Volume 30 No. 6
December 2015
DEDICATED TO THE AMBULANCE SERVICE AND ITS SUPPLIERS
In this issue Life Connections 2015 Review Make UK Roads Safer
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS 289
EDITOR’S COMMENT
290
FEATURES
290 Make UK Roads Safer
292 Understanding Groups - Working in Teams
Ambulance UK This issue edited by: Barry Johns c/o Media Publishing Company 48 High Street SWANLEY BR8 8BQ ADVERTISING & CIRCULATION: Media Publishing Company Media House, 48 High Street
293
Life After the Death of Airwave
SWANLEY, Kent, BR8 8BQ
296
Life Connections 2015 Review
E: info@mediapublishingcompany.com
= lives. use minutes 300 NEWSLINE
SM
Tel: 01322 660434 Fax: 01322 666539 www.ambulanceukonline.com PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY: February, April, June, August,
321
IN PERSON
323
THE CLASSIFIED SITE
October, December COPYRIGHT: Media Publishing Company
nt outcomes. The LIFENET® System and the LIFEPAK® 15 e more effective monitoring and care for STEMI and cardiac d dependably share 12-lead ECG reports, cardiac arrest data, tor/defibrillator. This information can speed up the care cycle, our equipment. The 15 combines clinical and operational noninvasive integrated monitoring of CO andyou 360-joule When you respond to emergencies, need the energy. most advanced monitor/
COVER STORY
defibrillator that sets the new standard in innovation, operations and toughness. The pioneer in portable defibrillation and monitoring technology, Physio-Control is committed to creating technologies and devices that change the way you provide emergency care.
Media House 48 High Street SWANLEY, Kent, BR8 8BQ PUBLISHERS STATEMENT: The views and opinions expressed in this issue are not necessarily those of the Publisher, the Editors or Media Publishing Company. Next Issue February 2015 Subscription Information – December 2015 Ambulance UK is available through
The LIFEPAK 15 device balances sophisticated clinical technologies and supreme ease of use in a device that’s tough enough to stand up to your most challenging environments. The LIFENET System and the LIFEPAK 15 monitor/ defibrillator work together to help your system provide more effective monitoring and care for STEMI and cardiac arrest patients. The 15 continuously monitors all 12 leads in the background and alerts you to changes using the ST-Segment trend monitoring feature, after acquiring the initial 12-lead. Additionally, STJ values are now included on the 12-lead printout to help you identify changes.
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AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
The 15 also works seamlessly with the web-based LIFENET System 5.0, so you can automatically share critical patient data with multiple patient care teams. The LIFENET® System is a comprehensive cloud-based platform that helps teams work more efficiently. Share critical patient data to help care teams reduce time-to-treatment for STEMI patients. Request a remote cardiology consult through the dedicated LIFENET Consult app. Rapidly distribute post-event review data to crews immediately after a code. Manage LIFEPAK device software and configuration fleet wide from a single website. The LIFENET System provides innovative tools to help teams work as efficiently as possible.
287 Do you have anything you would like to add or include? Please contact us and let us know.
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EDITOR’S COMMENT
EDITOR’S COMMENT Welcome to the December edition of Ambulance UK, and it hardly seems possible that another 12 months have passed by, and we are again, about to enter the special festive period of Christmas and New year – as mentioned in previous editorials, the current NHS NHS/Ambulance headlines certainly have a ‘Deja vous’ feel about them, as the Service braces itself for the on-set of operational winter pressures.
Add to the above ‘menu of pressures’, the potential for major serious incidents, similar to those recently witnessed at various venues in Paris – (it is an extremely sobering thought, that on the same day as the terrorist attacks in France (13th November 2015), 115,000 people were killed worldwide, as a result of either natural or man-made events). It is therefore hardly surprising that the service is one under severe pressure and straining at the seams. I have often referenced that the current system is no longer sustainable, and a real paradigm shift in thinking is required in determining what is the role of a modern day pre-hospital emergency medical service, and in doing so, endeavour to break out from this constant ‘pressure cooker’ and the ‘default setting’, whereby the ambulance service is always the point of last resort. It is against this ‘backdrop’ that we are fortunate that we regularly witness within the Newsline section of each edition of Ambulance UK, the impressive work consistently undertaken by all the Services, together with the outstanding individual and team performances that make a real difference to so many patients. It is therefore, about restoring the balance within the service, and aiming to see that perhaps the sole focus should only be on those Red 1 and Red 2 emergency calls, where potentially life is at risk. This time of the year traditionally brings extra demands and pressures on the Services, and as the festive season gathers momentum, it is important to ensure that innovative ways of working are maximised to provide the best possible level of clinical care to the patients. However, as always, we move forward into 2016 with renewed optimism and an expectation that innovation, partnership working, application of technology and a continuation in the paradigm shift of delivering improved home care services for those patients with long term conditions and less serious illness/injury, will eventually ease the existing pressures on both the acute and ambulance sectors – but the fundamental question remains - will it? Despite the above, the UK Ambulance services have a lot to celebrate, and that is why the policy makers need to undertake a radical re-think in order to ensure that the service remains, both operationally and clinically, the best in the World. On behalf of everyone at Ambulance UK, may I take this opportunity of wishing you, your family, colleagues and friends, a very enjoyable and peaceful Christmas, as well as a prosperous and healthy New Year.
Barry Johns, Co-Editor Ambulance UK
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
“We regularly witness within the Newsline section of each edition of Ambulance UK, the impressive work consistently undertaken by all the Services, together with the outstanding individual and team performances that make a real difference to so many patients.”
Increased emergency demands (up by 25% in some services), consistent failure by most services to meet the key emergency response performance standards, shortfall in the number of ambulance paramedics (with large recruitment drives being undertaken overseas) the scale of the unprecedented financial deficit within the NHS system, health policy changes in moving to a 24/7 NHS, a continuing austerity environment, public sector pay restraint and even proposed industrial action by our Junior doctors on three dates in December, all of which, continue to drive and dominate the day-to-day domestic agenda.
289 For all your equipment needs visit: www.ambulanceservicesuppliers.com
FEATURE
MAKE UK ROADS SAFER SUPPORT FAST TRACKING OF SLEEP DISORDER SLEEP MATTERS - Sleep Apnoea News Few people will be aware of the condition ‘obstructive sleep apnoea
Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is particularly common amongst
syndrome’ (OSAS) which I have recently been diagnosed having
middle -aged men, especially those who are overweight (but it can also
had no idea that I was suffering with it! The main symptom of the
affect anyone, male or female and of different age groups). Studies
condition is ‘snoring’ which during 2014 became a major issue for
have shown that when a driver with untreated OSAS gets behind the
me and my wife. I was referred to a clinical investigation unit for tests
wheel of a vehicle, they are 3 to 9 times more likely to have an accident
which revealed I was suffering with a severe form of the condition
which is more likely to be of increased severity.
with an Apnoea Hourly Incident (AHI) occurring 51 times an hour. The sleep clinic issued me with a CPAP (Continuous Positive Air
Professor John Stradling, a member of the OSA Partnership Group and
Pressure) unit to treat the OSAS which drastically improved the
author of the campaign paper, has spent his career working with sleep
quality of life 100% for me and my wife. I now enjoy a quality 7 to 8 hours sleep every night - no getting out to the loo 5 or 6 times - I have more energy - no longer feel tired and washed out - it is also helping to lower my blood pressure and my skin is now properly hydrated. Basically, I did not realise how unwell I had become! I have a link with the clinic should I have any problems and my condition is reviewed, at the moment, every 3mths which will extend to 6mths and then 12mths. I will need to continue CPAP therapy for the rest of my life now, which is a certainly not a problem. I became a member of the Trust and like fellow OSAS patients, we carry an emergency medical awareness card.
apnoea patients as a respiratory consultant in Oxford. He says, “ In my experience vocational drivers are often the safest on our roads but those with OSAS have no control over their sleepiness. We also know that these drivers are reluctant to come forward with symptoms of OSAS for fear of losing their licence, and therefore their livelihood. “Through the collaborative work our Group has undertaken with the transport industry, we believe that by expediting treatment, we can reduce this fear and therefore encourage to get treatment that will allow them to drive safely (and considerably benefit their quality of life). In doing so, we can eliminate many unnecessary road traffic accidents, and ultimately reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities”.
I hope this short brief on my experience is found helpful and I would encourage anyone with symptoms to visit their GP and get themselves checked out - it could save your life and possible others, particularly if you are a vocational driver!
The most usual treatment for OSAS is Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP). Indeed in 2008 NICE carried out technology appraisal that said that CPAP should be available to all who required it but it did not give a timescale for supply, and as a result this varies widely across the UK
It is paramount that people with OSAS who drive notify the DVLA of their condition and give details of the treatment and the name of the clinic where they are registered. Failure to do so will result in losing your
from a few weeks to several months. Yet it is the uncertainty as to how soon they will be treated that stops many drivers coming forward.
driving licence for 12mths plus a £1000 fine!
Bill Johnston, Chairman of Sleep Apnoea Trust Association (SATA),
As a member of The Sleep Apnoea Trust Association I support their
campaign will provide drivers and their employers with a clear indication
recently launched campaign that aims to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on UK roads by calling for a fast-tracked medical
a member of the OSA Partnership Group says,” We believe that this of how long a driver can expect to be off the road and therefore enable contingency plans to be put in place. The alternative, particularly in light
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
treatment for vocational drivers who have OSAS. After attending the
of the growing prevalence of sleep apnoea, is to risk an increase in road
annual SATAday conference and AGM, held at the John Ratcliff Hospital
traffic incidents and more deaths on our roads”.
on 17th October, 2015, I felt important to make everyone aware of OSAS RAC Business, which has just joined the OSA Partnership Group,
and to SATA ‘s campaign.
also recognises the significance of the campaign. Jenny Powley, RAC 03 March 2015 - A campaign has been launched by the OSA Partnership
Business Corporate Sales Director, said: “This is an incredibly important
Group, a collective set up to raise awareness of the condition. The
initiative as OSAS is a condition which has no respect for the great skill
group calls on the Department of Health to issue guidance to Clinical
and experience of drivers it can affect. Although we know an average
Commissioning Groups (CCGs), hospitals and GPs to expedite treatment
HGV driver completes many miles every year without incident, if they do
of all vocational drivers with OSAS to enable them to get back to driving
have an accident it can often be a much more damaging than a smaller
again within a maximum of four weeks following first referral.
vehicle such as car, due to its size and bulk”.
290 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
FEATURE She continued: “In the long term business as a whole will benefit as
Taken from ‘SLEEP MATTERS’ - the news of The Sleep Apnoea
drivers who suspect they may be suffering from OASA will be able to get
Trust Association.
the treatment they need and be back on the road much more quickly, which is a better outcome for the business owner, fleet manager and
I hope that the above information is found useful and that
everyone concerned”.
ambulance services will give it their support by making their
Professor Stradling concludes: “We have spoken to a number of clinicians and sleep clinics, all of whom have agreed that vocational drivers can, and should, be treated within this time period. We would now ask the Department of Health to support our call and put this into action in order to save the devastating cost of traffic accidents caused by untreated OSA patients”. SATA is part of the group that has been putting this campaign together, and it follows the work that the Trust has done in the past on the performance of PCT’s when they were in existence (SM April 2013) and more recently the
personnel and others aware of OSAS (particularly vocational drivers) which is becoming a growing serious medical condition, which if not diagnosed and treated, will likely result in sufferers developing life threatening conditions such as stroke and heart attack. I have no hesitation in telling everyone that the care and treatment I have received has given me back my quality of life again. Stephen Evans. 2015.
Fast Track Survey, It has taken sometime to gather the necessary groups and organisations to create the gravitas that will both attract and hold the
For further information about symptoms of OSAS and about the
attention of the Government, to the level where they will take action.
FOUR - WEEK CAMPAIGN for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) March 2015, please visit:
The campaign starts now and there are ways in which you can help, detailed
www.sleep-apnoea-trust.org or call 0800 025 3500 and request a
in the “FOUR WEEK WAIT” centre supplement of this edition of Sleep Matters.
printed copy of the full document.
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AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
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291
FEATURE
UNDERSTANDING GROUPS: WORKING IN TEAMS Dr Mike Davis FAcadMEd
Much effort and energy is now going into encouraging people to acknowledge the nature of the team in effective management of patients, particularly in acute settings. Among the justifications is the need to reduce the capacity for error. It is, however, acknowledged that error is inevitable: as a consequence of latent conditions (policies, equipment failures, environment etc) and active failures (cognitive error, training deficiency, fatigue etc). If enough of these align within a given context, error, and possible fatal damage, is the outcome. Among the reactions to this analysis has been the emergence of human factor or non-technical skills training, with a focus on team attributes such as:
My belief is that many of these programmes miss an opportunity to explore group issues (i.e. issues that emerge from collections of individuals) rather than individual characteristics that people bring to membership of a team. Group phenomena, therefore, are more likely to address issues of: • sharing goals • enabling productive norms (trust, safety, cohesion, honesty, openness) • giving constructive feedback • sharing information and experiences • democratic (as opposed to authoritarian or laissez-faire) leadership • accepting conflict (including conflicts of interest) and disagreement
• leadership • followership • communication • decision making • situation awareness
• communication flowing in multiple directions I would argue that these require a different approach to training and that if this were adopted, there is more likely to be significant changes in orientation towards all people, not just the “team” that individuals find
and many of these have now been incorporated into life support and
themselves to be members of. I would be interested in the views of this
other training activities.
community about the desirability of such a development.
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292 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
FEATURE
LIFE AFTER THE DEATH OF AIRWAVE COULD BECOME LIFE OR DEATH FOR THE UK’S EMERGENCY SERVICES Neil Fraser, Satellite Programme Lead, ViaSat UK (for Land Mobile) In an effort to both reduce costs and enable high-bandwidth communications to meet increasing demands, the Airwave national public safety network used by the UK’s emergency services is set to be steadily replaced from 2016. However, questions are already being asked about its successor and whether it can strike the right balance between cost, capacity, coverage and resilience. Is the planned new network going to be resilient enough to deliver the availability and assurance needed for emergency services? Will it reach all of the areas that need it most? Replacing a service as all-encompassing as Airwave is a complex task not for the fainthearted but the UK’s emergency services deserve the most capable network possible.
4G: A difficult gamble? While 4G has many advantages, primarily delivering high levels of bandwidth to its users but also being able to leverage innovation from the consumer sector, it is reliant on mobile masts to service the immediate area around them. These are expensive to install and so have only been placed in the areas where there is enough commercial demand to support installation, inevitably leading to gaps in coverage. While a lack of 4G coverage is frustrating for consumer and commercial users, it has less serious implications for their daily life. In contrast, disruption to emergency services communications has a direct impact on public safety. Indeed, according to a statement the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as of December 2014 the UK only had
Shifting sands
69% mobile coverage. While that is set to expand to 85% by 2017, it is understood the 4G signal still won’t extend into all the areas that TETRA
For emergency services, the ability to communicate information is
currently does, such as deep inside tunnels and housing complexes,
of utmost importance: a failure to do so could mean life or death. In
or across the UK’s motorway network and it is also understood the
the 21st century, this information has moved far beyond simple radio
Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP) is
communications; it includes video, images, and data drawn from several
not now funding roll out to meet all the gaps commercial operators are,
sources. In addition whether personnel are based in rural areas full-time
understandably, reluctant to fill.
or the heart of a city, they will depend on their communications network at all times and in any location. This needn’t mean being able to receive full-
The problem facing the UK is that balancing resilience and coverage for
bandwidth broadband data at all times, but rather maintaining seamless
cost and capacity is a difficult decision to be made by the Government
contact for the critical elements. One rule of thumb used by those working
on behalf of the UK’s emergency services. In the effort to replace Airwave
in harm’s way is to follow PACE – having primary, alternate, contingency
with a “future proof” solution, we may have lost sight of whether the
and emergency means of communication available so that service can
added bandwidth is actually even needed at all times, and if the loss of
continue, and ideally uninterrupted.
coverage is worth the risk to officers and civilians in remote areas. A stark example of the need for a robust communications network was when
The reality is that possibly above these considerations of capacity,
the usually reliable Airwave service failed as the result of a power outage
coverage and resilience lies cost. Budgets are not infinite and so some
in London. While the primary service was out of action and diagnostics
part of the capacity, coverage and resilience may have to be sacrificed
were carried out, Airwave failed over to a standby network. In the end,
to ensure an affordable service for some 300,000 user devices, 50,000 vehicles, over 100 aircraft and 200 plus control rooms. The current while the network has served well to date, covering 95% of the UK
same level of redundancy in place and this costs money.
A bird’s eye view is needed
and 100% of its road networks while delivering 99.7% uptime, it is relatively expensive to run and has no capacity for delivering high speed
While a range of solutions have been proposed to replace Airwave,
communications like video, or sharing large files or images between
the odds have been in 4G’s favour. For example, the initial tender for
units on the move. A solution based on the UK’s 4G network is being
a replacement service included a requirement to extend coverage to
promoted as the cost-effective, high-capacity replacement option. There
regions with poor or non-existent mobile coverage. This requirement
is the question of whether this will provide the balance of cost, capacity,
was later removed as “redundant” by the government, which said the
coverage and resilience needed or simply swap limitations in one area
area not served by the rest of the tender was smaller than originally
for another as anyone trying to make a long phone call on country roads
expected; despite the currently limited state of mobile, let alone 4G,
or even one of the nation’s motorways can testify.
coverage.
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
system, Airwave, is based heavily on a TETRA radio service. However,
disruption was minimal but any replacement of Airwave needs to have the
293 Do you have anything you would like to add or include in Features? Please contact us and let us know.
FEATURE
Four things in one pack, one less thing to think about
Satellite and other technologies can play an important role here in extending the proposed high-speed coverage to remote regions at relatively little cost. The tender appears to have unfairly discounted satellite based on an outmoded image of an expensive technology which cannot serve the needs of the services. However, satellite has moved a long way from its previous low-capacity, capitalintensive, high-cost image. Modern satellites can easily cover the rural areas of the UK, and could also be used for other applications outside of the emergency services. Taking advantage of this doesn’t mean owning an entire satellite. Emergency services can instead purchase bandwidth from commercial operators, a strategy already used by militaries when needed. At the same time, the data speeds on offer rival that of fixed-line broadband, let alone 4G: meaning services don’t have to choose between coverage and capacity. This isn’t to say that satellite should be a sole solution, but it should at least complement any planned network to cover remote areas that need it, and also meet the needs of PACE if and when the 4G network fails, or is overloaded even if just locally – or where it does not exist. For instance, a full implementation could see the 4G network as the primary method of communication; satellite as an alternate communication method when this is not available (and also used for high demand deployable command teams / nodes – with WiFi and pico cells to create bubbles of coverage); the non-4G mobile network as a contingency; and finally a radio or narrowband satellite network in case of a near-complete breakdown in communications. L-band satellite services have real value for emergency services offering small form factor, secure “always on” communications, enabling voice and data communication for workers who are unreachable by other means, as well as allowing location and situation tracking of emergency services vehicles. Such services can be paired with on-demand high-bandwidth services: for example, allowing personnel on the ground to set up a high-capacity coverage area covering the site of a specific incident.
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Not all users would need or perhaps merit a full mix of services but rural and key users should be suitably provisioned. This means that, even in urban areas, personnel can still communicate even if the local mobile service is overwhelmed in the event of a major incident; such as the 2005 London bombings.
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
Airwave’s replacement needs to strike the right balance between cost, capacity, resilience and coverage. While the overall intention is to reduce costs and enable high-bandwidth communications, 4G technology on its own isn’t enough to meet the demands of the emergency services. Other technologies such as satellite need to be seriously be considered as part of the delivery of communications to the UK’s emergency services need.
Quality, innovation and choice
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294 AMBULANCE_UK_12_15_igel_o2_half_page.indd 1
20/11/2015 15:12 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
FEATURE
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AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
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295
FEATURE
LIFE CONNECTIONS 2015 “…This is my 4th year of attending both conferences and once again both were very informative and enjoyable. It was nice to catch up with some of the delegates and exhibitors alike. The venue lends itself well to the event in the way of layout and the friendly staff. Compared to other conferences, I think the costs are good value. It was interesting that on the second day (resuscitation), many of the sessions were led by paramedics. This could be seen as evidence as to how the profession has come on…”
But this year, rather than spend all my time soaking up these pearls, I decided to spend time in the exhibition area, managing to do a poor imitation of a train announcer in between chatting both with the exhibitors and the delegates at break times. Quite often the contribution of the exhibitors to the quality of a conference is forgotten and actually, in between trying to generate interest in their products, they actually provide an awful lot of educational information and more than enough opportunities to try or demonstrate practical skills. This is the bit that most delegates enjoy and trying out the latest in defibs, splints or airway devices generated discussion that at times threatened to delay their return to the conference halls, more pressure therefore on the train announcer… In the quiet times, when the delegates did vacate the exhibition area, I did manage to speak to most of the exhibitors individually. It would probably be inappropriate to name individuals, but generally the comments were both positive and supportive of the event. Whilst some did not actually manage a sale at the event (due to the nature of their product) perhaps the best comment I had surrounded the generation of leads and the way that often, the sale of new equipment is not down to the presence of a procurement team, but to pressure levied on them by the pre-hospital practitioners who use or see benefit from a particular piece of kit.
These comments from an obviously delighted delegate just about sum up LC2015. Having attended LC events since their inception I too have noticed a remarkable yet refreshing change to the profile of speaker and their presentations. It’s not that many years ago that we relied solely on medical experts to present factual or research based material and those Paramedics that did take to the stage relied more on case studies than material that truly demonstrated both an in depth understanding and desire to change the practice of their profession. This year’s LC was almost a radical departure, since although outstanding individuals in their field like Keith Porter will always hook the attention of the professional seeking enlightenment, there is a growing interest, and quite rightly so, in those with the ability to change the practice of the profession from within. Matt House and Chris Preston from the Northwest both sharing important research findings and demonstrating that there is change afoot.
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
By the same token the design of equipment can often be influenced by the experiences that those practitioners share with manufacturers. For my part discussing why small pieces of plastic break due to the limited space within response bags was something completely outside of the considerations of one airway device manufacturer. In a way I suppose this meeting of minds is as important to the profession as the sharing of knowledge, since the tools are just as critical as the ability of the individual to use them. I think that’s part of the attraction for delegates and reflecting on this, one Paramedic said to me, “… this is what I think, it’s about
296 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
FEATURE time that those on the frontline had more input which kit they use, after all (at a certain famous bean manufacturer!) it’s the guy who packs the beans that best knows how the beans fit…”
New faces and old, reminiscences from previous years, all in all what one might call a ‘Grand Day out…’
Smiling, I couldn’t agree more. That doesn’t necessarily mean that if I had my way I’d leave it to the individual, since often committees never resolve anything that suits everyone, but I do think that it’s one reason why clever retailers influence sales by attending this type of event and in the pre-hospital arena LC is probably the best place to practice this tactic.
Life Connections was a great event this year, it would be remiss of me to close this review without mentioning the work put in by the venue staff and caterers. Mouths never ran dry and the sugars used by the brain ingesting new knowledge were more than replenished by the excellent refreshments provided. Kettering is an amazing venue and whilst there was ample space to move around and many different things to see, the place still maintains enough intimacy to propagate the family event feeling that builds year on year.
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
297 Do you have anything you would like to add or include in Features? Please contact us and let us know.
ADVERTORIAL
EAST MIDLANDS AMBULANCE SERVICE SAVES £40M AND 116,000 AMBULANCE JOURNEYS A YEAR WITH ODYSSEY 27 October 2015 – East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) is saving £40 million and 116,000 unnecessary ambulance journeys a year, by using clinical support system Odyssey from Advanced Health & Care (Advanced) to manage 999 calls. The software has enabled 16% of the 2,000 daily emergency calls received, to be responded to with appropriate telephone advice – saving 320 ambulance journeys every day. EMAS is celebrating 10 years of using Odyssey, which uses an algorithm based on the patient’s response to questions to guide clinicians to provide the right treatment. Following the success experienced the service is set to go live with Adastra, a patient management system also from Advanced, to further increase the number of calls that can be responded to without an ambulance. Adastra will integrate with Odyssey to provide clinicians answering emergency calls with automatic access to NHS Spine services such as the Summary Care Record and Medical Interoperability Gateway.
Spencer adds, “Accessing all the Spine services individually can be time consuming and inefficient as it means logging in and out of each service’s website. With seamless access to those services clinicians will have all the information they need at their fingertips, allowing them to quickly complete a thorough, accurate assessment of the patient and provide a tailored response. “Implementing Adastra will allow us to build on the good work we have already done through Odyssey. Without the software more patients would be unnecessarily taken to hospital, which is not good for them or for the wider NHS. Crucially, it also means that we can keep our ambulances free for when they are most needed, which is how we can keep saving lives.” EMAS receives a 999 call approximately every 45 seconds. The service employs 2,700 staff and supports 4.8 million residents across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire.
The ambulance service was the first in the country to use nurses to respond to non-emergency 999 calls in 2003. The aim was to tackle the rising number of calls at a time when an ambulance was being dispatched for every call. The demand for the ambulance service has gone up by around 6% year-on-year over the past 10 years, without an equivalent increase in funding. Following a successful pilot of the scheme, EMAS implemented Odyssey to provide governance and support for clinicians to provide self-care or direct the patient to the right service. This keeps ambulances free for those in serious or life-threatening situations.
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
Neil Spencer, Service Improvement Manager, EMAS, says, “Advanced’s software has made a huge impact, enabling us to boost performance dramatically by increasing efficiency. Without it we would not be able to save the amount of lives we are saving because we would have vehicles tied up on non-emergency calls. “It also means that non-emergency patients receive the best service possible with accurate and safe telephone advice for self-care or by signposting them to a more appropriate and convenient care pathway.” When Adastra is implemented calls will be automatically passed from the Computer Aided Dispatch system into Adastra where information held by NHS Spine services, such as medication and care pathways, will be automatically presented. Odyssey can then be used to support the clinical decision.
298 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
ADVERTORIAL
Reduce Ambulance Journeys and Save Valuable Money with Odyssey from Advanced Health & Care Odyssey effectively helps Ambulance Services to respond to 999 calls with more appropriate telephone advice, leading to a reduction in the number of ambulances dispatched. The comprehensive question sets in Odyssey use a Bayesian approach, guiding and allowing call handlers to quickly assess multiple symptoms and determine the most appropriate course of action. • Intuitive and easy to use • Increased clinical efficiency, reduced risk and avoidance of error • Supports call handlers judgement and expertise by enhancing the process • Uses a Bayesian approach to assessments, with open and closed questions • Improves patient safety and increases confidence to self-care • Substantially reduces demand on Ambulance Services
“Advanced’s software has made a huge impact, enabling us to boost performance dramatically by increasing efficiency.” Neil Spencer, East Midlands Ambulance Service AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
To find out how Odyssey can support your Ambulance Service, please: Email: ahcmarketing@advancedcomputersoftware.com Phone: 01233 722670 Visit: http://advcs.co/odyssey
299 Do you have anything you would like to add or include in Features? Please contact us and let us know.
NEWSLINE WAA
Pillar of the community Paramedic David Isaac fundraises for Wales Air Ambulance as Mayor of Merthyr Tydfil One of the Welsh Ambulance Service’s long serving paramedics is also serving his term of office as Mayor of Merthyr Tydfil this year.
David has had a long and
that are planned to contribute to
He will welcome visitors to the
varied career with the Trust,
these worthwhile causes.
County Borough and attend and support events organised by
being one of the first in a handful of paramedics to qualify
“Having been a paramedic
in Merthyr Tydfil in 1992.
with the Trust for 30 years, I
local people and organisations.
have seen at first hand the
You can find out more about
During his year of office, David
tremendous job that the Wales
the Mayor’s charitable events
will be busy raising funds for his
Air Ambulance charity does
programme at:
chosen local charities, which
and feel strongly about raising
are Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil
as much as possible for this
Council website:
and Wales Air Ambulance.
worthwhile cause.
www.merthyr.gov.uk
“All monies raised will be
“This is a charity that really
@MerthyrCBC
does make the difference
Like on Facebook:
between life and death.”
merthyrtydfilcbc
used solely for the benefit of our communities and we look forward to working closely
David Isaac, a paramedic in
with both charities during our
Cwm Taf, was inaugurated to
Mayoral year,” said David.
the office of Mayor of the County Borough of Merthyr Tydfil at the
“The fund raising part of this
end of May, having represented
role is very rewarding and I
the Penydarren Electoral Division
would encourage as many of
in Merthyr Tydfil as a Councillor
my colleagues as possible to
since 2012.
find out about the varied events
Follow on Twitter:
Contact the Mayor’s Office: Judith White, the Trust’s Head
e-mail:
of Operations in Cwm Taf, said:
jayne.overbury@merthyr.gov.uk
“David is a pillar of the community
or Tel: 01685 725320
in how he serves as both a paramedic and a Councillor. “It also places him in a position where he sees what’s happening within the communities we serve from
NWAS
999 surge continues as NWAS prepares for winter
different perspectives and that
North West Ambulance
is undoubtedly an asset to him
Service recently reported the
in both of his roles.
hike in calls over Halloween and as we fast approach the
“It was a very proud moment
Trust’s busiest time of year,
for Jason Roome, Locality
the level of 999 emergency
Manager in Merthyr Tydfil, and
calls are showing no signs of
me watching David inaugurated
reducing.
as Mayor of Merthyr Tydfil. As always, the Trust prepares “It was very impressive seeing
well in advance for the winter
the full regalia and mayoral
period and puts in place
chain but I just hope he
robust plans to deal with the
remembers which job he’s
challenges the winter season
going to every day so he wears
can bring – adverse weather,
the right uniform!”
rise in life threatening calls, the Christmas party season and the
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
David lives in Merthyr Tydfil with
big night of the year, New Year’s
his wife Deborah and children,
Eve. However, the traditional
Caitlin, Dafydd, Ffion and
‘quieter’ periods in the summer
stepsons Brennig and Rhys.
have not been as apparent as in previous years, as calls have
As First Citizen of the County
continued to rise month on
Borough of Merthyr Tydfil,
month.
David’s duties also include chairing full meetings of the
Director of Operations, Derek
Council and representing
Cartwright comments: “In
the Council at formal and
previous years we used to see
ceremonial occasions within
a peak of calls in the winter
the County Borough, regionally,
and this would then drop in
nationally and internationally.
the warmer months before
300 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
NEWSLINE starting to climb again as we
Emergency Medical Technicians
more help a person with long
a quick response, believing
approached December. This
(EMTs) to become Paramedics.
term conditions receives, the
that the national Government
is no longer the case. We
less likely they are to need an
target of eight minutes applies
consistently see high levels
In order to free up more
emergency ambulance - this in
to all and that a large, yellow
of life-threatening 999 calls
resources to attend life-
turn frees up those resources to
vehicle with flashing blue lights
throughout the year so instead
threatening emergencies, the
get to emergencies.
will appear with sirens wailing.
of dropping in the summer,
Trust has made a concerted
it stays the same and then
effort to improve its triaging of
“It is true that some patients,
calls received are not classed
increases even further in the
999 calls. Improvements made
with minor conditions or injuries,
as immediately or potentially
following winter.”
to the organisation’s clinical
while they might be in some
life-threatening and a proportion
structure has meant more
degree of pain or discomfort,
of these are referred to other
NWAS’ year to date figures
people can be either treated
will have to wait some time
services or can wait up to
show that the Trust is dealing
at home, omitting the need
for an ambulance response
four hours for an ambulance
with a 25 per cent increase in
for an ambulance journey to
or will be advised on a more
response.
‘Red’ calls – these are those
hospital, or be directed to a
appropriate pathway of care, as
who have a life-threatening
more appropriate healthcare
we must prioritise our resources
“We appreciate that waiting
or potentially life-threatening
service such as a walk-in or GP
and send ambulances first to
for an ambulance can be a
conditions and have a national
led centre.
those potentially life-threatening
worrying time,” Derek explains,
conditions.”
“People have called us because
eight minute response target,
Approximately half of the 999
they are frightened, upset and
and this is a huge challenge for
For some time now, frontline
the organisation.
Paramedics and trained call
To help with winter pressures,
often, just don’t know who else
centre staff have been able to
16 additional ambulances and
to ring to ask for help but if the
Derek adds: “We regularly
refer callers to Specialist and
19 rapid response vehicles have
situation isn’t an urgent one,
publish the message asking
Advanced Paramedics who can
gone on the road throughout
we cannot guarantee that they
the public to use us wisely and
explore the patient’s condition
the region and volunteer groups
will be seen quickly or even if
only in emergency situations
in more detail for those
such as the Red Cross and St
they will be seen at all by an
and we’re very grateful to those
reporting non urgent conditions.
John Ambulance are providing
NWAS clinician. Our priority will
who heed that message, but
This is known as ‘hear and treat’
additional support during periods
always be those in dire, urgent
the non-urgent calls are not
and ‘see and treat’ and there
of high activity. Daily performance
need, due to having only a finite
rising in the same way as the
has been a marked increase
management meetings are taking
number of resources, it has to
extremely urgent calls – those
in the number of patients who
place and these also explore the
be, but we need the public to
that do need an emergency
have had their calls dealt with
impact that pressures on other
help us to help them.
ambulance response. This is by
this way and the feedback has
services such as the hospitals
no means unique to the North
been extremely positive.
can have on NWAS.
ambulance colleagues around
Community Specialist
“It is a circular challenge,” says
injury – it can’t go to someone
the country are seeing similar
Paramedics, placed in areas
Derek, “Our life-threatening
who in the meantime, has
growth and we have to accept
where performance has been
calls rise, so we attend to and
stopped breathing. If someone
that this is unlikely to change
particularly challenging, and a
take more people to hospital,
calls 999 to request help for
and instead, change the way
dedicated Frequent Caller team
this results in a busy, pressured
an ear infection – a call for a
we operate so we can meet this
have also proved to be of great
emergency department, which
cardiac arrest, where every
demand.”
benefit to patients. They play a
means our handover times
second counts, takes longer to
positive part working with health
can take longer and therefore
be answered.
It is widely acknowledged that
providers, volunteer groups
we can’t get back on the road
there is a distinct shortage
and local authorities in making
quickly enough to respond to
“We’re very proud that during
of Paramedics in the UK and
improvements to support
waiting 999 patients.
these times of austerity, we
changes to training of new staff
networks for those with complex
has had an impact on staff
conditions who have a need to
“We work very closely with
service. We have increased
resources. Filling vacancies has
regularly call the Service.
our Commissioners and NHS
staffing and vehicles, and
colleagues to tackle this and
we have a wonderful team of
Says Derek: “The ambulance
the introduction of Ambulance
dedicated, hard working staff,
2015, 186 road staff and 52
service has come a long way
Liaison Officers in hospitals
but these are not the only
call centre staff have been
from the ‘scoop and run’ service
goes some way to help alleviate
solution to the challenges we
appointed. The Trust also
it started out as. Clinical skills
this pressure.”
face today. The most effective
recently announced a change in
have vastly improved and we
the process which allows easier
work much more closely with
When someone calls 999 for
we serve and we ask for their
internal progression for
other support services, as the
an ambulance, they expect
support this winter.”
have invested in our frontline
solution lies with the public
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
been one of NWAS’ priorities during 2015 and since April
“If an ambulance crew attends to someone with a painful ankle
West Ambulance Service, our
301 For all your equipment needs visit: www.ambulanceservicesuppliers.com
NEWSLINE Car crash survivor meets paramedic who helped to save his life “I wouldn’t be sitting here today if it wasn’t for you so thank you for saving my life.” These are the words one of our Birmingham-based paramedics heard when he was reunited with a patient who was seriously injured in an RTC earlier this year. Joel Fowler (18) from Solihull was driving his car with two friends as passengers in the early hours when it collided with a tree in Haslucks Green Road in Shirley. Paramedic Cameron McVittie was first on scene from the ambulance service and found Joel unconscious, seriously injured and trapped in the car. Joel had to be sedated at the scene due to
more carefully because they’ve
by almost 30% to a disgusting 139
Sam Duplessis Grimson, 24
seen what can go wrong. I’m
incidents. The number of verbal
from Erdington ambulance hub,
eternally grateful to Cameron and
assaults also rose, by 13% to 246
joined six other ambulance and
his colleagues. They really are our
incidents reported.
fire colleagues from across the UK to embark on a three-week
modern day heroes.” Based on the appalling statistics,
mission to teach students in
Cameron said: “The significance
Trust Chief Executive Anthony
Jamshedpur basic first aid and
of what happened to Joel is life
Marsh is to write to the Chairs of
CPR.
changing, not everyone survives
Magistrates Benches across the
a crash like that; his car was
Region asking them to take the
The team departed on Tuesday
so badly damaged that it didn’t
toughest possible action against
29th September and touched
resemble a car. We’ve evolved
members of the public who
down in Delhi before heading
over the years from just being
assault Trust staff.
to Calcutta to jump on a train for the remainder of the journey
a way of transporting patients quickly to hospital. Our advanced
Mr Marsh, said: “It is quite
to Jamshedpur. When the team
training and additional skills
outrageous that our staff are
arrived at St Mary’s English
means we can provide cutting-
having to put up with such
School they went straight to
edge pre-hospital trauma care
violence. The Board is determined
work teaching students from St
on scene giving patients the best
that we should do everything
Mary’s and other neighbouring
possible chance of survival. We
possible to protect our staff.
schools in blistering 30 degree heat. Over the course of the
don’t get to meet patients very often so it’s fantastic to see Joel
“We are asking them to support
three weeks, the team ran
looking so well as it proves that
us by taking the toughest possible
several courses in basic first aid
the skills we have really do help to
action against people who assault
which included bandaging skills,
save lives.”
staff. We know the public abhor
dealing with patients fitting and
this violence so we are hopeful
CPR.
Julie Fowler, Joel’s mum, said:
that they will support this move.” Sam said: “Education like this
“Having the police turn up at home to tell us that our son
Regional Security Manager,
isn’t provided in India due to a
had been involved in a serious
Steve Elliker, said: “The penalties
lack of clinical staff and money.
car accident is a parent’s worst
handed down are simply not
With no ambulance service or
escaped without serious injury.
nightmare. It’s nothing short of a
sufficient to deter people currently.
National Health Service, basic
miracle to see how Joel is now
We need sentences to be a
medical treatment in hospitals
Joel was in hospital for 17 days
compared to where he was to
deterrent so that people think
is expensive and, for some, they
begin with. We’re just so grateful
twice before they attack our staff.
simply cannot afford it which is
his condition before being rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. His two friends
and in a medically induced coma for the first week. He sustained a fractured skull and eye socket, a subdural haematoma, a laceration to his liver, a collapsed lung and facial nerve damage but is
to the ambulance service and the medical staff at the QE for saving Joel’s life. The ambulance service will always have a very special place in our hearts.”
well on the way to recovery. On
ambulance hub to meet Cameron.
Call for tougher sentencing
Joel, who turns 19 next week
Kicked, punched, spat at,
and is now planning University
had knife pointed at them,
studies, said: “A doctor said to
threatened with death. This is
me that 10 years ago I wouldn’t
just a few of the experiences
have survived a crash like that.
frontline ambulance staff have
The only thing I might not be able
had to put up with over the last
to do from now on is to fully raise
6 months in the West Midlands.
Tuesday (27th October) Joel and his parents visited Erdington
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
my eyebrow because of some
why we decided to help make a “The fact that some of our staff
small difference.”
do not report cases of violence because they do not believe
Before Sam and the team left for
that enough action will be taken
India they each raised money
against the perpetrator is a sad reflection on how they feel. “We are working hard to change that perception but we want the courts to support us 100% so that this dreadful situation can be changed for the better.”
Paramedic Sam’s successful mission to India
through charity events to help pay for training mannequins, first aid books and medical kits. Each school who took part in the training were given a kit so that they could pass on their newly acquired skills to other local communities. Sam continued: “We were so surprised at the enthusiasm of the classes and their hunger to learn, alternating between students and teachers from local
muscle weakness; I’ll take that as
New figures which were revealed at
it could’ve been so much worse!
the Trust’s Board meeting show that
A Birmingham paramedic
schools in the area, everyone
I consider myself very lucky, it’s
for the first six months of the year
swapped patients for pupils as
was ready to get stuck in! News
had a massive impact on my
(April – September), the number
he embarked on a mission to
of our classes quickly spread
friends too. They are driving much
of physical assaults on staff rose
teach first aid to schools in India.
and soon the whole city wanted
302 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
NEWSLINE first aid training will now assist.
to join our workshop. It was a
Shocking statistics reveal that in
we have been exploring with the
real honour to teach something
Scotland just one in 20 people
Scottish Ambulance Service how
so close to my heart to people
survive to leave hospital after
we can support it in responding
Jim Ward, medical director at
who have a real need. Thank
a cardiac arrest, although the
to cardiac arrests.
the Scottish Ambulance Service,
you to everyone who donated
figure rises to 17 per cent in
money, it really did make a
Edinburgh.
difference. We’re keen to return
said: “If a fire service resource “There are more than 350 fire
with a crew who are trained to
stations across Scotland and
provide high-quality CPR and
again soon to do it all over
The Capital’s impressive survival
many of these are in remote
have a defibrillator is nearer to
again!”
rate is largely thanks to doctors
communities where a paramedic
a potential cardiac arrest than a
and paramedics from the
could be a considerable
local community first responder
Resuscitation Rapid Response
distance away. Our retained
team, then ambulance control
Unit, based at Edinburgh Royal
and volunteer crews live and
will dispatch them at the same
Infirmary, who are re-writing the
work within five to eight minutes
time as the ambulance crew, so
rule book on how to tackle the
of their stations, meaning they
that they can provide these life
scourge of cardiac arrest.
may be able to provide a faster
saving interventions while the
response.
ambulance is on it’s way.”
Lothian fire stations pioneering new approach to saving lives
Now fire stations in Bathgate, LOTHIAN fire stations are
Linlithgow and Musselburgh are
“In urban areas where we have
The move was hailed by Sonia
pioneering a new approach
spearheading a national pilot
stations with 24-hour staffing
McCraw, president of the Jamie
to saving lives by sending
where firefighters will be sent to
these crews could be available
Skinner Foundation (JSF), which
firefighters to help cardiac
the scene ahead of paramedics
to immediately respond at times
was established in memory of
arrest patients.
to raise the chances of a first
when our ambulance colleagues
13-year-old footballer Jamie
aider arriving within that crucial
are busy.”
Skinner who suffered a fatal
When the heart stops beating,
cardiac arrest in 2013.
five-minute window.
every second counts as
Community responders are often
chances of survival fall by 10
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
alerted to cardiac arrest calls
She said: “It’s an absolutely
to 20 per cent for every minute
(SFRS) chief officer Alasdair Hay
alongside the ambulance service
brilliant idea. To be honest I am
that passes without CPR or
said: “Time is absolutely crucial
to deliver early life-saving care
not sure why it hasn’t been done
defibrillation.
to the chances of survival and
but firefighters with enhanced
before.”
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
303 For all your equipment needs visit: www.ambulanceservicesuppliers.com
NEWSLINE Arriva received more than 600
to NHS Protect - which monitors
Manchester per day, typically
formal complaints regarding the
the use of NHS cash - for
taking hospital patients to and
Patient Transport Service (PTS) in
investigation.
from their appointments.
The contract for the service
Staff are expected to be
expires next July. A new tender
transferred to the new firm under
Despite bosses insisting the service
exercise to determine who will
TUPE arrangements.
had improved, it has now been
take over from Arriva in light of the
A private bus company handling
revealed that Arriva’s performance
blunder is nearly complete.
non-emergency patient
standards had been misreported.
Private bus company misreporting performance standards
2014, with 80 percent judged to be totally or partially justified.
transport has paid back £1.5m
a bid. The firm has confirmed it has
after misreporting performance
NHS Blackpool Clinical
standards.
Commissioning Group - on behalf
Arriva Transport Solutions is out of
It is understood NWAS has tabled
withdrawn from the bidding.
Amanda Doyle, chief clinical officer for NHS Blackpool CCG,
of 33 CCGs in the north west - led
CCG chiefs in Greater Manchester
said: “We are fully aware of the
the commissioning of the services.
say they will work closely with
situation and our main priority
Arriva in the interim period to
now is securing improvements of
the running to continue the service from next summer following the
Bosses there said management
“ensure a seamless and successful
the service provision in Greater
gaffe.
and process failures meant
handover” to the new provider.
Manchester and consider how we
performance standards were
do this going forward.”
The firm was appointed to provide
“overstated”, resulting in more
The bus firm’s performance
non-emergency medical journeys
than £1.5m incentive cash being
reports will be closely scrutinised
A spokeswoman for Arriva said:
across Greater Manchester from
incorrectly claimed by Arriva.
in the coming months to ensure
“In September 2015 we identified
mistakes are not repeated.
an error in the way performance
April 2013. That money has been paid back to
levels in delivering ambulance
It undercut North West Ambulance
Blackpool CCG, to be paid back to
Arriva, which employs nearly
services in Greater Manchester
Service (NWAS) by £3.5m to
Greater Manchester’s 12 CCGs.
1,300 staff, provides more than
were being reported to the NHS.
1,200 non-emergency patient
secure the deal, which saw services privatised.
The matter has also been referred
transport services in Greater
“We immediately contacted
XPS - expandable patient surface - is adjustable with 7 locking positions and a wider mattress, designed with patient comfort in mind.
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
The Power from Stryker
304 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
NEWSLINE the NHS to inform them of this error and launched an extensive investigation, which unfortunately showed that the incorrect reporting had resulted in an overpayment.
professionalism” in the interim period and to continue to “care for and reassure patients” to “end the contract on a positive note”. A new interim management team has been brought in by Arriva to put in place an “intensive operational turnaround plan”.
“We have returned the overpayment in full. “We recognise that incorrect reporting of performance is not just disappointing but unacceptable and have therefore withdrawn from the tender process for the new contract. “Our focus is on ensuring that the people of Greater Manchester receive the best possible service from us until the end of our contract. “Steps we have taken to ensure this include new interim management; increased staff numbers to increase ambulance hours on the road; better use of taxis and third-party providers; focused management of planning; and scheduling of journeys in the control room as well as daily monitoring of performance levels.” A letter to Arriva ambulance staff from Colin Woodland, interim UK managing director for Arriva, says bosses immediately contacted CCG chiefs once the error had been identified. An extensive investigation was also launched by the firm.
“Our immediate priority now is to ensure all necessary steps are taken to rectify this situation.
Kevin Lucas, UNISON’s north west regional organiser, said: “The public will be outraged that a private company has been making a profit out of the NHS by presenting false statistics. “Arriva sought to brush-off concerns from the public about the quality of the service they were providing, but it is clear now that those concerns were well-placed. “This is a failing of a system that rewards private companies for exaggerating their performance. “To be clear, the workers who provide the Patient Transport Service are blameless in this matter, and our members will continue to strive to do the best they can for patients in spite of the failings of Arriva. “The commissioners who are currently deciding who should provide the Patient Transport Service in future must take note of what Arriva have done. “There is a bid on the table from the NHS North West Ambulance Service and we call on the commissioners to award them the contract.”
The move was slammed by unions and Labour MPs – including former Shadow Secretary of State for Health Andy Burnham – and led to a 15,000-strong petition against privatisation of the service. Figures obtained using Freedom of Information laws revealed that Arriva received 411 complaints in its first six months of running the service in Greater Manchester. It transported just under 290,000 patients in that time – almost 50,000 a month. The operator was handed an improvement notice by NHS bosses early last year after an investigation revealed it had received hundreds of complaints from patients and missed key targets every month for a year since taking over the contract.
stage can also have a positive outcome on survival and recovery levels. This is where the AOFAQ Level 3 Award in First Person at Scene is positioned. The Level 3 represents the more ‘Autonomous’ nature of the responder, this new regulated qualification consists of 16 major learning outcomes which is trained over 30 hrs. The aim of the qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to operate within a scope of practice to stabilise and treat a patient in need of care for up to forty minutes until an ambulance or other pre-hospital care provider arrives. The knowledge and skills taught as part of the course are designed for the first person at the scene to utilise life-saving interventions to preserve life and prevent deterioration of the patient, such as Airway stabilization, Basic life support, Early defibrillation, Oxygenation and Circulatory support.
The targets include getting patients to hospital appointments on time, picking them up within an hour of their collection time afterwards, and ensuring they are not on the ambulance for longer than 60 minutes.
This qualification is aimed at: Community first responders, Co responder e.g. police, fire and other emergency services, Military, Security, Close protection, Event medical cover as well as Voluntary sector.
Months later, Arriva’s head of Greater Manchester, Dennis Hajdukiewicz, said the firm had made “significant improvements” as the firm started hitting its targets.
The qualification will soon be available exclusively from AoFAQ Training Centers throughout the UK. Any new centers wishing to offer this qualification please contact the number below.
AOFAQ launches New Level 3 Award in First Person at Scene
“All at ATSL recognise that this matter is unacceptable and are taking it extremely seriously.”
The decision to hand nonemergency ambulance transport to the private bus company was controversial from the outset.
The first link in the chain of survival relies on nonprofessionals, without these more casualties would die awaiting the arrival of the emergency services.
Staff are urged to “maintain
The North West Ambulance Service
Improving the skills at this
The launch of the new Level 3 Award in First Person at Scene this month is the foundation for AoFAQ’s suite of Pre-Hospital Care qualifications soon to be released. The qualifications are Ofqual regulated and Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) endorsed (pending). For information on AoFAQ Level 3 Award in First Person at Scene please contact AoFAQualifications on 01908 610093.
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
The letter reads: “The management team recognises this situation is unacceptable and we want to reassure you that we are doing everything we can to support investigations and improve the service for our patients.
That plan includes more staff to increase ambulance hours; better use of taxis and third-party providers; better planning and scheduling of journeys; and daily performance monitoring.
won the contracts for the rest of the north west, but Arriva won the bid for Greater Manchester.
305 Do you have anything you would like to add or include in Newsline? Please contact us and let us know.
NEWSLINE EEAST
“These heroes saved my life” Hertfordshire man reunited with lifesavers
increase the chances of Geoff’s
my amazement Dan who I wasn’t
He also added how vital he
survival, given Dan was indoors
expecting at all was doing that for
believes CPR is: “I’d like to think
at the time and heard the
him. It was a huge weight off my
that I am living proof that early
commotion.
shoulders; so much more was
CPR saves lives.”
achieved because of that.” But in a twist of fate, he happened
Geoff has nothing but praise for
to be having tea with Red Cross
The critical care team from EAAA
everyone involved. “They will all
volunteers Beth and Christine
played a vital role by placing
have a special place in my heart,
Whitbread, two people whose
Geoff into a medically-induced
my wife still has her husband, my
It’s the kind of scenario you’d
CPR skills were taught by the very
coma before he was transported
daughter still has her dad, and
be hard pushed to write as
person they rushed to the aid of.
to Lister Hospital by land
I can see my grandson grow up
ambulance.
now. They say it is just their job,
fiction, let alone fact. It wasn’t until Dan approached
but it is more than that to me, it is
Welwyn Garden City resident
that he realised the man he
Despite such a serious incident,
Geoff Poore spent 10 years
was about to perform CPR
Geoff has made a tremendously
teaching Red Cross volunteers
on was George. Dan said: “I
quick recovery, after being fitted
and ambulance staff cardio
couldn’t quite believe what was
with a pacemaker and defibrillator
pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
happening; Geoff had taught me
he has already been cleared to
- but little did he know that three
these life-saving skills and there
drive by doctors just six weeks
of those very students would one
I was putting them into action
after that fateful day. And on 27th
day save his own life.
actually on him.”
October he was reunited with
Last month, Geoff, from Welwyn
They dialled 999 and within four
ambulance station where he
was driving along Ludwick Way
minutes, Paramedic Spencer North
and his family got their chance
when he suffered a heart attack.
arrived. He was followed by an
to personally thank the staff who
He fell unconscious, and crashed
ambulance crew, ambulance officer
saved him.
into two stationary vehicles before
and East Anglian Air Ambulance
coming to a halt.
(EAAA), as well as Duty Locality
Geoff said: “I don’t remember
Officer Steven Snow aid.
anything two days before or the
his life-savers at Ascots Lane
actual incident. All I know is that I
By sheer coincidence, Geoff crashed outside the house of East
All in all, Geoff had basic CPR
can’t thank EEAST, Red Cross, and
of England Ambulance Service
performed on him for 20 minutes
EAAA enough, these heroes saved
NHS Trust (EEAST) Student
by Dan, Beth, and Christine.
my life. Because of the speed and
Paramedic Dan Rawlings.
Steve said: “I arrived second
quality of treatment they gave, I am
on scene expecting my staff
able to see my family again; these
(Spencer) performing CPR, but to
heroes saved my life.”
This was enough to be able to
my life.”
HCPC launches revised ‘Health, Disability and Becoming a Health and Care Professional’ Guide The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) has launched revised guidance for disabled people who are considering or training to become a professional regulated by the HCPC. The guide will also be useful for individuals working in education and training, careers advisors, those teaching, supervising or supporting disabled students and occupational health professionals. There are four parts which encompass information about HCPC and our standards, useful information for disabled people, a section for education providers and also where to find more dedicated website pages on health and disability.
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
Following a three month consultation with stakeholders, including course leaders, professional bodies, students and employers, it also now includes new guidance on disclosing disabilities, information about education providers’ responsibilities and detailed examples of reasonable adjustments to reflect complex cases.
306 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
NEWSLINE Nicole Casey, HCPC Acting
Andy Newton to discuss the new
injury, isolation, financial problems
“The support of the College of
Director of Policy and Standards
venture.
and burn out’.
Paramedics and its members will
The College of Paramedics is the
“TASC works to meet a very
of the charity and we look
“Disabled people have an
recognised professional body for
definite industry need through
forward to working closely with
important contribution to make to
paramedics and the ambulance
our dedicated and independent
Andy and his team to raise
the health and care professions we
profession in the UK and represents
professional support services
awareness and encourage
regulate. Having a health condition
its members in all matters affecting
team and TASC 0800 ‘Here to
support from the ambulance
or disability should not be seen as
clinical practice. It supports both
Support’ Freephone support line.
sector and the general public.”
a barrier to becoming a registered
those working in and those who are
We aim to help provide access
health and care professional.
considering joining the ambulance
to rehabilitation, mental health
Professor Andy Newton,
Many people who have disabilities
services profession.
services, bereavement support,
Chairman of the College of
debt advice and welfare support
Paramedics, said: “Paramedics
in cases of real hardship.
face tremendous challenges
be invaluable in the development
commented:
successfully complete our approved training programmes, go
Lorna said: “We had an excellent
on to register with us and practise
meeting with Professor Newton
as health and care professionals.
and his staff to discuss the
“Our meeting with the College
being immensely rewarding, are
charity’s plans to develop a
of Paramedics enabled us to
also increasingly demanding,
“We hope that this revised
range of support and services to
raise awareness of TASC and
stressful and sometimes
guidance will encourage, enable
help those working across the
its services and the need to
dangerous.
and support disabled people
ambulance services sector.
identify regional champions
in their work which although
and supporters to help raise
“Although there is a paucity of
to become HCPC-registered
“As the professional body for
awareness and vital funds needed
research in the UK regarding
professionals.”
the ambulance profession in the
to develop our work.
the individual impact of working
who are considering or training
as a paramedic, published
UK, the College of Paramedics The Guide is available in a
supports its members to achieve
“We have also recently launched
data from abroad confirms
range of different formats
the highest standards of patient
a pilot scheme for the physical
that it is a career choice that
available on request by
care. Many of its members will
rehabilitation of ambulance staff
has a very high injury rate.
emailing publications@
face considerable challenges
and are providing funding through
The development of TASC
hcpc-uk.org, or you can
in their line of duty including
grants for an initial group of staff
is therefore timely and is an
download a copy by visiting
pressures which may result in
to undergo treatment at dedicated
initiative that the College of
our dedicated webpage: www.
severe stress, musculoskeletal
centres across the UK.
Paramedics supports.”
hcpc-uk.org/aboutregistration/ healthanddisability/
College of Paramedics The College of Paramedics has been finding out about the new UK charity which provides help and support to underpressure staff working within the ambulance service. TASC, The Ambulance Services Charity, was established this year provide vital advice and support services to both serving and retired ambulance personnel and their families in times of severe crisis, bereavement or urgent need. TASC Chairman Cliff Randall and Chief Executive Lorna BirseStewart met with College of Paramedics Chairman, Professor
(from left to right) Professor Andy Newton, Chairman of the College of Paramedics with Cliff Randall, Chairman of The Ambulance Services Charity.
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
as the national charity to help
307
NEWSLINE SECAMB
East Sussex cardiac arrest patient thanks ambulance crews An East Sussex woman, who was given CPR by her husband and son, before being fully resuscitated by South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) has been reunited with the life-saving team. Julie Francis, 50, who suffered a cardiac arrest at her home in Plumpton Green, on the evening of 1 July 2014, has since gone on to make a full recovery. Julie was eating a tuna sandwich
so we also got oxygen from the garage which I was breathing in to get into Julie while doing compressions and rescue breaths.”
had run back to the family home
their actions which gave Julie the
from nearby North Chailey before
very best chance of survival. It’s
his mum was taken to Royal
vital CPR is commenced as soon
Sussex County Hospital, having
as possible and this is a perfect
regained consciousness.
example of the importance of
Alex, who had received first aid training through his diving and work, continued to attempt to resuscitate Julie with Tom until paramedic Neil Bustin and Emergency Care Support Worker Robert Henderson arrived along with Community First Responder, Jonathan Dowe.
Julie received expert care at the
We worked really well as a team to
hospital receiving angioplasty
help Julie and we wish her and her
treatment and having an internal
family all the best for the future.”
people learning life-saving skills.
Next to arrive was Paramedic Jennie Bleach and Student Paramedic Stuart Lade. Together the team continued to resuscitate Julie and administered a shock with a defibrillator to restart Julie’s heart.
when she suddenly collapsed in front of husband Alex. Alex acted quickly by telling son Tom, 20, to dial 999 and help him commence CPR. “It was controlled panic,” explains Alex. “I’m a keen scuba diver
Additional back up was provided by Critical Care Paramedic Paul Windsor and Paramedic Tom Hastings who joined the team in stabilising Julie. Meanwhile Julie and Alex’s other son, Ollie, 18,
defibrillator fitted for what was discovered to be a genetic heart condition. Two weeks in hospital were followed by four weeks
CFRS prescribed a cash boost
recovering at home before Julie was able to return to her work in
A group of life saving volunteers
the village store.
have been ‘prescribed’ a cash boost thanks to the generosity
Julie said: “Expressing my
of a Coventry based company.
gratitude to everyone involved is difficult. A person can’t say
Celesio UK, parent company
thank you enough when an
of LloydsPharmacy and AAH
event like this happens. It takes
Pharmaceuticals based in
a special kind of person to work
Coventry, has presented a cheque
for the ambulance service and
for £2,000 to Coventry Community
obviously Alex and Tom made a
Responders (CCR).
huge difference prior to everyone arriving. The care I received in
CCR is a Community First
hospital was amazing too. I’m
Responder scheme whose
not good with hospitals and I was
volunteers are trained by West
glad to be out but I couldn’t fault a
Midlands Ambulance Service to
single part.”
a nationally recognised standard. They can be called upon to attend
Alex was keen to stress the
medical emergencies in their area
importance of everyone taking the
while a blue-light vehicle is en-route.
time to learn CPR explaining that a lot of people had undergone
Carl Rose, who’s been involved with
courses after hearing of what
the Coventry responders for about
happened to Julie. “I think it’s so
2 years, said: “Being a CFR means
important that people take the
that I have the opportunity to give
time to learn CPR and it should
something back to the community I
be compulsory for pupils to learn
work in. It is very satisfying knowing
in school too. I was obviously so
that you have made a difference to
worried but I just tried to be as
someone’s life.
calm as possible and do what I had been taught. I did it. I may
“I am heavily involved in the
have broken six of her ribs but
fundraising we carry out so that we
she’s alive.”
can provide the best service we can.
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
We are very grateful to Celesio UK Critical Care Paramedic Paul
for such a generous donation. We’ll
Winsor added: “On behalf of the
be able to buy even more equipment
whole team, it was great to meet
which means more people are
up with Julie and her family and
available to respond to incidents
see her recovery first hand. I
such as cardiac arrests, heart attacks
have no doubt that the actions of
and strokes, where every second can
Alex and Tom were instrumental
make a difference.”
in ensuring my colleagues were able to restart Julie’s heart. Alex
CCR Group Chairman, Mark
and Tom should be very proud of
Tolan, added: “Being a CFR is
308 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
NEWSLINE hugely rewarding; knowing that
Coventry Community Responders
Service, you can find out more
visit the exhibitors stalls, and
you’re helping someone who is
undertake is vital for the health
details at: www.wmas.nhs.
attend the skills workshops for
in need of medical assistance.
of those people living within a
uk/Pages/Community-First-
no additional cost. The PHEM/
As a professional first aid trainer,
community we serve.”
Responders.aspx All vacancies
HEMS day running on Tuesday
are advertised via the NHS Jobs
19th April will be covering the
website www.jobs.nhs.uk
latest developments in Pre
my volunteering as a CFR also presents me with a range of
Cllr. David Skinner, Westwood
medical experiences which I can
Ward in Coventry, said: “When I
pass on to those people I teach.
was taken ill, the First Responders arrived before my wife had even
Hospital Emergency Medicine
Trauma Care
including night HEMS, immersive simulation, thoracotomy for blunt trauma and paediatric trauma.
Cormac Tobin, Managing Director
finished the 999 call. I was in
at Celesio UK, commented:
University Hospital Coventry &
“I admire the volunteers, who
Warwickshire within 40 minutes
Care conference will be held at
Trauma Care also hosts a poster
despite having full time jobs,
or so. I have the most profound
Yarnfield Park Conference Centre
competition where pre-hospital
give up their time to help local
respect for the first responders
in Staffordshire from Sunday
practitioners can showcase
emergency services look after
and West Midlands Ambulance
17th – Thursday 21st April
the trauma audit or research
their patients.
Service overall.”
2016. This multi-disciplinary event
they have completed in their
provides trauma education for
local practice. The deadline for
Carl added: “We’ve also had a
everyone involved in UK trauma
submission of abstracts is 1st February 2016.
“I believe we need to raise
The 17th international Trauma
second funding boost; Shiraz &
management from volunteer first-
causes and recognise the people
Sons Pharmacies across Coventry
aiders to Major Trauma Centre
doing incredible work at a local
will place collecting tins in their
specialists.
level.
stores to allow members of the
awareness of such notable
“We are very pleased to support such an honourable cause. The
Details about the poster competition, the full conference
public to support the good work
The Paramedic programme will
programme and on-line
of the Coventry Community
be held on Monday 18th April
registration can be found at
Responders.”
and is just £50 to attend for the
www.traumacare.org.uk. There
whole day. Candidates have the
are also some free open access
work undertaken throughout Celesio UK is about helping
If you would like to volunteer
opportunity to move between
videos of previous conference
patients directly within their
as a community first responder
sessions to experience the
presentations on the website to
communities; we feel the work the
for West Midlands Ambulance
parallel educational streams,
inspire you.
A comfortable environment whatever the weather Simple to use, effective in performance and reliable in operation. The Eberspächer climate control system.
A world of CoMforT
w w w. e b e r s p a c h e r. c o m – 0 1 4 2 5 4 8 0 1 5 1
NEWSLINE Westminster MPs Media Release
ambulance staff working across
impact that this has on the health
State for Health, Jeremy Hunt,
all sectors of the industry.
and well-being of ambulance
so we can ensure that the needs
personnel can surface in many
of the ambulance services
The charity outlined its aims to
different ways – physically and
community and TASC are very
significantly improve the current
mentally.
much on the agenda.”
The Ambulance Services
provision including a range of
Charity (TASC) is hoping
rehabilitation and welfare support
“Not only is there a responsibility
Mark Pawsey said: “It is clear that
to bring industry concerns
including dedicated treatment
to support the health and well-
TASC is there to serve a very real
to Health Minister Jeremy
programmes and facilities, a
being of ambulance staff but it
and substantial need. The welfare
Hunt after meeting MPs at
National TASC centre to allow
also makes total economic sense
Westminster.
improved treatment for physical
to reduce days lost to physical
and stress issues including PTSD
injury or stress-related illness by
The charity, which has its
and a support programme for
significantly improving the care
headquarters in Coventry,
bereaved ambulance service
and support on offer and thereby
West Midlands, met with three
families.
help maintain an efficient frontline service.
Warwickshire MPs at Westminster to outline its progress since its
Lorna Birse-Stewart said: “We
formation earlier this year and to
are very grateful for Mark Pawsey
“However as TASC is a new
press claims for more support
for setting up the session and it
national charity we are competing
from central Government.
allowed us to show the historic
with many others for limited
provision gap between the
resources and we feel it is vital to
TASC CEO Lorna Birse-Stewart
ambulance service and other
ensure that decision-makers are
and Chairman Cliff Randall met
emergency services and the
fully briefed on our aims and also
with Rugby MP Mark Pawsey,
growing need for more support
the needs of the men and women
Craig Tracey, MP for North
funding for those working in the
serving across the our ambulance
Warwickshire and Bedworth, and
ambulance service industry.
services industry.
on-Avon, at Portcullis House in
“Ambulance personnel face
“The three MPs were extremely
Westminster.
tremendous challenges and
engaged in what we had to
pressures in their work which
present and have offered support
The 45-minute session highlighted
although being immensely
in several ways. They have
the current lack of charitable
rewarding is also increasingly
promised not only to support us
and other support available
demanding, stressful and
but have agreed to try to arrange
for frontline paramedics and
sometimes dangerous. The
a meeting with The Secretary of
Nadhim Zahawi, MP for Stratford-
of the ambulance and paramedic community is of key importance not only for the professionals involved, but also to help maintain an essential service. “The ambulance service and paramedics play a vital role in protecting our communities and Lorna and Cliff very clearly outlined the pressures they face and the plans TASC has to develop much needed services and support. I, and my colleagues, will continue to work closely with the TASC to ensure that the charity’s message is heard at the highest levels within Government.”
EMAS
Courses for the professional development of paramedics Courses for the professional development of paramedics within East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) are to be delivered by Coventry University. The collaboration is part of a new contract awarded by Health Education East Midlands (HEEM) to Coventry University
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
to jointly deliver paramedic courses with EMAS. The three-year contract will initially see the delivery of a foundation degree in paramedic science by Coventry University’s Faculty of Health and Life (From left to right) Craig Tracey MP, Nadhim Zahawi MP, Lorna Birse-Stewart (TASC), Mark Pawsey MP and Cliff Randall (TASC)
310 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
Sciences and EMAS. The first intake of learners to
NEWSLINE study the foundation degree
support this profession, which
A Norfolk girl has been praised
Emma, 30, whose
will start in January 2016,
has received national focus.
for keeping a cool head in an
supraventricular tachycardia
emergency when she found her
(SVT) causes her heart to beat
mum unconscious.
too fast, said she was very
providing an excellent career development for existing EMAS
“HEEM will work to ensure the
staff who would like to become
learner is at the heart of the
paramedics.
education and training, and will
Sasha Nutley, from Marham,
monitor this contract throughout
demonstrated maturity beyond
“I have taught her about when
this learner journey.”
her years by dialling 999 on the
to phone 999, just in case, but
night of Sunday, 6th September.
this was the first time she had
Coventry University’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
proud of her daughter.
is an established provider of
Jackie Moore, EMAS Acting
paramedic education with
Deputy Director of Workforce
With no-one else in the house
existing courses in paramedic
Development, said: “I am really pleased to have launched
and her dad at work, Sasha,
“My heart had gone really fast
science and paramedic studies
and I tried to bring it down,
foundation degrees.
our partnership with Coventry
who has since turned fiveyears-old, dialled 999 and
but it was so fast and I had
was put through to East of
chest pain. I felt my chest
England Ambulance Service
getting quite tight and got on
NHS Trust (EEAST) Call Handler
to the sofa. I woke up to find
Lizzie Martin at its emergency
paramedics in the house and I
operations centre in Norwich.
wondered what was going on!
Sasha was unable to wake mum
“Sasha was really excited about
Emma, who has a heart condition,
getting a certificate for what she
and explained her mum’s
did.”
University. This partnership is to Professor Guy Daly, Executive
support internal progressions
Dean of Faculty of Health and
routes for our clinical staff by
Life Sciences, said: “We are
providing funded paramedic
delighted to have been awarded
and post registration education.
this new contract which consolidates our on-going
“We really look forward to
relationship with HEEM.
working with the university and providing our clinical staff with
“We are extremely pleased
high quality education so that
to be working with EMAS
they can provide patients in
in the development of its
the East Midlands with the best
paramedic workforce as well
care possible.”
as contributing to the ongoing evolution of the paramedic profession more generally. “Our collaboration with EMAS will help to support the advancement of paramedic education in the East Midlands.
to call it.
symptoms. She’d been unable to wake Emma for 30 minutes and
Lizzie added that she was very
spoke with Lizzie until the arrival of
impressed by the girl’s attitude.
an ambulance crew. “She was cool as a cucumber
EEAST
Norfolk girl praised after calling 999 for her unconscious mum
Sasha attends Cherry Tree
and answered all the questions
Academy Infants in Marham and
I asked her and explained that
was presented with a certificate
her mummy had a poorly heart
praising her outstanding actions
beat and she could not wake
on Tuesday (6th October) at a
her. She did really well,” she
school assembly.
said.
At the same time, we will be providing EMAS staff with the education and training that they need in order to progress professionally.” Jane Johnson, Executive Lead for Transformation and Innovation at HEEM, said: “HEEM are proud to have commissioned Coventry University to deliver this for internal EMAS staff. Fundamentally we are all here to serve the patient to ensure best patient centred care is delivered. “Over the past couple of years, HEEM have been working with a wide range of stakeholders to identify how we can best
Prof Guy Daly is pictured at the contract signing at Coventry University’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences with Kerry Gulliver, EMAS Acting Director of People and Engagement, left, and Jane Johnson, right.
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
education and training
311 Do you have anything you would like to add or include in Newsline? Please contact us and let us know.
NEWSLINE DAAT
New role for record-breaking air ambulance pilot The helicopter pilot who has the longest service record and the most mission flights with a single Air Ambulance charity is to use his vast accumulation of knowledge and experience to become the Safety Manager at Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT). Captain Rob Mackie has flown with DAAT for 23 years recording an amazing 7890 missions during his service but, as he approached his 60th birthday, regulations demand he gives up single pilot flying. Heléna Holt, CEO of DAAT added “Thankfully we will not be saying goodbye to Rob. When we were awarded our own Air Operating
Certificate (AOC) last year, Rob took on the role of Safety Manager and played an integral part in setting up our safety management systems. It was a challenging time for all the team as Devon Air Ambulance Trading Company Limited (DAATCL) were the first Air Ambulance to have developed and been awarded an AOC fully compliant with the new EASA regulations. “I am delighted that Rob has agreed to continue in this role and will be overseeing the surveying of all the community helipads needed to introduce night flying next winter.” Devon born, former Army pilot and Falklands veteran Rob, added: “It will take some adjusting to give up flying after a lifetime in the pilot’s seat but what better way to do so than continue with DAAT in a highly significant role. I am greatly looking forward to the challenges my new role will
generate especially as it allows me to continue working with a great team.”
‘CQC facing mounting backlog of CQC ambulance inspections’ – Larry Society A report published by The Larrey Society, the crosssector “think tank” for emergency medical services contains disturbing statistics which question the efficiency and effectiveness of the Care Quality Commission’s regulatory inspection of ambulance services. The key points of the report, based on Freedom of Information data provided by the CQC and the conclusions of the Society’s own research are:
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
312 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
• The CQC faces a mounting backlog of inspections with 1 in 3 of the 333 providers registered to run ambulance services having never had an inspection. Seven of these providers have been waiting since 2012 or earlier, including one who registered in 2010. • Ambulance personnel in the NHS, private and voluntary sectors, had generally a negative view when asked if CQC inspections were effective in finding out if the provider is safe and effective; less than 4 out of 10 agreed they asked the right things and there was a strong belief that the inspections should be routinely carried out unannounced and the inspectors should make a point to randomly talk with selected staff members from the front line, rather than relying on chosen staff or management;
NEWSLINE In her opening speech, Chloe
The Association of Air Ambulances
ambulance providers exploiting
explained how she was honored
(AAA), which represents the
to stop them operating but
a loophole, but providing
to be the chair of such a dynamic
majority of air ambulance charities,
in 2015, for the first time, a
registerable services
group of organisations that
ambulance services and the
do amazing work within the
supply chain throughout the
community. She explained that
UK, supported the reception for
regime, with more enforcement,
the APPGAA was there to help
the third year, bringing patients,
rather than warnings
engage local MP’s in the delivery
charities, ambulance services and
of air ambulance activity.
legislators together.
The Secretary of State for Health,
Bill Sivewright, Chairman of the
Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt delivered a
AAA thanked everyone for their
speech which praised the work
attendance and welcomed the
of the UK’s air ambulances and
Secretary of State’s comments.
ambulance services:
He responded:
• 14 providers have been subject to enforced deregistration
• Look to clamp down on event
new applicant has had their • Start to tighten the inspection
application refused. The inspections are carried out to check that the ambulance providers are: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led and they are then judged as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate As one respondent to the
Secretary Of State for Health Praises Ambulance Services and Air Ambulance Charities
“In July I was lucky enough
“Our focus is entirely on
A reception held by the
to experience the amazing
patients and we must deliver a
All Party Parliamentary
work you deliver to the most
seamless service to ensure we
“CQC day is like when your
Group for Air Ambulances
critically ill. It was one of the
do not develop in silos. To that
relatives come round for
(APPGAA) took place on the
most impressive things I have
end, I am confident that all the
Christmas. Everything is tidied
House of Commons Terrace,
seen and showed the NHS at its
members of the Association of
Westminster on 26 October
finest. I would like to thank the
Air Ambulances do their bit, be
2015. The event, hosted by
paramedics, doctors and pilots
that funded by charities or by
Chairman of the APPGAA
who deliver these services; I
the NHS to ensure we deliver the
Chloe Smith MP for Norwich
am amazed how you all unwind
best possible service we can.”
or else!”
North, gave members of
at the end of your day after
both Houses of Parliament
looking after these very ill NHS
More information on the
The Larrey Society strongly
the opportunity to meet
patients. I would also like to
APPGAA and the air ambulance
with representatives from
thank the volunteers across the
community can be found on the
air ambulance charities and
UK for all their dedication and
AAA website by visiting:
ambulance services.
hard work.”
www.aoaa.org.uk
Society’s research is quoted as saying:
away and
ridiculously clean.
You’re all told to be on your best behaviour and not to say boo to a goose until they’ve gone
supports the principle of an effective regulator helping to make sure that services are safe and effective, and urges the CQC to: • Clear the backlog of uninspected providers as a matter of urgency • Ensure that all new providers are inspected within six months of registration, or earlier • Look to ensure that all providers are inspected at least annually
new inspection format, to increase industry confidence • Move to a system of more unannounced inspections • Engage more with front line staff during inspections – selected at random
L to R Bill Sivewright Chair of Association of Air Ambulances, Secretary of State for Health Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt, Chloe Smith MP Norwich North Chair of the APPGAA, Clive Dickin National Director Association of Air Ambulances.
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
• Accelerate the roll-out of the
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NEWSLINE The challenge of team leadership Mike Davis PhD, freelance consultant in continuing medical education and Tony Little, BSc, DIPMgmnt, PGCertEd, SRPara, Clinical Tutor/Tactical Support Officer/Radiation Protection Supervisor (CBRN), London Ambulance Service NHS Trust It will come as no surprise that among recent concerns about patient safety and the attention paid to non-technical skills, there is consideration of how teams are trained to work together, with an emphasis on leadership and followership. Among the questions asked about this issue includes: “Is a team leader born or made?” This is often put in the context of charismatic leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela, and others. This raises the question: “Is a leader born or made?” If it is the latter, the educational challenge is about the nature of the curriculum that would develop leader type characteristics. If it is the former, the community has to wait for the leaders to appear spontaneously – surely a risky solution.
A member of the public sees a middle-aged man collapse at the bus stop. He has seen Vinnie Jones in the British Heart Foundation TV adverts and he quickly calls for
After a period of time the decision is made to move the patient to hospital. The patient is accompanied by at least two paramedics and the Advanced Paramedic Practitioner to ensure there is still clear leadership throughout. A pre alert call is placed to the nearest hospital informing them of the imminent arrival of this cardiac arrest thus allowing them to assemble their team allocate roles. On arrival, the Advanced Paramedic Practitioner provides a comprehensive hand-over to the cardiac arrest team leader indicating everything the ambulance crews had done during the cardiac arrest from arrival to handover.
manage the patient until he arrives at the hospital where there is a quick and efficient handover to the cardiac arrest team, who manage the case until ROSC and transfer to a cardiac ward. At no point did the circumstances demand a dominant, inspirational leader with a particular disposition, (a Mandela, for example), to emerge. Rather, the accident of situation and the arrival of paramedics of various experience, led to the emergence of a series of opportunistic leadership opportunities. Leadership then, is often determined by situational, rather than dispositional factors.
SECAMB
SECAmb Fleet wins prestigious Commercial Fleet Award South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) was honoured at the recent Commercial Fleet Awards ceremony by winning the Public Sector & Blue Light Fleet of the Year 2015 category. The SECAmb fleet team which has been on a modernisation programme in recent years competed against entries from other ambulance trusts, police, councils and the National Blood Service at the awards which were held in Telford.
In this case, leadership is passed from the bystanders to the paramedics who variously
The event, hosted by Gaby Roslin, is seen as an integral part of the commercial fleet industry calendar and offers a vital opportunity to the industry to share best practice. Fleet operators have the opportunity to demonstrate commitment to the highest standards in terms of operational excellence, innovation, technology, efficiency and safety. The judges said that SECAmb is an ‘example of comprehensive fleet management’, showing good use of its road safety programme with demonstrable results. Judges also praised SECAmb’s development of the national ambulance driver risk indexing tool and the dynamic speed control system to better manage driver performance. They also highlighted SECAmb utilising new technology in vehicle design and materials towards standardising the equipment carried by ambulances to achieve clear improved efficiencies. Justin Wand, Head of Fleet and Logistics for SECAmb said: “This is a great accolade for the Trust and real recognition of the hard work completed every day by our technical teams. “Their focus on improving quality, innovation and support for the frontline is unrivalled and in these cost-conscious times this proves great things can be achieved. I am immensely proud of all the team as their work contributes directly to patient care.”
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
It is, however, a category error: confusing dispositional (personal style, patterns of interaction) with situational (context, time, available personnel) factors. Leadership can be considered as a phenomenon of groups rather than individual personality and while some individuals may be more disposed to taking leadership (by virtue of who they are and how they relate to the world), it is something that is available to everybody. Consider this example:
help. A teenage girl dials 999 on her mobile. He starts CPR and soon finds it difficult to maintain so he asks the girl if she can help and between the two of them, they manage to keep going until the ambulance arrives. The paramedics quickly take over and the patient is quickly placed onto a defibrillator to ascertain the presenting heart rhythm. As more paramedics and ambulance staff arrive, a “pit crew” is ascertained in order to provide the patient with optimum care. One paramedic secures the airway while another secures access to establish a drug regime. During this time the senior paramedic is taking a “hands off” approach to ensure the resuscitation attempt is run smoothly and succinctly and ensure that there are staff delivering good effective CPR throughout the resuscitation attempt with minimal interruptions. An Advanced Paramedic Practitioner arrives and the patient is immediately connected to a mechanical compression device. The Advanced Paramedic Practitioner will now take over the running of the resuscitation, again using a hands off approach to ensure that optimum care is being delivered. During this time the full spectrum of ALS is being delivered to the patient.
315 Life Connections - The Affordable CPD Provider: www.lifeconnections.uk.com
NEWSLINE DAAT
A New Charity Partner for Devon Air Ambulance Trust Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) is proud to announce its selection as one of South West Water’s charitable partners for the next 3 years. DAAT’s selection follows a staff vote. Caroline Creer, Fundraising Director at Devon Air Ambulance Trust, says “We are delighted that South West Water has chosen us
communities we serve in many
Marine Charitable Trust Fund and
London’s Air Ambulance,
different ways, from education
plans to continue fundraising
alongside partners Barts
and careers events through to
efforts for DAAT as the partnership
Health NHS Trust and London
community volunteering and
goes forward.
Ambulance Service, scooped the ‘Cross-sector Partnership’
working arrangements with charities such as the river and
South West Water representatives
award at the Charity Times
wildlife trusts, the Citizens’ Advice
Nick Smale, Lucy Cooper, Autumn
Awards for their pioneering
Bureau, Age UK and the South
Mogford-Abbott and Adam
work on REBOA, a technique to
West Lakes Trust.
Rousell (pictured left to right)
control haemorrhage in trauma
“This year we asked staff to help us select charitable partners with a direct relevance to our business and our region. In the free choice section, staff voted overwhelmingly to support the Devon Air Ambulance Trust.
to be a charity partner over the
“We are delighted to add
next few years. We can proudly
Devon Air Ambulance to our
say that South West Water’s grant
family of community and charity
is helping us to save lives in our
partnerships.”
community”.
recently visited DAAT’s Exeter Airbase to see the operation firsthand and learn more about the service their funds are supporting.
London’s Air Ambulance, Barts Health and London Ambulance Service win Charity Times Award
patients. REBOA was first developed in the Emergency Department at The Royal London Hospital, and after two years of development, the procedure was delivered for the first time at the roadside with London’s Air Ambulance. It has been the culmination of several years of hard work by a variety of teams and individuals including The Royal London Hospital Emergency Department, interventional radiologists, trauma
The company took part in this South West Water’s Head of
year’s Commando Challenge
Winner for ‘Cross-sector
surgeons and anaesthetists, as
Communications Alan Hyde
which benefits Devon Air
Partnership of the Year’ for work
well as paramedics from London
said “We already support the
Ambulance Trust and the Royal
on REBOA
Ambulance Service.
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
South West Water Representatives visit DAAT’s Exeter Airbase: L to R- Nick Smale, Lucy Cooper, Autumn Mogford-Abbott and Adam Rousell
316 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
NEWSLINE Now in its sixteenth year,
Upper Conwy Valley in a
appealing to organisations across
Regional First Responder Officer,
the Charity Times Awards
brand new partnership.
Wales – including workplaces,
said: “Every second counts
sports clubs and community
when you are trying to save
continue to be the pre-eminent celebration of best practice in
The Uwchaled Community First
centres – to let them know if they
someone’s life, and Community
the UK charity and not-for-profit
Responders have joined forces
have a defibrillator that could be
First Responder schemes are
sector. London’s Air Ambulance
with community councils and local
used to save a life in their latest
hugely beneficial in helping the
was also shortlisted for ‘PR
businesses to help purchase the
campaign, Be a Defib Hero.
ambulance service provide the
team of the Year’ for its 25th
devices and train people to use
Anniversary campaign, and for
them.
the ‘Fundraising Technology’
best possible pre-hospital care for It comes as new figures reveal that
patients.
almost 400 more patients in Wales
award alongside partner,
A cardiac arrest happens when
had defibrillation available to them
“Many of our volunteers have
Rapidata.
the heart suddenly stops pumping
in 2014-15 than in 2013-14.
taken experiences that life has thrown at them, such as seeing
blood around the body. The Trust can provide training
a loved one suffer a heart attack,
A person may suffer permanent
on the use of defibrillators under
and have moulded them into a
damage to the brain and other
the Public Access Defibrillator
positive outlook to help family,
organs unless someone starts
Scheme (PADS), and so far it
friends and neighbours.
facilities at The Royal London
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
has trained more than 5,000
Hospital in Whitechapel.
(CPR) or delivers an electric shock
volunteers in the use of an AED.
“You can make a big difference
If you are interested in
skills that we can teach you. If
Barts Health NHS Trust employs and remunerates the advanced trauma doctors to the charity and provides its helipad
London’s Air Ambulance also works in partnership with London Ambulance Service, which provides the paramedics who are seconded to the charity. Dr Gareth Davies, Medical Director at London’s Air Ambulance and Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Barts Health NHS Trust said: “It is always an honour to be nominated for any award, but we are particularly thrilled to be recognised at the Charity Times Awards with our key partners. Our aim is to provide our patients with the world’s most innovative and effective pre-hospital care in order to help save more lives in London, and our partnerships help us to achieve this.” For more information on London’s Air Ambulance visit their website
Life-saving defibrillators rolled out across Upper Conwy Valley
defibrillator.
establishing a PADS site or joining Defibrillators are now in place
an existing team, call the PADS
in Llanrwst, Betws y Coed,
office on 02920 932917 or your
Llanddoged, Penmachno and
local contact Tomos Hughes on
Dolwyddelan.
07780990594.
Over the next six months, they
You can also visit
will also be rolled out in Capel
www.ambulance.wales.nhs.uk
Garmon, Nebo, Ysbyty Ifan,
for more information and to
Melin y Coed, Pentrefoelas,
register your device.
Cerrigydrudion, Llangwm and Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr.
The Trust is also appealing to the
by just carrying out a few simple you are proud of the community in which you live, becoming a first responder can really help the heart of your village or town keeping beating long into the future.” Visit the Community First Responder area of the website, and email amb_first.responder. north@wales.nhs.uk if you would like to volunteer.
people in North Wales to make Tomos Hughes, co-ordinator of
a difference to family, friends
the Uwchaled Community First
or neighbours in distress by
Responders, who responds to
becoming a Community First
999 calls to support the Welsh
Responder.
Ambulance Service, said: “Once somebody suffers a cardiac arrest
First responders are volunteers
every minute counts
who give up their spare time to attend appropriate 999 calls and
“They need immediate CPR from
give first hand emergency care to
those around them who will often
people in their own community.
be family members or passers-by. As well as good-quality CPR the
All volunteers are trained by the
patient needs to be treated with a
ambulance service to administer
defibrillator.
basic first aid, oxygen therapy, CPR and the use of a defibrillator.
“Having defibrillators available in rural areas can make difference,
First responders do not replace
because research suggests
the normal response of a
that CPR and early defibrillation
paramedic in a rapid response
increases the probability of
vehicle or an emergency
survival to 80 percent.”
ambulance, but support the patient until they arrive.
Life-saving defibrillators are
The Welsh Ambulance Service
being rolled out across the
and British Heart Foundation are
Jason Williams, the Trust’s
“Having defibrillators available in rural areas can make difference, because research suggests that CPR and early defibrillation increases the probability of survival to 80 percent.”
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
londonsairambulance.co.uk.
through the chest wall using a
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NEWSLINE SECAMB
Life-saving partnership launches with SECAmb and Kent Fire and Rescue Service
Edenbridge). During that time fire crews have attended more than 8,200 medical incidents on behalf of the ambulance service. In addition to this new scheme, KFRS has put defibrillators on all KFRS blue-light vehicles including fire engines and officer response cars. All staff using those vehicles
A potentially life-saving scheme
have been trained in their use.
which will see Kent firefighters attend certain medical
SECAmb Paramedic and
emergencies has begun this
Immediate Emergency Care
month.
Responder (IECR) project lead, Matt England said: “This is all
The first stage of the co-
about saving more lives. When
responding scheme involves
someone is in cardiac arrest,
crews from Sittingbourne,
with every minute that passes
Larkfield, Sevenoaks, Herne
their chances of survival diminish
Bay, Sheppey, Margate and
significantly. This great scheme
Tunbridge Wells. From April 2016
will give us up to an extra
it is expected that the scheme will
120 defibrillators out there in
roll out with all wholetime crews
communities across Kent which
across the county.
has to be a good thing. All the firefighters volunteered to be part
The scheme is part of the ongoing
of the scheme and act as an
work of the emergency services’
additional response to our crews.
collaboration with SECAmb. Firefighters will respond to life-
“We’ll always assign an
threatening emergencies such as
ambulance response to the
cardiac arrests, chest pains and
call at the same time but if the
breathing difficulties.
firefighters reach the scene of an emergency before ambulance
As with the existing community
crews, they will be able to begin
first responder scheme, they
vital life-saving treatment.”
will always be backed up, and qualified ambulance crews will be
David Escudier, KFRS
assigned at the same time as the
Operational and Development
firefighters who will respond in fire
Manager, said: “We have
engines or in fire service cars.
been responding to medical emergencies on behalf of
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
Firefighters involved in the pilot
SECAmb in some areas since
have all undertaken the immediate
2004 and have had a lot of
emergency care responder
public support for this work. We
training. Developed by SECAmb,
are therefore delighted to be
the training will enable firefighters
able to work with SECAmb to
to provide treatment to patients in
extend this potentially life-saving
the moments before ambulance
work. It makes sense that if an
crews arrive.
equipped and trained firefighter can get to a medical emergency
In Kent it builds on the existing
first, or is already on the scene
co-responding work that Kent Fire
of an incident, that they provide
and Rescue Service (KFRS) has
appropriate medical assistance
been doing on behalf of SECAmb
while an ambulance is on its
since November 2004. This has
way. We hope that this pilot will
involved seven on-call stations
prove a success and we can roll
(Hoo, Wye, Marden, Dymchurch,
it out to other wholetime stations
Paddock Wood, Eastchurch and
next year.”
318 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
NEWSLINE HART to the rescue When a 51-year-old female fell from the cliffs at Thatcher Point, Torquay, the worst was feared. The casualty had suffered several fractures and with the tide closing in crews responding to the incident had to work quickly. Paramedics from Torquay were first on scene followed by the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART). HART, alongside the local crews, the RNLI and the Torquay Coastguard Rescue Team, worked to stabilise the patient and get her ready for onward travel to hospital. Both air ambulances that serve Devon were already tasked so the Coastguard rescue helicopter was called for. As a result of the fall the casualty suffered several fractures to her legs as well as chest injuries. She was taken to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth for further treatment. Chris Chambers, Head of EPRR and Special Operations at SWASFT, said: “This incident showed a great example of multi-agency working. This is exactly the type of incident HART are trained and equipped to deal with and, alongside our local crews and the Coastguard and RNLI, we were able to treat the casualty at the scene before transferring her to hospital.” John Bunce, Station Officer at Torbay Coastguard Rescue Team, added: “I would like to thank the SWASFT crews for their excellent work in treating and extracting the casualty from what was a very unusual position.
“Throughout the incident the interaction between the local Paramedics, HART and the Coastguard rescue team was very positive providing excellent care for the casualty and the best method of extraction and onward travel to hospital.” The Trust has two HART based at Bristol and just outside of Exeter. The teams work with the other emergency services within hazardous and challenging environments. For more information about our HART visit: http://www.swast.nhs.uk/What%20 We%20Do/hazardous-arearesponse-team.htm
TASC charitable support Ambulance staff at South East Coast Ambulance Service Trust will be able to access charitable support provided through TASC, The Ambulance Services Charity. TASC, The Ambulance Services Charity was established this year as the national charity to help provide vital advice and support services to both serving and retired ambulance personnel and their families and dependents in times of crisis, bereavement or severe difficulty. TASC Chairman Cliff Randall and Chief Executive Lorna Birse-Stewart visited South East Coast Ambulance Service in Banstead, Surrey, to meet Chief Executive Paul Sutton, Human Resources Director Francesca Okosi, and other members of staff.
(From left to right) Lorna Birse-Stewart (TASC) with Paul Sutton (South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust) and Cliff Randall (TASC) Lorna said the purpose of the visit was to raise awareness of the advice and support services available through the charity and identify regional champions and supporters to help raise awareness and vital funds needed to help develop this work. “We had a very positive meeting with key representatives at South East Coast Ambulance Service who welcomed the range of services TASC is making available,” she said. “TASC was established to meet very important needs in the ambulance services community, with staff often facing significant challenges and pressures in their line of duty including pressures which may sometimes result in severe stress, musculoskeletal injury, isolation, financial problems and ‘burn out’.
“We have also recently launched a pilot scheme for the physical rehabilitation of ambulance staff and are providing funding for 15 places
“Our meeting with the South East Coast Ambulance Service is one of many visits we have been invited to across the UK to raise awareness of and support for TASC. The charity depends on support from across the ambulance sector and we are now looking for champions from across the regions to become volunteer leads. “Their support will be invaluable not only in helping us increase awareness of the range of help available now, but also in raising funds for planned programmes of work that TASC aims to deliver.” Paul Sutton, Chief Executive of South East Coast Ambulance Trust, added: “We were keen to meet with TASC to discuss the services they are able to provide ambulance service staff. We are very aware that a career in the ambulance service is challenging and we have support mechanisms in place to help all of our staff. The work of the charity will also be extremely worthwhile and we are looking forward to working closely with it in the future.” For more details and information about TASC visit www.theASC. org.uk, or telephone 02477 987 922. The Support Line number is 0800 1032 999.
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
“We aim to provide a single point of contact through our dedicated and independent professional Support Services team and TASC ‘Here to Help’ Freephone support line which will help provide access to rehabilitation, mental health services, bereavement support and welfare debt advice.
where staff can undergo treatment at dedicated centres across the UK.
319 For all your equipment needs visit: www.ambulanceservicesuppliers.com
NEWSLINE TASC Pilot Scheme a “vital service” The first paramedic to undergo rehabilitation as part of a pilot scheme launched by The Ambulance Services Charity has said that rehabilitation is a “vital service” that all ambulance personnel should be able to access. Kat Chignell, who lives in Somerset, was awarded a place to undergo a two-week rehabilitation programme at the Police Treatment Centre in Harrogate, as part of a new scheme commissioned by TASC, The Ambulance Services Charity.
Kat Chignell, Paramedic at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT)
The national charity is providing funding for places which will initially enable 15 ambulance staff to access physical rehabilitation at designated treatment centres across the UK. Kat was working as a paramedic for South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) when an incident occurred with a patient which left her needing surgery on her shoulder.
“I was nervous about being the
“I would encourage other
first paramedic to ever receive
paramedics and ambulance staff
treatment at the centre but
in need of rehabilitation to get in
from the minute I arrived I was
touch with TASC about taking part
welcomed by all of the staff and
in the pilot programme.
other police officer patients. “It is comforting to know that we can “They were pleased to see that
access charitable support which
ambulance staff are being given the
helps look after us as ambulance
opportunity to access rehabilitation
staff, just as we help to look after
as they too understand both the
people every day on the frontline.
mental and physical pressures we face in the job.
“Finally I’d like to say thank you to TASC for this rehabilitation
She said: “It was a really difficult
“I took part in two weeks of
time for me after the incident and
opportunity; all the staff at the
intensive rehabilitation which
it became quite clear that I would
Police Treatment Centre for looking
included daily physio, pilates
need intensive rehabilitation in
after me through my stay with them;
classes, strength and conditioning
order to get back to frontline
and all the officers also receiving
work, hydroptherapy sessions and
duties as a paramedic.
treatment for make me feel
relaxation. I was also able to chat to
welcome and part of the family.
a counsellor on site who has helped “This is why I am so grateful
me to face up to the injury mentally.
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
to TASC for providing me with
TASC, The Ambulance Services Charity, was established this year
the opportunity to undertake
“It was hugely beneficial to receive
as the leading UK charity to help
treatment at The Police Treatment
advice from expert staff and I
provide vital advice and support
Centre in Harrogate.
have noticed a massive difference
services to both serving and
in the mobility and strength of
retired ambulance personnel and
“It is a top-class facility and
my shoulder since undergoing
their families and dependents in
the work they achieve there is
treatment. I have also come home
times of difficulty, bereavement
amazing. Not only do they help
with a list of recommendations
and urgent need.
with your physical rehabilitation,
and exercises so that I continue
they also help you to overcome
with my rehabilitation over the next
the mental challenges too.
few weeks.
Lorna Birse-Stewart, Chief Executive at TASC, said: “We are pleased
320 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
to see that the treatment Kat has received as part of TASCs pilot programme has made a significant difference to her recovery. “TASC understands how important it is for ambulance staff to be able to access support which will help them recover from injury and aid their return back to work. “Ambulance staff respond to serious accidents and incidents on a day-to-day basis and often face considerable challenges and pressures in the line of duty which can affect their health and wellbeing. “The pilot scheme is only the start of TASCs plans to develop a much larger ambulance service rehabilitation programme at fire fighter and police treatment centres. However, to achieve this we need the whole ambulance service sector and the general public to get behind us and support the work of the charity.” For more details and information about TASC visit www.theASC.org.uk, or telephone 02477 987 922. The Support Line number is 0800 1032 999.
IN PERSON AAAC News
Liz Campbell announced as Independent Chair of Association of Air Ambulances Charity The Association of Air Ambulances is pleased to announce the appointment of Liz Campbell as the Independent Chair of the Association of Air Ambulances Charity (AAAC), a legally independent body which is designed to funnel national donations into individual air ambulance charities. Liz replaces Chloe Smith MP; the interim Independent Chair of the AAAC and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to
Liz Campbell
the role. Her achievements and leadership has seen Liz become the Director of Wellbeing of Women; a medical research charity that has just celebrated its 50th year, Chairman and Vice Chairman of Surrey Police Authority and a NonExecutive Director of the NHS to name a few. She will now play a key role in leading the AAAC along with its Board of Trustees.
DAA News
Devon Air Ambulance CEO recognised in National Awards Heléna Holt, CEO of Devon Air Ambulance Trust, received national recognition when
Chloe Smith MP said:
she picked up the first runner up prize in the ‘Boss of the Year’ category at the Executive
“The Association of Air Ambulances Charity
PA Magazine Annual Awards held at the
is a vehicle which allows air ambulance
Institute of Directors in London.
charities to approach national or large regional organisations who may want to
Heléna said “I was honoured to have been
make donations to the air ambulance
nominated by my Executive Assistant Melanie
sector as a whole. The formation of the charity was a key element of securing £5 million of LIBOR money and is already being used to enhance air ambulances at a local level.
Stevens for this prestigious national award. I never imagined I would be shortlisted, let alone be the first runner up.” Melanie Stevens added “We spend such a lot
and before that St James’s House, a mental health charity in North London before being able to move back home to what she describes as her ‘dream job’ in Devon. Heléna has also previously served as a trustee, holding positions as Chair and Treasurer in the councils for voluntary services for both Camden and Tower Hamlets, gaining a valuable understanding of the vital importance of strong governance. It’s truly been an award-winning year for the Charity as a whole picking up the PwC West of England Business of the Year (under £30 million category) earlier this year. Devon Air Ambulance Trust has also been shortlisted for Western Morning News Business Awards Employer of the Year.
of time at work that to have a good working
“I am delighted with Liz’s appointment and trust that with her guidance and direction, air ambulance charities across the UK will funds raised to further enhance the service for the benefit of the patients they serve.”
Executive Assistant role, is essential. Heléna and I have been working together for almost six years and have a well-established and mutually respectful relationship.” Heléna has been CEO at Devon Air Ambulance Trust since October 2007 and has
Liz Campbell said:
been instrumental in many initiatives including the forthcoming introduction of night flying in
“I am honoured to be appointed to this
Autumn 2016.
exciting role. I look forward to supporting the amazing work of the UK air ambulance
Prior to joining the Charity, South Hams born
community.”
Heléna was Director of the Attlee Foundation
Heléna Holt, CEO of Devon Air Ambulance Trust
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
see the benefit of the AAAC and use any
relationship with your boss, especially in an
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IN PERSON SECAMB News
Sussex cardiac arrest patient donates defibrillator
On the arrival of the ambulance team,
“It really is all about teamwork from the
Paramedic Practitioner Stuart Rutland,
moment the 999 call was made to Molly.
Ambulance Technician Trevor Comber and
I’d also like to take the opportunity to urge
Paramedic Kevin Allsobrook, it became clear
everyone to learn CPR as you never know
A man from Horsham, West Sussex,
that the ambulance itself would not be able
when you might be called upon to perform it.
whose life was saved by South East Coast
to get close to the lake. Stuart, who attended
On behalf of all my colleagues I’d like to wish
Ambulance Service (SECAmb) crews has
by car, took his vehicle to Neil to begin
Neil all the very best for the future.”
been reunited with the ambulance team
assessment. SECAmb and the local Community First
and kindly funded the placement of another As it was very clear Neil needed hospital
Responders will be working to establish the
treatment Stuart took Neil back to the
best location for the defibrillator in Horsham
Father of two Neil James, 54, was on a fishing
ambulance in his car but moments later
town centre.
trip with work friends and colleagues a little
Neil went into cardiac arrest. The team
over two months ago, (28 August), when he
acted quickly to administer a shock with a
began to feel unwell. Neil admits that he had
defibrillator and begin CPR. Having stabilised
felt unwell and became out of breath with
Neil, the team began the journey to Royal
chest pain some two weeks earlier but ignored
Sussex County Hospital but he rearrested
his family’s advice to visit his GP.
another five times en route to hospital and
defibrillator in his home town.
went on to receive a total of nine shocks.
SWASFT News
Non Executive Director appointed to House of Lords A non-executive director at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Arriving at the fishing lake in East Hoathly, near Lewes, slightly ahead of his friends, Adam
On arrival at hospital Neil was fitted with a stent
(SWASFT) has been appointed to the House
and Henry Richards and Lea Harrison, Neil
to repair a blocked main artery before being
of Lords as a non-party political peer by the
felt a severe pain across his chest along with
discharged after four days to recover at home.
House of Lords Appointments Commission.
He said: “I, my family and friends wanted to
The Appointments Commission is an
“I also had a thumping headache and didn’t
meet everyone involved face to face to say
independent non-statutory advisory body set
want to keep my eyes open”, added Neil.
thank you. In our daily lives we constantly
up to make recommendations for non-party
“I knew I was extremely poorly and when
say thank you to people – people such as
political peerages. It recommends individuals
the others arrived I asked them to call an
the shop assistant, the postman, the delivery
on merit and their ability to contribute
ambulance.”
driver. I strongly feel that just saying thank you
effectively to the work of the House.
Due to the remote location, Henry rushed the
to all those that saved my life is not enough.
half mile to the main road to wave down the
I therefore donated a new defibrillator so that
Appointed as a SWASFT non-executive
crew while Emergency Medical Advisor, Molly
it can be used in Horsham to help save other
director in August 2006, Professor Mary
people’s lives. You can’t put a price on a
Watkins is chairman of the Trust’s Quality
person’s life.”
and Governance Committee. Away from
nausea and faintness.
Smith, provided advice over the phone. Neil adds: “Molly was very professional when talking to my colleagues and continually asked what symptoms I was suffering while behind the scenes help was being organised to get assistance to me as soon as possible. She asked to talk to me but I was too ill to speak more than a handful of words. She kept everyone calm.”
SWASFT Mary is a Professor of Nursing, Neil also has nothing but praise for everyone
currently Emeritus Professor of Healthcare and
else involved in his treatment and recovery
Leadership at Plymouth University. Mary has
and added: “The hospital staff were amazing.
also published widely in the field of nursing
I’ve also had good support from my GP and
education and leadership, and was the first
have recently started a six-week course of
editor of the Journal of Clinical Nursing.
rehabilitation classes and I’m recovering slowly but well.”
Speaking about the appointment to the House of Lords Trust chair Heather Strawbridge said:
AMBULANCE UK - DECEMBER
Neil added: “I’ve since been told of Horsham
“Mary has a particular expertise in the field of
Heartsafe, which is looking to increase the
mental health and has a wealth of experience of
number of defibrillators across the region. I’m
working in partnership with social services and
happy that I’m contributing to that and would
the voluntary sector. Her work with SWASFT is
urge everyone to take the opportunity to learn
second to none and she is fully deserving of
CPR as I will be along with my friends and
this appointment to the House of Lords.”
family.” Chief executive Ken Wenman added: “Mary Paramedic Practitioner Stuart Rutland added:
works tirelessly for the Trust and Plymouth
“It was great to see Neil again and to meet and
University where she is extremely well respected
speak to his family and friends. We don’t often
by the staff and students. I know she will
get to see our patients again and I was really
continue her efforts at the House of Lords where
struck by Neil’s appreciation of us as a team.
I am sure she will be able to make an impact.”
322 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com
AUK_August_AUK_August_2013 11/10/2013 10:53 Page 254 AUK_August_AUK_August_2013 11/10/2013 10:53 Page 254
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323
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1 2
Bobrow BJ, et al. Ann Emerg Med. 2013 Mar 7. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2012.12.020. [Epub ahead of print]. Sell RE, et al. Circulation. 2009;120 (18 Supplement): S1441.
MCN EP 1410 0063