Volume 33 No. 4
August 2018
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In this issue Critcomms: A National Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Based Study to Investigate Pre-Hospital Handover Practises between Ambulance Clinicians & Specialist Pre-Hospital Teams in Scotland
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS 124
EDITOR’S COMMENT
126
FEATURES
126 Critcomms: A National Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Based Study to Investigate Pre-Hospital Handover Practises between Ambulance Clinicians & Specialist Pre-Hospital Teams in Scotland
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EDITOR’S COMMENT
EDITOR’S COMMENT Welcome to this issue of AUK. Well it looks like summer is here and for a change you can actually plan a barbeque more than 4 hours in advance, of course, it also means that working in high temperatures is less than comfortable. I am reminded of the days when the concession in hot weather was permission to remove a tie (but not the hat) now at least air conditioning makes it a little more bearable. It’s a great time for the public but that also means more incidents for us and shows how much more the public expect of us.
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
“It occurred to me that sometimes we probably don’t recognise the support of our family as we should and that when we do have an opportunity to be with them we should make the best possible time of it.”
The NHS is 70 this year. Looking back to the days of hat and tie, Sabre Saturn resuscitators, York 2 and the heavier 4 stretchers, not to mention side lifts and so on, the ambulance world has seen some fairly significant moves forward. Critical care Paramedics, helicopters, surgical skills and advanced formularies, integration with the wider health economy, just a few of the things that would have been as unimaginable as public space travel all those years ago. It makes you wonder what the future holds… you can’t see it but with a little thought can appreciate the direction of travel towards a multi-skilled workforce moving between clinical settings, skilled and recognised as an integral part of the healthcare landscape. A colleague said, we spend ages giving Paramedics additional knowledge and skills, only to lose them to GP practices, walkin centres and other settings. But isn’t this a testimony to the worth of Paramedics as professionals, whilst I’d probably be in trouble for promoting this, I’m quietly proud that in my career I’ve seen and experienced a change in perception of the ambulance service from ‘stretcher fetchers’ to recognised practitioners with a key part to play in the future of the NHS. On a sadder note, I was at the premature funeral of a colleague this week and was struck by something said at her reading. It referred to the sacrifices we make in our own lives to work towards helping others and more importantly the sacrifices our families make to support us in that. Missed Christmas, family celebrations, changes to the day to day lives of our families this, for many other people, isn’t a consideration. It occurred to me that sometimes we probably don’t recognise the support of our family as we should and that when we do have an opportunity to be with them we should make the best possible time of it. So if you’re due to go on holiday, have a wonderful time, make the most of the sunshine and enjoy the time you’ll share with your friends and families.
Sam English, Co-Editor Ambulance UK
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FEATURE
CRITCOMMS: A NATIONAL CROSS-SECTIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE BASED STUDY TO INVESTIGATE PREHOSPITAL HANDOVER PRACTICES BETWEEN AMBULANCE CLINICIANS AND SPECIALIST PREHOSPITAL TEAMS IN SCOTLAND David Fitzpatrick1, Michael McKenna2, Edward A. S. Duncan3, Colville Laird4, Richard Lyon5 and Alasdair Corfield6 Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine 2018 26:45 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13049-018-0512-3 © The Author(s). 2018, Received: 1 March 2018, Accepted: 14 May 2018, Published: 1 June 2018 Reproduced with permission from the Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine
Abstract Background Poor communication during patient handover is recognised internationally as a root cause of a significant proportion of preventable deaths. Improving the accuracy and quality of handover may reduce associated mortality and morbidity. Although the practice of handover between Ambulance and Emergency Department clinicians has received some attention over recent years there is little evidence to support handover best practice within the prehospital domain. Further research is therefore urgently required to understand the most appropriate way to deliver clinical information exchange in the pre-hospital environment. We aimed to investigate current clinical information exchange practices, perceived challenges and the preferred handover mnemonic for use during transfer of high acuity patients between ambulance clinicians and specialist prehospital teams. Methods A national, cross-sectional questionnaire study. Participants were road based ambulance clinicians (RBAC) or active members of specialist prehospital teams (SPHT) based in Scotland. Results Over a three month study period there were 247 prehospital incidents involving specialist teams. One hundred ninety individuals completed the questionnaire; 61% [n = 116] RBAC and 39% [n = 74] SPHT. Median length of prehospital experience was 10 years (IQR 5–18). Overall current prehospital handover practices were perceived as being effective (Mdn 4.00; IQR 3–4 [1 = very ineffective - 5 = very effective])
although SPHT clinicians rated handover effectiveness slightly lower than RBAC’s (Mdn 3.00 vs 4.00, U = 1842.5, p = .03). ‘ATMIST’ (Age, Time of onset, Medical complaint/injury, Investigation, Signs and Treatment) was deemed the mnemonic of choice. The clinical variables perceived as essential for handover are not explicitly identified within the SBAR mnemonic. The most frequently reported method of recording and transferring information during handover was via memory (n = 112 and n = 120 respectively) and ‘interruptions’ were perceived as the most significant barrier to effective handover. Conclusion While, overall, current prehospital handover practice is perceived as effective this study has identified a number of areas for improvement. These include the development of a shared mental model through system standardisation, innovations to support information recording and delivery, and the clear identification at incidents of a handover lead. Mnemonics must be carefully selected to ensure they explicitly contain the perceived essential clinical variables required for prehospital handover; the mnemonic ATMIST meets these requirements. New theoretically informed, evidence-based interventions, must be developed and tested within existing systems of care to minimise information loss and risk to patients. Keywords Handover, Paramedic, Prehospital, Critical care teams, HEMS, Safety, Quality, Mnemonics
Background AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
Handover is recognised as a high-risk process frequently associated
and developed their own systems and mnemonics to aide patient
with adverse events [1, 2]. It has been defined as the “transfer of
handover [2]. But few, if any of these, have been validated within the
professional responsibility and accountability for some or all aspects of
pre-hospital domain. There are other challenges. The abundance of
care for a patient, or groups of patients, to another person or professional
available mnemonic’s [7], absence of agreed protocol and professional
group on a temporary or permanent basis” [3]. Poor communication
discretion may also be contributing to what could be described as a
during patient handover has been identified internationally as a root
mnemonics confusion across systems. This is of particular concern
cause of a significant proportion of preventable deaths [4]. Although the
as professional, social, environmental and human factors beyond the
practice of handover between Ambulance and Emergency Department
structured handover process have all been suggested as factors that
clinicians has received some attention over recent years [2, 5–7] there is
influence handover effectiveness [2]. Many of these factors are likely
little evidence on handover best practice within the pre-hospital domain.
to be amplified in the pre-hospital setting where there are multi-agency
Pre-hospital services have therefore taken a pragmatic approach
responses and clinicians manage patients in exposed, noisy,
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FEATURE potentially dangerous environments with limited resource and clinical
after clinical interrogation within the Ambulance Control Centre [25].
capabilities [6, 8–10]. It is unsurprising therefore, that handover has
They offer unique knowledge, skills, equipment and resource not held
been highlighted as a WHO priority area for research [2, 11].
by standard RBAC and respond to incidents across Scotland. For example, Special Operations Response Teams consist of Paramedics
As trauma networks and specialist prehospital trauma teams have
and Technicians (and non-clinical staff) who bring specialist knowledge,
been developed to provide advanced medical and trauma care
equipment, vehicles and resource to support operations in specific
for time critical, high acuity patients [12–16] the importance of
hazardous environments such as CBRN, water rescue and multi-
prehospital handover is increasingly apparent. Despite these teams
casualty incidents. SAR, also paramedic led, provide care on behalf
being a very welcome addition to a prehospital care system, timely
of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, responding frequently to
and accurate tasking of their resources remains a challenge [17].
incidents in mountainous or coastal areas across Scotland (and the
Specialist prehospital teams often arrive as a secondary resource, thus
UK). HEMS provide a blended approach delivering paramedic led
necessitating clinical handover from road based ambulance clinicians.
or Prehospital Critical Care Team led (Physician and Critical Care
Although mnemonics do exist to support clinical handover these can
Practitioner) care tailored to the acuity level and clinical requirements
lack content specificity and may be problematic in health care systems
of the patient/s. They provide critical care that includes advanced
using different mnemonics [6, 18]. Furthermore, a recent review found
clinical decision making, induction and maintenance of anaesthesia,
little evidence to support the standardisation of handover processes
cardiovascular management and complex invasive interventions – of
and suggested that the function of mnemonics was uncertain [2].
which most are currently beyond the scope of the UK based paramedic.
Despite mnemonics being recommended for use between Ambulance
BASICS responders, principally General Practitioners, provide a life-line
Clinicians and Emergency Departments [19, 20], the suitability of these
of additional clinical support to RBAC in more remote and rural areas of
in the prehospital setting remains unknown and their use variable [21].
Scotland where ambulance resources are scarce.
Further research is therefore urgently required to understand the most appropriate way to deliver clinical information exchange in the pre-
Questionnaire development
hospital environment.
A pragmatic three-stage approach was used to develop the questionnaire. Stage one: two authors undertook a scoping review of the literature to identify key papers on prehospital and emergency
Aim
department handover. Key themes were identified, in particular barriers and facilitators, that along with clinical experiences of investigators, were
To investigate current clinical information exchange practices, perceived challenges and the preferred handover mnemonic for use during transfer of high acuity, time critical patients between road based
used to inform the development of a draft questionnaire. These were formed into multi-choice questions or statements aimed at measuring the extent to which these factors impacted on prehospital handover. Key
ambulance clinicians (RBAC) and specialist pre-hospital teams (SPHT).
questions and areas of investigation, with their respective measures, are
Methods
Stage two: one key stakeholder from each of the specialist services
presented in Table 1 (on next page).
(outlined below) reviewed and recommended changes to the questionnaire. These individuals were identified through the Scottish
Design An online cross-sectional questionnaire.
Ambulance Service professional networks and selected due to their role within their respective specialist team and expert knowledge in prehospital emergency care.
Setting The study was undertaken in Scotland where the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) is the national provider of prehospital emergency care, covering 30,420 sqm, serving a population of 5.4 million [22] and responding to circa 560,000 emergency calls per annum [23]. The service is primarily set within an Anglo-American model of care [24]
• SAS ambulance clinicians (road ambulance crew) – Paramedic and Technician led. • Emergency Medical Retrieval Service/Tayside Trauma Team/Lothian Medic One clinicians – Physician led.
whereby road based Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) deliver the majority of care. However, occasionally support is required from specialist paramedic teams with expertise on chemical, Emergency Services (HEMS)/Search and Rescue (SAR), voluntary organisations such as British Association of Immediate Care (BASICS) and Physician led Specialist Prehospital Teams. Such extended services, particularly the inclusion of specialist critical care teams, provide an approach more akin to the Franco-German, physician led
• SAS Helimed aircrew (Inverness, Glasgow and Perth) – paramedic led. • BASICS Scotland responders – mix of Physician, Paramedic and Nurse led. • SAS Special Operations Response Teams Ambulance Clinicians – Paramedic and Technician led.
model of care [24]. Stage three: an iterative process of further revisions by all authors Pre-hospital specialist teams
produced a final draft questionnaire. This was sent to identified
SPHT are despatched through a variety of channels; i) on request by
members of each service to test the questionnaire’s ease of
RBAC, ii) automatically via Medical Priority Despatch Systems, or iii)
comprehension and completion and led to a small number of revisions.
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) and technical rescue, Helicopter
• Bristows Search and Rescue Aircrew – paramedic led.
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FEATURE Table 1 Key areas of questioning with scales/unit of measurement Question/statement
Scale/Unit of measurement
• Perceived of handoverwith scales/unit of measurement Table 1 Keyeffectiveness areas of questioning • Confidence that you have provided all essential information during handover Question/statement
1 – not at all effective to 5 - very effective
Confidenceeffectiveness that you have received all essential information during handover •• Perceived of handover
1 – not at all effective to 5 - very effective
Importance that of patient involvement process •• Confidence you have provided inallhandover essential information during handover
to 5 – to very 11-–not notimportant at all confident 5 –important very confident
1 – not at all confident to 5 – very confident Scale/Unit of measurement
Importance that of a structured handoverall essential information during handover •• Confidence you have received Importance of onpatient mutually agreeing a in handover time and location •• Importance involvement handover process
1- not important to 5 – very important
variableshandover for handover •• Perceived Importanceessential of a structured
List of variables
Recording and information •• Importance on delivery mutuallyofagreeing a handover time and location Preferred mnemonic for prehospital handover •• Perceived essential variables for handover
List of variables
How professional acknowledges receipt of information •• Recording and delivery of information •• Acknowledging receipt information Preferred mnemonic forofprehospital handover
1 – never to 5 – always
How professional often the patient is involvedreceipt in the of handover process •• How acknowledges information Barriers to effective handover •• Acknowledging receipt of information
1 – never to 5 – always
Repeating handover •• How often information the patient during is involved in the handover process •• Barriers Barriers to to effective effective handover handover (how often they impact) Difficulty ininformation finding timeduring to prepare and deliver handover •• Repeating handover
1 – very difficult to 5 – very easy
Timing of •• Barriers to handover effective handover (how often they impact)
Time in minutes
• Difficulty in finding time to prepare and deliver handover
1 – very difficult to 5 – very easy
• Timing of handover
Time in minutes
Data definitions
rates [26], were e-mailed to all clinicians who were involved in the
A number of current handover mnemonics were included with
identified incidents. To identify the members of the SPHT an e-mail
participants’ afforded the opportunity to include additional mnemonics if
invitation was also sent to a central co-ordinator in each of the SPHT
theirs was not listed (Table 2).
who forwarded to the members of their respective specialist services, involved in the incidents identified, for completion. E-mails included
Study sample and recruitment
a study information document and hyperlink to the online survey
Existing ambulance data systems permit the identification of ambulance
platform with supporting information video. Consent was presumed by
crews by call sign and then individual crew members by pay number.
completion of the questionnaire. A reminder e-mail was sent out after 3
However, Ambulance Clinicians do not consistently and routinely
weeks.
record details that identify the crew member/s who provide or receive a handover. To ensure our questionnaire was targeted at the population
Data analysis
under investigation a search of the ambulance call database was
Questionnaire results were analysed using SPSS v19. Summary
undertaken. This facilitated the identification of only those ambulances
statistics were presented as a frequency, percentage, median (M) and
(call signs and therefore crew members) that had been in attendance
an interquartile range (IQR). Where relevant comparisons were made
at an incident involving any one of the pre-identified SPHT between July
between RBAC and SPHT. Non-parametric measures were used to
and September 2016 (the previous 3 months). Personalised invitations,
analyse these data, as their distribution was not normal, with a p < 0.05
informed by evidence-based methods aimed at improving response
deemed significant.
Table 2 List of included mnemonics Mnemonic
Breakdown
ASHICE Sex, History, Injuries, Condition, Expected Time of Arrival Table 2 ListAge, of included mnemonics DeMIST DeMIST – Patient Demographics, Injuries Sustained, Symptoms and Signs, Treatments given Mnemonic Breakdown
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
MIST ASHICE
Mechanism of Injury, Injuries Sustained or suspected, – vital signs, Treatments initiated (and timing) Age, Sex, History, Injuries, Condition, Expected Time ofSigns Arrival
SBAR DeMIST
Situation,– Background, Assessment, Recommendations DeMIST Patient Demographics, Injuries Sustained, Symptoms and Signs, Treatments given
IMIST MIST AMBO SBAR ATMIST IMIST De MIST AMBO
Identification,ofMechanism/Medical complaint, Injuries/Relevant info,signs, SignsTreatments (vital), Treatment Trends, Allergies, Medication, Mechanism Injury, Injuries Sustained or suspected, Signs – vital initiatedand (and timing) Background History, Other info Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendations Age [inc. name], Time of onset, Medical Complaint/History or Mechanism, Investigations/Injuries, Signs, Treatment Identification, Mechanism/Medical complaint, Injuries/Relevant info, Signs (vital), Treatment and Trends, Allergies, Medication, Patient Demographics, Mechanism, Injuries sustained or expected, Signs – vital signs, Treatment Background History, Other info
SOAP ATMIST
Subjective information, Information, Assessment, or Pain Age [inc. name], Time ofObjective onset, Medical Complaint/History Mechanism, Investigations/Injuries, Signs, Treatment
De MIST
Patient Demographics, Mechanism, Injuries sustained or expected, Signs – vital signs, Treatment
SOAP
Subjective information, Objective Information, Assessment, Pain
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FEATURE
Fig. 1 mnemonic awareness and usage across participants
Fig. 1 mnemonic awareness and usage across participants Results
There were 247 pre-hospital incidents involving specialist teams over the 3 month study period. One hundred ninety individuals completed the questionnaire. Overall, responders were experienced prehospital care providers; number of years practicing Median 10 (IQR 5–18). Roadbased ambulance clinicians made up 61% (n = 116) of participants with the remaining 39% (n = 73) from the five specialist services. Used and preferred mnemonics All participants reported using more than one mnemonic. The three mnemonics with the highest frequency counts for both awareness and usage were SBAR, ATMIST and ASCHICE respectively (Fig. 1).
as being either ‘effective’ or ‘very effective’ (Mdn 4.00;IQR 3–4). Occasionally RBAC receive handovers, particularly where a SPHT has arrived before the ambulance resource. This is most likely to occur with HEMS where there is no requirement for aeromedical evacuation or where specialised teams have extricated a patient who subsequently required ambulance conveyance to the Emergency Department. It was therefore imperative to measure and compare both perspectives. SPHT reported a slightly lower perceived handover effectiveness rating than RBAC with 54% (n = 40) of SPHT compared to 78% (n = 90) of RBAC’s rating handover as either ‘effective’ or ‘very effective’; SPHT (Mdn = 4; IQR = 3–4) vs. RBAC (Mdn = 4; IQR = 4–4), U = 3344.0, p = 0.003. When rating their personal confidence in the provision of essential information during handover, overall, participants scored a median rating of 4 (IQR 4–4) with 75% (n = 144) reporting feeling either
The single preferred mnemonic for prehospital use was ATMIST;
‘confident’ or ‘very confident’. There was no difference between RBAC
n = 67/184 (36%), followed by ASHICE n = 35/184 (19%) and SBAR
and SPHT’s in self-reported handover confidence ratings. Conversely
n = 31/184 (17%) (Fig. 2).
however, participants reported feeling less confident that they received all essential information during handover (Mdn = 3; IQR 3–4). Between-
Perceived effectiveness and confidence in existing handover practices
group analysis identified that those clinicians in the SPHT’s felt slightly
Overall, two thirds of participants (68%; n = 130) reported handover
less confident that they had received all essential information during
Fig. 2 Mnemonic preference
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
Fig. 2 Mnemonic preference
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FEATURE
Fig. 3 Frequency count of items felt essential for prehospital handover
handover (Mdn = 3; IQR2–4) when compared to RBAC (Mdn = 3; IQR
‘environmental hazards’. The specialist teams had a narrower
3–4), U = 3559.5, p = 0.03.
distribution and more skewed towards ‘sometimes’ to ‘often’ (i.e. ratings 3 to 4 on the Likert scale of 1 – never to 5 – always) for both
Perceived essential variables for handover
structured process and variability in handover (Table 3).
Twenty-six variables were identified from published handover mnemonics. Participants were asked to select which of these they
Views and experiences of the handover process
considered essential for delivery during handover. Figure 3 presents
Preparatory effort, timing and location of handover
the frequency counts of participant’s responses. The participant’s
Although there were a high number of neutral responses (n = 77,
prioritisation of essential clinical variables has high face validity with
41% [Mdn = 3; IQR 2–3]), almost half of all responders (48%; n = 92)
many of the higher priority variables independently, or in aggregation,
felt it was either ‘difficult’ to ‘very difficult’ to find time to prepare for
being those that may provide an immediate clinical impression
prehospital handover.
of the patient [27, 28]. Despite this, one particular variable stood out as receiving an unexpectedly low count; ‘illness’. This was
Perceptions of time (in minutes) required for handover preparation
noteworthy, as in practice the presenting condition is broadly
and then delivery were measured separately in minutes and show
categorised as either medical (illness) or trauma (injury). Although
a bi-modal distribution. For preparation, overall, 77.4% (n = 147) of
reasons for these differences were not explored, there are a number
participants felt that up to 3 min was required. However, almost 20%
of possible explanations. First, our separation and ordering of
(n = 37) of responders felt they required up to 5 min to prepare. On
variables within the questionnaire may have influenced participant’s
the time required to deliver a handover, 91% (n = 174) of participants
selection. Second, many of the existing handover mnemonics
stated they required up to 3 min. From this sub-group of participants,
omit the variable ‘illness’ [7] and so it is possible that this impacts
the largest proportion (57%; n = 100/174) reported they required only
clinicians’ awareness. And finally, it may be that the nature of calls
up to 1 min to deliver a handover. The need to identify an appropriate
requiring SPHT involvement (predominantly trauma) have influenced
‘location’ and ‘time’ for handover was felt to be either ‘important’ to
participant’s perceptions of the importance of specific variables.
‘very important’ in 77% (n = 145) and 69% (n = 131) of participants respectively; (‘Location’ Mdn = 2; IQR 1–2; ‘Timing’ Mdn = 2; IQR 1–2).
Barriers to effective handover The occurrence of perceived potential barriers to handover were AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
measured. A Likert scale was used to measure frequency (Never - 1
Acknowledging receipt of information
to Always – 5). Overall, ‘interruptions’ received the highest mean
Participants’ experiences of three aspects of post-handover
rating, followed by ‘Variability in handover mnemonic’, ‘Lack of co-
feedback were sought. 41% (n = 78) of participants reported they
ordination between responders’ and ‘Lack of structured process’.
‘often’ or ‘always’ received immediate acknowledgement of their
Noteworthy too were the perceived frequency of ‘lack of clear
handover, with 50% (n = 94) only ‘sometimes’. When feedback was
professional lead’, ‘poor verbal communication’ and ‘absence of
received this was mostly via a verbal ‘thank you’ (81%; n = 153),
written clinical information’; all key components required to support
however 51% (n = 96) did also report those receiving handover
a robust handover. Small but significant differences were found
perform a ‘read back’ of the information provided. 84% (n = 158) of
between the two groups mean rankings for three of the variables
participants stated they ‘sometimes’, ‘often’ or ‘always’ had to repeat
tested, ‘lack of structured process’, ‘variability in handover’ and
information during handover.
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FEATURE Table 3 Perceived barriers to prehospital handover Variable measured (listed in order of frequency)
All Mean (Standard Deviation)
Road Crews (Standard Deviation)
Specialist Teams
All Median (IQR)
Road Crews (n = 116) Median (IQR)
Specialist Teams Difference Median (IQR) between Groups p value (U)
Interruptions
3.26 (.813)
3.21 (.818)
3.35 (.801)
3.00 (2– 3)
3 (2–3)
3 (3–4)
.224
Variability in handover mnemonic
3.09 (.953)
2.97 (.950)
3.28 (.929)
3.00 (2– 4)
3 (2–4)
3 (3–4)
.034*
Lack of co-ordination between responders
3.09 (.761)
3.04 (.773)
3.16 (.741)
3.00 (3– 4)
3 (3–4)
3 (3–4)
.222
Lack of structured process
3.07 (.879)
2.95 (.863)
3.26 (.877)
3.00 (2– 4)
3 (2–4)
3 (3–4)
.022*
Lack of clear professional lead
3.01 (.813)
2.94 (.816)
3.11 (.804)
3.00 (2– 4)
3 (2–3)
3 (3–4)
.141
Poor verbal communication
2.97 (.856)
2.90 (.882)
3.08 (.807)
3.00 (2– 3)
3 (2–3)
3 (3–4)
.090
Absence of written clinical information
2.96 (.844)
2.91 (.875)
3.05 (.792)
3.00 (2– 4)
3 (2–3)
3 (2.75–4)
.228
Hazards relating to the TYPE of incident
2.75 (.860)
2.66 (.814)
2.89 (.915)
3.00 (2– 4)
3 (2–3)
3 (2–4)
.064
Environmental hazards
2.74 (.791)
2.62 (.798)
2.93 (.746)
3.00 (2– 3)
3 (2–3)
3 (2–3)
.004*
Multi-agency involvement: too many
2.74 (.853)
2.71 (.856)
2.77 (.853)
3.00 (2– 3)
3 (2–3)
3 (2–3)
.943
Difficulties in triage priorities during multi-casualty incident
2.67 (.795)
2.59 (.807)
2.79 (.763)
3.00 (2– 3)
3 (2–3)
3 (2–3)
.204
Inappropriate location of handover
2.54 (.784)
2.46 (.832)
2.67 (.853)
3.00 (2– 3)
3 (2–3)
3 (2–3)
.106
Lack of professionalism
2.54 (.872)
2.58 (.886)
2.49 (.852)
2.00 (2– 3)
2 (2–3)
2 (2–3)
.673
Handover timing too early
2.48 (.762)
2.43 (.829)
2.54 (.645)
2.00 (2– 3)
2 (2–3)
3 (2–3)
.354
Handover timing too late
2.40 (.783)
2.33 (.814)
2.50 (.726)
2.00 (2– 3)
2 (2–3)
2.5 (2–3)
.117
p value obtained with Mann-Whitney U test; * donates a significant difference between RBAC and SPHT
Recording and delivery of information
Involving patients in the handover process
All SAS ambulance clinicians are issued with paper-based clinical
58% of participants (n = 110) felt it was either ‘important’ or ‘very
guideline pocket books (size A6) that contain handover mnemonics
important’ to involve the patient in the handover process, with 27%
within. However, these do not contain corresponding field boxes to
(n = 52) expressing neutral thoughts and the remaining 15% (n = 28)
facilitate clinical data recording. Our questions therefore focused
‘unimportant’ or ‘not at all important’. There was a positive correlation
on the participant’s method/s to record and deliver clinical data for
between those who felt it important to involve patients in handover and
handover, rather than on whether they used any particular mnemonic
self-reported involvement of patient during handover (r = .617, n = 190,
card as an ‘aide memoire’ to support this process. To ensure a more accurate representation of current practices, and identify possible
p < .001).
inconsistencies in clinical data recording and delivery, participants were permitted to select from a range of possible supporting was considerable variation in participant’s responses. The most frequently reported methods for the recording and delivery of clinical
Discussion This study, to our knowledge, is the first to investigate handover between
information during handover were ‘committed to memory’ (60%;
prehospital road based ambulance clinicians and specialist prehospital
n = 113) and ‘verbally from memory’ (63%; n = 120) respectively. Also
services. One hundred ninety experienced prehospital practitioners, who
commonly used were electronic Patient Report Forms (ePRF) and
were involved in 247 incidents over a four month period, completed the
scrap paper to record and support the delivery of clinical information
questionnaire. While handover was generally thought to be effective,
used to support handover; ePRF recording (60%; n = 112) and
practices appear highly variable across Scotland. The recommended
delivery (57%; n = 109); scrap paper for recording (51%; n = 97) and
SBAR mnemonic is not always used, nor is it the preferred mnemonic
delivery (37%; n = 71).
for supporting prehospital handover. Furthermore, this study has
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
recording and delivery methods. As such, unsurprisingly, there
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FEATURE established that there are diverse challenges that impact on the
be high during such incidents. It is reasonable to presume then, when
exchange of clinical information between those primarily providing
key clinical information is not written down or recorded, some will be
(RBAC) and receiving (SPHT) essential clinical information. Barriers to
forgotten or imprecise recall will interfere with the sharing of accurate
effective handover were apparent and occasional small differences in
clinical data. Studies from the in-hospital environment have reported
opinions on handover quality were identified between the SPHT and the
similar issues in the delivery and receipt of handover information [5, 6].
RBAC. Collectively, these exposed challenges are of concern, but this
Undoubtedly, these issues too have the potential to impact on patient
new understanding provides us with an opportunity to focus on service
safety. Although our data indicates many participants also reported
improvement and further research.
using the electronic Patient Report Form (ePRF) to record information for handover, during high acuity calls the ePRF often remains in the
Key challenges
treatment area of the ambulance. This technology is therefore not
The gathering, synthesis, construction and delivery of a detailed yet
immediately available to the RBAC. The ePRF is used, but often
succinct handover demands considerable cognitive effort as well as
completed retrospectively, evidence also by the recognised frequency
time. Our study confirms that the handover challenges identified within
of an ‘absence of written clinical information’ as a barrier to effective
the prehospital setting are similar to those identified within the ED
handover (Table 3). These clear limitations to the existing ePRF system
literature [29] and thus some of the previously developed evidence
result in RBAC, during the incident, often resorting to the manual,
may be transferrable to the prehospital setting. There were a number of
contemporaneous recording of these data on scrap paper or the back
elements identified within the current system that appear to impede the
of a gloved hand. A practice also identified by others [38, 39] and one
handover process and that require attention.
that is not without its own inherent risks.
First, many participants reported it difficult to generate time to prepare
And fourth, the inconsistent use of mnemonics, lack of co-ordination
for handover, a particular challenge within a resource-limited setting.
and structured processes were all identified as key issues in handover.
Preparation is often inadequate but forms an essential component of
Manser and Foster [1] recommend the development of a share mental
the handover process [11]. The current adhoc approach during the
model for handover between teams, however this is unachievable
preparation and exchange of clinical information will likely add to an
where such inconsistencies exists. The importance of consistency in
already increasing cognitive burden. Indeed Cognitive Load Theory
handover is also emphasised in the study by Starmer et al. [40] where a
has recently been used to further understanding of the complexities
23% decrease in medical error rate post-introduction of a standardised
of handover and has determined that multiple factors are associated
handover process was reported. The issues on consistency in our
with different types of cognitive load; sensory, working and long term
study may have therefore contributed to ‘interruptions’ being identified
memory [30]. The ‘working memory’ used during handover is finite,
as the most frequent barrier to effective handover. Interruptions can
with limited capacity, being capable of holding only 4 to 7 (± 2) ‘units’
occur during handover when the receiver seeks information pertinent
of information at a time [30]. It is reasonable therefore to suggest that
to them that was missed by the provider. It is recognised from in-
the current variable preparatory process is detracting clinicians either in
hospital handover literature that the perceived quality of handover is
the preparation of a handover or from other important aspects of care
dependent on the expectations of those receiving it [5]. This may also
delivery. These factors may also impact negatively on patient safety
provide some explanation as to why SPHT rated handover quality
[31–33].
slightly lower than RBAC – expectations of handover differed. Similar difficulties, particularly around interruptions, have also been described
Second, our study exposed the relatively frequent absence of an
within the Emergency Department setting [5, 9, 41]. Notably these
identified professional lead as a barrier to handover. Participants also
have been identified as a potential contributor to clinical error [41].
highlighted the importance of agreeing the timing and location of
Such expectations may be managed more effectively, therefore, via
handover. It would be difficult to undertake the latter in the absence of
the introduction of a shared mental model of handover [11, 42]. These
a clear ‘lead’ and indeed other studies have demonstrated significant
must be considered within the context of any future handover process
improvements in clinical care from the introduction of an active team
introduced.
lead [34, 35]. Where a clear professional lead is identified, the initial engagement required to establish the timing and location of handover
Considerations on developing more effective handover
may enable the restoration of a degree of control in these challenging
Providing high quality handover is dependent on multiple factors.
environments and is therefore recommended.
To determine that there exists national inconsistencies in handover approach was of significant concern. And in recognising that there
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
Third, although we did not fully explore the physical format in which
is currently no ideal, evidence-based and definitive solution to this
participants used aide-memoires to support handover, we did
challenge, clinicians should reflect on the existing evidence to determine
investigate participants’ methods of clinical data recording and
whether the introduction of a nationally agreed and standardised
subsequent transfer during handover. The preference by many to use
mnemonic could support prehospital handover by reducing variability
‘memory’ to both record and deliver handover information is concerning.
and, therefore, the recognised mnemonics confusion. It would be
Previous research has identified that only 33% of data is retained on
illogical to ignore the evidence that is available, particularly that which
first handover when relying on memory alone, but where standardised,
suggests that an agreed, standardised mnemonic can reduce handover
printed forms are used, data retention can increase to almost 100%
duration, repetition, improve structure and consistency and also the
[36]. One study within the ED setting demonstrated less than 50% of
promotion of the shared mental model concept [1, 6].
the information provided during paramedic handover was retained by ED staff [37]. As has previously been discussed, cognitive load will
Solutions that are more pragmatic may also lend support to reducing
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FEATURE cognitive demand during handover. For example, the reliance on
improvements in handover. This study provides a comparator (or
memory to record and deliver clinical information may indicate a need
benchmark) for future investigations in this area of care.
to develop some novel interventions to ease these processes for prehospital clinicians. There are known low [43] and high tech solutions
The results and associated concerns have also been discussed
[38, 39] available that possess the potential to free up significant time
within the context of the available literature. Perhaps unsurprisingly
and therefore cognitive effort required for handover preparation and
exposing that prehospital and in-hospital handover share similar
delivery in these high fidelity settings. The need to identify a clear
challenges. There is little published evidence of the risks associated
handover lead, as has been previously discussed, is also essential and
with prehospital handover, however medical error rates associated
should be incorporated into any system. Although, developing these
with handover in hospital are well evidenced and are a significant
skills would rely on additional education and rehearsal in handover
problem [3, 40]. Given these similarities in handover challenges,
[5] and increased resource. Identification and understanding these
prehospital providers would be unwise to ignore this risk due to a lack
many factors that impact on handover emphasise the complexities of
of published evidence within their own professional domain. These
handover and the predictable need for a multi-modal intervention to
similarities should motivate us to question whether the demonstrable
support the process. And so, in the absence of high quality evidence
success in improving handover within hospital, in particular reducing
there remains a need for greater understanding in this area. New
medical error rates [40], are reproducible within the prehospital
theoretically informed [1], evidence-based interventions, must be
setting. This conclusion strengthens the need for research in this area
developed and tested within existing systems of care.
of care. Further objective measures of handover quality (subjective and objective) are required, including medical error rates, on which
Limitations
the success or failure of future interventions may be measured.
Internal validity
Although the pragmatic mnemonic alone may lack the power to
The true efficacy of handover would require more objective, validated
provide a definitive solution to the handover problem, there is merit
measures [1]. We invited all individuals who attended these incidents
in including this as a part of a theoretically informed, multi-modal
over the study period to participate, however, there may have been
intervention within the context of the shared mental model [11].
response bias in those that chose to respond to the invitation and participate. It was also likely that some relevant questions were not included but we attempted to minimise this through an iterative approach to questionnaire design and the inclusion of experts in prehospital care in its development.
Declarations Acknowledgements Stakeholder Group: Many thanks to Mr. Colin Crookston, Mr. Keith
External validity This study provides an understanding of the perceptions and experiences of key professionals providing prehospital care across Scotland. The transferability of these results to prehospital services beyond Scotland, and the UK, is not known, but should be acknowledged as a limitation of this study. We did not obtain the views of certain groups such as Mountain Rescue, Community First Responders, Fire and Rescue as we decided to include only those registered as Medical, Nursing, Health Care Professionals and EMTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. As with all surveys a self-selection bias may impact on the results of this study.
Colver, Dr. Mike Donald, Dr. Randall McRoberts, Mr. Graeme Hay, Mr. John Pritchard and Mr. John Thomson who all provided expert input and feedback on the questionnaire and general aspects of the study. For feedback on questionnaire design: Ms. Nicola Lawrie, Ms. Claire Greenhill, Mr. Brian Walker. Mr. Derek Milligan for providing data on ambulance and specialists team call signs and John Henderson for identification of e-mails used for study invitations. Significant thanks to all prehospital clinicians from across Scotland and within the respective services who kindly used their valuable time to participate in this study. We would also like to express our sincere thanks to the reviewers
Conclusion
who provided detailed feedback on the manuscript thus improving its quality and readability.
No previously published study has investigated the practice of Availability of data and materials
positive perceptions of handover our study identified significant
The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are
practice and mnemonic variation across Scotland. These variations
not publicly available but are available from the corresponding author
were apparent at individual level, between participants and
on reasonable request. Please email david.fitzpatrick@stir.ac.uk for
between prehospital teams. Although Wood et al. [2] concluded
access.
that mnemonics alone do not necessarily improve handover, there is some evidence to suggest they can reduce variability [6] and as
Authorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; contributions
part of a broader handover system can significantly reduce medical
MM came up with the original question. DF and MM refined the
errors [40]. Our results were therefore of concern. However, we now
question and designed the methods. All authors DF, MM, ED, CL,
have evidence of the practical challenges that prehospital teams
RL and AC contributed to the questionnaire development. DF and
face during handover; barriers that affect handover, concerns around
MM analysed the data. All authors contributed to the discussion
contemporaneous data recording and the need to have a clearly
and conclusion sections. All authors read and approved the final
identifiable handover lead. This knowledge could support future
manuscript.
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prehospital handover between RBAC and SPHT. Despite the overall
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FEATURE Ethics approval and consent to participate The study was deemed a service improvement project under the guidance outlined within the NHS Health Research Authority decision tool [44]. NHS Research Ethics Committee review was not therefore required. Approvals were however sought and granted from the Scottish Ambulance Service Research and Development Governance Group and Clinical Governance Groups from all participating services. Potential participants were provided with an information sheet and link to an online video outlining the aims of the study and that they did not require to participate should they chose not to. They were also free to withdraw at any time. Consent was presumed by completion of the questionnaires. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Authors’ Affiliations Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling,
1
Scotland. 2Scottish Ambulance Service, Glebe Cottage, Gairloch, Scotland. 3Nursing, Midwifery & Allied Health Professions Research Unit, University of Stirling, Scion House, Scotland, UK. 4Basics Scotland, Aberuthven Enterpise Park, Sandpiper House, Aberuthven, Scotland. Pre-Hospital Emergency Care, School of Health Sciences, University
5
of Surrey, Guildford, UK. 6Emergency Medical Retrieval Service, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Wolfson Medical School Building, Glasgow, Scotland
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134 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
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28. Sbiti-Rohr D, Kutz A, Christ-Crain M, for the ProHOSP Study Group, et al. The National Early Warning Score (NEWS) for outcome prediction in emergency department patients with communityacquired pneumonia: results from a 6-year prospective cohort study. BMJ Open. 2016. Online: http://bmjopen.bmj.com/ content/6/9/e011021.long. Accessed 18 May 2018.
www.hra-decisiontools.org.uk/research/about.html. Accessed 5 July 2016.
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137
NEWSLINE SECAMB
Man who had to learn to walk again reunited with ambulance team A Crawley man who was paralysed after suffering a fall from height has been reunited with the ambulance team who came to his aid. Youth worker, Oluwa Winzenburg, 32, fractured his C5 and C6 vertebrae and severely damaged his spinal cord when he suffered the fall from height at an outdoor centre in
Rachel Cunliffe handled the 999 call. Oluwa was taken to St George’s Hospital in Tooting where he underwent emergency surgery lasting more than seven hours to repair his vertebrae. The expert treatment at St George’s was just the start of Oluwa’s journey. Following a month-long stay in St George’s, Oluwa was transferred to the Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital in Aylesbury, an independent rehabilitation centre, for intense rehabilitation to retrain his body and in particular his right-hand side to move.
Surrey on 3 December 2017. Oluwa, who fell approximately seven metres, was assessed and carefully immobilised by South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) crews, Amanda
Oluwa’s rehabilitation continued at the Royal Buckinghamshire, with his hard work paying off as he took his first unaided steps on March 7, a little over three months since his fall.
Yeap, Gordon Brown, Paula Kennelly and George Crowdy after Emergency Medical Advisor
Following discharge from hospital on 30 April, Oluwa, who
is continuing to undergo further physiotherapy, took the time recently to thank the SECAmb teams in person, attending the Trust’s Make Ready Centre in Crawley with his mother, Christiane.
lovely to hear how well Oluwa is doing. The team worked really well together and Oluwa’s dedication to his rehab is amazing to see. It’s been great to meet him again in person and on behalf of the whole team I wish him and his family all the very best for the
He said: “I just wanted to say thank you in person for everything everyone did. Without their actions on the day of the fall, none of the rest of my recovery would have been possible. They took me directly to the best place in St George’s. I’m very pleased to have met everyone. I’m just so grateful.” Oluwa’s mother Christiane said: “I’m so thankful to the ambulance team. They managed everything fantastically. It’s so amazing how everything has turned out. Whenever I see an ambulance now I look at it with a different perspective.”
future.” Oluwa added: “I’ve got a long way to go still but I’m definitely on the right track and looking forward to further progress.”
SWASFT
Dream comes true for terminally ill, Jamie, 10 Paramedics from South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) helped to make 10-year-old Jamie’s dream come true when they trained him up to become
Paramedic Amanda said: “It’s
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138 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
a ‘paramedic’ for the day.
Video laryngoscopy wherever and NEWSLINE whenever you intubate Jamie has the terminal genetic
with our manikin HAL (a Gaumard
condition, Neurofibromatosis,
high-fidelity manikin) who can
which causes tumours to grow
replicate any medical emergency.
along his nerves. Despite not
Jamie enjoyed responding to
being very well, Jamie likes playing
the incidents in our emergency
paramedic games at home.
ambulance on full blue lights and
His greatest wish is to become
sirens. He’s amazing and took on
a member of the emergency
board all our clinical instruction.
services, helping other people.
He’s definitely a future paramedic in the making.
The event was organised by Rays of Sunshine children’s charity,
“Now Jamie can do basic life
who help brighten the lives of
support, he can take blood
children who are living with
pressure and temperature as well
serious or life-limiting illnesses.
as checking vital observations and give life-saving CPR compressions
Jamie said: “I feel honoured to be
which he carried out on HAL and
chosen to work as a paramedic
other crew members. Jamie
for the day. I would like to thank
can also give lifestyle and eating
everyone for making my wish
advice to keep people healthy as
come true.”
well as scoop and load patients onto a trolley. He was really fun
Jamie’s day began at the
to have over and we all wish him
SWASFT North Bristol Operations
all the very best from the team at
Centre where paramedics
South Western Ambulance Service.
taught him some basic life-
A big thank-you to the crew that
saving techniques. Jamie then
helped on the day.”
travelled to the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC)
Rebecca Miller, PR and Digital
airfield, learning how the critical
Communications Manager for
care team use their specialist
GWAAC, said: “It was a pleasure
skills and equipment to treat the
to welcome Jamie and his
most critically ill patients at the
family to the Great Western Air
scene of an incident.
Ambulance Charity air base, and to help make his wish come true.
Jamie’s mum, Mary, said: “Jamie’s
Members of our Critical Care team
expectations for his wish day were
– a crew of specialist paramedics
totally surpassed, all thanks to the
and doctors – ran through some
Rays of Sunshine organisation, and
simulations with Jamie, and he
SWASFT ambulance/air ambulance
got the opportunity to meet the
services. This was an amazing,
pilot and sit in the helicopter and
once in a lifetime experience, not
Critical Care cars. We had a great
only for Jamie, but for us all! We
afternoon showing Jamie the
could have never have fulfilled
ropes and we were impressed
Jamie’s wish to become a real life
with his paramedic skills!”
paramedic without help from Rays Jane Sharpe, CEO of Rays of
would like to thank everyone from
Sunshine, added: “We can’t be
the bottom of our hearts, who were
more thankful to Great Western Air
involved in making Jamie’s dream
Ambulance Charity and the South
a reality.”
Western Ambulance Service NHS
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
of Sunshine. Jamie and ourselves
www.intersurgical.co.uk/info/iview
Foundation Trust for helping us Rebecca Wilson, Paramedic
pull off such an incredible wish.
Learning and Development
Every day Rays of Sunshine
Officer, for SWASFT said: “We
gives brave and deserving young
really enjoyed having Jamie train
people the chance to put their
with us. We put together a number
illness on hold and Jamie’s wish
of emergency training scenarios
is no exception.”
Quality, innovation and choice
139
NEWSLINE SECAMB
SECAmb supports HeForShe campaign
“Some of our police and fire colleagues locally have already signed up and we want to be involved in helping create a
South East Coast Ambulance
gender equal world.
Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) is pledging its
“It is everyone’s responsibility to
commitment for ‘HeForShe’, a
address gender inequality and
global solidarity campaign for
not something that only those
the advancement of women.
who are negatively affected by it should be concerned
The campaign, initiated by UN
with. I look forward to working
Women, invites people around
with everyone at the Trust
the world to ‘stand together
and closely with our blue light
to create a bold, visible force
colleagues and other partners
for gender equality’. Its goal
to further ensure SECAmb is a
is to engage men and boys as
workplace where everyone is
agents of change for gender
treated fairly and equally.”
equality by encouraging them to take action against negative inequalities faced by women and girls. Locally, SECAmb joins Sussex
Find out more about HeForShe here: http://www.heforshe.org/en
and Surrey police as well as East Sussex and West Sussex fire services who have previously added their names to the campaign.
i-view™ video laryngoscope
In lending its support, SECAmb is pledging to improve the engagement, experience, development and promotion opportunities of and for women
Video laryngoscopy wherever and whenever you intubate
in its workforce and also to act as lead for the ambulance sector in the UK, encouraging other ambulance trusts to sign
i-view is the new, single use, fully disposable video laryngoscope from Intersurgical, providing the option of video laryngoscopy wherever you might need to intubate.
up. Progress against the pledges will be monitored by the Trust’s Inclusion Working Group, which holds responsibility for steering the Trust’s Inclusion, Equality
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
www.intersurgical.co.uk/info/iview
and Diversity agenda in relation to both staff and patients. SECAmb Chief Executive Daren Mochrie said: “I recognise that diverse organisations,
Quality, innovation and choice
where staff are supported and encouraged, are able to provide better patient care and I’m pleased that we are supporting this important campaign.
140 AMBULANCE_Uk_Half_Page_iview.indd 1
08/08/2018 15:55 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
“I recognise that diverse organisations, where staff are supported and encouraged, are able to provide better patient care and I’m pleased that we are supporting this important campaign.”
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AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
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141
NEWSLINE NWAS
Ambulance service trials new role to give patients the right care closer to home A new role focused on providing patients with the right care
With vehicles equipped to treat
sure we’re providing the best care
for three years supporting
people on scene, the Urgent Care
for patients. A large proportion of
patients over the telephone so
Practitioners will do all they can
the 999 calls we receive are for
this is a great opportunity to be
to ensure the patient has the help
patients who do need support
out seeing patients and giving
they need, referring on to other
but don’t necessarily need an
face-to-face assessments.
local health services if required.
emergency ambulance to take
This is positive for patients, who
them to hospital. It is these
With our existing skills and
will be avoiding unnecessary trips
patients who the Urgent Care
to A&E, and it will help to keep
Practitioners will respond to.
closer to home is being piloted
emergency ambulances free to
at North West Ambulance
respond quickly to life-threatening
“This pilot is an exciting
Service.
incidents.
opportunity to bring new nursing skills to our frontline workforce
experience, and the additional training we’ve been given by the ambulance service, we’re perfectly placed to give patients the care and support they need. We see ourselves as trailblazers, being one of the
The Urgent Care Practitioners
The Urgent Care Practitioners
and use existing paramedic
are nurses and paramedics who
will also spend some of their
expertise to focus on helping
respond to patients who have
time working within the control
people as close to home as
called 999 but do not need an
centre. In this part of the role, if it
possible. We’ll work closely with
emergency ambulance and
is safe to do so, the Urgent Care
other health services in the local
could possibly receive support
Practitioners will use their clinical
area to make sure patients get the
and treatment at home, rather
expertise to give patients care
right care for their needs, at the
Care programme, which
than having to go to hospital.
and advice over the telephone or
right time and in the right place.”
incorporates a number of
While nurses have been part of
make onward referrals.
the ambulance workforce for a
few ambulance services in the UK to provide such a service.” The six-month pilot is part of NWAS’ Transforming Patient
service developments and Jason Mulrooney, a nurse
initiatives focused on ensuring
number of years, it is the first time
David Ratcliffe, Medical Director at
taking on the new Urgent Care
patients get the right care, at
they will be employed in NWAS in
NWAS, said: “We are continuously
Practitioner role, said: “I’ve
the right time, in the right place,
a role responding to patients.
developing our services to make
worked for the ambulance service
every time.
Powerful solutions for EMS care
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
A surgeon must always rely on his or her own clinical judgement when deciding which treatments and procedures to use with patients. 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.
142 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
NEWSLINE HELP Appeal gives £2.25 million so far for King’s College Hospital’s new helipad
as well as sustaining an open
Lydia added: “Without the helipad
fight a fire. These savings have
femoral fracture, a fractured wrist
Tom may not have made it in time.
been allocated to other lifesaving
and forearm, a dislocated elbow
This whole experience has had
services.
and severe haemorrhaging.
such a dramatic effect on all our lives, and thanks to the helipad
Robert Bertram said:
After his partner, Lydia Clark,
and team at King’s our family has
described Tom’s injuries to
been kept together. Looking back
“We are delighted that the HELP
the 999 call operator the
I can see how much difference the
Appeal can continue to fulfil its
decision was made to send an
extra minutes the helipad saves
pledge to King’s College Hospital
air ambulance, which arrived
can make – the traffic near King’s
Charity. We are hugely grateful
King’s by air ambulance in
around 20 minutes later. Tom
was so bad on the day that Tom
to the generosity of the public
first year
was intubated at the scene
was brought in that I ended up
as we don’t receive any funding
and arrived on the helipad at
getting out of the car and running
from the government or national
King’s around 25 minutes later.
to the hospital.”
lottery. It’s great to see how our
• 162 patients brought to
• Average of four landings a week
donations have made such a
Following stabilisation in the Robert Bertram, Chief Executive
Emergency Department, Tom
King’s College Hospital’s helipad
difference to a significant number
of the HELP Appeal - the only
was moved to the Intensive Care
was the first on the mainland
of critically ill patients who’ve been
charity in the country dedicated
Unit and the next day had his
to have a DIFFS installed in
rescued from across the South of
to funding hospital helipads - has
femur fixed, wrist set and was
2016. Previously the state of the
England.”
presented a cheque for £250,000
given a tracheostomy so he
art system had only ever been
to Ian Smith, Chairman of King’s
could be woken up. He has since
used in offshore oil rigs. DIFFS
Ian Smith, Chairman of King’s
College Hospital NHS Foundation
undergone 10 hours of facial
incorporates a series of nozzles
College Hospital NHS Foundation
Trust. This latest donation brings
reconstruction and has made a
which are integrated into the
Trust added:
good recovery.
helipad and spray water and
the total amount given to £2.25 million of the Help Appeal’s £2.75 million pledge to King’s College Hospital Charity. This money has helped to build a lifesaving helipad with a Deck Integrated Fire Fighting System (DIFFS) at King’s College Hospital’s Denmark Hill campus.
foam. It can put out a fire within 15
”Thanks to the new helipad at
Tom said: “Without the helipad
seconds, allowing air ambulance
King’s College Hospital, more
I probably would have died, so
crew to continue treating and
critically ill patients can receive the
I’m so grateful for King’s and the
transferring a critically ill patient
urgent care they need quicker. We
air ambulance crew for saving
to the emergency department as
are extremely grateful to the HELP
my life. You really don’t realise
quickly as possible. DIFFS has
Appeal and its supporters for
how crucial it is until you need
allowed the hospital to reduce
funding this project to help King’s
it – thankfully my boys still have
staffing costs with firefighting
deliver life-saving care as quickly
their daddy.”
teams no longer required to
as possible.”
King’s College Hospital is one of four major trauma centres in London, serving a population of 4.5 million people from South East London to the Kent coast. Over the past year and a half, there have been 362 landings on the helipad, which is an average of four landings every week. Previously helicopters had to land in Ruskin Park and then move patients to a road ambulance, adding 25 minutes to the emergency transfer. In the first year after the helipad opened, 162 air ambulance. Last October, 40-year-old Tom Locke, a father of three from Hythe in Kent, fell three storeys from the roof of his house while trying to remove nesting pigeons
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
patients were brought to King’ by
from behind solar panels. He fractured every bone in his face,
143 Do you have anything you would like to add or include in Newsline? Please contact us and let us know.
NEWSLINE EMAS
NHS heroes from Leicester on starstudded charity single recorded at Abbey Road Studios
Midlands and recipient of the
“Then we walked in and could
Queen’s Ambulance Medal, still
see Tony Hadley in the recording
sings to many of his patients
studio, but there were lots of other
and while he is working, as well
people I recognised too – the
as at events and at his temple
members of Blue, Ashley from
to raise money for community
Diversity and Kimberley Walsh.
defibrillators and local charities. “What was really strange was He said: “I can’t help but sing
that people came up to me and
Two NHS heroes from Leicester
at work because it is a job that
said ‘You’re Kuldip, the singing
have joined the likes of Tony
makes me happy because I like
ambulanceman – I’ve heard all
Hadley, boyband Blue, UB40 and
caring for people. Singing to them
about you.’
Beverley Knight to record a charity
also helps to relax patients. –
single to raise funds for healthcare
especially when I serenade them
“Singing with everyone brought
charities across the UK.
on the way to hospital.”
back lots of memories of my days
Ambulance technician Kuldip Singh
In 2016, Vicky (41) based at
Bhamrah from East Midlands
Leicester Royal Infirmary hospital,
“It was absolutely thrilling and a
Ambulance Service (EMAS), and
created a rap about hand
real dream come true.
Vicky Cartwright, ward matron at
hygiene. She came up with the
University Hospitals of Leicester
idea driving home from work.
“We just need everyone to buy the
were invited to the iconic Abbey
Leicester’s Hospitals has used the
record now so that we can raise
Road Studios in London to record
rap in staff campaigns including
enough money to help those who
the Beatles classic With a Little Help
staff inductions. Other Trusts from
need it. It’s in the hands of the
from My Friends.
around the country have also
public now.”
in the band.
used the rap. Vicky said: “We didn’t know that
The charity single, released on
“We didn’t know that we were going to Abbey Road studios to record the single. Meeting and singing with so many famous faces and NHS staff from around the country was so empowering. To be part of something this special has been the highlight of my year. It has been amazing and a fantastic way to say thank you and Happy Birthday to the NHS!”
6 July as part of the NHS’s 70th
Vicky started her NHS career
we were going to Abbey Road
birthday, includes dozens of NHS
in 1998 and began working at
studios to record the single.
heroes who have dedicated their
Leicester’s Hospitals in 2002 as a
Meeting and singing with so
lives to the health service – and
staff nurse. More recently she has
many famous faces and NHS
“Being part of the NHS 70 single
Kuldip and Vicky were specially
been promoted to matron. Vicky
staff from around the country was
with them is a privilege!”
selected to appear on the track.
is passionate about hand hygiene
so empowering. To be part of
and gained a Master in Science
something this special has been
The show heard exceptional
A 60-minute special on ITV
(MSc) in Advancing Professional
the highlight of my year. It has
stories from right across the NHS,
documenting the creation of the
Practice.
been amazing and a fantastic
meet extraordinary patients and
way to say thank you and Happy
NHS staff and deliver plenty of
Birthday to the NHS!
surprises and feelgood moments
charity single was shown on 4 July, followed by a world record attempt
Vicky said: “I came up with this
to host the biggest live singalong.
rap because hand hygiene is
Kuldip and Vicky, who live and
very important, especially in
The ITV documentary was
hospitals as they aim to recruit
work in Leicester, were specially
healthcare, and thought this
presented by Ashley Banjo from
thousands of voices to swell the
selected to be part of the single
would be a fun and memorable
Diversity and BBC Radio 2’s DJ
ranks of the Big NHS Singalong
due to their singing experience.
way to remind both staff and
Sara Cox and aims to capture all
choir.
patients. I’m really grateful to
the excitement of the recording
Kuldip, 65, based at Goodwood
everyone who helped to make
of a charity with an array of stars
This latest mission into the charts
station and who has been in the
my rap come to life! In my role as
including Seal, Beverley Knight,
follows the NHS Choir’s 2015 hit
service for 37 years, is well known
matron I often break into the rap
Guy Garvey and many more.
single ‘A Bridge Over You’, which
throughout Leicestershire as ‘the
as a reminder.”
up and down the country’s
beat Justin Bieber to that year’s
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
Tony Hadley, who rose to fame as
singing ambulanceman’.
UK Christmas number one spot.
Kuldip and Vicky explained that
the lead singer of Spandau Ballet
In his younger years, he was also
being invited down to Abbey Road
and is one of the celebrities on
All proceeds will go to the NHS
in two bands – ‘KS Bamrah &
Studios to sing with celebrities
the charity single, said he enjoyed
Charities Together, a group of
Party’ and Awaaz Group – which
from the last seven decades was
meeting Vicky and Kuldip.
more than 100 NHS charities that
released several EPs and albums
a surreal but fantastic experience.
have come together to celebrate He said: ““Kuldip and Vicky are
the 70th anniversary of the NHS
Kuldip said: “I felt like a celebrity
both very passionate about the
and raise awareness of the work
Kuldip, the first Sikh
– we were picked up in a car and I
NHS and it was great to hear how
that NHS charities do to support
ambulanceman in the East
was interviewed by Sara Cox.
they bring music into their day jobs.
the NHS.
throughout the 70s and 80s.
144 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
NEWSLINE
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AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
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145
www.emergencyuk.com | Hall 5 | NEC | Birmingham | 19-20 September 2018 | www.emergencyuk.com | Hall 5 | NEC | Birmingham | 19-20 September
NEWSLINE
Photographs © ESS
The Emergency Services Show bravery
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
A unique event for everyone who works in the emergency services. Over 400 exhibitors, free CPD-accredited seminars and live product and rescue demonstrations. Hall 5, NEC, Birmingham. Wed 19 – Thu 20 September 2018. Free entry at www.emergencyuk.com.
The Emergency Services Show 2018 – it’s all about you Event sponsors
146
Event partners
Event supported by
For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
20
TESTED
NEWSLINE
SECAMB
SECAmb’s improved research performance recognised in national league tables South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) is pleased to have dramatically increased its clinical research activity in the last 12 months. The improvement is set out in this year’s Research Activity League Table, published on 18 July by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN). SECAmb has significantly increased the number of recruits involved in its studies to 1,181 from just 60 in 2016/17, which has earned it first place in the league tables for this measure of research activity compared to all ambulance services in England. Each year, the table provides a picture of how much clinical research is happening, where, in what types of NHS organisation, and involving how many participants.
SECAmb Research Paramedic Jack Barrett works as part of Julia’s team. He himself has been the link coordinator for a study called Mindshine 3, which is being conducted by the University of Sussex to investigate
ADVANCED AMBULANCE SEATING
the effectiveness of two online interventions, aimed at improving wellbeing and reducing stress among NHS staff. He said: “I have always been interested in the academic side of the profession so this role is something that I find very interesting.” Other projects that the Trust is currently supporting include a study enhancing mental health awareness in emergency services led by Sussex Partnership Trust, a national study into patient outcomes of outof-hospital cardiac arrest, led by the University of Warwick and a study led by SECAmb evaluating multidisciplinary healthcare professionals’ perceptions and experiences of using electronic patient care records and electronic referrals.
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Julia added: “Without any doubt, this success in research activity is attributed to all of our staff across the Trust who are passionate about developing the evidence base to make sure that we provide the best care to our patients. This level of commitment can only help to move us forward in relation to our research activity in the coming years.”
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
SECAmb Head of Research, Professor Julia Williams said: “This is really good news for SECAmb. We are delighted to have made such progress. This improvement is clearly the result of the last few years of targeted research activity across SECAmb with a real concerted effort from the Research and Development department’s team and our dedicated frontline clinicians who have participated so enthusiastically in these studies.”
“Without any doubt, this success in research activity is attributed to all of our staff across the Trust who are passionate about developing the evidence base to make sure that we provide the best care to our patients.”
147 Life Connections - The Affordable CPD Provider: www.lifeconnections.uk.com
NEWSLINE Clinical Supervisor Steve
YAS
Johnson, paramedic Andrew
Cardiac arrest survivor reunited with life-savers
Wallace and emergency medical technicians Landa Sapele and Michael Taylor provided advanced life support, whilst police officers
A lorry driver who suffered a cardiac arrest on board the
Dan Hermann and Steve Caulfield helped with CPR. After further shocks from a defibrillator, Jaap’s
P&O ferry Pride of Hull has personally thanked the people who saved his life.
heart was restarted. He was taken to Castle Hill Hospital
Jaap Schilperoort, from Holland, was found slumped at the
in Cottingham for emergency surgery and discharged nearly three weeks later.
wheel of his truck as vehicles disembarked the ship at King
Steve Johnson said: “All the links
George Dock in Hull on 21
of the ‘Chain of Survival’ were in
March.
Jack Lawday, Carl Mitchell, Steve Caulfield, Steve Johnson, Jaap Schilperoort, Dan Hermann and Martin Dosdale
place to provide the best possible chances for Jaap to recover and
The 59-year-old was immediately
He said: “I was very pleased to
what any other crew on any
return to his family. Great team
given cardiopulmonary
see them and to say thank you.
other ship would have done,
work all round.”
It was a bit unreal, because I
but I am extremely proud of the
resuscitation (CPR) by members of the ferry crew and they used
can’t remember a thing about
professionalism shown by all
Jaap, who is a regular passenger
the ship’s defibrillator to shock
what happened – it filled in some
those involved.”
on the Pride of Hull, travelled over
him several times before staff
missing gaps. There were so
from Holland with his family to be
many people involved and I feel
It is not the first time that a P&O
from Yorkshire Ambulance
reunited with his life-savers on 13
very, very lucky.”
crew in Hull has helped someone
Service arrived.
June.
suffering a cardiac arrest. In May The ferry crew, police officers and
2016, staff saved the life of Italian
ambulance staff were presented
passenger Alfredo Cantoni who
with certificates of commendation
collapsed on board the Pride of
to recognise their life-saving
York ferry.
actions. Paul Mudd, Divisional Commander (North and East Yorkshire) at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “Having to save a ferry passenger’s life doesn’t happen every day and the crew on board the Pride of Hull, along with the police officers, did an excellent job in supporting us. Everyone involved should be very proud of their efforts - they are true heroes.” Captain Eugene Favier, from AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
P&O Ferries, added: “Medical emergencies happen from time to time right across our company’s fleet and they can be very
PRO M VE A 2 B
W I T H
D I G N I T Y
traumatic. Crew are well-trained and the training just kicks in during an emergency. “They would all say they were just doing their job and doing
148 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
“All the links of the ‘Chain of Survival’ were in place to provide the best possible chances for Jaap to recover and return to his family. Great team work all round.”
NEWSLINE NWAS
Ambulance service given thumbs up from OFSTED Teaching and learning standards for apprentices at North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust (NWAS) have been given positive feedback from regulator, OFSTED. The ambulance service changed the way it provides training to apprentices in May 2017 when it became an employer provider meaning it was able to deliver its first regulated qualification in-house.
In the report senior leaders at
the comments from the report
ambulance crew for the remaining
the trust were found to have a
and very proud of the fantastic
nine months.
“clear workforce strategy and
progress that our new apprentices
operational plan” to ensure that
are making, many of which are
On completion of the programme,
apprentices “receive good-quality
now gaining first-hand experience
apprentices will become qualified
education and training to enable
by working as part of an
Emergency Medical Technicians.
them to perform their job roles to
emergency ambulance crew.
a high standard.” “There is still work to do to ensure Apprentice recruitment was found
that we continue to improve but
to be “rigorous,” with all of those
the findings of this report gives us
recruited from May 2017 still on
assurance that we are headed in
the apprenticeship.
the right direction.”
Most apprentices are “make
The visit was undertaken as part
good progress” and “achieve the
of a series of monitoring visits to
targets set for them,” the report
a sample of new apprenticeship
said.
training providers that are directly funded through the
Currently, 145 apprentices
apprenticeship levy.
are enrolled onto the Level 4 NWAS was randomly selected
Associate Ambulance Practitioner
The Associate Ambulance
as the first new NHS employer
(AAP) apprenticeship, to become
Practitioner (AAP) apprenticeship
provider in the country to receive an
emergency medical technicians.
involves 14 weeks of classroom
early monitoring visit and was found
based learning followed by
to be making ‘reasonable progress’
Michael Forrest, Deputy Chief
emergency driver training before
across all three monitoring areas in
Executive for NWAS, said: “We
learning on the job by working
a report published in May.
are extremely pleased with
in practice as part of a frontline
“There is still work to do to ensure that we continue to improve but the findings of this report gives us assurance that we are headed in the right direction.”
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
149 Do you have anything you would like to add or include in Newsline? Please contact us and let us know.
NEWSLINE SECAMB
Former nurse thanks ambulance crew
hindsight, she now realises was
did a really good job and I think
a significant warning sign.
it’s important to acknowledge the good work which is taking
First to arrive at the scene was Sittingbourne paramedic, Lee
A retired nurse from Rainham,
Smith, who was working with
Medway, has thanked the
a student in a single response
ambulance team who came to
vehicle. Having assessed
her aid when she suffered a
Gail, Lee was quick to realise
heart attack earlier this year.
that she was seriously unwell
place across the NHS. I’m extremely grateful.” Danny said: “It’s really nice to see Gail looking well again. It was clear she was extremely
and likely required specialist
unwell and needed urgent
Gail Dewhurst, 62, visited
treatment at William Harvey
specialist treatment. We’re just
Medway Ambulance Station
Hospital in Ashford.
one part of the chain and key to her recovery was the care
in Chatham and met with paramedic Danny Edwards
Danny and Phil soon arrived
she received at hospital. It was
and ambulance technician
as back up and the team set
lovely to see her face-to-face
Phil Woods to say thank you in
about readying Gail for the
and on behalf of my colleagues
person.
journey to hospital. At William
I wish her and her family all the
Harvey Gail received the expert Gail, who attended with
treatment she required to
daughters Clare, Karen and
open up the arteries around
grandson Braiden, collapsed
her heart. Following a five-day
with severe chest pain at
admission Gail was discharged
home shortly after 6am on 19
to commence her recovery at
March. It followed two days
home.
very best for the future.” Gail added: “In the nicest possible sense, I hope to never see Danny or Phil again! But, if I or any of my family do ever need the help of the ambulance
of pain in her left arm, which she had put down to carrying,
She said: “It was really good to
service again, I hope it’s them
but which, with the benefit of
meet Danny and Phil. Everyone
who attend.”
“It was really good to meet Danny and Phil. Everyone did a really good job and I think it’s important to acknowledge the good work which is taking place across the NHS. I’m extremely grateful.”
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STAND G74
NEWSLINE Molly Tarawally
LAS
The Service celebrates seventy years of the NHS – and looks to the future
A student who survived a devastating car crash was inspired to train as a paramedic by the London Ambulance Service crews who saved her life.
The history of London Ambulance Service in the NHS The NHS was established 70 years ago on 5 July 2018. London Ambulance Service became an NHS Trust in April 1996, having been established to our current formation in 1965 with the merger of nine existing services. A 1949 Daimler ambulance outside our Waterloo HQ in 2018 In 1948 the post-war reorganisation of the provision of health led to the National Health Service Act – which made it a requirement for ambulances to be available for all hose who needed them – for the first time.
Molly Tarawally Ronald Ellis
of the ambulance from the Prince Ronald ‘Ron’ Ellis, who lives in
of Wales Hospital in Tottenham to
Enfield, started working on the
Chase Farm Hospital in Enfield.
ambulances in the 1930s when he was still a teenager.
A London-wide service was created in 1965 when one ambulance service was formed in London from parts of nine existing services. It comprised nearly 1,000 vehicles and 2,500 staff. In 1974, when the National Health
and pelvic and facial injuries.
“But we had a lot of fun. They
After being discharged, Molly
were the best days of my life. We
applied to do a Paramedic
worked hard but got by with a
Science degree at Anglia
good sense of humour.”
Ruskin University – which
Service was created.
Service‘s oldest station is Deptford, which is 138 years old.
Christopher and Mark McCarthy Ronald Ellis – celebrating his 100th birthday in the year the NHS turns 70
million 999 ambulance calls in a
Twin brothers Christopher and Mark McCarthy have been with us for 27 years and they still work
Then ambulances were equipped with a canvas stretcher that had to be carried and a bell rather than a siren.
shifts together. The duo, who are paramedics in north west London, say they make a great team as they know what each other are thinking.
the London Ambulance Service. Molly is now in her second year of her degree. When she graduates she will be qualified to apply for a paramedic role with London Ambulance Service, where her training and development would continue. Molly – who is still recovering from the accident, added: “Training to be a paramedic is hard work but it is so rewarding. “On one of my shifts I saw a paramedic who looked familiar.
as with the other emergency
Ron recalls walking in front of the
services.
ambulance carrying the bell and a
“It’s a real bonus to be working
It turns out he was one of the
with someone who thinks the
paramedics who treated me
torch so the vehicle could be seen
same as you and it’s great after
after my accident. He helped to
Some of the people and faces
in the pea-soupers which were
stressful jobs. Being a twin really
save my life. Now I am saving
behind the NHS over the years
common in London at the time.
does help.”
lives.”
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
healthcare professionals, as well
recovering from broken bones
patients.
the same year London Ambulance
Authority. London Ambulance
closely with hospitals and other
to spend 10 days in hospital
it wasn’t always easy carrying our
working. He left the job in 1965 –
West Thames Regional Health
the NHS in London and we work
between two lorries. She had
ambulances didn’t have ramps so
met his wife Gladys, a nurse, while
local government to the South
Our Trust is an integral part of
when her car was crushed
birthday on the 27th of August –
transferred from the control of
year. In 2017 we had over 1.9m calls.
on the A406 in north London
“It was a hard job then. The
Ron – who will reach his milestone
London Ambulance Service was
Service would typically receive one
Molly Tarawally, 21, was driving
includes a work placement with
Service was reorganised, the
In the 1960s London Ambulance
He said: “I once walked in front
151 For all your equipment needs visit: www.ambulanceservicesuppliers.com
NEWSLINE Protection for Suffolk County
ambulance station in Suffolk,
express our sincere gratitude
Fire and ambulance services share Sudbury base
Council, opened the station and
joining those in Brandon, Bury St
to The Wight Strollers and
said: “We have already seen
Edmunds and two in Lowestoft.
The Island Savoyards theatre
A joint station for Sudbury’s fire
this one in Sudbury will continue to
EEAST
and ambulance services has been officially opened and is
groups for their generosity; they
success across Suffolk where our emergency services are working closely together. Partnerships like develop, creating more opportunities
IOW
Small island with a very big heart
really are true credits to our Island community. We are also extremely grateful to St Thomas of Canterbury and Shalfleet Primary Schools for housing the
for blue light collaboration and,
fully operational.
importantly, closer working with local
St Thomas of Canterbury and
PAD’s, being our site guardians
communities. In addition, sharing
Shalfleet Primary Schools have
and allowing these lifesaving
The station on Gregory Street has
such facilities means public money
become the latest 24/7 Public
devices to be available to the
can be saved and directed more
Access Defibrillator (PAD)
whole community 24/7.
efficiently into frontline services.”
sites for the Isle of Wight NHS
been occupied by the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, but now the
Ambulance service.
East of England Ambulance Service
Louise continued: “32 year old Laura Summers of Sandown Bay
NHS Trust (EEAST) will share
Robert Morton, Chief Executive
facilities in a new partnership.
of EEAST, said: “This move
This is thanks to the Wight
Academy, who suffered a sudden
will benefit our staff, as the old
Strollers donating their seventh
cardiac arrest whilst at work, is
EEAST staff will now benefit from
Sudbury ambulance station was
Public Access Defibrillator and the
a fine example of why it is just
improved facilities and better access
no longer fit for purpose. Being
Savoyards giving an outside wall
so important that all schools
to the road network for emergency
in the same location as our fire
defibrillator case to the IW NHS
have immediate access to a
vehicles. It also means that blue
service colleagues will bring many
Ambulance Service community
defibrillator. It’s the safe use of
light services can build on existing
advantages, allowing us to give
defibrillator scheme.
the defibrillator and good quality
partnerships and it represents value
the same level of service to local
for money for taxpayers.
people in and around Suffolk.”
effective CPR that can increase Louise Walker, Head of Head
someone’s chance of survival
of Ambulance Training &
from an out of hospital cardiac
Councillor Richard Rout, Cabinet
The station in Sudbury is the
Community Response Services
arrest, from as little as 5% to as
Member for Environment & Public
fifth shared community fire and
(ATCoRS) said: “Words cannot
much as 74%.”
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
152 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
NEWSLINE The buggy will be used to
time consuming, bumpy, and
Robert said: “The HELP Appeal
New ‘ambo-buggy’ arrives at West Suffolk Hospital to support most critically unwell patients
transport patients flown into West
difficult to manoeuvre. Using
is a charity that helps critically
Suffolk Hospital by air ambulance
this new medical vehicle we’ll be
ill patients receive the best
to the hospital’s emergency
able to get patients into hospital
pre-hospital care to allow the
department.
care more quickly and more
greatest chance of survival and
comfortably.”
recovery. The patient’s comfort
The West Suffolk Hospital will be able to provide more comfortable transport for its most critically unwell patients thanks to the donation of a new state-of-the-art medical buggy. The medical vehicle, affectionately known as the ‘ambo-buggy’, was donated to the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) earlier this month by The Help Appeal, a charity that provides funding towards helipad builds and associated equipment where and when it’s needed.
As a specially adapted medical
and reducing the amount of time
vehicle, the buggy can host a
West Suffolk NHS Foundation
it takes to get to the emergency
stretcher and has seating for both
Trust works closely with local air
department are crucial and now
the driver and the critical care
ambulance charities, including
this can be achieved at West
team providing care to the patient.
the East Anglian Air Ambulance,
Suffolk hospital with its new, state
Essex & Herts Air Ambulance,
of the art, medical vehicle.
Barry Moss, head of emergency
and Magpas; whilst the majority
preparedness, resilience and
of critical care patients are
“Patients will now be transferred
response for WSFT, said:
brought into the Trust by land
from the helipad to the expert care
“Whilst our helipad is located
ambulance, escorted by the
they urgently need, quickly and
quite closely to our emergency
air ambulance critical care
smoothly. We are delighted that
department, for these often
teams, the new buggy will help
the HELP Appeal could cover the
critically injured or unwell patients,
to provide a more seamless
entire cost.”
reducing stress and improving
care pathway for those patients
comfort is really important.
brought in by air.
“Previously patients would have
The Trust was delighted to
their generous donation. We want
been brought to the emergency
welcome Robert Bertram, chief
to do more work to develop our
department on a stretcher from
executive of the HELP Appeal, to
helipad capability in the future,
the landed helicopter, which is
the Trust for the buggy’s delivery.
and this is a fantastic first step.”
Barry added: “We’re incredibly grateful to the HELP Appeal for
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
L-R: Barry Moss, head of head of emergency preparedness, resilience and response at WSFT; Robert Bertram, chief executive of the HELP Appeal; Helen Beck, chief operating officer at WSFT; John Earnshaw, assistant manager for portering services at WSFT; Darren Cooksey, security management specialist for WSFT; Caron Clare, representing vehicle supplier My Golf Buggy
153 Life Connections - The Affordable CPD Provider: www.lifeconnections.uk.com
NEWSLINE EEAST
Ambulance crew thank respiratory team for a speedy response An ambulance crew
from CPFT to see if they could
EEAST, said: “Although thankfully
bronchiectasis and pulmonary
help.
we didn’t need to go to A&E, the
fibrosis. The service provides a
patient was suffering from a chest
mix of clinics, home visits and
Specialist nurse Erin Turney
infection, shortness of breath and
exercise classes.
arrived at the patient’s home
was very anxious which made her
within half an hour to carry out an
symptoms worse. We get a lot of
assessment.
patients with COPD who dial 999 or go to hospital unnecessarily,
from the East of England
Erin Turney, specialist respiratory
but they could easily be referred
Ambulance Service NHS
nurse, said: “Our aim is to help
to CPFTs respiratory team.”
Trust (EEAST) have praised
people to manage their respiratory
the Cambridgeshire and
condition as well as possible by
“The patient was quite isolated
Peterborough Foundation
helping them to understand their
which added to her anxiety
Trust (CPFT) respiratory team
treatment and tips for controlling
so I put her in touch with a
for their speedy response to a
their symptoms. The patient
befriending service run by Age
patient who phoned 999 after
had been to her GP with a chest
Concern. Mostly she just needed
becoming short of breath.
infection and had been given
reassurance and information –
antibiotics and steroids, but
and she did go on holiday which
Paramedic Clare Hadley and
hadn’t really been given advice on
was a brilliant outcome. I also
Associate Ambulance Practitioner
how to manage her symptoms or
advised the patient that she could
(AAP) Sarah Andrew attended the
understand what was normal for
contact the service directly if she
patient and following thorough
someone with a chest infection.
needed any more help.”
assessment, it was decided that
She was also worried she
this patient did not necessarily
wouldn’t be well enough to go on
The CPFT respiratory team
need to go to hospital on this
holiday.
provides specialist care for
occasion. Clare and Sarah contacted the respiratory nurses
patients with a chronic lung Clare Hadley, paramedic at
“Our aim is to help people to manage their respiratory condition as well as possible by helping them to understand their treatment and tips for controlling their symptoms.”
disease such as COPD,
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154 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
NEWSLINE Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence: nominations now open The Association of Air Ambulances is today calling on the air ambulance community to nominate an individual or team, for this year’s Air Ambulance Awards of
recognise colleagues for the
of Excellence gives everyone
incredible work undertaken
associated with the air
throughout the year.”
ambulance community the opportunity to recognise and
“We have deliberately made the
celebrate those who go well
Awards both straightforward
beyond their remit to the benefit
and free to enter in order to
of the patient on a day to day
encourage all organisations to
basis. Air ambulances would
nominate their star individuals or
not exist without the incredible
teams.” The Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence are in their sixth year, and have become a prestigious
Excellence. These prestigious
event for the pre-hospital care
and independent awards,
sector. Last year saw over 350
honour the exceptional
people watch Sophie Long
contributions of staff and
of BBC News and Helicopter
volunteers who provide
Heroes presenter Rav Wilding
outstanding services and
hand 12 Awards to some
support for air ambulance
outstanding individuals and
organisations nationally.
teams.
Nominations are welcome
Nominations are now open to
throughout the air ambulance
recognise and support the most
community and are not limited
inspirational people providing
to just those who provide the
them with the recognition they
services, but all who are involved
deserve. The Awards are judged
in providing the prehospital
by an independent panel of
emergency care services
experts and presented at a gala
you see across the UK. Jim
dinner which will take place
Fitzpatrick MP, Chair of the
at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel,
independent judging panel, said:
London, on 12 November. Last
dedication of these individuals and teams, with the Awards providing the perfect opportunity to exemplify their successes.“
• Air Ambulance Pilot of the Year • Air Ambulance Campaign of the Year • Charity Volunteer of the Year • Special Incident Award • Lifetime Achievement Award • Innovation Award • Air Ambulance Dispatcher of the Year
Nominations are now sought for
The closing date for nominations
the following categories and can
is 1 September 2018. The winners
be found on the AAA website:
will be announced at the Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence
• Outstanding Young Person Award • Charity Staff Member of the Year • Air Ambulance Paramedic of the Year • Air Ambulance Doctor of the Year
gala dinner to be held on 12 November. Further details of award categories, together with a nomination form can be found at: https:// associationofairambulances. co.uk/awards/about-theawards/.
year’s winners included pilots, “Year on year, we see many
paramedics, doctors, fund-
outstanding entries from all
raisers, aircraft dispatch staff
areas of the air ambulance
and volunteers.
community. We would like to take this opportunity to encourage
Chair of the Association of Air
all organisations included
Ambulances, Paula Martin, said:
within the air ambulance sector to nominate their peers and
“The Air Ambulance Awards
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AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
The winners from the 2017 Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence
155 Do you have anything you would like to add or include in Newsline? Please contact us and let us know.
NEWSLINE YAS
national Ambulance Response
SWASFT
in May 2018, the service has now
Region’s Ambulance Service welcomes boost to funding
Programme (ARP) response time
This boost to funds means that
Inspectors at the Care Quality
the service has now been rated
Following the Department of
we can now introduce 62 new
Commission (CQC) have rated
as ‘Good’. A full report of the
ambulances at pace.
NHS 111 services in Dorset as
inspection has been published at:
Health’s announcement of extra funding for ambulance services
standards we need more vehicles able to convey patients to hospital
CQC rates NHS 111 in Dorset as good
to update and expand their fleet
“In addition, we will be receiving
of emergency ambulances,
£1.948 million to introduce an
Rod Barnes, Chief Executive of
ambulance vehicle preparation
Yorkshire Ambulance Service
service in two of our ambulance
NHS Trust, responded to the
stations in West Yorkshire. This is
news:
an exciting development which
“This is fantastic news for patients
and re-stocked by a dedicated
and a very welcome investment
team ready for ambulance
of £5.64 million at the Trust for our
clinicians to take out at the start of
fleet of emergency ambulances
their shifts.
been rated ‘Good’ for providing safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led services. Overall
and local healthcare facilities.
will see our ambulances cleaned
‘Good’. Following a recent inspection, the service, which is run by South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) was found to have improved, and is now rated as ‘Good’ across all five domains. The Trust provides a 24-hour telephone-based service to a population of 1.3 million people
http://www.cqc.org.uk/location/ RYF45 Ken Wenman, Chief Executive of South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted that our NHS 111 service in Dorset has been rated as ‘Good’ across the board. This is a fantastic achievement and is the result of a lot of hard work by everyone involved in delivering this
living in Dorset who need non-
service. Particular thanks must go
miles a year responding to over
“Having additional funding for
emergency medical advice over
to all NHS 111 staff and the Urgent
780,000 incidents.
these vital elements of our service
the phone. The service is free and
Care team. Congratulations to you
is a massive boost and will ensure
is supported by highly trained
all on this excellent result and thank
advisers as well as experienced
you for the excellent care that you
nurses and paramedics.
give to our patients in Dorset.”
which cover more than 14 million
our patients receive the best care “With increased demand and Ambulance Today 2p.fhmx 1/9/17 11:42 Page 1 the introduction of the new appropriate to their needs.”
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
156
As a result of the latest inspection,
Composite
For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
NEWSLINE Ruth Rankine, CQC Deputy Chief
brain injury, two epileptic seizures
Richard was put into an induced
with Ben Macauley, the paramedic
Inspector of General Practice, said:
and a broken arm. Richard made
coma by the medical team in
who attended to him on the day of
“People who call the NHS 111
a remarkable recovery and, in
order to prevent further swelling
his accident. Richard was excited
service are entitled to quick and
September 2018, will be taking
to his brain as a result of his head
to share with Ben his plan to take
easy access to healthcare advice
on the Great North Run to raise
injury. They decided he should be
on the Great North Run alongside
and information, or access to urgent
vital funds for Kent, Surrey &
flown to King’s College Hospital
his cousin in September, to
attention when that’s appropriate.
Sussex Air Ambulance which
in London, a major trauma centre
fundraise for the charity that saved
came to his rescue that day.
capable of providing the specialist
his life. As if this wasn’t enough,
care that Richard needed. He
Richard is also in the process of
“This inspection saw some excellent examples of good
When Richard, from Darlington,
remained in an induced coma for
setting up his own charity which
practice and improvements that
embarked on a London to Paris
several days before he was taken
aims to help people who have
cycling challenge with his friends
to James Cook University Hospital
suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Jon and Louise, he could never have
in Middlesbrough to continue his
anticipated how his day was going
recovery.
were now fully embedded into the running of the NHS 111 service. “I am pleased that South Western Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust has continued to build on the progress that we had identified in our previous inspections and have now achieved a ‘Good’ rating.
Former patient takes on the Great North Run for the charity that saved his life
to turn out. The team made their way
As Richard is from the North East of England he is asking
south from London Bridge, reaching
Having made such an exceptional
the people of Kent, Surrey and
Warlingham in Surrey where they
recovery, Richard said “I am so
Sussex, who could benefit from
found themselves at the summit of
grateful for the expert treatment
the services of the charity at
Succombs Hill – a notoriously steep
I received from the crew of Kent,
any time, to get behind him and
hill running down to their hotel for
Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance.
sponsor him. Richard says “None
the night.
Without their fast response and
of us ever know when we might
treatment, I don’t know if I would
need this vital service and I really
Unfortunately, Richard never
be here today. I am also really
hope that I can raise some funds,
completed the descent and fell
thankful to the dedicated teams
and awareness, for this amazing
from his bike halfway down the
at King’s College Hospital and
charity which saved my life.”
hill. A Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air
James Cook University Hospital.”
Ambulance crew was called and
Richard’s fundraising page can
Five years ago Richard McMann
the medical team (consisting of a
In May 2018, the charity welcomed
be found here:
was involved in a life-threatening
doctor and a paramedic) began
Richard to their base at Redhill
www.justgiving.com/
accident, suffering a traumatic
treating Richard at the roadside.
Aerodrome where he was reunited
fundraising/richard-mcmann
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
157 For all your equipment needs visit: www.ambulanceservicesuppliers.com
NEWSLINE SWASFT
Motorcyclist meets SWASFT lifesavers after deer collision A motorcyclist who was seriously injured in a latenight collision with a deer has been reunited with the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) paramedics who saved his life. David Lucas, 59 from Dorchester, sustained life-changing injuries when he hit the animal on the A354 as he was riding home from a work shift as a bus driver.
He said: “I’m very grateful to
999 Control Room, assessed
socket which resulted in partial
everyone involved. They’ve given
David’s condition over the phone
sight loss.
me three more years of living on
and ensured crews went to the
this earth. I must’ve had the wrong
exact location.
insurance to go through the Pearly
coma for four weeks. He SWASFT Emergency Care
remained in hospital for another
Practitioner Tony Brind (now
six weeks, before continuing his
David said he saw the animal run
retired) arrived first in a rapid
recovery at home.
across the road ahead of him,
response vehicle, followed by
before it backtracked into his path
ambulance crew Wendy Austin
He was later diagnosed with
and died on impact.
and Allan Rudd. Operations
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Officer, Mike Rowland, also
(PTSD). He has been unable to
attended the incident.
ride or work since the incident for
Gates!”
“I remember everything up until the moment of the crash. I’ve
medical reasons.
been trying to piece together what
Mike said: “The scene was
happened afterwards,” he said.
a mess, with the damaged
Mike added: “Thankfully these
motorbike and remains of the
kinds of incidents are rare. It’s
Weymouth milkman, Colin
deer on the road. David was lying
clearly had a massive impact on
Woodsford, was travelling to work
on his back, semi-conscious. He
David. But it’s been a pleasure to
when he saw the motorbike on the
really wasn’t very well.”
be able to meet up with him.” PTSD is an anxiety disorder
road. He stopped at the scene, spotted David lying in a grass
SWASFT clinicians transported
He was given a ‘50/50’ chance
verge almost 20 metres away
David to Dorset County Hospital
of survival, after being thrown
from his bike, and dialled 999.
in a critical condition. He was
from his bike on Wednesday 8 July 2015 at around 1.30am.
then transferred to Southampton “I saw some boots in the long
General Hospital with a serious
grass and went to have a look,”
head injury.
At a special event at Dorchester
he said. “It was pure luck that I
Ambulance Station on Thursday
found him. I realised he was alive,
His other injuries included two
(21 June), David thanked
but it did look pretty nasty.”
cracked ribs, a punctured lung, a
members of the SWASFT crew and the 999 caller who saved him.
David was put into an induced
ruptured spleen, a fractured collar Pippa Roncarelli, in the SWASFT
bone, and a fracture to his left eye
caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events. Someone with PTST may relive the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks. The majority of people exposed to traumatic events do experience some short-term distress, which usually resolves without the need for professional intervention. Some people with PTSD may find it difficult to control and process their emotions. They may display symptoms including shortness of breath, tight muscles, excessive sweating and raised heart rate. They may feel constantly on edge, always anxious about events repeating, and unable to remain calm in what should be manageable circumstances. More information on PTSD can be found at https://www.mind.
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
org.uk/information-support/typesof-mental-health-problems/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd#. W1coeS2ZPUJ from Mind, the mental health charity. Always call 999 in a medical emergency – when someone is Pictured (left to right): SWASFT Operations Officer for West Dorset, Mike Rowland; Patient, David Lucas; SWASFT Paramedic, Wendy Austin
158 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
NEWSLINE have really struggled, so they
YAS
helped me greatly.”
‘Miracle Man’ meets ambulance heroes
The reunion was a very proud moment for Liz and Sally, because
A man who suffered a cardiac
ambulance crews rarely find out
arrest has personally thanked
what happens to their patients
the Halifax ambulance crew
after they take them to hospital.
who helped to save his life. Liz said: “We meet people on the Neil Davidson, a Deputy Lieutenant
worst day of their life, help them
of West Yorkshire, was at home
as best as we can, take them to
when his heart stopped in the
hospital and that’s pretty much
middle of the night. His quick-
some of his heroes at Halifax
the Resuscitation Council (UK),
Ambulance Station. He was
supporting Restart a Heart Day
joined by his wife, Janice, for the
on 16 October, raising money
until the crew arrived to take over.
emotional reunion with Clinical
for charities and also raising
Supervisor Liz Cheetham and
awareness of CPR. I’m going to
Oliver, who was staying with his
paramedic Sally Tinkler.
campaign for every child in school
thinking son, Oliver, started cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and continued chest compressions
to be taught this life-saving skill.”
parents at the time, learned how
where it ends for us. Occasionally, we find out how people are getting on, but a lot of the time we never find out what’s happened, so it’s lovely that they’ve been in touch to let us know how well it’s turned out.” Sally added: “We don’t always
to perform CPR as a 15-year-old
Neil said: “They saved my life,
at Rishworth School near Sowerby
good and proper. Words can’t
Speaking about the night when
lovely to see him walking, talking
Bridge.
describe how I feel about what
Neil’s life was saved, Janice said:
and being an advocate for Restart
they did to help me to survive and
“The instructions from Yorkshire
a Heart Day. He’ll be saving lives
recover.
Ambulance Service were really
by just doing that and helping
good and concise. Without them
other people - awareness and
on the end of that phone, I would
knowledge is key really.”
Neil, who was described as ‘Miracle Man’ by doctors and nurses in hospital, has visited
“I’m now doing a lot of work with
get such a great outcome and it’s
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159 Do you have anything you would like to add or include in Newsline? Please contact us and let us know.
NEWSLINE First flight lands at life-saving new helipad
The helipad also has built-in lighting, which means that helicopters can land at any time or day or night for the first time.
The £250,000 facility has been constructed next to the ED and opened on 11 June. It has been paid for by the HELP Appeal, which is the only charity in the country dedicated to funding the construction and upgrade of hospital helipads.
Nick Hulme, chief executive of The Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, said: “This is a story about what can happen when we all work together. The idea for the new helipad came from one of our clinicians, Dr Neil Berry, who is also a flying doctor working for the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA). Our estates team and charity teams worked together with the HELP Appeal and thanks to their generous support, we have a new helipad.”
The new facility will allow hospital and ambulance teams to quickly transfer critically ill patients into the hospital, or to other specialist centres. Previously, it took between 15 and 20 minutes to reach the ED from the hospital’s old helipad, which was at the back of the field at Copleston High School.
Dr Berry, consultant anaesthetist at Ipswich Hospital and EAAA, said: “We are delighted that our new helipad is now up and running. It will allow us to transfer seriously ill patients much more quickly, in turn offering them the best possible chance of survival and recovery.
A life-saving helipad which will allow medics to transfer criticallyill patients into Ipswich Hospital’s emergency department (ED) quickly and smoothly has welcomed its first air ambulance.
“Every second is crucial when dealing with medical emergencies. In the past, there have been occasions when its has taken longer to transfer the patient from the helipad to the ED than it did to reach them at the site of the incident, so the minutes the new helipad will save could be the difference between life and death. “I am extremely proud of the medical care which is provided by the hospital and the EAAA, and am hugely grateful to the HELP Appeal for enabling us to further enhance our services by making this new helipad possible.” Robert Bertram, chief executive of the HELP Appeal said: “We go where we are needed most, and Ipswich Hospital needed our help. When a patient suffers a major trauma or serious medical emergency, a dangerous clock starts ticking, and it’s vital they receive expert care immediately. A short trolley push to the emergency department or lengthy
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
160 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
transfer to hospital after landing in an air ambulance could mean the difference between life and death.” Matthew Jones, director of operations at EAAA, said: “We are delighted to assist Ipswich Hospital with the launch of their new helipad. The helipad will substantially benefit patients who are airlifted to the hospital, as the time taken to transfer to the Emergency Department is significantly decreased thereby providing additional life-saving minutes. “We can also now deliver patients to the hospital in the hours of darkness which will give our crews more options and save precious minutes when treating a patient with life-threatening or life-changing injuries or illnesses. I would like to say a big thank you, on behalf of EAAA and all our patients, to the HELP Appeal and to Ipswich Hospital who have made the construction of this new helipad possible.”
NEWSLINE Keith, together with Christine and
Keith was taken to James Cook
Trauma and accidental incidents
his son Chris, have now been able
hospital where he was looked
rose overall, reaching 1,749,
to thank the crews personally.
after by his cardiology and
of which 736 were road traffic
anaesthetics colleagues in A&E.
collisions, which were up 20 per
The 59 year old grandfather of five
Keith later had an Implantable
cent in comparison to 2016/17.
from Stockton, who will celebrate
Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
his 60th birthday next month,
fitted and has since been able to
Stabbings and violent crime
said: “I don’t remember much
enjoy playing golf whilst on his
were also responsible for
who saved his life
about what happened but I really
road to recovery.
the rise in call outs, making
A doctor is looking forward to
of the people that saved my life
Clinical care manager and
missions throughout the year.
and thank them all in person.
paramedic Andy Dowson, who
Shockingly, stabbing incidents
Without their help and Christine
joined NEAS in 2001, said: “It has
alone rose from 78 in 2016-17,
for doing CPR it may have been
been great to see Keith again
to 135 in 2017-18.
crews who saved his life.
a very different outcome. It all
today looking much better. It was
seems surreal, like it didn’t really
definitely one of the more difficult
Geographically, West Midlands
Dr Keith Milligan, a consultant
happen.”
cardiac arrests we’ve been to and
was the most attended county
it took a while to get a pulse back
covered by Midlands Air
Speaking at the reunion Christine,
but we didn’t give up and seeing him today makes it all worthwhile.
Ambulance Charity, with 26 per
who has been married to Keith for five years, said: “I remember
The fact that Christine was able to
Keith leaning forward and saying
start CPR before our arrival made
he felt he was having a funny turn,
all the difference to Keith.”
NEAS
Doctor thanks ambulance crews for saving his life Ingelby Barwick grandfather reunites with ambulance crews
celebrating his 60th birthday with his family this month thanks to the determination of the ambulance
in anaesthesia and pain management at James Cook Hospital, was with his wife Christine at their home in Stockton when he suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed.
wanted to put faces to names
then all of a sudden he slumped
up almost seven per cent of
Red Cross ambulance technician
Christine, a retired nurse, rushed
in his chair and I knew that I had
to his side and called 999 and
to do something. I immediately
with support from a NEAS call
rang 999 and started doing
handler she began CPR, keeping
compressions on his chest.
arrest I have been to. It has been
body to supply his brain and vital
“At that moment I just thought
again and to be able to send the
organs with oxygen, until the
there isn’t anyone here to help
arrival of the ambulance crews.
me so I have to put my emotions
the blood flowing around Keith’s
aside and do the best I could First on scene were Red Cross
for him. It wasn’t until the
crew Nathan Thornton and
crews arrived that I realised the
Jessica Robinson, quickly
seriousness of the situation and I
followed by North East Ambulance
thought I had lost him.
Service clinical care managers Andy Dowson and Mark Harvey.
“The quick response and the
Together they helped Keith,
exceptional care and skills the
shocking him a total of 13 times
emergency crews showed on that
with a defibrillator before he came
day saved my husband’s life and
round in the ambulance.
ultimately kept our family together.”
Nathan Thornton added: “Keith’s cardiac arrest was the first cardiac an absolute pleasure to see Keith end result of the work we do.” Keith and Christine are keen to promote the importance of having CPR skills and have donated £300 to the North East Ambulance Service Charitable Funds to go towards installing a public defibrillator in their area as well as donating £300 to the British Red Cross.
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Missions up by 23 per cent
cent of incidents taking place in the location. 79.2 per cent and 20.2 per cent of incidents were activated due to trauma and medical respectively, with the remaining 0.5 per cent transfer operations. Ian Roberts, air operations manager for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “It’s clear from these statistics that the need for the support of the critical care paramedics and doctors on board our helicopters and rapid response vehicles is on the increase, which is why we are constantly looking to improve our operational and clinical services to ensure we can keep saving lives every day. “The skilled aircrew, together with state of the art equipment and helicopters, ensure a patient’s chances of survival are vastly increased. Our CCPs are trained to Master’s degree
attended 23 per cent more
level, which is reflected in their
missions in the last 12 months
forward thinking and quick
than in the previous year, as
actions on every mission they
well as attending its 50,000th
undertake.”
mission in March 2018. To find out more about the The total number of incidents rose
charity’s leading clinical work, visit
from 1,792 in 2016-17, to 2200 in
midlandsairambulance.com/
the financial year from 2017-18.
clinical.
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity
161 Life Connections - The Affordable CPD Provider: www.lifeconnections.uk.com
NEWSLINE SCAS
Public raise £700 towards ambulance man’s stolen bike
Central region, staff from other
A cheque for £700 has
On receiving the money from his
been handed over to SCAS Emergency Care Assistant, Rob Blakley to put towards a new
emergency services across the UK and even from as far afield as Australia.
Team Leader, Sam Brown, and Clinical Operations Manager for South East Hampshire, Mark
bike.
Roberts, Rob said:
All the money was raised through
“This whole situation, although
a Crowdfunder appeal online after Rob’s custom-built NS Soda bike (worth around £1,500) was stolen on the night of 15 May whilst Rob was working in the Portsmouth
upsetting and frustrating, has been heartwarming and
EEAST
Life-saving equipment Louth colleagues installed across Leigh receive recognition for their collaboration Academies Trust Colleagues from Louth Ambulance Station have won an award in ‘Partnership Working’ to recognise the positive collaborative outcomes they have achieved through working together effectively since moving into the joint Fire and Ambulance Station on Eastfield Road in Louth.
humbling; not only to myself but for every other member of the ambulance service I have
and South East Hampshire Area
spoken to. Everyone is amazed
answering emergency 999 calls.
and genuinely taken back by the public response – it really does
The bike was Rob’s only mode
restore some faith in humanity
of transport from his home in the
and reminds us all of why we do
Isle of Wight to his work base at
the job in the first place.”
SCAS’ North Harbour Resource Centre in Portsmouth. Whilst
Rob has been kindly loaned
it was insured, the policy only
another bike to enable him to
covered theft from Rob’s home
still get to and from work and
– a fact he only found out after
the donations from the public
its lock was cut off and the bike
will enable him to afford a good
stolen by a gang of three using a
quality replacement of his own;
white transit van.
one that will be able to withstand the numerous miles and all
The donation, the idea for which
weathers Rob will put it through to
came from local people on
get to and from work.
hearing of Rob’s plight in The News, on Wave 105 FM and on
The fee charged by Crowdfunder
social media, was made up of
was covered by a colleague
contributions from members of
of Rob’s so that every penny
the public as well as colleagues
donated online has gone directly
from other areas of the South
to him.
The joint station was officially opened by MP Victoria Atkins on the 17 November 2017 as part of the national approach to blue light organisations (police, fire and NHS ambulance) working more closely together. Since the move, colleagues have been working and training alongside each other as well as strengthening their relationships through social events and gatherings. Michael Collins, Duty Operations Manager for the East of Lincolnshire said: “Colleagues at Louth station have embraced the station move and are working and training effectively together. This collaboration strengthens the working relationships between the two services and enables them to work efficiently at the scene of an incident, which ultimately benefits the patient and saves lives. “I am very proud of my team; it’s great they are receiving recognition for their actions.”
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
Clinical Support Mentor Di Moncaster, Paramedics Gemma Loveday , Brett Forman and Annabelle Riggall and Technician Vicky Butler are representing the station and collecting their award at an awards evening held by Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue at The Dower House Hotel in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire. L - R: Rob Blakley, Sam Brown, Mark Roberts
SECAMB
You can follow their evening on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
162 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
Pupils attending Leigh Academies Trust (LAT) schools are now safer, thanks to the installation of defibrillators at all the Trust’s 17 sites. Supported by South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) Critical Care Paramedic, Dave Hawkins, the Trust invested in the equipment which can be used to restart a person’s heart in the event of a cardiac arrest. In England, ambulance services attempt resuscitation on approximately 28,000 people each year of whom less than 10 per cent survive. Sadly some 270 children die every year of sudden cardiac arrest at school. Schools are not required by law to keep a defibrillator on site, but such devices can be life-saving in critical situations. The sooner a patient in cardiac arrest is treated with good CPR and where appropriate, a shock from a defibrillator, the greater their chance of survival. Staff at all of LAT’s academies have been trained in the use of the defibrillators, which will only deliver a shock if it is required. Emergency Operations Centre staff will also provide clear instructions over the phone. SECAmb CCP Dave said: “It’s fantastic that Leigh Academies Trust has installed defibrillators on each of their sites. I hope that other schools, colleges, community groups and places of work, follow this example. When someone is in cardiac arrest the sooner they receive CPR and potentially a shock from a defibrillator, the greater their chance of survival.” Leigh Academies Trust Business Controller Jack Taylor said: “We are delighted with the support and guidance provided by Dave to implement these life-saving devices in all our Academies. The decision to provide them was made through our Trust Health and Safety Committee so that we continue to ensure the safety and welfare of all our young people, employees and visitors.”
IN PERSON SCAS News
SCAS Community First Responder recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours List Mike Jukes, a volunteer community first responder (CFR) in Bransgore (situated in the New Forest) since 2005 has been recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List, with a British Empire Medal for Services to Emergency Response and Fundraising. Mike has been a volunteer community first responder (CFR) in his local area, Bransgore, since 2005, responding to appropriate emergency medical incidents. In addition to this he is also the Bransgore CFR scheme coordinator looking after the team of other local volunteer responders. Will Hancock SCAS CEO said ‘Mike is an excellent ambassador for South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) and has worked tirelessly in his local area bringing the community together. Over the past 12 years Mike has been an inspirational character not only in his commitment to the CFR role responding to emergency incidents but also as a successful fundraiser and education provider. As a volunteer he embraces the Trust’s core values of Caring, Teamwork, Professionalism and Innovation. He has been an exemplary role model and we send our huge congratulations to Mike on this well deserved achievement’.
are facing a medical emergency and to be
to lead health boards comes after a senior
able to offer initial help and care before the
management career in the IT industry.
ambulance arrives. I was speechless when I heard news of this award and I am proud
He said: “Being appointed the new Chair of the
and humbled to be recognised for doing
Scottish Ambulance Service is a huge honour and
something that is so rewarding in itself.”
I am extremely excited to be leading the Board of such an important national organisation.
EEAST News
Non-executive board member steps down
“I join at a time where innovation and positive
A Non-Executive Board Member of the East
improve the care we are delivering for people
of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust
across Scotland.
Ambulance Service and I am really looking forward to working with our staff to further
has stepped down after three years in post. “In my view, we can play a bigger and even more Hertfordshire-based member Tony McLean left the Trust at the end of June (2018) owing to
vital role within the NHS in Scotland and I will be championing the fantastic work which is being
other commitments outside of his Trust role.
undertaken by our staff with all of our partners,
Tony said: “It has been my great privilege to
Service to make a positive difference to people’s
serve the Trust and I will look on in pride to see it grown from strength to strength, knowing I
whilst looking for new opportunities for the lives and improve the experience for our patients.
played a small part in its development.”
“It is a privilege being appointed the new Chair
Tony began his career in Nursing and trained
alongside our staff and partners in making the
as a General Nurse, Psychiatric Nurse and Health Visitor before moving into general management and eventually becoming a NHS Trust CEO, managing community mental health and learning disability trusts in the South and East Anglia. He has also worked in the independent sector as a CEO and Executive Chairman and has run a number of other large healthcare businesses across the UK and Scotland.
In responding to the news of his award Mike said ‘‘It is an honour and a privilege to serve the community in this area at times when they
change is already underway within the Scottish
Sarah Boulton, Chair of the Trust, added: “Tony has been a valued member of the Board for the past three years and we value his experience, knowledge and contribution. We wish him all the best.”
and I am really looking forward to working Scottish Ambulance Service the very best it can be.” Chief Executive Pauline Howie said she was delighted Tom Steele had agreed to lead the organisation. She added: “Leading the Scottish Ambulance Service requires dedication and a steady hand – qualities I am sure Tom will bring, especially as we move forward to meet the health and social care challenges facing services across the UK. On behalf of all our staff I would like to welcome Tom and wish him well for the future.” Tom Steele replaces the previous Chair David Garbutt. David, who served as Chair of the Scottish Ambulance Service for nine years, has been appointed Chair of NHS Education
SAS News
The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport Shona Robison has appointed a new Chair to lead the Scottish Ambulance Service. Tom Steele, who takes up his new role today, joins the Service after serving as a NonExecutive Director of NHS Lanarkshire and a member of the South Lanarkshire Integrated
in Scotland.
“I join at a time where innovation and positive change is already underway within the Scottish Ambulance Service and I am really looking forward to working with our staff to further improve the care we are delivering for people across Scotland.”
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
Newly Scottish Ambulance Service Chair appointed
Joint Board since 2014. His work in helping
163 Do you have anything you would like to add or include? Please contact us and let us know.
IN PERSON EEAST News
New executive joins the Board Paramedic Tracy Nicholls has been
Paramedics and is now the first female
Yvonne Ormston, Chief Executive of NEAS,
paramedic to be working at this influential
said: “We are really looking forward to
level. Well done Tracy and congratulations to
welcoming Peter to the organisation and
the East of England Ambulance Service. We
feel very confident that through his positive
look forward to working ever closer together in
leadership, NEAS will go from strength to
the future.”
strength.
appointed as Director of Clinical Quality and Improvement at East of England Ambulance Service. Tracy, a Fellow and Vice Chairman of the College of Paramedics, will be the first female paramedic on any ambulance service board in
“Peter is a very people-centred person and
NEAS News
Council of Governors appoint new NEAS chairman Peter Strachan welcomed to new post
the country. A new chairman has been appointed by
Tracy said: “I relish the opportunity to drive quality and improvement across the organisation and look forward to seeing staff ideas on improving patient care come to fruition across all directorates. I have been with the organisation a long time and have seen exceptional delivery of care time and time again and know that the focus on patients will remain, despite the challenges that may come our way.
the Council of Governors at North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. Governors confirmed the appointment of Peter Strachan at a special meeting held on 17 April. This follows the resignation of the Trust’s Chairman, the late Ashley Winter OBE, who sadly passed away following a short illness. Mr Strachan, a graduate of Durham University,
“Without the opportunity provided by Robert and the Trust Board and support from NHSI, this would not have been possible. This reflects the growth of the paramedic profession and the multi-disciplinary way in which it has evolved. I am sure that these opportunities will only grow, not only for paramedics, but for many allied health professions.”
returns to the North East from Scotland to join
this, together with his tremendous skills and experience, makes him a great asset to NEAS and the wider NHS in the North East”. As an NHS Foundation Trust, NEAS has around 12,000 public and staff members who elect governors to a council that holds the Board of Directors to account and is responsible for appointing the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors. Mr Strachan added, “It’s a great privilege to be appointed to chair the North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. I’m very much looking forward to making a difference to the communities and people of the North East through the vital role the Ambulance Service plays in the healthcare of the region.
the ambulance service after a career in the
“I’ve been really impressed by the commitment
railway industry, latterly as chairman of UK
of the team and dedication for our patients
Rail and managing director of the Caledonian
throughout the organisation, and I believe my
Sleeper for Serco PLC. He has also served
passion for service improvement will allow
in senior roles with Network Rail and the
the Trust to build on the very high standards
Department for Transport. Mr Strachan has
already achieved.”
strong links and family ties to the region. He will join the Trust in June.
Lead Governor, Michael Glickman, welcomed
Robert Morton, EEAST Chief Executive said: “This breaks new ground for paramedics as she is the only paramedic to undertake this quality and improvement role on a board in any ambulance trust currently. “We are really pleased that Tracy was successful, after a highly competitive recruitment, to come through as our preferred candidate for appointment. Tracy’s progression from PTS to Board Director over 24 years is testament to her passion and commitment to quality and improvement.” AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
Gerry Egan. Chief Executive of the College of Paramedics said: “This is an inspirational and visionary appointment by Robert Morton and the Board of EEAST, which marks a great step forward in terms of paramedics working on Ambulance Trust Boards. “Tracy is without doubt one of the most
NEAS Chairman Peter Strachan
inspirational leaders in the College of
164 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
IN PERSON the appointment having been closely involved
pleased that the organisation had been able
group directions and then provided training
in the selection process. He said, “We
to appoint Jason, given the high calibre of
to paramedics so that they can administer
are confident that Peter will provide strong
candidates.
the four commonly used ‘Just in Case’ medications. Paramedics also have access
leadership whilst being responsive to the needs of staff and patients.”
WAS News
New Chief Executive for Welsh Ambulance Service
“There was an exceptionally strong field for this
to specialist resources produced by the
post, which is testament to the regard in which
team and have been trained to help patients
the Welsh Ambulance Service is now held.
manage symptoms such as breathlessness in advanced cancer.
“Jason is an experienced and respected leader in ambulance services, both in this country and
Rachel Armitage, Managing Director at
abroad. He brings with him a wide range of
RCNi, said, “The RCNi panel of professional
We are delighted to announce that we
leadership and transformational skills, coupled
judges voted Lynn Dunne as a finalist
have appointed Jason Killens as the new
with an engaging and lively approach which, I
because of her incredible story and because
Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance
have no doubt, will make a positive impact on
of the impact she has had on people with
Service.
the organisation and across NHS Wales more
cancer. With the nursing shortage high on
broadly.
the national agenda, it’s important that we give nurses like Lynn the recognition they
Jason is currently Chief Executive at the South Australia Ambulance Service, with
“The Board has endorsed Jason’s
deserve, and we look forward to celebrating
much of his career spent at the London
appointment and I’m sure you will join with us
her work at the awards.”
Ambulance Service, where he progressed
in welcoming him to our organisation.” The RCNi Nurse Awards identify and
through the ranks from Emergency Medical Technician to Executive Director of
A start date for Jason is yet to be agreed and
celebrate nurses who, every day, go
Operations.
will be shared once it has been finalised.
above and beyond to save lives, provide outstanding care for patients and transform
Speaking about his appointment, Jason said he was delighted to be joining the Welsh Ambulance Service at an exciting time in the organisation’s development. “The Welsh Ambulance Service has been on an impressive journey of transformation in the last few years, but I recognise there is much more to do to realise the true potential of the organisation. “That’s an exciting proposition for me, leading an organisation which is committed to punching well above its weight, both as a leading ambulance service on the global stage and also as a key player in the wider unscheduled care system in Wales. “I am looking forward to joining you in the early autumn and will be working with the Executive Team on a plan to engage with as many of you as possible when I arrive.” Interim Chair, Martin Woodford, said he was
SWAST News
Cornish cancer nurse makes finals of UK’s top National Nursing Awards Cornish cancer nurse, Lynn Dunne, who works for South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, has been announced as a finalist in the 2018 RCNi Nurse Awards, the UK’s most prestigious nursing accolade. Lynn is a key member of a pioneering project between Macmillan Cancer Support and the Trust to improve and promote best practice in cancer, palliative and end of life care when patients have to access urgent and emergency care services predominantly
nursing practice for the better. Just five inspirational finalists for each award category have been chosen from more than 700 entries and Lynn is a finalist in the Cancer Nursing Award category. The hunt for Britain’s nursing heroes started back in December 2017, led by Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway. Kate Garraway, RCNi Nurse Awards Ambassador 2018, said, “The 2018 RCNi Nurse Award finalists are all incredible. So often nurses don’t get the recognition they deserve and I can’t wait to celebrate their hard work and dedication at the ceremony – if it was up to me I’d crown them all as winners.”
through 999. As a Macmillan cancer care development facilitator, part of Lynn’s role is enabling paramedics to improve symptom control ensuring they can remain in their own homes where appropriate. Patients in rural areas who have difficulty engaging with primary care services or who are not covered by an out-of-hours community nursing service were being taken to hospital when medications had run out, or for symptoms which could be addressed at home. Lynn and fellow
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
for patients with cancer or at the end of life,
project team colleague, Louise Pennington worked collaboratively to produce patient
165 Do you have anything you would like to add or include? Please contact us and let us know.
IN PERSON EEAST News
EMAS News
New Non-Executive appointed to The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust
EMAZING East Coast Paramedic Stuart Speed retires after 26 years
The East of England Ambulance Service
has retired after serving 26 years in the
NHS Trust (EEAST) has appointed Ravi
Lincolnshire Paramedic Stuart Speed ambulance service.
Mahendra as the new Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee
Stuart started his ambulance career in 1992
- Ravi will function as one of the decision-
following his service in the military, joining as
making body for the organisation.
a Patient Transport Assistant. Two years later he progressed into a Trainee Technician role and three years later in 1997 he qualified as a paramedic and never looked back; ending his career at Skegness Ambulance Station where it all began. Within his career he has mentored and helped progress many of our new clinicians, provided colleague support when they needed it the most, delivered seven babies into the world and saved and touched the lives of many patients and their families.
He said: “There are a few jobs I have attended that stay with me. I once attended a gentleman who had a heart attack two weeks before he was due to get married. I and my crew mate treated him and got him into hospital to have a pacemaker fitted. He was able to get married two weeks later. “I see him and his wife in the area; it reminds me that I have had a worthwhile and rewarding career.” Sue Cousland, General Manager for Lincolnshire said: “It was a real pleasure and privilege to see Stuart on his penultimate shift before he heads off for a very happy and healthy retirement. Despite having only met Stuart on a couple of occasions, his smile seems to be a permanent one! It is testament to Stuart’s dedication and professionalism as he appears to be well liked and respected by everyone you speak to. “Have a great retirement Stuart and a huge thank you from us, for all you have done for fellow staff members and the patients you have come into contact with over your 26 years
He said: “I have seen lots of changes and
in the service. You will be very much missed on
advances in clinical practice in my time with
the East Coast”
the ambulance service. I have met and treated thousands of patients, some of whom I will
Stuart is planning to spend his retirement
never forget. “
ticking off adventures from his bucket list, including a trip to America and pursing his
Ravi Mahendra
Ravi has over 18 years’ extensive experience
Stuart added that he has enjoyed every minute
passion for motor flying with his brother.
of serving the public and loves to see people in his area whose lives he has had an impact
We wish him a healthy and happy retirement
upon. One job in particular sticks with him.
#EMAZINGStaff #PrideinEMAS
operating at board level within the financial sector working with businesses such as AIG Genworth Financial and General Electric. Ravi’s last executive role was as Finance Director for Global Insurer AIG. where he worked at board level to develop strategy and finance leadership across 90 countries. Ravi who is based in Watford now joins the Trust with a real eagerness to learn something new AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
while also use his experience in the private and financial sector to help EEAST move forward. Ravi said “ As Audit Committee chair, what I would like to do is help the organisation reach better governance and improve financial controls. I want to help the trust plan for the future and make EEAST one of the, if not the best ambulance trusts in the country. “
Stuart Speed photographed with General Manager Sue Cousland and East coast colleagues
166 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
COMPANY NEWS Ruth Lee Ltd are well-known in
Realistic Training – All Shapes and Sizes
the paramedic community and have supplied general handling and patient handling manikins for many years. We also have a range
Patients come in all shapes and sizes and therefore when completing training, it makes sense to make your scenario as realistic as possible using a variety of sizes and weights – including bariatric.
of bariatric manikins which have
Are ambulance teams prepared
Prepare with effective training
been designed to allow teams to prepare effective extrication methods which put personnel and patients at minimal risk of injury when moving and transporting heavier individuals.
for bariatric casualties? At Ruth Lee Ltd we want to make It’s no secret that obesity amongst
sure that we are supplying teams
the UK population is on the rise
with the best possible training
– but did you know that obesity
equipment. Our bariatric manikins
is one of the biggest strains on
come in 3 sizes, 90kg, 180kg and
Government funding? According
260kg. The lighter manikin, whilst
to the Department of Health, they
not ‘strictly’ a bariatric provides
confirmed that it spends more
the bulk of an obese patient
each year on the treatment of
without excessive weight. Where
obesity related ill-health (a total of
which means that one trainer can
Bariatric Carry Sheet, a standard
easier training set up is required,
£5.1 billion in 2014/15) than the
set up the rescue scenario on
Bariatric Carry Sheet, plus 2 Body
we have also designed a Water-
government does on “the police,
their own with minimal lifting and
Slings. Our Carry Sheet have
fillable Bariatric Suit which allows
handling risk.
been tested to destruction and
fire service and judicial system
you to transform a Duty Manikin
combined”.
into a bariatric. Teams can place
In order to further promote safe
sheets have been designed to
the bariatric in a confined space,
lifting and handling we can
allow a minimum of 6 people to
This is a shocking statistic and
such as a small bathroom, and
provide a range of bariatric carry
assist with lifting and are a useful
one which poses an important
then add the required weight
sheets and a Bariatric Evacuation
addition to your ambulance
question - what additional
using water. It’s a simple process,
Kit which contains a Super
equipment.
are LOLER certified. All of these
demands are being put on ambulance crews when it comes to treating plus-sized casualties? Often, bariatric casualties are prisoners of their own bodies and with this in mind, they will often require assistance when it comes to hospital visits and emergencies. Ambulance crews are therefore seeing an increasing number of bariatric patients and a requirement to help move them safely. AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
Training for a heavy-weight problem With the prevalence of obesity increasing it’s important that HART and general ambulance crews prepare plans for bariatric casualties. Training with manikins is one of the best ways of preparing for this scenario.
167 For all your equipment needs visit: www.ambulanceservicesuppliers.com
COMPANY NEWS Rescroft Ltd
BOC Healthcare
Bluelight UK
Rescroft is a well known name in the emergency services sector.
BOC Healthcare supply a range of medical gases and service solutions to support healthcare practitioners and patients. Our lightweight, integral valve cylinders demonstrate BOC’s unrivalled commitment to improving ambulance crew performance, reducing costs, and optimising patient care.
When Bluelight UK Ltd first opened in 2003 there were a handful of converters, building ambulances for the public sector. The used vehicle market was buoyant with many new private ambulance services coming on board. At the turn of the millennium most of the services were able to use C1 category vehicles as most of the staff were exNHS Trust and the preferred choice was the 5 cylinder Mercedes Sprinter modular box ambulance, built by UVM, MacNeillie or Wilker. Non-C1 vehicles (van conversions) were in use by St John Ambulance and Red Cross.
Based in Redditch, Worcestershire, they are a key seating supplier to the majority of blue light vehicle builders and convertors throughout the UK as well as producing specialist seats for customers in both Europe and Asia. Founded in 1976, they employ over a hundred people who are involved in the design, manufacture and supply of a range of products that are fitted into various blue light and
BOC offers a wide range of
emergency services vehicles.
emergency care equipment designed for use by medical
The CT Lite Duo has now been
professionals and appropriately
fitted as a rear facing attendant
trained first aid personnel
seat by a number of authorities and offers a lightweight solution for use by attendants, passengers or smaller children requiring a harness belt configuration. The
including AEDs, pulse oximeters and our LIFELINE oxygen kit. ENTONOX is a ready-to-use
seat can be fitted on a sliding base
medical gas mixture of 50%
to help with cleaning at the rear.
nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen that
With the emission charges coming into force, the cost of new vehicles and the increased cost of labour (drivers with HGV license) many of the private ambulance services saw a cost saving in adding B license vehicles to their fleets.
provides rapid, safe and effective Their Levl seat, a swivelling
short-term pain relief. Key features
With the limitations a van
stretcher seat, is fitted in many
include:
conversion under 3.5 tonnes brings
vehicles and a specially adapted belt was recently introduced to make the seat more comfortable for younger passengers. Other popular products include the Winga and Plica tip and turn seats and the Defender Titan, an M1 standard passenger seat. All products are fully compliant to current legislation. Rescroft are currently refurbishing their in house AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
test rig which will help them with the design and development of new products in the future and will allow them to continue working with manufacturers and carrying out fully witnessed in vehicle seat belt anchorage testing.
it is essential to make the vehicle as • Predictable and reliable analgesia, • Effective pain relief and sedative effect without loss of consciousness,
lightweight and robust as possible as well providing a comfortable environment for the patient. It is just as important to provide good, clean open space for the crew, after all this is their office.
• Rapid onset and offset, which can lead to savings through reduced treatment time and increased patient turnaround, • Easy, self-regulated administration, • Minimal side-effects BOC Healthcare 24 hour Customer Service Centre
Further details of all the Rescroft
0800 111 333
products can be found on their
Email:
website at www.rescroft.com
bochealthcare-uk@boc.com
168 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
Bluelight UK and Renault Trucks have been developing concepts over the past few years and are pleased to bring two new vehicles to the market later this year. The first project is a multi-purpose van conversion using an “all-new design” for patient transport movements. This vehicle will ultimately converted in Belfast with partners Gray & Adams and will offer an array of layouts to cater for stretchered patients of all sizes and wheelchairs. Details will be available soon. The second project is a 3.5 tonne box body Renault Master A&E Baus AT conversion which can be uprated to 3.9 tonnes GVW. Built on a chassis platform this lightweight conversion will provide the extra space required the increasing needs of a modern ambulance service. Both projects will be covered by Renault Trucks 3 year 100,000 mile warranty and covered by “out-ofhours” services which is essential for any operator needing to maximise the use of their new assets. As there is currently a shortage of good quality used HDU ambulances, Bluelight UK continues to order new vehicles built to HDU specifications. If you are interested in providing a quality product for your clients from a company with a proven track record, contact sales@bluelightuk.co.uk for more information or call the office on 01942 888800
COMPANY NEWS
East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust is recruiting now to the following roles: • Paramedics • Newly qualified paramedics • Emergency medical technicians
For more information, please contact the Recruitment Team on 01234 243200 or to apply visit: AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
eastamb.nhs.uk
169
AUK_August_AUK_August_2013 11/10/2013 10:53 Page 254
THE CLASSIFIED SITE For For further further information make information or or to to make aa reservation reservation please please contact contact
Terry Terry or or Brenda Rachel Tel: Tel: 01322 01322 660434 660434 Fax: Fax: 01322 666539 email:
info@mediapublishing info@mediapublishing company.com or by post to: Media Media House, 48 High Street 48 Swanley Swanley KentBR8 BR88BQ BQ Kent
Life Connections 2014 Exmed Study Day
Theme: Difficult Airway Course EMS™ – An introduction Thursday 15TH May 2014 Kettering Conference Centre, Kettering NN15 6PB
AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST
170
TIME: A.M
PRESENTATION
TIME: P.M
08.30 - 09.00
Registration
12.00 - 12.30
09.00 - 09.15
Introduction & History of the Course
09.15 - 09.45
The Airway Algorithms
12.30 - 13.30
09-45 - 10.30
Prediction of the Difficult Airway
13.30 - 14.00
10.30 - 11.15
BVM and Laryngoscopy
11.15 - 11.30
Tea/Coffee, Exhibition
11.30 - 12.00
Skills Stations (4 rotations/30 min. each)
PRESENTATION Skill Stations Rotation 2 Lunch, Exhibition Skill Stations Rotation 3
14.00 - 14.30
Skill Stations Rotation 4
Group 1
BVM, ETI
14.30 - 14.45
Group 2
EGD’s & Rescue Airways
14.45 - 15.00
Group 3
Needle & Surgical Airway
15.00 - 17.00
Group 4
Video Laryngoscopy
17.00
Airway Self Scope Video Tea/Coffee, Exhibition Practical Moulages Wrap up
Topics and Speakers correct at the time of press but may be subject to change
CPD certificate provider
Delegate Rate: £72.00 (inc VAT) includes: delegate bag, refreshments and the opportunity to visit over 60 trade stands.
Only 7 places remain available!!
To register call 01322 660434 or visit:
www.lifeconnections.uk.com For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
PARAMEDICS - SOUTH WEST £23,023 to £36,644 pa (plus unsocial hours payment)* Join us and you’ll find an Ambulance Service that understands the better we look after you, the better equipped you’ll be to look after our patients. We are passionate about providing care closer to home and equip all of our staff with the training, support and skills they need to deliver a higher level of care, enabling more of our patients to be treated without conveyance to hospital. And we want a better future for you too. Our career framework supports our paramedics to develop specialist or managerial careers, with the progression of many of our current staff testament to our commitment to internal progression and career development Whether you crave a coastal location, the best of the British countryside or the historic cities of Cheltenham, Bath and Bristol (to name but a few), you really will find a better lifestyle outside of work here in the beautiful South West. • • • •
The most clinically advanced Trust within the UK Permanent and bank opportunities available One of the most beautiful parts of the country Lowest conveyance rate in the UK
Let us look after you better. For your next career move visit www.betterparamedic.co.uk
• A better work-life balance • Dedicated staff support service • Structured career pathways
/swasFT * Depending on qualification/ registration status
Better you, Better everybody. WORKING WONDERS Join Us.