for your efforts.
thank you all for what you do on
“Every single volunteer plays a
even with cases that are not in
efforts are truly appreciated.
Hereford in a games lesson
Award Citations:
relocated. They also volunteered their time to assist in the
Charlie Braid was at school in
their locality.
as part of his work experience
Public and Other Emergency
when 15-year-old Ethan Askew
Services:
suddenly collapsed in a cardiac
that it is and I am immensely proud of all of you for the effort
Air Ambulance Award:
a daily basis, year after year, your key role in making West Midlands Ambulance Service the success
from the home in being
Air Ambulance Award:
arrest. Help arrived first in the
Sarah Cooper
shape of receptionist Maggie
you put in. Claire Howatt, Thomas
Setterfield who started doing
Partners PC Stacie Ferran and
“There is an absolute
Merrimen, Marc Cutler,
chest compressions. At the
PC Stefan Wolkowicz were both
determination within the Trust
Aidan Brown, Matthew Harris
same time Ethan’s father Stuart,
off duty and out enjoying a meal
to improve further, and our
(Drayton Manor), Josh Briggs
who also works at the school,
with their daughter in August
volunteers will play an essential
(Drayton Manor)
arrived to the sight of his son
2017 when they were alerted to a
having CPR.
fellow diner who had suffered a
role in making sure that can happen.
cardiac arrest.
A 999 call was made from
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
Drayton Manor Park employee
While Stuart helped Maggie by
High Sheriff of the West
Josh Briggs after he found his
providing rescue breaths, he
Stacie and Stefan acted quickly
Midlands, John Hudson OBE,
17-year-old colleague Ben Culfe
remembered the school’s new
and immediately began CPR
who helped present some of the
in cardiac arrest.
defibrillator. It had just delivered
whilst another bystander went
two shocks when the ambulance
to fetch a defibrillator. Thanks
awards on the evening, said: “It is a great honour to be here this
With excellent support from
arrived and the crew took over;
to their quick-thinking, a ROSC
evening and it has inspired me to
the call taker, another Drayton
shortly after they discovered a
was achieved on arrival of the
want to learn first aid, at the very
Manor employee – Matthew
pulse and CPR was ceased.
ambulance crew and the patient
least!
Harris - commenced CPR whilst
Ethan was moved on to the
was conveyed to hospital having
“There is so much expertise in
a second colleague fetched a
air ambulance and flown to
been given the very best chance
the room tonight, so many acts
defibrillator. Two shocks were
Bristol Hospital with Stuart also
of survival.
112 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
NEWSLINE Bridgnorth district as a CFR for
spent over 1,500 hours booked
The company soon went
12 years. Throughout that time
on call and attended 236
from pre-ambulance work to
Gareth Williams and Daniel
his incredible time commitment
emergency calls.
full design and construction
Moffat
and clinical ability has meant
Public Commendation:
of vehicles. The business
that when a CFR is sent to a 999
In addition, he is an Area
continued to quickly expand
A serious RTC on the A5 in
call in the Bridgnorth District, it
Co-Ordinator for FastAid
and in 1997 relocated to larger
South Staffordshire saw a car
will usually be answered by him
which involves mentoring,
premises on Larsen Road,
set on fire, with the driver still
first. He has attended multiple
encouraging and supporting
Goole, where the production
inside. Daniel Moffat and Gareth
cardiac arrests where his efforts
six team members. As a result
facility remains today.
Williams were the first two
to speed up the chain of survival
of this, FastAid provided over
people on scene and without
have resulted in many ROSCs.
2,500 hours of on call cover
The company continued to
for WMAS in 2017, attending
experience further growth and the site on Larsen Road
a fire extinguisher to help, had no choice but to force the door
Martin provides fantastic
more than 350 emergency
open with any tools they could
assistance and service to WMAS
calls. Ben is an extremely
find and their bare hands, to
and the community would be
proactive member of the
drag the unresponsive woman
much worse off without his
group and also supports his
out. Once clear of the car they
support and education he
Community Response Manager
quickly moved her as far away
provides as a CFR. As a retired
by providing HeartStart
as possible before the arrival
firefighter, Martin has dedicated
courses in and around the
of ambulance staff, by which
his entire life to helping others,
region. Whenever the group
time the car was well ablaze. The Merit Doctor who attended
acquires new transport, Ben Community First Responders
the scene was clear that Daniel
has the skills to modify, equip and complete the necessary
and Gareth’s actions saved the
Fay Cooper, Rugeley and
adaptations to the highest
woman’s life that day, so we
District CFRs
standard whilst also attending
now ask them to step forward
training sessions when there is
to be presented with their
Fay Cooper is the founding
commendations.
member of Rugeley and District CFRs having actively recruited
a new intake of students.
was increased in size with the addition of two production lines built onto the back of the original building taking the manufacturing facility up to 60,000 sq. ft. Soon after, O&H moved into the Mobility market and production began of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles which was shortly followed by expansion into the Welfare vehicle market. Whether your goals are
as a charity.
O&H Vehicle Conversions
Over the years, Fay has
For 30 years, O&H Vehicle
provided a constant level of
Conversions has grown to
Robert Whissel and his wife
responding hours, arranged
become a leader in the design
Sheila were walking home
fund-raising events, actively
and build of high quality
from the newsagents in Barnt
engaged the group within
A&E Ambulances, Patient
Green last March when Robert
the community and helped to
Transport Service vehicles,
unexpectedly collapsed and
raise its profile – even during
Welfare vans and Wheelchair
fell to the pavement. With no
maternity leave!
Accessible Vehicles.
was obviously an alarming
Without Fay’s initial hard work
This 30th anniversary year, we
situation which later turned out
and continued efforts behind
are celebrating past success
to be caused by a complete
the scenes, the group would not
and looking towards the future.
heart blockage.
be in the strong position it finds
We want to take you back to
itself in today, so please step
where it started and show you
O&H will find it and make it
Luckily for Robert, bystanders
forward to receive an award in
where we’re heading.
happen.
Craig Nicholas and Mandy
recognition of your efforts. O&H was started at Goole docks
To mark our 30th year in
back in 1988 as O&H Facilities.
business, we’re pleased to
With seven staff, the business
announce we are launching a
began by bringing Renault vans
new product into the market
off the ships and completing the
place. Be one of the first to see
CFR Ben East has shown a truly
pre-ambulance electrical work,
it by visiting us on Stand G27 at
exceptional dedication to his
rear suspension and the fitting of
the Emergency Services Show
Community, to West Midlands
ramps before the vehicles were
19th – 20th September 2018.
Ambulance Service and to his
dispatched to second converters
charity – FastAid. Last year, Ben
for the coachwork.
Public Commendation:
volunteers and set the group up
Craig Nicholls and Mandy Banham
previous cardiac history, this
quickly to deliver vital first aid
CFR Volunteer of the Year
and CPR. Robert has now gone on to make a full recovery. Community First Responders Martin Hill, Bridgnorth CFR Martin Hill has served
Ben East, FastAid CFR
workforce, reducing your environmental footprint or controlling whole life costs, from its small beginnings to the striving business it is today, O&H continue to develop innovative products that help customers to achieve their objectives whilst consistently delivering on the brand that was established all those years ago. At O&H Vehicle Conversions excellence is expected and if there’s a way to do it better,
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
Banham were nearby and acted
increasing the safety of your
www.ohvc.co.uk
113 Life Connections - The Affordable CPD Provider: www.lifeconnections.uk.com
NEWSLINE YAS
Yorkshire Ambulance Service staff win national awards Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS) is celebrating after two members of staff won awards for their outstanding contribution. Dave Hill, Fleet Ancillary Services Manager, and Alistair Gunn, Planning and Development Manager, were both honoured at the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives’ Ambulance Leadership Forum. Dave, who leads the 160-strong Ancillary Services team, received the Support Services award in recognition of his efforts at the helm of the department which cleans vehicles, equipment and premises. Ancillary staff work hard to ensure that patients are treated in clean and infection-free environments. Described as “incredibly driven” with a calm, dedicated and caring approach, Dave has encouraged
Alistair Gunn at Ambulance Leadership Forum
his team to strive for the best
support from all our attending
promoting good practice around
and embrace learning and
staff, plus total strangers offering
diversity and inclusion. He is chair
development opportunities. More
me support and congratulations.
of both the YAS Lesbian, Gay,
than 80% of staff have achieved
This award was totally unexpected
Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT)
their NVQ Level 2 Cleaning and
and it’s not something which I ever
Network and National Ambulance
Support Services Certificate.
thought about winning. I always try to help and support whoever I can,
Dave, from Sprotbrough near
whenever I can, as I look at YAS as
Doncaster, said: “I am so
being one big team.”
honoured to receive this award. It was a fantastic evening with great
Alistair has been recognised for
LGBT Network. He has worked hard to raise the profile of LGBT issues by improving the information and support which is available to LGBT employees. His work has also enabled ambulance services across the UK to understand and respond to the needs of LGBT patients. Alistair is described as “passionate and full of humility”. Alistair, who lives in Doncaster, said: “Over the past three years, the National Ambulance LGBT Network has grown and is now reaching out to more and more people. It has been down to the determination of those involved to make this happen and, for
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
me, there’s nothing like getting a group of people together and harnessing their energy to develop the network and influence cultural change in the ambulance service. I am very proud of the fact we now have an established organisation, and to receive an Dave Hill at Ambulance Leadership Forum
114 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
award for my part in this is really the icing on the cake!”
IN PERSON finance office and during this time she enrolled
WAA News
Dr Maria proud to be working with Wiltshire Air Ambulance
at night school to study A levels to enable her
Experienced Pre-hospital Emergency
After graduating from University College,
Care Doctor Maria Smith is delighted to
London, as a doctor in 1999 she worked in
be working in her home county training
various hospitals, including the John Radcliffe
Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s Paramedics. Maria was born and brought up in Wiltshire and in her role as the Base Doctor at Wiltshire Air Ambulance she oversees Clinical Governance, trains the service’s Paramedics to develop their critical care skills and undertakes operational shifts on the helicopter and Rapid Response Car.
to get into medical school to train to become a doctor.
at Oxford. She has worked in Pre-hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) since 2007 and previously worked at Essex and Herts Air Ambulance and London Air Ambulance. In 2009 she became a consultant and her full-time job is as an Accident & Emergency
Since joining Wiltshire Air Ambulance in her part-time role last year Maria, who has a home in Melksham and relatives living in the county,
Maria, 48, said working on air ambulances gives her a unique insight when treating patients.
Consultant at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge. This also involves her working with Magpas Air Ambulance.
“I like seeing patients early and trying to make a difference early,” she said. “There’s something very different about seeing patients where incidents happened and understanding how they happened. The air ambulance world is really good at training to ensure the safety of crews and governance and I take that back into my hospital work.” David Philpott, Chief Executive at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “Experienced clinicians like Maria are few and far between and we count it a great privilege to have her as our Base Doctor. Her roots in this county means she has become deeply embedded in our team and we look forward to many years of partnership working with her.”
said: “I’m really proud to be working with Wiltshire Air Ambulance and I’m very lucky to be doing a job that I really enjoy. For me, it’s about wanting every patient to get the care you would want your mum or dad to get. “Wiltshire Air Ambulance is a great team, from the pilots and paramedics to the charity staff. It’s such a well supported charity and we couldn’t do what we do without the support of the public who fundraise for it. The new airbase at Semington is really exciting and it will be nice for the crew and charity team to be on the same site. “The paramedics are all outstanding. They are really good people and are very keen to learn and develop their skills to benefit patients. Their specialist skills mean they can assist their land ambulance colleagues by giving prehospital blood transfusions, additional drugs and other interventions to patients who are critically ill or injured.” Maria was born at Bradford-on-Avon Maternity Hospital and was brought up in Atworth, where she attended the village junior school. AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
At the age of 11 she joined St John Ambulance and attended groups in Atworth, Melksham and Devizes before she became the divisional superintendent for Devizes, a voluntary role. When she left St Mark’s School, Bath, Maria wanted to become a paramedic but at that time applicants had to be aged 21. Instead she worked at Chippenham College in the
Dr Maria Smith, Base Doctor at Wiltshire Air Ambulance
115 Do you have anything you would like to add or include? Please contact us and let us know.
IN PERSON SECAMB News
Trust formally appoints Interim Chair South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust’s (SECAmb) Council of Governors has formally appointed Deputy Chair Graham Colbert to the position of Interim Chair. Graham, who will serve as Interim Chair until a substantive appointment is made by the Council of Governors, has taken on the role following the resignation of former Chair Richard Foster. Richard stood down having been advised that he will need to undergo major surgery in the near future. Graham is Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Genomics England (a company set up by the Department of Health to carry out a programme of 100,000 whole genome sequences). He has extensive experience in growing businesses in both developed and emerging markets and he is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. SECAmb Chief Executive Daren Mochrie said: “I’d like to thank Graham for agreeing to serve as our Interim Chair. Having served as a non-executive director since 2012 and as our Deputy Chair, he has the skills and experience required as we continue our period of improvement.” Graham said: “I’d like to thank Richard Foster
for his hard work over the last 12 months and
Royal Navy flying scholarship, before joining the
wish him all the very best for his upcoming
Royal Navy for 19 years. The final ten years of his
surgery. I look forward to further supporting
military service were in the Fleet Air Arm flying the
SECAmb as the Council of Governors
EH101 Merlin all round the world on operations.
complete the process of making a substantive
Rob was the first Royal Navy pilot to go through
appointment.”
ab-initio training for the Merlin helicopter.
WAA News
Pilot Rob rejoins Wiltshire Air Ambulance
Rob knew all of the pilots and many of the paramedics at Wiltshire Air Ambulance before he re-joined in February as a full-time pilot. He had not flown a Bell 429 helicopter before, but has been impressed with its features.
Experienced helicopter pilot Rob Backus says he is delighted to have rejoined
“It’s more hi-tech and modern, particularly with
Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
electronic screens. It’s also a fast helicopter, it’s smooth and has sufficient space in the
Rob flew the MD902 Explorer for three years
back for the patient and paramedics. It’s a very
when the charity was sharing the helicopter
clearly laid out aircraft and I like the display in
with Wiltshire Police. When the joint helicopter
the cockpit,” he said.
contract came to an end in December 2014, Rob moved into Search and Rescue with Bristow Helicopters flying the Sikorsky 92 all
Wiltshire Air Ambulance has to raise £3.25 million a year to keep flying and saving lives and Rob
round the UK.
is full of admiration for everyone who fundraises
Wiltshire Air Ambulance is now a stand-alone
fundraising and administrative team.
air ambulance and with the charity’s imminent move to its new airbase at Semington, near Melksham, Rob says he has joined at an exciting time in the charity’s development. Rob, 44, said: “It’s great to be back. I leapt at the opportunity to rejoin Wiltshire Air Ambulance in our brand new purpose-built airbase, flying the latest generation helicopter and working alongside first class paramedics saving lives day and night.” Rob was at the new airbase when the building
for the charity, supported by the hard-working
He said: “Everyone who donates or fundraises for us makes a huge difference. Any donation, however small, helps to keep us flying and saving lives.” A keen sports enthusiast, Rob is going to be fundraising for Wiltshire Air Ambulance by running the Bath Half Marathon in 2019, postponed from this year due to snowy conditions. He has also uploaded a photo for the heli mosaic which will be created at the new airbase.
was officially handed over to the charity last month and joined colleagues in watching Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s Bell 429 helicopter flying in and landing on the helipad for the first time. He said: “Watching our helicopter fly in and land at the new airbase was a really special moment. The building looks absolutely fantastic and I think working there will make the charity more efficient, as the operational AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
staff and the charity staff will both be there, and it will be a more welcoming facility for our supporters and patients to visit.” Rob, who lives in Penselwood, Somerset, and is married with two daughters, has been a helicopter pilot for 19 years and has flown 3,400 hours. He began flying at the age of 17 thanks to a
116 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
IN PERSON SECAMB News
WAS News
Trust chairman stepping down
Trust bids farewell to Chair Mick Giannasi
South East Coast Ambulance Service
The Welsh Ambulance Service has bid a
NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb)
fond farewell to its Chair of four and a half
Chairman Richard Foster has taken the
years.
our health board partners to build on the solid foundations which we have created and deliver the fundamental change which is necessary at a system level for the improvements we have made to be
decision to step down from his role with
sustained. “I am sad to be leaving the Trust because there is more to do. However, I am heartened
Mick Giannasi will leave the organisation
by the fact that I am leaving it in very
when his fixed term appointment comes to
capable hands and the work which we have
an end.
started together will continue.”
undergo major surgery in the near future.
Mick was appointed as Chair of the Trust in
A recruitment process will be held to appoint
This, combined with the on-going demands
2013 following a distinguished career in the police service.
a substantive replacement in the autumn.
of his other commitments, means that he
immediate effect. Richard, who joined SECAmb in April 2017, has been advised that he will need to
feels he is unable to devote the time that is necessary to the Trust during its continuing
He is now stepping down having
period of improvement.
successfully guided the Trust through a significant period of transformation.
Richard said: “I am tendering my resignation with deep regret. It has been a difficult decision but I feel it is the right decision for
Mick, who was recently awarded a CBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for his
myself and for the Trust at this time.”
contribution to the NHS, said: “I originally
SECAmb Chief Executive Daren Mochrie
basis but ended up staying four years more,
said: “On behalf of the Trust, I would like to thank Richard for his contribution during the past 12 months and wish him well, both for his forthcoming surgery and for the future.” Deputy Chairman, Graham Colbert, will take on the duties of the Chairman with immediate effect, until such time as the Council of Governors, which is responsible for appointing the Chairman, have followed due process and decided on future arrangements.
joined the Trust on a six-month temporary having become totally committed to the organisation, the essential role it plays and the fantastic people who work in it. “During that time, the service has been transformed, developing into a more clinically-led and patient-focused organisation, delivering higher quality care for the people of Wales. “I am proud to have played my part in delivering that change and, in particular, enabling our talented and incredibly committed clinicians, support staff and managers to begin to achieve their true potential. “Although we have made a huge amount of progress, I recognise that there is still much
In the interim, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Vaughan Gething has asked current Vice-Chair, Martin Woodford, to step up into the Chair’s role. Martin, who joined the service in 2014, has more than 30 years’ experience in the local government and healthcare environment. He was Chief Executive of Powys Healthcare Trust prior to re-organisation, and more recently Chief Executive of the former Hereford Hospital Trust and its successor organisation Wye Valley NHS Trust. Martin said: “Mick’s contribution to the service has been immeasurable and the whole Board is extremely grateful for his guidance throughout the last four years. “The scale of transformation the organisation has undergone would not have been possible without his leadership, and my focus will be on maintaining that momentum. “I look forward to taking the reins and feel privileged to be given this opportunity.”
to do to create the modern, fit for purpose
Chief Executive (Interim) Patsy Roseblade
ambulance service that we aspire to be for
added: “I would like to express my utmost
the people of Wales.
gratitude to Mick for his tireless work and
challenging and the pressures which the
“He has been instrumental in enabling us
organisation has faced have meant that we
to progress and to move on as a respected
have not always been able to provide the
clinically-led and quality driven service.
quality or timeliness of service that we would like to. The relentless pressure has also
“Meanwhile Martin’s extensive experience
taken its toll on our staff.
will now stand us in good stead during
AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
support during his time as Chair. “This winter has been particularly
our next chapter as we continue to make “It is important that we now work with
improvements to the service we provide.”
117 Do you have anything you would like to add or include? Please contact us and let us know.
IN PERSON NWAS News
NWAS paramedic lands top ambulance role driving foward emergency care Emergency patients in Merseyside are benefitting from even more expert clinical skills as Paramedic, John Collins steps up to take on a new challenge as Consultant Paramedic for North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) making him the top ambulance clinician in the county. Consultant paramedics are extremely highly trained and support advanced paramedics in specialist pre-hospital care meaning that seriously ill patients can receive the best possible treatment before arriving at hospital.
The ambulance service has increased
coached and supported dozens of student
their consultant paramedics from four to
paramedics.
six meaning that there is now one focused each North West county and one on clinical
Brian has been based at Worksop for the last
research with John taking up the post in
40 years and has saved the lives of hundreds
Merseyside.
of people across Nottinghamshire, but has now made the difficult decision to retire.
Chief Consultant Paramedic for NWAS, Mike Jackson, said: “It’s been nine years since we
He said: “After 42 years with the ambulance
introduced the role of consultant paramedic to
service, it hasn’t sunk in yet that I’m actually
the ambulance service and our patients have
retiring.
really benefitted from the specialised learning that each one brings to the organisation which
“I’m going to spend some time relaxing, work
is why we have decided to expand them
on my golf swing, and I’m looking forward to
further.
spending more time with my grandchildren.”
“John has years of varied experience as a
Close friends and colleagues gathered at
Paramedic and is really eager to drive forward
Worksop Ambulance Station this week to
the organisation. He’s going to make an
celebrate Brian’s long service and to wish him
excellent addition to the team.”
well for the future.
John also has years of experience working
Close friends and colleagues gathered at
for North West Air Ambulance and was even
Worksop Ambulance Station this week to
seconded as a Commander to the London
celebrate Brian’s long service and to wish him
Olympics and Paralympics for two months in
well for the future.
2012. Keith Underwood, Ambulance Operations Giving advice to other people looking to work
Manager for Nottinghamshire, said that Brian
their way up the emergency care career ladder,
has been a vital member of the EMAS team
John said: “Set your personal standards high,
for a long time and a great ambassador for
both personal and clinical and you will be
the service.
recognised as a result.” He said: “I feel privileged and honoured to Although the role involves a lot of leadership Consultant Paramedic, John Collins gears up for his new role
and learning opportunities, John will still be working alongside colleagues on ambulances,
“It has been an absolute pleasure and I was
cars and helicopters promoting expert practice
delighted to have been able to present him
and top notch patient care.
with his long service award.”
John, 46, from Broadgreen joined the ambulance service in 1994, qualifying as a paramedic in 1995 before moving on to work in staff training from 2004 until he was promoted to become one of the first advanced paramedics for NWAS in 2010. John said: “The consultant paramedic job is a very varied role and as well as supporting my AMBULANCE UK - JUNE
team of advanced paramedics, I will also be
have worked with Brian.
EMAS News
Paramedic retires after caring for 100,000 patients A Nottingham paramedic who has cared for more than 100,000 patients in his 42 year career has retired to enjoy his golden years.
involved in working with other NHS Trusts and
Brian Wilkinson, 64, began working for the
partner organisations to implement changes
ambulance service as a Technician in 1976
in the way that we respond to patients to
from Retford Station, before moving to
help keep us up there at the cutting edge of
Worksop Station two years later.
prehospital care. During his time with the service, he has been “The NHS is changing and it’s a really exciting
instrumental in having penicillin introduced
time to take on such a challenging role. I’m
onto ambulances to help save the lives
really looking forward to leading that change”.
of patients with meningitis, and he has
118 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
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IN PERSON
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119
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