Ambulance UK April 2017

Volume 32 No. 2

April 2017

DEDICATED TO THE AMBULANCE SERVICE AND ITS SUPPLIERS

In this issue DIPRTM - A Paramedics Summary Burns First Aid - Timing is Everything Life Connections Conference Programmes

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS

Ambulance UK This issue edited by:

53

EDITOR’S COMMENT

55

FEATURES

55 DIPRTM - A Paramedics Summary

56 Burns First Aid - Timing is Everything

58

NEWSLINE

CIRCULATION:

87

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

EDITOR’S COMMENT Welcome to the April edition of Ambulance UK, traditionally a time when we look forward with anticipation on a new financial year, and the re-setting of the ‘clock’ on the requisite quality standards. Having just emerged from one of the busiest winter periods on record for the NHS, the perennial question of how will the service cope with the continuing pressures remains.

Despite a somewhat negative opening to the editorial, the Ambulance Service has an enviable reputation of rising to such challenges, as evidenced regularly in our publication, and no doubt will do so once again, despite the plethora of the various challenges and difficulties presented.

The tragic events in Westminster on the 22nd March highlighted the critical role of our emergency services, and reminded us of the importance of living in a society that requires a well-funded and efficient health service, which provides a high quality level of care to all our patients.

Innovation, best practice sharing and integrated partnership working remain key components in the development of the service, and having had the privilege of witnessing the level of prehospital care in over 50 Countries, we can still be extremely proud of the clinical ‘gold standard’ delivered everyday by our impressive workforce of clinicians and support staff.

Barry Johns, Co-Editor Ambulance UK

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

“Having just emerged from one of the busiest winter periods on record for the NHS, the perennial question of how will the service cope with the continuing pressures remains.”

The budget announcement by the Chancellor of additional funds for social care, sustainability and transformation plans, and additional GPs in ‘front door triage’ of hospital A&E Departments, which whilst all welcome, would I suggest, still fall short in the NHS being able to recover its Key targets. Comments made by NHS Providers states that it is ‘Mission Impossible’, and one keen observer even suggested that it was like ‘putting a plaster on an arterial bleed’. The recent announcement of additional clinical triage staff in 999 and 111 call centres is also another positive move, although the inherent ‘risk averse’ culture would still result in a default setting of the ambulance service - so another difficult year ahead!

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FEATURE

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

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FEATURE

DIPLOMA IN RETRIEVAL AND TRANSFER MEDICINE (DIPRTM) A PARAMEDIC’S SUMMARY Introduction

OSPE:

DipRTM is awarded by the RCSEd through its Faculty of Pre Hospital Care and was conceived by a multi disciplinary group of clinicians who work in retrieval medicine internationally. The exam’s main focus is the retrieval of patients from one hospital facility to another.

The OPSE circuit takes place on day 2 of the exam. Each candidate will

An increasing number paramedics and nurses are now involved in pre hospital critical care and retrieval medicine. Due to the multi disciplinary nature of retrieval medicine it is prudent that a recognised examination exists which allows candidates to demonstrate a safe, robust and proficient approach to retrieval medicine.

Launched in 2012, the DipRTM offers candidates the opportunity to apply themselves to the comprehensive syllabus and then undertake a written exam and OSPE stations over a 2 day period. The DipRTM is open to doctors, nurses and paramedics as retrieval medicine is rarely a solo undertaking. Often the most cohesive and efficient retrieval teams will draw on clinicians from a range of backgrounds and experience. Since its inception, a variety of nurses and paramedics have successfully completed the DipRTM.

rotate though a dozen or so scenarios designed to test their skills and knowledge of retrieval medicine. All OSPE stations address elements of the syllabus to ensure that as much subject matter as possible is presented to each candidate.

Personal thoughts: The author is from a paramedic background and spent several years working on road ambulances prior to becoming involved with aeromedical retrieval. After 2 years working within a retrieval service I considered the DipRTM as an attractive development opportunity and consequently applied for and sat the exam.

The syllabus for the exam covers a wide range of material related to retrieval medicine. When studying I found it increasingly important to make sure I had a good grasp of each syllabus section and the content within it. The core texts are invaluable learning aids as are the

Syllabus

associated reading materials. I was part of a study group where we practiced equipment familiarisation, drills and Q&A sessions as much

The DipRTM syllabus is a comprehensive document from which the exam questions and OSPE scenarios are derived. There is a strict adherence to this policy therefore candidates can expect only to be tested on material they will have previously covered in the syllabus.

There are 6 sections including: 1. Clinical 2. Environmental 3. Operational 4. Equipment 5. Communication 6. Management & Leadership

considering the content of the syllabus.

Reading all questions thoroughly and keeping to time were the two main learning points from the written paper. For the OSPE stations having a structured and systematic approach was found to be very useful. This, coupled with pre existing experience, allowed me to proceed with each OPSE topic in a safe, competent and logical manner. This technique is what examiners are looking for.

Although I was studying for an exam, the process of learning for the DipRTM allowed me to gain a significant amount of new knowledge that I may otherwise not have had. Broadening my understanding of retrieval and transfer medicine has certainly allowed me to better understand the challenges and requirements for safely conducting patient care in the retrieval environment.

Becoming an examiner for the DipRTM has now allowed me to support and contribute to its continued delivery. As highlighted before, it is

Written Exam

a systematic and safe approach along with good time keeping and

The written paper is divided into 2 parts with one being single best answer questions and the other following a multi source answer format. Both written papers are completed on day 1 of the exam. Attention to what is being asked in each question as well as focused time keeping is important to making sure the candidate has the opportunity to answer all the questions.

attention to detail which will produce a successful DipRTM candidate.

I would strongly encourage other paramedic colleagues, working

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

Candidates will be expected to already have experience of working within the retrieval and transfer environment. There are several core texts which will assist the candidate with working through the syllabus.

These core texts are augmented by additional suggested reading material. This, along with the candidate’s practical skills, knowledge and experience, will assist with the successful completion of the DipRTM.

as possible in order to polish our skills for the OSPE stations, again

in retrieval and transfer medicine, to consider the DipRTM as an achievable and desirable adjunct to their professional practice.

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FEATURE

BURNS FIRST AID TIMING IS EVERYTHING

By Kristina Stiles Burn Care Advisor - Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Lead Nurse - London and South East of England Burn Network Executive Committee Member - British Burn Association krissie.stiles@nhs.net Burns are devastating and painful injuries that have life-changing consequences for the burn survivors and their families.

major contributors to morbidity and mortality in burn injuries related to first interventions at the scene – hypothermia and burn depth progression.

The burn survivor’s journey begins at the time of injury. Every service, and every emergency and health care professional involved become part of their “story”. From the time of burn injury, the casualty is rescued, resuscitated, assessed and treated by non-specialist providers in the initial stages of their care. This process can take many hours and is dependent on the severity of injury, as the burn survivor is handed from fire and rescue to ambulance service, then onto emergency department and subsequently onto the regional burn service. Each service, each point of contact, each intervention leaves a trace on the patient that will only become evident hours, days or even months later. Each action and inaction has potential to make a difference and will directly impact burn survivor’s outcome and quality of life.

Burn injured patients lose heat from their skin through evaporation and their body loses it’s ability to raise their temperature. This inability to generate heat and the resulting hypothermia is directly responsible for subsequent bleeding, infections, poor wound healing, and increased morbidity and mortality of these patients. Children and elderly are particularly susceptible as their skin is much thinner. Precautions against the development of hypothermia at the scene are essential and aggressive warming measures should be implemented to preserve body heat. Minimal skin exposure, segmental cooling of the burn wound, irrigation fluids at 15°C or warmer, ClingFilm wound cover, insulating foil and cotton blankets, head caps and increasing ambient temperature (in ambulance/emergency department) - are acceptable warming measures that can be utilised to conserve body heat.

Burn injuries are equally traumatic for the emergency responders who have to deliver initial first aid measures during the acute period of injury in challenging environments, with limited equipment and resources. In case of a severe burn injury, priorities always lie with the Advanced Trauma Life Support protocol. However, emergency responders also need to be aware of the two

British Burn Association advises that cooling the burn wound with tepid water for 20 minutes within three hours of injury is the most important factor in reducing burn wound severity. Cooling reduces swelling and depth of injury, provides pain relief, cleans the wound and improves healing, which prevents

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

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FEATURE burn wound progression and will result in a more superficial burn that heals with less scarring or contractures.

The challenge for the emergency responders lies in the fact that often patients will have applied their own “first aid” measures like toothpaste, butter, oil, eggs or ice to the wounds. None of these are beneficial to wound healing.

In fact, oil-based substances can trap heat in the tissues and ice may cause further cold injury, leading to detrimental burn depth progression. Jewellery can compromise blood flow to the swelling injury site; clothing and nappies can retain heat and therefore all should be removed as early as possible.

Whilst bystanders and care givers often provide some cooling at the scene, responders should be mindful of the fact that the advocated treatment of 20 minutes can seem like a lifetime and may be an unrealistic expectation for non-professionals, especially when dealing with traumatic and distressing injuries. Responsibility should be with emergency responders to administer appropriate first aid. National Burn Injury Database shows that only 39% of all adults and 48% of all children with a burn injury receive appropriate first aid at the scene, which is concerning considering the fact that the quality of the initial first aid measures will have long term psychological, social, physical and functional consequences for patients with a burn injury.

Cool water application acts as an analgesic, therefore pain may increase upon cessation of cooling at great discomfort and distress to the patient.

Unless clinically inadvisable, cooling may be continued to ensure patient comfort until formal analgesia has taken effect.

In order for the 20 minutes of cooling to be tolerated by the patient, the temperature of the water may need to be warmer than 15°C. Importance of cooling should not outweigh the value of active measures to prevent heat loss and responders must ensure that segmental cooling is implemented, only the burn area is cooled and the rest of the patient is kept warm.

19th of October 2016 was the 3rd annual National Burn Awareness Day promoted by the British Burn Association. It was an opportunity for specialist services to engage with their pre-hospital, trauma, emergency and primary care partner agencies to heighten the general awareness concerning burn injury. Essentially, the National Burn Awareness Day allows the appropriate first aid message to reach the most important first aider who is already present at the scene at the time of the burn injury – the burn survivor themself.

on et re el.n mo erj ad at Re w.w ww AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

Professional burn care, anywhere - anytime!

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NEWSLINE Groundbreaking emergency services partnership sweeps the board at Gwent Police Awards A groundbreaking emergency services partnership which helps to save lives and resources has swept the board at the Gwent Police Awards.

The Joint Response Unit (JRU), operated by the Welsh Ambulance Service and Gwent Police, sees a Paramedic and a Special Constable attending incidents such as assaults and road traffic collisions together, to provide medical assistance and free up their colleagues to help others.

Their work was recognised at the police force’s annual awards ceremony held at the Celtic Manor Hotel on Monday 20 March The team of five paramedics and ten Special Constables were awarded the Commandant’s Cup for Joint Working.

There were also two awards for Welsh Ambulance Service JRU Project Lead Chris Hughes, who spearheaded the initiative after witnessing a similar operation

involving London Ambulance Service and the Metropolitan Police.

He received a Chief Constable’s Commendation after responding on the JRU to help save the life of a man, who was stabbed in an unprovoked attack in Caerphilly last year, as well as the Folley Shield for his positive contribution to the work of the special constabulary.

Chris said: “It’s fantastic that the team has been recognised in this way and it is very much a team effort between us and the police.

“We have Special Constables on board who man the police radio, know the terminology, and can help us to communicate with police officers at the scene of incidents.

“By picking these calls as they come in, as paramedics we’re also able to arrive quickly to provide timely medical assessment and treatment.

“Quite often now you’ll hear police officers asking for the Joint Response Unit to attend as they know how effectively we work, and in most cases we’re able to free up the availability of ambulance crews and police officers to help other members of the community.”

The JRU was originally launched in July last year after it was found that

Photo: Peter Anderson

Welsh Ambulance Service JRU Project Lead Chris Hughes received a Chief Constable’s Commendation and the Folley Shield. between October 2015 and March 2016, the two emergency services attended 2,249 incidents together.

Under the scheme, the team in a specially marked vehicle carry out shifts covering the Aneurin Bevan Health Board area, self-selecting appropriate 999 incidents via remote access to calls coming into local control rooms.

During its first month, members of the response unit attended 72 incidents and only required back up from an emergency ambulance on 15 occasions, while the Trust’s Urgent Care Service also provided support five times.

This enables ambulance crews who would normally attend to respond to members of the public facing potentially life-threatening emergencies elsewhere in the region.

Their attendance also means that police officers at the scene are made available to move on to other cases when appropriate.

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

Photo: Peter Anderson

Members of the Joint Response Unit receive the Commandant’s Cup for Joint Working from Chief Constable Jeff Farrar.

Deputy Chief Constable Julian Williams from Gwent Police said: “The JRU should be seen as a success for both Gwent Police and Welsh Ambulance Service, making considerable savings, financially and in officer time.

“This initiative is a very

58 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

worthy winner of this year’s Commandant’s Cup. “Chris is a dedicated and committed individual who wants to make a real difference in providing medical support to and for all officers of Gwent Police.”

Currently the team works three ten-hour shifts per week on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday, when the emergency services often experience their highest demand.

Each member of the Special Constabulary team has been given additional training by the Welsh Ambulance so that they can assist paramedics with medical incidents.

Richard Lee, Director of Operations at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “The Joint Response Unit is a great example of team working across agencies and these awards are a testament to everyone who has made it a success.

“Chris in particular took the initiative to look into how the London JRU operates and to find out how it could be replicated within the Gwent area.

“Thanks to the commitment of him and the team, both our emergency services and our patients are now witnessing the benefits.”

NEWSLINE WMAS

WMAS increases HART teams to a magnificent seven West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) is investing over £400,000 to strengthen its Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) beyond the standard national requirements.

The Trust has to have 42 HART paramedics, which breaks down into seven teams of six. However, in order to add extra resilience, WMAS has employed an extra seven HART paramedics to ensure an operational capability of seven teams of seven.

HART provides paramedic care to patients within a hazardous environment that would otherwise be beyond the reach

job HART are required to attend,

problematic. He was unable to

ever done to me and it was the

it also further develops the skillset

go out unaccompanied because

most angry I’ve ever been in my

of an additional seven members

he has mobility and balance

life. I would rather be punched

of staff into the diverse operating

difficulties and was slowly

in the face.”

environment of Hazardous Area

losing what his independence.

Response Teams.

charged following the incident

“By increasing the number of

£500 to purchase specialist

and a warrant is currently out

HART paramedics within the

equipment designed for people

for her re-arrest.

West Midlands, we are further

with disabilities to enable him

enhancing the service patients

to make himself a drink, a meal,

The spit kit, which London

receive throughout the region

and a walking frame that helped

Ambulance Service has

when calling 999 in their hour of

him keep his balance and would

developed with the help of the

need.”

enable him to sit and rest if

Metropolitan Police Service, will

necessary, allowing him to go

allow medics to take swabs of

out safely on his own.

saliva which will be passed on

WMAS trialled the Urban Search and Rescue element of HART in

structures or within contaminated environments. HART staff can also operate within the Warm

to the police to track down the

2008, before going fully live with

The grant not only gave him

offender. The swabs can also

the incident response unit and its

some independence it also helped to improve his mental

be tested for disease.

associated specialist vehicles in 2009. During the next two years

health and wellbeing by offering

WMAS HART was at the forefront

him someone to talk to who

of implementing both the inland

understood.

water capability and firearms element that can now be seen in HART teams across the country.

of NHS care. This can include working at height, collapsed

The woman was arrested and TASC provided a grant of

Paramedic’s Story – specialist equipment needed

Zone of a firearms incidents

Andy added: “I think the spit kits are a great idea and it would have provided useful additional evidence at the

LAS

time. Anything that increases

New ‘spit kits’ issued to track down offenders who spit at London’s life savers

our chances of prosecuting

Ambulance crews across

Of these around 50 included

people who commit this kind of revolting act is really welcome.”

There were 456 physical assaults against crews last year. spitting.

to triage, treat and extricate

A former paramedic, Mr

London are being issued with

patients.

S, contacted TASC to ask

DNA kits so police can trace

for help to purchase some

patients who spit on them.

Assistant Director of Operations of spitting on someone is

Having an additional seventh

specialist equipment that

member of the team also allows

would enable him to remain

The introduction of ‘spit kits’

them to provide a more robust

independent in his own home.

into every London Ambulance

response to HART incidents but

Service vehicle in the capital

Ian Johns said: “The act degrading and disgusting and will not be tolerated. We will do everything in our power to make

He was forced to leave a NHS

comes as emergency service

team can work with Trust staff at

Ambulance Service in UK after

staff are more at risk of assault

sure those responsible are dealt

bariatric incidents using specialist

10 years’ service when he

than ever.

with through the courts.

equipment that has been issued

was diagnosed with multiple

to HART. All ambulances are

sclerosis and his health

East London-based paramedic

“Our staff should not be

able to carry a bariatric stretcher.

deteriorated and limited his

Andy Whitehouse was on duty

expected to tolerate abuse while

They are held at each hub as well

capabilities to carry out his role

in a fast response car last year

responding to emergency calls

as specialist bariatric vehicles

as Paramedic.

when he attended reports of a

and treating patients. We’re

woman having a seizure on the

the first ambulance service to

In addition to the MS diagnosis

street. After Andy had treated

introduce these kits and I hope

HART and Special Operations

he was also suffering from

the woman at the scene and

it will act as a deterrent.”

Manager for WMAS, James

angina and his mental health

an ambulance had arrived to

Price, said: “The significance of

and wellbeing suffered and was

transport her to hospital, the

It is hoped the DNA kits, made

the Trust’s decision to extend

diagnosed with depression.

woman turned to Andy, said

up of swabs, gloves and special

‘this is what I think of you lot’,

evidence bags for collecting

and spat in his face.

samples, will increase the

across the Trust.

our HART teams cannot be underestimated.

The symptoms of his MS,

number of prosecutions of

muscle spasms, stiffness and “Not only does it give us

weakness of his limbs meant

Andy said: “It was the most

people who assault frontline

increased resilience in terms of a

that making himself a drink was

disgusting thing anyone had

ambulance crews.

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

also the seventh member of the

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

NEWSLINE Advancing Acute Pain Management

At last, PENTHROX® is here...

Fast, effective pain management designed for fast, efficient patient management.

PENTHROX is indicated for the emergency relief of moderate to severe pain in conscious adult patients with trauma and associated pain1

Now there’s a PCA* in a non-invasive, lightweight, portable, handheld inhaler for the emergency relief of moderate to severe pain in conscious adults with trauma. With easy set-up, administration and proven pain relief within 6-10 inhalations,1,2 PENTHROX quickly controls patient pain without the need for canisters, cannulas or opioid-related ED attendances.

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

60

PENTHROX 3mL inhalation vapour, liquid: Please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) before prescribing. Abbreviated Prescribing Information. Presentation: Each vial of PENTHROX contains 3mL of methoxyflurane 99.9%, a clear, almost colourless, volatile liquid, with a characteristic fruity odour. Each PENTHROX combination pack consists of one 3mL bottle, one PENTHROX Inhaler and one Activated Carbon (AC) chamber. Indications: Emergency relief of moderate to severe pain in conscious adult patients with trauma and associated pain. Dosage and administration: PENTHROX should be self-administered under supervision of a person trained in its administration, using the hand held PENTHROX Inhaler. Adults: One bottle of 3mL PENTHROX to be vaporised in a PENTHROX Inhaler. On finishing the 3mL dose, another 3mL may be used.

The dose should not exceed 6mL in a single administration. Methoxyflurane may cause renal failure if the recommended dose is exceeded. The lowest effective dosage to provide analgesia should be used. Onset of pain relief is rapid and occurs after 6-10 inhalations. Patients are able to titrate the amount of PENTHROX inhaled and should be instructed to inhale intermittently to achieve adequate analgesia. Continuous inhalation provides analgesic relief for up to 25-30 minutes; intermittent inhalation may provide longer analgesic relief. Administration on consecutive days is not recommended and the total dose to a patient in a week should not exceed 15mL. Children: PENTHROX should not be used in children under 18 years. For detailed information on the method of administration refer to the SPC. Contraindications: Use as an anaesthetic agent. Hypersensitivity to PENTHROX or any fluorinated anaesthetic. Patients with known or genetically susceptible to malignant hyperthermia or a history of severe adverse reactions in either patient or relatives. Patients who have a history of showing signs of liver damage after previous methoxyflurane use or halogenated hydrocarbon anaesthesia. Clinically significant renal impairment. Altered level of consciousness due to any cause including head injury, drugs or alcohol. Clinically evident cardiovascular instability. Clinically evident respiratory depression. Warnings and Precautions: Methoxyflurane causes significant nephrotoxicity at high doses.

Nephrotoxicity is also related to the rate of metabolism. Factors that increase the rate of metabolism such as drugs that induce hepatic enzymes can increase the risk of toxicity with methoxyflurane as well as sub-groups of people with genetic variations that may result in fast metaboliser status. The lowest effective dose should be administered, especially in the elderly or patients with other known risk factors of renal disease. Methoxyflurane should be cautiously used in patients with conditions that would predispose to renal injury. Methoxyflurane is metabolised in the liver, therefore increased exposures in patients with hepatic impairment can cause toxicity. PENTHROX should be used with care in patients with underlying hepatic conditions or with risks for hepatic dysfunction. Previous exposure to halogenated hydrocarbon anaesthetics (including methoxyflurane when used as an anaesthetic agent), especially if the interval is less than 3 months, may increase the potential for hepatic injury. Cautious clinical

judgement should be exercised when PENTHROX is to be used more frequently than on one occasion every 3 months. Potential effects on blood pressure and heart rate are known class-effects of high-dose methoxyflurane used in anaesthesia and other anaesthetics. Caution required in elderly due to possible reduction in blood pressure. Potential CNS effects such as sedation, euphoria, amnesia, ability to concentrate, altered sensorimotor co-ordination and change in mood are known class-effects. The CNS effects can be a risk factor for potential abuse. To reduce occupational exposure to methoxyflurane, the PENTHROX Inhaler should always be used with the AC Chamber which adsorbs exhaled methoxyflurane. Multiple use of PENTHROX Inhaler without the AC Chamber creates additional risk. Elevation of liver enzymes, blood urea nitrogen and serum uric acid have been reported in exposed maternity ward staff when methoxyflurane was used in the past at the time of labour and delivery. PENTHROX is not appropriate for providing relief of break-through pain/exacerbations in chronic pain conditions or for the relief of trauma related pain in closely repeated episodes for the same patient. Interactions: Methoxyflurane is metabolised by the CYP 450 enzymes, particularly CYP 2E1 and to some extent CYP 2A6. It is possible that enzyme inducers (such as alcohol or isoniazid for CYP 2E1 and phenobarbital or rifampicin for CYP 2A6) which increase the rate of methoxyflurane metabolism might increase its potential toxicity and they should be avoided concomitantly with methoxyflurane. Concomitant use of PENTHROX with CNS depressants, such as opioids, sedatives or hypnotics, general anaesthetics, phenothiazines, tranquillisers, skeletal muscle relaxants, sedating antihistamines and alcohol may produce additive depressant effects. If opioids are given concomitantly with PENTHROX, the patient should be observed closely. Concomitant use of methoxyflurane with medicines (eg contrast agents and some antibiotics) which are known to have a nephrotoxic effect should be avoided as there may be an additive effect on nephrotoxicity; tetracycline, gentamicin, colistin, polymyxin B and amphotericin B have known nephrotoxic potential. Sevoflurane anaesthesia should be avoided following methoxyflurane analgesia, as sevoflurane increases serum fluoride levels and methoxyflurane nephrotoxicity is associated with raised serum fluoride. When methoxyflurane was used for anaesthesia at the higher doses of 40–60mL, there were reports of drug interaction with hepatic enzyme inducers (eg barbiturates) increasing metabolism of methoxyflurane and resulting in a few reported cases of nephrotoxicity; reduction of renal blood flow and hence anticipated enhanced renal effect when used in combination with drugs (eg barbiturates) reducing cardiac output; and class effect on cardiac depression, which may be enhanced by other cardiac depressant drugs, eg intravenous practolol during cardiac surgery. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation: No clinical data on effects of methoxyflurane on fertility are available. As with all medicines care should be exercised when administered during pregnancy especially the first trimester. There is insufficient information on the excretion of methoxyflurane in human milk. Caution should be exercised when methoxyflurane is administered to a nursing mother. Effects

on ability to drive and use machines: Methoxyflurane may have a minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

Patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery if they are feeling drowsy or dizzy. Undesirable effects: The most common non-serious reactions are CNS type reactions such as dizziness and somnolence (≥1/100 to <1/10) and are generally easily reversible. Serious dose-related nephrotoxicity has only been associated with methoxyflurane when used in large doses over prolonged periods during general anaesthesia. Adverse drug reactions observed in PENTHROX clinical trials in analgesia: Common (≥1/100 to <1/10): Amnesia, anxiety, depression, dizziness, dysarthria, dysgeusia, euphoria, headache, sensory neuropathy, somnolence, hypotension, coughing, dry mouth, nausea, feeling drunk, sweating; uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100): paraesthesia, diplopia, oral discomfort, fatigue, feeling abnormal, increased appetite and shivering. Post-marketing experience: rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000) reports of hepatic failure/hepatitis have been observed with analgesic use of methoxyflurane. Other events linked to methoxyflurane use in analgesia include drowsiness, agitation, restlessness, dissociation, affect lability, disorientation, altered state of consciousness, choking, hypoxia, oxygen saturation decreased, blood pressure fluctuation, vomiting, hepatitis, increased liver enzymes, jaundice, liver injury, increased serum uric acid, urea nitrogen and creatinine, renal failure, blurred vision and nystagmus. Overdose: Refer to SPC. Legal Category: POM. NHS Price: £17.89.

Marketing Authorisation Holder: Medical Developments UK Limited c/o Price Bailey LLP, Causeway House, 1 Dane Street, Bishop’s Stortford, Herts, CM23 3BT, United Kingdom. MA Number: PL 42467/0001. Full prescribing information available from: Galen Limited, Seagoe Industrial Estate, Craigavon, BT63 5UA, United Kingdom. Date of Preparation: November 2015.

Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. Adverse events should also be reported to Galen Limited on 028 3833 4974 and select the customer services option, or e-mail customer.services@galen-pharma.com. Medical information enquiries should also be directed to Galen Limited.

Reference: 1. Penthrox Summary of Product Characteristics. December 2016. 2. Coffey F et al. Emerg Med J 2014; 31: 613-618. Date of preparation: March 2017. MAT-PEN-UK-000040.

Before administering PENTHROX, make sure you have read and fully understood the SmPC and educational materials, which provide important information about how to safely use the device to minimise risk of serious side effects. PENTHROX educational materials and training on its administration are available from Galen on request.

For recruitment vacancies www.ambulanceukonline.com *PENTHROX should be self-administered under supervision of afurther person trained in its administration, usingvisit: the handheld PENTHROX Inhaler.1

For more information visit: www.penthrox.co.uk

NEWSLINE EEAST

“Worth their weight in gold”: ambulance service praised in recent survey “First class”, “brilliant”, and “fantastic” were to name a few of the latest compliments made about staff at the region’s ambulance service.

More than 110 people responded to the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) January experience survey, with 98% either satisfied or very satisfied with the overall level of service they received from staff.

For the third consecutive month, the latest figures revealed that 100% of respondents felt they could trust staff and that they were treated with privacy, dignity, and respect.

A patient from east Norfolk said: “Your handling of my case was first class; I cannot fault it any way, thank you so much.”

Whilst another respondent from north Bedfordshire said: “I don’t think anything could have been done any better; it was quick and efficient, they took great care of my husband.”

Other high scoring areas of the report included the level of care received by staff, with every respondent either satisfied or very satisfied. Similarly all found that the cleanliness of both the interior of the ambulance and equipment used was either acceptable or fairly acceptable.

Kevin Brown, Director of Service Delivery, said: “We strive to provide a consistently high level excellent patient care delivered with the highest degree of professionalism.

He added: “My thanks to those who took the time to complete this survey, their feedback is vital to us further improving our service as we look forward into 2017 and beyond.”

To view the reports in full, visit: http://www.eastamb.nhs.uk/ performance/patient-surveys/ Patient-experience-reportemergency-services-january-2017. pdf NEAS

GPs wanted to support NHS 111 patients and reduce demand on NHS services Recruitment underway as part of clinical hub expansion North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) is offering General Practitioners the chance to work within its clinical hub in order to provide a better service to patients and reduce the demand on the emergency care system.

Every year the service answers over one million emergency 999 and NHS 111 calls, responds to over 300,000 incidents that resulted in a patient being taken to hospital, treats and discharges up to 20,000 patients with telephone advice as well as more than 80,000 patients discharged at home.

Emergency care crews reach over 100,000 incidents within the national target of 8 minutes.

The clinical hub provides enhanced clinical support to call handlers and patients. Clinicians working in the hub offer access to a range of healthcare professionals and clinical assessment to patients who have contacted the NHS 111 service.

NEAS is now expanding this service to offer 111 patients the support of a General Practitioner to provide professional advice over the phone. This service has the

potential to decrease the demand on the emergency, primary and secondary services. For example, an NHS 111 caller who requires advice from a GP could be treated and discharged over the phone avoiding the need to attend another service.

This opportunity will give GPs the chance to develop their skills and influence the development of the region’s urgent and emergency care re-design. GPs in the hub will work collaboratively with a range of healthcare professionals including Nurses, Paramedics and Advanced Practitioners.

GP Dr Mathew Beattie ,Urgent Care Medical Director at NEAS explains, “This expansion will give GPs the opportunity to work with paramedics, nurses and a range of healthcare professionals outside of the normal GP environment to share learning and experiences.

Having GPs in our Operations Centre has the potential to offer a much smoother experience to healthcare over the telephone or referral to another NHS provider in a timely manner. The future of urgent and emergency care is in greater integration of skills and services, like this.

NEAS is currently offering GP opportunities to work within its Operations Centre at Newburn Riverside, Newcastle upon Tyne and Hebburn, South Tyneside with the potential to work remotely in the future. The GP service will be available to patients in the out of hours period therefore we are seeking GPs who can support us weeknight evenings, overnight and at weekends.

Dr Beattie ends, “As a regional provider, NEAS is at the heart of implementing the urgent and emergency care review, working in close partnership with the wider NHS across the North East to deliver a seamless urgent and emergency care service. We already deliver effective and high performing 111 and 999 services.

Our ambition is to lead the way in the design and delivery of urgent and emergency care, utilising the clinical hub as the driver for improved demand management”.

SECAMB

SECAmb vehicles to carry important 999 and 111 messages South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) is supporting NHS England in a public information campaign on when to call 999 and NHS 111.

All of the Trust’s operational ambulances and cars will carry messages on how the two services work together. The posters, which have been designed and funded

by NHS England, have this week started to be placed on vehicles.

The Trust hopes the posters will help remind people that 999 is for serious and life-threatening emergencies only and to contact NHS 111 when they require urgent advice and assistance for conditions that are not lifethreatening.

SECAmb Head of Fleet and Logistics John Griffiths said: “We pleased to be able to assist in ensuring these important messages are communicated to the public via our vehicles.

We hope that the presence of the posters on highly visible ambulances and cars will remind people to make the right choice.”

Dr Helen Thomas, National Medical Advisor for Integrated Urgent Care said: “It’s really good to see the NHS 111 non-emergency number sitting alongside 999 on these ambulances.

“This gives a clear message that 999 is for life-threatening emergencies - but if you’re in need of urgent help and it’s not an emergency there is another number to call – NHS 111.

“The service is now helping around 15 million callers a year to get the right care in the right place, first time – reducing pressure on A&E and 999 services.”

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

It was also revealed that almost 94% of people found that the handling of their call was either very acceptable or acceptable.

An area of improvement was the length of time people waited for their ambulance, with almost 90% describing their waits as either very acceptable, acceptable, or fairly acceptable.

The feedback from this recent survey is a testimony to our values and work ethic.”

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

NEWSLINE NWAS

CQC rating for North West Ambulance Service Health and social care regulator Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published its report following a planned week long inspection of North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) NHS Trust in May 2016.

This is the first CQC inspection of NWAS to be rated and the Trust was pleased to receive a rating of ‘good’ in relation to care, responsiveness and effectiveness but was disappointed to receive an overall rating of ‘requires improvement’. Ratings were also provided for each of NWAS’ core functions and found that the Trust’s NHS 111, patient transport services and emergency operations centres were ‘good’, however, the emergency and urgent care service ‘requires improvement’.

Outstanding practice was noted in other areas, including the delivery of the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Teams, the implementation of community care pathways and use of new technology to map public defibrillator locations and sharing that information with control centres so they could be used to help patients in the community.

NWAS Chief Executive, Derek Cartwright comments: “As an organisation which has patients at the heart of all we do, I was extremely pleased to hear that the CQC believes our staff to be caring and compassionate and that we regard safety and quality as a priority. This is one of the key components of an organisation which exists to provide care for patients and it is heartening to hear from the CQC what I have always known. Our staff work hard every day to do the very best they can for patients – from saving lives to offering comfort to relatives, and they should be very proud that this has been recognised.

“We accept the comments in the report relating to improvements required for procedures, guidelines and training, however the inspection took place almost ten months ago and the majority of the points highlighted have already been addressed. For the remainder, we are working to a robust action plan which is being monitored by the Executive team and our Commissioners.

These relate to the Trust’s duty of candour and safeguarding of adults procedures and policies, together with the need to increase the recording and learning from incidents.

“The Trust is also addressing its capacity to consent procedures in line with the Mental Capacity

Act of 2005, provide support and training in the management of bariatric patients, strengthen the complaints procedures and improve compliance with the Fit and Proper Persons regulations.”

With regard to its care and compassion towards patients and their clinical treatment, the CQC noted: “Communication with callers who contacted 999 was effective and reassuring. Staff were compassionate, reassuring and treated callers with dignity and respect.”

“There were systems in place to meet the needs of patients in rural locations, which included partnership working with health, social and the voluntary care sector” “Staff were dedicated and committed to caring for patients and often went above and beyond the expectations of their employer to provide care.”

“Emotional support was offered to patients and their relatives in both life-threatening and emergency situations and also during less urgent situations.”

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

Derek adds: “The last 12 months have been extremely challenging for the organisation with unprecedented demand for our services, and it is unfortunate that by not reviewing policies and guidelines as often as we should, we are in the position we are now.

We are determined to right this as soon as possible and ensure that staff are given adequate time to complete their mandatory training.

This will be a team effort across the whole of the organisation and I am confident that the CQC will see huge improvements when they next visit.”

EEAST

Ambulance service shortlisted in prestigious awards A new app that brings clinical guidelines to the fingertips of

62 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

ambulance staff and volunteers has been shortlisted in the HSJ Value In Healthcare Awards.

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) launched the clinical app, one of the first of its kind for a UK ambulance service, last year. The app was developed by EEAST to allow clinical colleagues and volunteers to view both Trust and national guidance at the click of a button. Colleagues with an iOS or Android phone or tablet have access, straight from their device, to everything from drug doses and equipment instructions to treatment and care pathways.

Developed with Aimer Media and published by Class Professional Publishing, the free and EEASTexclusive app contains the huge knowledge base ambulance clinicians of all grades are expected to know, and acts as a vital sense-checker and reminder tool.

Lewis Andrews, EEAST’s Quality Improvement and Professional Standards Lead, was part of the app development team and said: “I am delighted that the clinical app has been shortlisted for this award. It demonstrates how technology can be harnessed to give our staff and volunteers the information they need at the touch of a button. In the ambulance service you never know what you are going to be faced with at the next 999 call and our colleagues are expected to know and retain a huge breadth of knowledge.

Having this app helps support them in delivering excellent patient care.”

Nearly 2,000 staff and volunteers have now signed up the app, showing the value it has brought to the service in a little under four months.

The app has been shortlisted in the HSJ Value in Healthcare Awards in the category of ‘the use of information technology to drive value in clinical services.’ The next step will be for the Trust to present to the judging panel in April, with the winners being announced in May.

LIFE CONNECTIONS

FANCY A REWARDING AND INTERESTING DAY OUT? Diary Date: The International Centre, Telford, Tuesday June 6 and Wednesday June 7 Register Now As a Delegate or Visitor: www.lifeconnections.uk.com Life Connections 2017 will this year be running alongside the Emergency Fleet Exhibition/NAPFM Conference taking place at the International Centre, Telford and, once again Life Connections will be hosting four individual conferences over the two day period for the benefit of those involved with pre-hospital care, accident & emergency, resuscitation, first aid, etc. The theme of this year’s event again being ‘Connecting Lifesavers with One Common Goal’. A Paramedic Conference and a First Aid Conference will be taking place on Tuesday 6th June with a Resuscitation Conference and an Emergency First Responder Conference being held on Wednesday 7th June. To date a number of keynote speakers from the UK and overseas have agreed to give presentations which this year include: Professor Sir Keith Porter - Fatal Fractures, Georgina McNamara - Sepsis - The Hidden Killer, Paul Savage OBE - Control of Major Haemorrhage & the Application of Tourniquets & Haemostats, Professor Julia Williams - Can The Fire and Ambulance Services Work Together?, Dr Marc Gillis - Alveolar Ventilation via Continuous Chest Compression - No Pause Should be Your Cause, Dr Simon Le Clerc - Future Haemorrhage Control, Andy Thomas - Using Science to Improve Your CPR... It’s Time for Feedback. John Talbot, Amy Chan-Dominy, Will Broughton, Pete Gregory, Amanda Potterton, Steve Pratten, Nic Morecroft and David Halliwell will also be giving thought provoking and interesting presentations and, with delegate rates starting from just £24 (including VAT) to include lunch/tea/coffee/free parking, etc. this unique multi-conference event offers tremendous value for money - for full conference programme details please visit our dedicated website: www.lifeconnections.uk.com In addition to the above, on Tuesday 6th June Pre-Hospital Care Consultancy Ltd are running a course for community first responders which includes: Airway/Oxygenation and Ventilation, Circulation & Shock and Traumatic Brain Injury & Spinal Trauma - only 12 places are available on this course. On Wednesday June 7, the same organisation

are running an Essentials of Advanced Airway Management workshop which includes Prediction of the Difficult Airway, BVM & Laryngoscopy, etc. and only 8 places remain available. Once again both programmes can be found on our dedicated website: www.lifeconnections.uk.com Visitors are also welcome to attend the exhibition areas of this Ambex type event where, in Halls 1, 2 and 3 they will find a number of Trade stands displaying the latest in fleet vehicles and vehicle technology, further stands displaying emergency equipment etc. can be found in The Emergency Equipment Zone situated in the Foyer of Hall 3. It is anticipated that over 120 exhibitors will be showcasing their products. For security reasons those wishing to register as a visitor only, need to pre register via our web site www.lifeconnections.uk.com, this years confirmed exhibitors include: Amazon Medical, BMW Group, CAPITA, Cartwright Conversions, CM Specialist Vehicles, Distinctive Medical, Eberspacher, Ford Motor Company, Goodyear Dunlop Tyres UK & Ireland Ltd, Honda UK, Hyundai, Intersurgical, Jaguar Land Rover, Medtree, Mitsubishi Motors UK, NMI Safety, Ortus Technology Ltd, RDT Ltd, Simulaids, S MacNeillie & Son Ltd, Vauxhall Motors, Volkswagen Group UK, Volvo Car UK Ltd, WAS, Wel Medical, Yamaha Motor Europe, to name but a few therefore those taking time out to attend as a delegate or visitor will have plenty to see and do. For a full list of exhibitors please visit: both the NAPFM (www.napfmevent.org.uk) and Life Connections (www.lifeconnections.uk.com) websites.

By linking these two very unique events, we are providing delegates and visitors with the opportunity for cross communication via the exhibition areas which brings together the vehicle and equipment sides of the emergency sector.

For full conference details, please visit: www.lifeconnections.uk.com

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

www.lifeconnections.uk.com

63

NEWSLINE NEAS

First responders launched on Holy Island North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has been working with islanders and partner agencies on Holy Island in Northumberland to recruit, train and deploy a team of first responders.

Co-responders and Community First Responders (CFRs) volunteer to help North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) by responding to life threatening emergencies within their local community prior to the arrival of an ambulance.

emergencies, such as chest pain,

The HM Coastguards are

A spokesperson from Holy

breathing difficulties, cardiac

available 24 hours a day, 7

Island Parish Council explains,

arrest, and unconsciousness, if

days a week and are on call

“We are delighted by the

they are the nearest resource,

at all times, some also have

completion of this training.

followed by the next nearest

other working commitments

Since the removal of the

emergency care crew.

such as Kyle Luke, Coastguard

Boulmer Air Sea Rescue we

Rescue Officer, who owns the

have been in regular dialogue

popular ‘Crown and Anchor’

with NEAS and the HM

pub on the island and Emma

Coastguard to ensure that the

Rothera, Coastguard Rescue

Emergency Services can reach

Officer who is also a landscape

the island quickly at high tide

photographer and writer.

and in bad weather. Having

They exist in cities, towns and villages where it may be a challenge for the emergency ambulance to arrive within the crucial first few minutes. Their aim is to provide immediate care to a patient where every second counts; a patient who suffers a cardiac arrest stands a much better chance of survival if someone with a defibrillator can attend the patient in the first minutes of collapse.

Alex Mason, NEAS Community Development Officer, said: “Holy Island is an island cut off from

resources based on the island Whilst CFR training was on going, HM Coastguard officers attended two emergency incidents on the island.

Kyle says, “We have seen this weekend just how difficult it can be to get access to the island during an emergency. Having CFRs who are able to deal with situations when the emergency

Working closely with the HM

the main land twice a day by

Coastguard, the parish council

the tide, with a population of

and local residents, NEAS has

around 160 permanent residents

now provided training for six co-

with hundreds of thousands

responders to deal with first aid

of visitors. In the event of any

emergencies on the island.

incidents on the island, we

Now trained, the new team

already work closely with the HM

have been issued with

Responders are often everyday

Coastguard to agree the best

standard equipment including

members of the general public

option for access to and from

an automated defibrillator,

who are trained by NEAS in basic

the island be that land, sea or

oxygen, suction unit and simple

first aid and life support. They

air. However, having responders

airways adjuncts. They are

are provided with oxygen and

on the island will provide even

also issued with a range of

a defibrillator and are deployed

more support to patients and our

medical consumables, such as

by NEAS to life threatening

crews.”

dressings.

services can’t get to the patient easily is massively beneficial to us.”

Alex continues: “When HM Coastguard staff are on station, they will log on to show that they are available and in the event of an ambulance being unable to access Holy Island

with a number of islanders trained in their use is really important. This is greatly welcomed and our thanks go to HM Coastguard, NEAS and in particular to the volunteers themselves.”

In 2016, there was 26,341 life threatening or potentially life threatening incidents in the Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) area. Of those, 1,477 were responded to by community first responders from schemes in Berwick, Belford, Wooler and Seahouses. This further development in Holy Island is part of county and region wide recruitment for responders to boost resources across the North East.

As well as the CFR schemes, there are also more than 75 community public access defibrillators (CPAD) across Northumberland, with hundreds of members of the community trained by NEAS to undertake basic first aid.

or to get immediate care to the

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

casualty, the Co-Responders

Alex adds: “A responder’s role

can be paged by the HM

may be to simply provide vital

Coastguard Operation’s room

reassurance to patients and

and communicate directly with

their families but in extreme

us.”

cases such as a cardiac arrest, they will be able to perform CPR

The Island community already

and use a defibrillator to deliver

have access to a Community

a shock to the person’s heart

Public Access Defibrillator

that will make an enormous

(CPAD), with a number of

difference their patient’s chance

residents who are trained in its

of survival and the quality of

use.

their life in recovery.”

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

Paramedic Practice Conference Programme

NEWSLINE

Tuesday 6TH June 2017 The International Centre, Telford, TF3 4JH.

Thanks to the generosity of our Sponsor, RDT, we can offer the first 50 registered delegates a reduced rate of only £30 (incl VAT) to include lunch, tea/coffee, etc.

Topics & Speakers correct at the time of press but may be subject to change

Time

Presentation

Speaker

Position

Professor Julia Williams

Professor of Paramedic Science

David Halliwell

MSc Paramedic Flfl

Amy Chan-Dominy

Paediatric Consultant

John Talbot

Professional Lead Paramedic

Registration

09.30 – 09.45

Introduction

09.45 – 10.15

T.B.C.

10.15 – 10.45

Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

10.45 – 11.30

Tea/Coffee/Exhibition

11.30 – 12.00

Overdose – First Line of Treatment

12.00 – 12.30

Paediatrics: Should We Just Take Them All In?

Will Broughton

Education Director (Paramedic)

12.30 – 13.00

T.B.C.

Pete Gregory

Head of Allied Health

13.00 – 14.15

Lunch/Exhibition

14.15 – 14.45

Fatal Fractures

Professor Sir Keith Porter

Professor of Clinical Traumatology

14.45 – 15.15

Sudden Death in Athletes

Amanda Potterton

Critical Care Nurse

15.15 – 16.00

Tea/Coffee/Exhibition

16.00 – 16.30

Alveolar Ventilation via Continuous Chest Compression (AV-CCC) – No pause should be your cause

Dr Marc Gillis

Head of Emergency Service Imelda Hospital, Bonheiden,Belgium

16.30 – Close

Can the Fire & Ambulance Service Work Together?

Professor Julia Williams

Professor of Paramedic Science

To register please visit: www.lifeconnections.uk.com or call: 01322 660434

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

08.30 – 09.30

65

NEWSLINE Work begins on £1m HELP Appeal funded helipad at Aintree Hospital, Liverpool Work has started on a £1m helipad at Aintree University Hospital funded by the HELP Appeal, which will give seriously injured patients arriving by air ambulances immediate access to the Emergency Department and specialist treatment.

This new helipad will serve patients from across Cheshire

from Devon to Scotland and the

Mrs Sharon Scott, Divisional

helipads like this one so critically

new Aintree Hospital helipad,

Medical Director of Surgery and

important for patients across the

will ensure patients are quickly

Anaesthesia at Aintree, said:

region. Its close proximity to the

transferred to Aintree’s new state

“The new helipad is fantastic

hospital will enhance the lifesaving

of the art Urgent Care and Trauma

news for our patients. It will make

service we provide, as we will

Centre.

a tremendous difference to them

no longer have to rely on a land

and their families, and it is all

ambulance to transfer patients

Specialists at the regional major trauma centre, which brings together teams from Aintree and neuro-surgery experts from The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, say the new helipad will save vital minutes when transferring trauma patients from air ambulance into the hospital.

Robert Bertram, CEO of the

possible thanks to the generosity of the HELP Appeal.”

Ms Catherine McMahon, Consultant Neurosurgeon at The Walton Centre, said: “We are excited about the completion of the helipad on the Aintree site which will help cut crucial minutes from the transfer time of patients to the Major Trauma Centre. When you have been the victim of a

to the emergency department.

Overall, we anticipate that this new addition at Aintree will save around 10-12 minutes per patient – enough to save a life.”

The HELP Appeal has been providing significant grants to fund life-saving helipads around England and Scotland since 2009.

The helipad at Aintree, which is being built by BAM Construction,

and Merseyside, and will reduce

HELP Appeal, said: “It is very

transfer time for patients in critical

satisfying to see that work is now

care; at present air ambulances

starting on this life-saving helipad

must land on local playing fields,

at Aintree University Hospital,

which can increase transfer times

and to see this project get off the

by 30 minutes.

ground. As the only charity in the

Mark Evans, Clinical Service

Manager for BAM, said: “The

UK providing funding for hospital

Manager at the North West

construction of the helipad at

The HELP Appeal is the only

helipads, we are delighted to be

Air Ambulance Charity, said:

Aintree will bring huge benefits

charity in the UK providing

able to donate the full £1 million

“Every second counts in matters

and we are proud to be part of the

funding for life-saving helipad

needed to fund its construction.”

of severe trauma, which makes

team to make this happen.”

severe head injury, every minute counts and this new development will help us to reduce morbidity

is expected to be fully operational in summer.

and save lives.”

Rob Bailey, Construction

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

66 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

NEWSLINE

First Aid Conference Programme

Tuesday 6th June 2017 The International Centre, Telford, TF3 4JH.

Thanks to the generosity of our two Sponsors, Simulaids and WEL Medical, we can offer the first 50 registered delegates a reduced rate of only £48 (incl VAT) to include lunch/tea/coffee and free parking.

Time

Presentation Registration

09.30 – 09.45

Introduction

09.45 – 10.15

Overdose – First Line of Treatment

10.15 – 10.45

Sudden Death in Athletes

10.45 – 11.15

Tea/Coffee/Exhibition

11.15 – 12.00

T.B.C.

12.00 – 12.30

Shock & How it Should be Taught in First Aid

12.30 – 13.00

CitizenAID

13.00 – 14.15

Lunch / Exhibition

14.15 – 15.15

Part 1 – Control of Major Haemorrhage & the Application of Tourniquets & Haemostats

15.15 – 16.00

Tea/Coffee/Exhibition

16.00 – Close

Part 2 – Control of Major Haemorrhage & the Application of Tourniquets & Haemostats

Position

John Talbot

Professional Lead Paramedic Science

Amanda Potterton

Critical Care Nurse

David Halliwell

MSc Paramedic Flfl

Christoph Schroth

Lecturer in Paramedic Science

Professor Sir Keith Porter

Professor of Clinical Traumatology

Paul Savage OBE

Lecturer

Paul Savage OBE

Lecturer

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

08.30 – 09.30

Speaker

Topics & Speakers correct at the time of press but may be subject to change.

To register please visit: www.lifeconnections.uk.com or call: 01322 660434

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

NEWSLINE NEAS

NEAS Paramedics pick up awards for services to trauma patients A team of North East paramedics working to improve the lives of major trauma patients has picked up a national award.

Every year, North East Ambulance Service crews attend around 300,000 incidents, of which around 1,500 are categorised as major trauma with an average of three incidents a day.

North East Ambulance Service’s trauma team responds to major trauma incidents across the region as well as working in partnership with other agencies to promote public health and developing pre-hospital

knowledge for their colleagues through trauma workshops.

Since being created in 2012, the team has exceeded national expectations at both a regional and national level, helping to change trauma care practices through research, most of which is done in members’ own time.

In the most recent peer review of national and regional major trauma services, NEAS was one of only three services to have 100% compliance with no significant concerns or immediate risks.

Consultant Paramedic Paul Aiken-Fell is pictured with Anthony Marsh, Chairman of AACE Consultant Paramedic Paul Aitken-

The group’s efforts were recognised at NEAS’s 2016 Beyond the Call of Duty Awards.

On the back of that award, the team was put forward for the Association of Ambulance Chief Executive (AACE) Outstanding Service Awards.

Fell, who leads the team, picked up the Specialist Paramedic Award on behalf of the team at the event, held on 7 February.

He said: “Working closely with the Northern Trauma Network and all the operational staff here

at NEAS, we have undoubtedly made a huge impact on survival rates from major trauma.

“I’m really proud of the team and what we have achieved. As a Trust, we’re now looking to build on this work to help us save more lives across the North East.”

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68 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

NEWSLINE

EFR Conference Programme Wednesday 7th June 2017 The International Centre, Telford, TF3 4JH. Thanks to the generosity of our Sponsor, PhysioControl, we are able to offer the first 60 registered delegates a reduced rate of only £24 (incl VAT) to include lunch, tea, coffee, free parking etc.

Time

Presentation

Speaker

Position

Nic Morecroft

Chair for National Ambulance Forum

Perfect Partners

08.30 – 09.30

Registration

09.30 – 09.45

Introduction

09.45 – 10.15

Grown-Up Congenital Heart Disease – ABC

Amy Chan-Dominy

10.15 – 10.45

Using Science to Improve your CPR… It’s Time for Feedback

Andy Thomas

Senior Paramedic, Critical Care Ambulance Response Unit

10.45 – 11.30

Tea/Coffee, Exhibition

11.30 – 12.15

Sepsis – The Hidden Killer

Georgina McNamara

UK Sepsis Trust

12.15 – 12.45

The Role of CFR’s in Cardiac Arrest

Steve Pratten

Community Response Manager

12.45 – 14.15

Lunch and Exhibition

14.15 – 14.45

The Success of Cardiac Arrest

Sam Mongoro

Cardiac Arrest Survivor

14.45 – 15.15

Penthrox – A New Inhalationary Analgesic

Professor Sir Keith Porter

Professor of Traumatology

15.15 – 16.00

Tea/Coffee and Exhibition

16.00 – 16.45

National Qualification

Nic Morecroft

Chair for National Ambulance Forum

16.45 – Close

Q&A

Nic Morecroft

Chair for National Ambulance Forum

Paediatric Consultant

To register please visit: www.lifeconnections.uk.com or call: 01322 660434

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

Topics & Speakers correct at the time of press but may be subject to change

Designed based on years of partnership with EMS, the LIFEPAK® 15 monitor/defibrillator and the LUCAS® 2 chest compression system work together to support your team in managing 69 you have anything you would like to add or include in Newsline? Please contact us and let us know. cardiacDoarrests.

NEWSLINE LAS

London Ambulance Service releases 999 call to show shocking abuse of call handlers A 999 caller - who made chilling threats to an emergency call handler - has changed the way London Ambulance Service manages abusive calls.

The Service released a recording of the call which led to all call takers being trained in conflict resolution. http://track.vuelio.uk.com/z.z?l= aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cueW91dHVi ZS5jb20vd2F0Y2g%2fdj1XR2kzS GQ3ZUc4RQ%3d%3d&r=82181 40069&d=3205924&p=1&t=h& h=504f34f54a2c0b5d446217225 08c587d The man – who is calling about a friend - shouts down the phone and swears 30 times during the three minute call.

Emergency Medical Dispatcher, Jon, remains calm and professional throughout saying: “All I’m worried about is the patient so you need to calm down.”

Despite his advice the caller says, “I’ll come to your switchboard and kill you”.

Call handler Jon said: “I didn’t want to listen to this call again, I didn’t want to relive the experience but it is important for people to hear it so they can understand what can happen to us while we are doing our job.”

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

Jules Lockett, Education and Development Manager, said: “Listening to this call is truly shocking.

“We are used to dealing with people who are distressed and upset or even angry but we should not be subjected to this kind of abuse.

“Our call handlers need to be able to take patient details, so they can get the right help to them as quickly as possible. Abuse like this obstructs our ability to deliver patient care.”

traffic more easily. Although they don’t generally carry patients to hospital, they are staffed by a paramedic who is able to administer life-saving treatment at the scene of an emergency.

The Service is now training its 500 control room staff in how to diffuse volatile situations.

Neil Maher, Assistant Director Service Delivery Support for North West Ambulance Service said: “The Trust relies heavily on rapid response vehicles to be able to attend patients as quickly as possible.

Jules said: “No training would calm this caller down who rang back three times and continued to be verbally abusive.

“However, we are now encouraging our control room staff to report abusive calls and get support if they experience this at work. We also encourage them to alert their manager and end the call once we have given pre arrival instructions.

London Ambulance Service receives around 5,000 emergency calls a day into its emergency control rooms NWAS

Ambulance Service set to save millions with introduction of Electric Vehicles North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust (NWAS) is set to become more environmentally friendly as they plan to introduce electrically powered rapid response vehicles (RRVs) into their fleet.

NWAS will be one of the first ambulance services in the country to introduce electric cars as part of their standard fleet and it is expected that it could save the Trust up to £2.5 million in fuel costs over the four year lease period.

“The introduction of these electrically powered cars will not only provide huge cost savings for the Trust, it will also have a huge impact on our carbon footprint, reducing the carbon contribution from our RRVs from 1379.28 tonnes to 100.8 tonnes.”

Maintenance and lease costs are also reduced with the introduction of the new RRV model, with an overall expected annual saving of over £4,300 per vehicle.

NWAS currently has 174 rapid response vehicles throughout the North West and will initially be introducing four electrically powered vehicles as a trial. The Trust will look to replace all RRVs with the new electric models gradually in the coming years once the life-span of the current vehicles comes to an end.

The four vehicles, initially being trialled in Bury and Rochdale, will be an updated version of the BMW i3 model which has won various awards including UK Car of the Year and Green Car of the Year.

RRVs are motorcars that have been converted into emergency response vehicles. They are designed to be able to attend emergencies quicker than regular ambulances because they are smaller and can get through

70 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

The BMW i3 REx AC model, which is already being used in Police and Fire Services in the UK, is equipped with a system that can support the vehicle by extending the mileage range using a small petrol engine that can generate electricity for the battery. This will only be used in extreme circumstances but will provide additional reliability for NWAS. Neil continues: Neil continues: “Although electric cars have been around for some time, improvements in technology from BMW have allowed the Trust to be confident enough to use them for emergency response units.

“The vehicles are fitted with additional technology meaning the engine can be powered by petrol in the unlikely event that the battery does run out. With the correct charging routines and future battery advancement it is hoped that this system will only be used on a small number of occasions to allow the Trust to achieve a target of zero emissions.

“Although the technology available on the market has not yet advanced far enough to allow the Trust to introduce electric vehicles throughout its entire ambulance fleet, this is a very exciting starting point and we are looking forward to further advances in the future.”

A number of electric charging points have been installed across the Trust and the first vehicles are expected to be in operation by early April.

NEWSLINE

Resuscitation Today Conference Programme

Wednesday 7th June 2017

The International Centre, Telford, TF3 4JH

Thanks to the generosity of our Sponsor, Distinctive Medical, we can offer the first 50 registered delegates a reduced rate of £30 (inc VAT) to include lunch/tea/coffee, etc.

Time

Presentation

Speaker

Position

David Halliwell

MSc Paramedic Flfl

Dr Simon Le Clerc

Military Consultant in Emergency Medicine

08.30 – 09.30

Registration

09.30 – 09.45

Introduction

09.45 – 10.30

Future Haemorrhage Control Techniques

10.30 – 11.15

Alveolar Ventilation via Continuous Chest Compression (AV-CCC) – No pause should be your cause

11.15 – 12.00

Tea/Coffee, Exhibition

12.00 – 12.30

Grown-Up Congenital Heart Disease ABC

Amy Chan-Dominy

Paediatric Consultant

12.30 – 13.00

Pitcrew Resuscitation….Microgains to Improve Outcome

Andy Thomas

Senior Paramedic Critical Care Ambulance Response Unit

13.00 – 13.30

Fatal Fractures

Prof. Sir Keith Porter

Professor of Traumatology

13.30 – 15.00

Lunch and Exhibition

15.00 – 15.45

Sepsis – The Hidden Killer

Georgina McNamara

UK Sepsis Trust

15.45 – 16.15

Difficult Airway Management

16.15 – 16.45

T.B.C.

David Halliwell

MSc Paramedic Flfl

16.45 – Close

Q&A

David Halliwell

MSc Paramedic Flfl

Dr Marc Gillis

Head of Emergency Service Imelda Hospital, Bonheiden,Belgium

Dr Kate Crewdson AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

Topics & Speakers correct at the time of press but may be subject to change.

To register please visit: www.lifeconnections.uk.com or call: 01322 660434

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

NEWSLINE

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

Think

outside a box with

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

NEWSLINE

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

Think

outside a box with

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

NEWSLINE HIOWAA

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance grant fund dedicated blood bike

at precisely the required

call takers is clear and the

temperature. The blood carried

appropriate help is sent.

is type O negative blood, known as the ‘universal donor,’ as it is

“We hope this card will not only

safe to give to any patient.

improve the safety of pregnant women, but mean help will get

Hampshire and Isle of Wight

to them quicker and even if this

Air Ambulance flies seven

card helps to save one life then

days a week and attends

it’s worth it.”

Hampshire and Isle of Wight

an average of two to three

Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) have

missions a day, many of them

Heidi Eldridge, MAMA Academy

grant funded the purchase

life saving. The charity receives

Chief Executive, said: “MAMA

of a dedicated blood bike for

no government, statutory or

Academy is delighted to be

use by SERV-Wessex, whose

national lottery funding for

working alongside the London

volunteer blood bikers operate

routine operations, and is

Ambulance Service to ensure

a regular transportation service

entirely dependent on donations

that the safety of mothers

from University Hospital

Any blood that is not used

received from members of the

remains a key priority. Our

Southampton to the HIOWAA

within 48 hours during

public, companies and grant-

ambulance cards are a simple

airbase in Thruxton, changing

emergency missions is then

making bodies to keep the Air

transported back to University

Ambulance flying and saving

initiative designed to help more

the blood carried by the Air Ambulance every 48 hours.

Hospital Southampton for

lives.

The dedicated blood bike, a

use in theatres. The journey

Yamaha FJR 1300, is one of the

from University Hospital

first of its kind and is liveried in

Southampton to the HIOWAA

the distinctive green and yellow

Airbase in Thruxton is a round

branding of Hampshire and Isle

trip of approximately 80 miles.

of Wight Air Ambulance and carries the Charity logo.

Tim Bennett from SERV Wessex

babies arrive safely and we hope to expand this exciting project across the country later

LAS

Card launched to improve safety of expectant mothers

in the year.”

The initiative is also supported

by The Royal College of Midwives. Chief Executive Cathy Warwick said: “We very

commented ‘Our volunteer riders HIOWAA CEO Alex Lochrane

A simple card designed to

much welcome the launch of

are proud to be associated

commented ‘This grant has

give guidance to midwives

the midwives communication

with HIOWAA and to be able

cemented our relationship with

when to call for an emergency

to play their part in helping to

card. Any effort or initiative that

the fabulous blood bikers who

ambulance is being launched

bring the hospital to the patient.

goes toward improving safety

give their time to provide an

with the aim of saving more

SERV Wessex is a charitable

for mothers and babies must be

babies’ lives.

indispensable service’.

organisation and, like HIOWAA,

commended.

London Ambulance Service

“Midwives attending home

Consultant Midwife Amanda

births and working in birth

relies upon charitable donations’.

Using sophisticated temperature controlled packaging, which

HIOWAA began carrying blood

Mansfield has worked with Heidi

keeps the blood safe to use,

on board all flights in April 2014.

centres across London will find

Eldridge of MAMA Academy to

volunteer blood bikers carry one

Using technology first utilised by

the information on this card

produce the card, which will be

fresh box of two units of blood to

the British military in Afghanistan,

beneficial as it will enable them

sent out to midwives working

the HIOWAA Critical Care team in

the Charity is able to store blood

to make communications with

in stand-alone birth centres

Thruxton three times a week.

on board the Air Ambulance

emergency call takers more

and attending homebirths in

efficient, ensuring the right

London.

support is dispatched and ultimately get mother and baby

Amanda said: “Our ambulance crews attend an average of 15 calls a month from midwives AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

at birth centres or home births and some concerns were raised about when they should call for an ambulance and exactly what information is needed.

So we’ve worked with the

the emergency care they may need in the most efficient time.”

IAA announces Stryker EMS as a new business partner

midwife community and Heidi to produce these cards so

The IAA is pleased to announce

that communication between

Stryker EMS as a new business

midwives and our emergency

partner.

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

NEWSLINE

Alan Howson, Executive Chairman of the IAA with Paul Bean, (Business Director, right) and Luke Bateman (UK Territory Manager, left) from Stryker EMS signing the agreement Alan Howson, Executive Chairman of the IAA commented “We are delighted Stryker EMS has chosen to work with and support the IAA as a business partners. Stryker are a very large and forward looking company and this is a brilliant endorsement for the IAA

Ambulance Leadership Forum award winners

and our standing. We look forward to working with Stryker EMS and promoting their products and services to our members and the independent ambulance sector.”

EMAS

EMAS scoop two awards at national ambulance event It was celebrations all round as EMAS received two awards at the national Ambulance

support to staff and acts as

progression routes available

Harminder Baines, Education

a problem solver, counsellor,

within the ambulance service.

Transformation Manager at

resource manager and a shoulder

HEEM said: “Health Education

to lean on. She works tirelessly

“Other colleagues have

England have worked on

without moan or question, always

embraced the campaign by

raises the mood of our staff and is

becoming ambassadors,

Promoting Paramedic Diversity

hugely deserving of this national

working with colleagues across

recognition.”

the service to educate and engage with communities

The second award was in

through events, media

recognition of excellence for

interviews and live shifts on

promoting good practice around

social media. It’s still early days

diversity and inclusion. It was

for our long-term campaign

and have supported initiatives like the East Midlands Ambulance Service which is a fine example of the fantastic work our ambulance trust, universities and wider stakeholders are engaging with

presented to the team at EMAS

however initial figures show

to promote the profession to

Leadership Forum (ALF) awards

for their ‘Serving your community’

an 30% increase in frontline

ensure we have a workforce that

ceremony.

recruitment campaign.

applications, demonstrating a

is reflective of the communities

positive start”.

it serves.”

Jo Saunders, Divisional

The campaign, which was funded

Administrator for Leicestershire,

by Health Education England

Rutland and Northamptonshire

East Midlands, aims to encourage

won the Administrative Support

local people, including those

Award for her dedication to

from Black Asian Minority Ethnic

supporting our frontline services.

(BAME) communities, to consider a career in the ambulance service allowing EMAS to better reflect the

Manager for Leicestershire,

communities it services.

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

Mark Gregory, EMAS General Rutland and Northamptonshire: “Jo has worked for the ambulance

Melanie Wright, Deputy Director

service for 20 years and amassed

of Communications and

a huge understanding of how

Engagement at EMAS said:

it works. She consistently goes

“Our thanks go to the frontline

above and beyond what is

colleagues who put their face

expected of her and works on

and name to this campaign to

her own initiative. She is a huge

highlight the career options and

Divisional administrator Jo Saunders with Anthony Marsh

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

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

NEWSLINE LAS

Innovator behind London’s cycle paramedics praised at Healthcare Heroes exhibition

saving interventions alone in busy

Our cycle paramedics carry all the

The cycle response unit which

areas which are difficult to travel

equipment they need to enable

was launched as a trial in 1999

through in a car or ambulance.

them to respond to emergency

in the capital’s West End, is now

calls, and can often reach

made up of over 50 paramedics

Tom says:

patients faster than ambulances

working all over London.

“It’s an honour to be recognised

in congested areas of the capital.

in the Healthcare Heroes

We now have teams in the West

Paul Woodrow, Director of

exhibition alongside others

End, the City of London, Stratford,

Operations says:

working in our industry.

Kingston & Richmond, Heathrow Airport and at train stations such

“In the last five years alone, our

“London is an incredibly busy city,

as Kings Cross & St Pancras and

cycle paramedics have cared for

capital’s cycle response unit

which is why I knew sitting in my

London Bridge.

over 76,000 patients, from those

has been hailed as a Healthcare

ambulance that the cycle response

Hero, in an exhibition at the

unit would be so successful.

At the exhibition I met just one

through to life-threatening

British Medical Association.

They are able to reach patients

of our cardiac arrest survivors

conditions.

quickly and start to give life-saving

who at 29yrs old had a cardiac

The Cycle Response Unit Manager

treatment while an ambulance is on

arrest in Oxford Street, one of my

“Over 50 per cent of the patients

and former BMX champion created

the way or free up the ambulance

cycle team arrived first on scene

they see are treated on scene,

the city’s first cycle response unit,

if not needed. The dedicated cycle

and shocked her back to life. It

meaning they are able to deal with

a team of paramedics fully trained

teams patrol and stay in the busiest

was an emotional and humbling

the incident alone and save the

to treat patients and provide life-

areas waiting for an emergency call.

experience.”

use of vital ambulance crews.”

London Ambulance medic Tom Lynch MBE who set up the

with relatively minor complaints

Pre-Hospital Care Consultancy Ltd “PHTLS for First Responders Course”

Pre-Hospital Care Consultancy Ltd Essentials of Advanced Airway Management

Tuesday June 6,

Wednesday June 7,

Telford International Centre, Telford

Telford International Centre, Telford

This continuing education course that teaches the principles of PHTLS is ideal for first responders, EMS practitioners, etc. Topics being covered include: Airway/ Oxygenation & Ventilation, Circulation and Shock, Traumatic Brain Injury & Spinal Trauma.

Learn the full range of Airway Management techniques, including: The Use of Extraglotic Devices, Video Assisted Intubation and Surgical Cricothyrotomy.

Only 10 places are available at a rate of £80.00 plus VAT (50% below normal Course costs).

To register please visit:

To register please visit:

www.lifeconnections.uk.com

www.lifeconnections.uk.com

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

Only 12 places are available at a rate of £80.00 plus VAT (50% below normal Course costs).

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

NEWSLINE Remember Ambex?

We think you will enjoy this new combined event!!!

Life Connections 2017 & Emergency Fleet Exhibition/ NAPFM conference

Porter, David Halliwell, Dr

(SECAmb) staff were joined

public from the Warlingham area

Mark Gillis, Dr Simon Le

by volunteers and members

were recognised for their actions

Clerc etc, and thanks to the

of the public at the second

in saving the life of Warlingham

generosity of our 5 sponsors,

of the Trust’s annual award

man John Sinkins at Whyteleafe

RDT Ltd, Simulaids, WEL Medical,

ceremonies.

Railway Station. The bystanders, who started CPR and used a

Distinctive Medical and Physio Control we are able to offer

The ceremony, for the west of

public access defibrillator, were

delegates early bird rates starting

SECAmb’s region, was held on

reunited with John and his wife

from only £24 to include Lunch,

Thursday 9 March at Woodlands

Inder for the first time on the night.

Tea, Coffee etc so book early to

Park Hotel, near Cobham, Surrey.

Elsewhere, Kate Nebbett,

avoid dissappointment !!!! To see the full Conference Programmes

The event saw staff recognised for

Dispatch Team Leader at the

and to register please visit

long service and Chief Executive’s

Trust’s Surrey Emergency

www.lifeconnections.uk.com.

Commendations awarded across

Operations Centre in Banstead

a range of categories including

picked up a commendation

In addition to the above Pre

clinical excellence, patient care

for her actions in stopping to

With over 120 exhibitors

Hospital Care Consultancy are

and for actions above and beyond

help when she saw a car off

showcasing the latest Fleet

running a PHTLS First Responder

the call of duty.

a road and smoking down an

Vehicles, Vehicle Technology and

Workshop on Tuesday June 6 and

Emergency Medical Equipment,

a Airway Management Course

The Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey,

those taking time out to attend

on June 7, once again both

Charles Fowler, attended as

as a delegate or visitor to this

programmes can be found on

the Queen’s representative to

Co-responding fire crews from

exciting new event, are assured

www.lifeconnections.uk.com.

present Queen’s Medals for 20

Walton and Sevenoaks picked

years’ frontline service and good

up awards for their crucial role

Those wishing to attend as visitors

conduct, while Trust staff were

in attending patients suffering

only are required to register online

also recognised for 20 years, 30

cardiac arrests while a team

Amazon Medical, BMW

at www.lifeconnections.uk.com,

years, 40 years and in the case of

of Goldalming clinicians were

Group, CAPITA, Cartwright

The Telford International is offering

recently retired Brian Smith from

recognised for their skill,

Conversions, Distinctive

FREE Parking and there are

Redhill, an amazing 50 years’

professionalism and calmness

Medical, Eberspacher, Ford

catering facilities inside where tea

NHS service.

when attending an 18-month old

Motor Company, Goodyear

/ coffee and sandwiches etc can

Dunlop Tyres UK, Honda,

be purchased..

DIARY DATE June 6 & 7 Telford International Centre, Telford.

of there being plenty to see and do as this years exhibitors include

embankment near Horsham, West Sussex.

in respiratory arrest.

Having joined the ambulance service in 1966, Brian’s career

SECAmb Acting Chief Executive

Jaguar, Land Rover, Medtree,

This very unique event once

moved full circle and recently

David Hammond said: “It is

Mitsubishi, NMI Safety,

again gives delegates and

ended on the patient transport

always extremely humbling to

Ortus Technology, Physio

visitors the opportunity of cross

service. Always working in the

hear of the incredible stories

Control, RDT Ltd, Simulaids,

communication, has been created

Surrey area, Brian career has

highlighted at our awards each

S Macneillie, Vauxhall,

for the benefit of those involved

included periods serving Dorking,

year. These are just a handful of

Volkswagon, Volvo, WAS, Wel

in Pre Hospital and Hospital Care

Godstone and Gatwick.

examples of the amazing work

Medical, Yamaha Motor Group,

hence our theme “Connecting

Zoll to name but a few.

Lifesavers with one common

In summing up his career he said:

across our region. It is also great

goal“. We therefore hope you

“I’ve helped save lives and even

to celebrate the long service of so

will take time out to attend.

deliver babies. These moments

many staff and for us to be able to

make everything worth it and

recognise the dedication shown

Hyundai, Intersurgical,

Once again Life Connections will be made up of 4 individual

which is going on every day

Conferences over the 2 day

Terry Gardner

that’s why I did the job – you

by volunteers including our vital

period, this year we are running

Event Organiser.

never knew what to expect.”

Community First Responders.”

Member of public and School

Details of every award winner

Business Manager at Peter

can be found below

a Paramedic and First Aid Conference on day one with a AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

Resuscitation anf EFR Conference in place for day two. A number of topical presentations are already in place that include Sepsis - The Hidden Killer, Fatal Fractures, The Control of Major Haemorrhage, Overdose - The

SECAMB

Long service and special achievements celebrated at Trust awards

First line of trearment, being given by keynote speakers

South East Coast Ambulance

including Professor Sir Keith

Service NHS Foundation Trust

Gladwin Primary School, Portslade, East Sussex, Christine

Chief Executive

Kidman was recognised for her

Commendations

actions in providing life-saving CPR to a seven-year-old pupil –

Clinical Excellence – Barry

just 24 hours after completing a

Armour, Paramedic Practitioner,

CPR refresher course.

Redhill – For championing the work of palliative care teams

And another four members of

78 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

locally and for his volunteer work

NEWSLINE to gain valuable experience in this

Fire and Rescue Sevenoaks

Queen’s Ambulance Service

20 years’ NHS Long Service

challenging subject.

firefighters, Danny Barratt, Jason

medals for Long Service &

medals (for staff not eligible to

Jones, Aston Gallivan and David

Good conduct were presented

receive Queen’s Medal)

Clinical Excellence – Godalming

Ratcliffe – for the clinical treatment

clinicians, Eloise Sabbara,

provided when co-responding to

Paramedic; Grace Harman,

reports a man was under a car

Student Paramedic; Ian King,

and not breathing.

Associate Practitioner; James

to: Marie Clifford, PALS, Lewes Shaun Baron, Critical Care

Linda Cripps, Retired, CEO Office,

Paramedic, Worthing

Lewes

Cowie, Paramedic; Oliver

Outstanding Patient Care

Richard Brackenbury, Paramedic

Fitzgerald, Student Paramedic;

– Surrey Fire and Rescue

Practitioner, Tangmere

Samuel Garman, Clinical

firefighters, Walton station, Eric

Team Leader – For their skill,

Daniels, Will Keenan, Barry Culver

professionalism and calmness

and Colin Francis – for the clinical

when attending an 18-month old

treatment provided when co-

Steven Burdon, Paramedic,

in respiratory arrest in November

responding to a patient in cardiac

Polegate

2015.

arrest in Walton.

Stuart Dallas, Clinical Supervisor,

Polegate

Banstead

Christopher Neal, Clinical Team

Sue Humphries, Paramedic, EOC

Leader, Gatwick

Chris Britton, Retired Paramedic, Horsham

30 years’ NHS Long Service Award: Philip Coles, Ambulance Technician, Worthing David Keeley, Paramedic,

Clinical Excellence – Madeleine

Public Commendation –

Howley, Paramedic Ashford,

Christine Kidman, School

Kent; Julia Gasking, Ambulance

Business Manager, Peter Gladwin

Lewes

Technician, Ashford, Kent; John

Primary School, Portslade, East

Duncan Jones, Clinical

40 years’ NHS Long Service

Sweeney - Clinical Team Leader,

Sussex – for providing life-saving

Operations Manager, Gatwick

Award:

Ashford, Nick Harrison – Critical Care Paramedic, Paddock Wood, Mick Carter – Critical Care Paramedic, Gatwick - For their clinical excellence in treating a man who had been stabbed

CPR to a seven-year-old pupil – just 24 hours after completing a CPR refresher course.

Andrew Kinder, Clinical Team Leader, Gatwick

Public Commendation – To a group of Warlingham area members

Leader, Walton

50 years’ NHS Long Service

Damien Lau-Kee, Clinical Team

Award:

of the public - PC Stuart Longmire,

Above and Beyond the Call

Bruce – for their quick thinking and

Steve Mackenzie, Paramedic,

actions in providing CPR and using

Worthing

a public access defibrillator on a

Cheryl McCormick, Clinical Team

Dispatch Team Leader, Banstead Emergency Operations Centre – For her actions in stopping to help when she saw a car off a road and smoking down an embankment near Horsham, West Sussex.

Ruth Harper, Jon Hill and Charlotte

man who collapsed at Whyteleafe Railway Station.

Duty – Sisters and Emergency Medical Advisors, Banstead

Leader, Chertsey

Leader, Leatherhead

Brian Smith, Retired, Surrey (Dorking, Godstone, Gatwick) Community First Responders 10 years’ Long Service Award

Caryll Overy, Paramedic,

Employee of the Year – Kim

Haywards Heath

John Kempton MBE, Oxted

Blakeburn, Dispatcher, Quality

David Strudwick, Paramedic

Alison Law, Steyning

Team, Banstead – for her

Practitioner, Redhill

David Nelson, Pulborough and

Neil Swain, Paramedic, Epsom

West Chiltington

for new Emergency Medical

Paul Trevains, Clinical Supervisor,

Christine Peters, Steyning

Advisors.

Banstead EOC

Richard Taylor, Farnborough

dedication and hard work in

Above and Beyond the Call of

Dorking

James Laidlaw, Clinical Team

outside a pub in Ashford.

of Duty – Kate Nebbett –

Carol Boakes, PTS Control,

improving the recruitment process

EOC, Chloe Gardner and Joanne Ashworth – for their actions in stopping and starting CPR when they came across an RTC in which a motorcyclist had been

Outstanding Patient Care – Matt Webb, Paramedic, Epsom and Kathryn Cowley, Paramedic, Gatwick – for their actions and clinical interventions after coming across a serious RTC on the M3.

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

seriously injured on the M25.

Outstanding Patient Care – Kent

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

NEWSLINE paramedic, police officer, and

EEAST

Mental health scheme shortlisted in prestigious awards

mental health professional

An initiative that ensures

based at police headquarters

patients who are experiencing mental health crises are given the correct care quickly has been shortlisted in the Health

joining forces in one car set up to respond to mental health crisis calls 365 days a year.

Operating from 3pm – 1am, and in Kempston and Luton, the car covers the whole county.

Lisa Merkitt from the East of

Service Journal (HSJ) Value in

England Ambulance Service

Healthcare award.

NHS Trust (EEAST) said: “It is

receive the appropriate care

Mind BLMK and the Samaritans.

in emergency situations. I am extremely proud to be a part of

a privilege to be nominated for

Jaki Whittred from Bedfordshire

this project and look forward

The Mental Health Street Triage

such a prestigious award and

to the scheme becoming an

Police said: “The Mental

is a collaborative scheme

the team are immensely proud

integral part of emergency care

ran between agencies in

that we have been nationally

across the county.”

Bedfordshire, including the

recognised for all of our hard

East of England Ambulance

work.

continuing to work incredibly hard to ensure patients across

The Mental Health Street Triage

Service NHS Trust (EEAST). The

Health Street Triage team are

is a partnership between East

the county are accessing appropriate care. I am really proud that the scheme has

team is one of eight that has

She added: “The Mental

London NHS Foundation Trust

been shortlisted, from a total of

Health Street Triage team

(ELFT), Bedfordshire Police,

1,500 entries, with the winner

work tirelessly to provide an

EEAST, Bedfordshire Clinical

prestigious award, and that the

announced on 24th May.

invaluable and innovative

Commissioning Group, Luton

partnership working between

service to patients across

Clinical Commissioning Group

all agencies involved is being

Bedfordshire ensuring they

and mental health charities

recognised nationally.”

The project involves a

been shortlisted for this

Welcome to the next generation in simulation technology.

The iSimulate ALSi Simulation platform provides an economical, highly advanced and realistic patient condition simulation package that enables advanced patient simulations that can be run quickly and easily without the need for expensive and complex manikins or monitors.

• Smart and easy to use scenario builder • Over 50 ECG waveforms • Over 20 additional parameter settings

It is so easy to use you can be up and running in less than 2 minutes allowing you to train anywhere and at anytime with a fully featured, multi-parameter monitor, AED and defibrillator without the cost and complexity of traditional simulators.

• Ability to use 12-lead ECG, import video and x-ray images • Realistic trending of vitals over time

Run off only two iPad’s, students view a realistic patient monitor while the instructor uses a handheld control ipad to control everything from parameters to time.

Monitor Mode

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

AED Mode

• Sophisticated and realistic vital signs monitor • Instant CPR and PEA simulation • Safe to use on a simulated live casualty

Defibrillator Mode

Facilitator Screen

Advanced simulation, without the cost The iSimulate ALSi Simulation Platform provides an economical, highly advanced and realistic patient condition simulation package that enables advanced patient simulations that can be run quickly and easily without the need for expensive and complex manikins or monitors.

80 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

education

equipment

enterprise

NEWSLINE YAS

Yorkshire Ambulance Service secures ‘Good’ rating from Care Quality Commission Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust has secured a ‘Good’ rating from the recent independent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection despite considerable challenges from increased demand and funding pressures.

The CQC, as the regulatory body of health and social care in England, carried out detailed inspections of Yorkshire Ambulance Service, including its NHS 111 service, during September and October 2016 and determined that the Trust had achieved ‘Good’ in quality and safety across the organisation.

Rod Barnes, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of the CQC’s recent inspection of our organisation.

Their assessment reflects the high quality of service provided by our dedicated staff who work tirelessly every day to provide timely and safe services for our patients. It makes me immensely proud that the commitment of our staff and volunteers and the great care they provide have been formally recognised.

“We are also pleased that the

“We continue to work with our local commissioners to develop the service in response to patients’ urgent care needs and recent innovations include the provision of more specialist staff to provide advice to patients on mental health, palliative and pharmacy-related calls.

Kath Lavery, the Trust’s Chairman, said:

The Welsh Ambulance

and look forward to going

Service’s new Clinical

through the review and its

Response Model is set to be

recommendations in detail.”

“Although I have only been at Yorkshire Ambulance Service for a relatively short time, I have realised very quickly just how much care and compassion our staff show to patients, often in very challenging circumstances.

“It is well-documented how busy the NHS is with ever-increasing demand and it is testament to our leadership team and every member of staff, whatever their role, that their determination to put patients first and do the very best for them remains our highest priority. My sincere thanks go to everyone at the Trust for all that they do because this is their achievement.”

On the NHS 111 report, Dr Philip Foster, Director for Planned and Urgent Care at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “We are proud to be one of the best performing NHS 111 services in the country and that is very much down to the fantastic work done by our staff.

“We are committed to further developing the NHS 111 service for the benefit of patients in the knowledge that we have such a strong foundation on which to build.”

Statement on Welsh Ambulance Service’s Clinical Response Model

Medical Director Brendan Lloyd said: “Our new clinical response model was first introduced around 18 months ago to turn us into an ambulance service focussed on improving the clinical outcomes for our patients.

“Since then we have made great strides forward however, with demand on our ambulance service increasing year-on-year, we are certainly not resting on our laurels and know there remains work to be done.

“We need to continue to transform the way in which we deliver our services if we are to meet these demands and ensure the best results for patients.

“We’ve worked closely with PACEC throughout this process

implemented on a permanent basis, it has been announced.

Richard Lee, the Trust’s Director of Operations, said: “We’re pleased

Welsh Government Health

to have been given the backing

Secretary Vaughan Gething

to continue our improvement

has made a written statement

journey and further improve the

recommending the continuation

standards of care we provide for

and development of the model,

our patients.

which was first introduced in October 2015.

“There have been very real and tangible signs of progress since

The pilot signalled a move

we made these changes, which

away from time-based targets,

mean that the RED calls we are

placing a greater focus on

attending are now genuine life-

patient experience and clinical

threatening emergencies.

outcomes, and has inspired other services – like the Scottish

“Thanks to the commitment of

Ambulance Service – to follow

our staff and volunteers this also

suit.

means that we are consistently reaching the most seriously ill or

To monitor how effectively

injured patients across Wales in a

the model was working, the

timely manner and providing them

Emergency Ambulance Services

with the most appropriate care for

Committee (EASC) enlisted

their needs.

a leading consultancy firm called PACEC to undertake an

“While we are satisfied with our

independent evaluation.

progress to date, we know there is still work to be done, particularly

Their findings have now been

for patients in our AMBER

published and support its

category, and that is certainly our

continuation.

focus moving forward.”

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

“All of our services demonstrated significant improvement since the CQC’s inspection in January 2015. We do recognise, however, that there is always more we can do to improve our services and the reports have highlighted a number of areas for attention. We will use the CQC’s feedback to help shape future developments and raise standards further.

CQC has highlighted a number of areas of outstanding practice.

These include our Red Arrest Team providing senior clinical support for patients who suffer a cardiac arrest, partnership working to improve integrated urgent and emergency care across the region, the introduction of palliative care nurses in our NHS 111 call centres to support end-of-life care, and clinical developments within our Hazardous Area Response Team. They also praised the Trust’s volunteer community first responder schemes, our commitment to supporting the placement of public access defibrillators in local communities and our Restart a Heart campaign to train schoolchildren in the vital skill of CPR.”

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

NEWSLINE EMAS

VISIT US College of Paramedics National Conference

St Johns Hotel, Solihull 9-10 May 2017

East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) will invest more than £3 million

them to signpost patients and carers to the most appropriate local treatment or care facility, or to access any pre-existing care plans for the patient to ensure we treat them in accordance to their wishes.

East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) will invest more

patient specific information

electronic patient record system

– ambulance crews often

during the next two years.

complete paper report forms

“This significant investment will help us to improve the care and treatment received by patients across the East Midlands,” said Steve Bowyer, EMAS Head of

Resuscitation and Emergency Care

A full range of products for use in an emergency and resuscitation situation.

• •

Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) Pocket Resuscitation Mask Oxygen and Nitrous Oxide Delivery Systems Airway Management Oxygen Therapy

ambulance vehicle, at the scene of an incident in various weather conditions, making

Technology.

records clear and succinct.

The system will be used by EMAS

• Readily available data for our

ambulance crews across the

research and audit teams –

region, bringing many benefits,

waiting for paper report forms

including: • Supporting clinical decision making: ambulance crews can access online information conditions and treatment.

to be received can delay our ability to identify trends and areas where improvements have or can be made, or to access important information for Coroners purposes. Equally the automated introduction of

• Providing prompt transfer

electrocardiograms (relating

of patient care to other

to cardiac care) into the

health organisations: before

patient record will support

leaving the scene of an

improvements in sharing of

incident or whilst en route to can electronically send details about the patient to the emergency department including appropriate

To view the full range visit www.intersurgical.co.uk/info/emergency

in the back of a fast moving

it a challenge to keep written

hospital, ambulance crews

The complete solution from the respiratory care specialists

in difficult environments eg

Information, Management and

about medical and traumatic

• • •

• Improving the legibility of

than £3 million to enhance its

photographs from the scene

important information with receiving hospitals, and to aid our research, development and education work.

• Enhancing the security of

of the incident eg road traffic

patient records – electronic

collision or electrocardiogram

storage of records is a more

readings, to help doctors

robust, secure way to store

determine the extent of injury

patient records compared to

that may have been sustained.

paper copies.

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

This allows staff in the hospital to prepare and be ready to act when the patient arrives.

Quality, innovation and choice lnteract with us

www.intersurgical.co.uk

• Increasing the integration of care systems across the

strategic objectives for 20172019 is to continue to develop our service for the benefit of our

healthcare environment: via the

patients and staff. This investment

system ambulance crews can

significantly improves our ability

access details about alternative

to do that by providing the right IT

healthcare providers, allowing

solutions.

82 AMBULANCE_UK_03.17_resus.indd 1

Steve added: “One of our

22/03/2017 13:12 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

NEWSLINE “The new software has a more modern appearance and additional functionality which includes integration with hospital booking-in systems, incorporation with our medical equipment used to save lives (eg defibrillators used to treat people in cardiac arrest), and useful tools such as a NHS service telephone number search and medical spell checker.

and long term care of the patient.

We’re delighted to have been selected by EMAS, and to further grow our 3ES customer base.”

“We involved a staff group in the development of our business case for this project and have chosen to replace the current Toughbook laptops with a new tablet which has been chosen based on feedback relating to its weight, handling, infection prevention and control compliance and screen ease of use. The devices will also have 4G connectivity to improve data transfer.”

kicked in the face by his horse

NEAS

“Thank you for coming to the rescue” Emotional reunion for man

A man who underwent hours of facial surgery after being kicked in the face by his horse has been reunited with the ambulance staff who came to his aid.

Matthew Oates, aged 20, was leading his girlfriend Beth’s horse, Larry, round the grounds at Spring House Farm in Darlington

The new system will begin to be rolled out across of all of EMAS from April 2017, with the project completing in September.

in September last year when

The system and software will be provided by two organisations, Medusa and Getac UK Ltd.

Matthew’s friends called 999

“Medusa’s software has been utilised by NHS Ambulance Trusts within England for almost 10 years and we are pleased that EMAS have chosen to upgrade to our latest Siren ePCR solution via the G-Cloud framework,” said Ian Wilkinson, Vice President of International Operations at Medusa Medical Technologies.

“EMAS are an innovative Ambulance Service who want to ensure they deliver the best service possible to the East Midlands and Siren ePCR will help them achieve this”.

Larry suddenly bucked, kicking Matthew in the face and knocking him to the ground.

straight away and explained what had happened to experienced North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) call handler Michelle Manson, who arranged immediate help.

Paramedic Carol Anne Wilkinson and Emergency Care Assistant Daniel Stephens were at the farm within minutes and transported Matthew to University Hospital North Tees for further examination.

He was then blue lighted to the Maxillofacial Surgery team at James Cook University Hospital, where he underwent several hours of facial surgery to repair damage to his chin, jaw and eye socket.

then just being on my hands and

reassurance was key for Matthew,

knees and being covered in blood.

he kept asking if he was going to die and kept hold of Carol’s hand

“Everything was broken – my chin was split in half, both jaw joints were in bits and the palette cracked through the middle. My eye sockets were pushed in and I had a metal plate on my teeth.

throughout the journey. It’s great to be able to see the recovery he’s made and to see him looking so well.”

For call handler Michelle, who

“It’s taken some time but I’m

has been answering the region’s

now back to normal and just so

999 calls for just over two years

thankful to be here.

at NEAS and is now helping to train new call handlers, meeting

“I can’t thank these guys enough.

Matthew was particularly special.

It was great to be able to meet them again and thank them in person. I’m now really looking forward to starting my course and hopefully being able to call them my colleagues.”

Carol Anne, who joined NEAS

Michelle said: “An incident like Matthew’s really sticks in your mind because it’s so unusual.

It’s really nice to be able to find out what happened after I put the phone down.

12 years ago and qualified as a paramedic eight years ago, said:

“As call handlers we see snippets

“Poor Matthew was covered in blood

of the worst moment of a person’s

when we arrived so it was hard for

life but as soon as we put the

us to be able to see the extent of

phone down, that’s where our

his injuries properly. After spending

involvement ends; we pass the

Having now made a full recovery,

some time on the field with him, we

Matthew, who has just been

got him into the ambulance to clean

accepted on the student paramedic

him up and properly assess and

degree course at Teesside

treat him. We cannulated him and

University, was keen to meet the

gave him intravenous morphine to

crew and call handler who came to

ease his pain and got him straight to

his aid and thank them.

hospital.”

He said: “I can remember the

Daniel, who joined NEAS six years

Matthew and Beth and to see how

horse getting in front of me and

ago, added: “More than anything

well he’s doing.”

incident to the crew then they do their job and their involvement ends. We don’t usually get to find out what happened to them and if they’re ok.

“It was really lovely to meet

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

“We had a clear understanding of EMAS’ requirements and were able to provide the hardware, services, solutions and support that would meet their business and user needs,” said Ian Jenner, Emergency Services Business Development Manager at Getac UK Ltd. “The Getac RX10 rugged tablets will enable EMAS staff to access and update patient medical records in real time, which is critical for the immediate

Matthew Oates and Larry the horse with (left to right) 999 Call Handler Michelle Manson, Paramedic Carol Anne Wilkinson and Emergency Care Assistant Daniel Stephens

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

NEWSLINE said: “West Midlands Ambulance

this was highlighted by the CQC

do what is right for our patients

Trust rated ‘oustanding’ by Care Quality Commission

Service is the only ambulance

as was our strong and stable

and their colleagues. As well as

trust to be rated outstanding by

leadership team.

those highlighted we also see

WMAS

this in other areas such as our

the CQC. I am incredibly proud of my staff and the volunteers who

“I am delighted that they also

clinical performance and financial

support us, for providing the best

recognised that we are at the

objectives.

West Midlands Ambulance Service is delighted to receive an ‘outstanding’ rating which is the highest possible rating from health and social care regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

possible care to patients across

forefront of making improvements

the West Midlands.

in dealing with the ever-increasing

“We will continue to do everything

number of emergency calls we

possible to raise our standards

“Helping others is at the heart

receive by recruiting hundreds

further. I would like to thank all of

of everything we do and I am

of paramedics, the introduction

our staff and volunteers for their

hugely pleased that the CQC

of new vehicles and trialling

outstanding professionalism,

saw a positive, patient centred

innovative ways to minimise the

continued dedication and hard

culture within the Trust with hard

time patients must wait.

work.”

The CQC report, published today, follows the regulators inspections to the Trust during the Summer of 2016.

working staff proud to work here and making a real difference to

“I accept the comments in the

West Midlands Ambulance Service

patients’ lives. Compassion is

report relating to improvements

Chairman, Sir Graham Meldrum,

a large part of our role and I am

required in patient transport

added: “This is an excellent start

equally proud that the report

services. We have already

to 2017 not only for our staff and

highlighted staff were outstanding

implemented a number of

volunteers but for the people of the

in the way they support people who

improvements since the inspection

West Midlands. It is an inevitable

are distressed or overwhelmed in

and will continue to make further

fact that, every single day, people

stressful situations.

improvements so that we can

will call 999 for help in their hour of

improve their rating.

need. The CQC report shows that

The report specifically highlighted “staff were outstanding in the way that they supported patients.” It also outlined the “hard work of staff is exemplary and making a real difference to patients.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh,

“Quality and safety are key

patients are receiving the highest

priorities for us; they are essential

“One of the great strengths of

standard of care and compassion

for running an effective ambulance

this organisation are the staff

from our staff as well as providing

service and I’m pleased that

and the way they work so hard to

appropriate care in the right place and at the right time.

“Despite the challenges faced by the NHS and the heavy demands placed upon the ambulance service, the Trust will continue to focus on patient care. I am very proud of all of you who provide such an excellent standard of service. Please accept my sincere thanks for all that you do.”

The CQC’s Chief Inspector of Hospitals, Professor Sir Mike Richards, said: “I am extremely pleased to announce that West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust is the first ambulance service in England to receive an outstanding rating.

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

As demand for emergency care grows year by year, our ambulance services have never been busier. I know the trust is at the forefront of national improvements in the ambulance service, exploring better ways to deal with emergency calls so that people get appropriate care in the right place at the right time.”

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

NEWSLINE Student conference recreates medical emergencies Student paramedics from across the country got handson specialist training alongside the professionals at The Better Paramedic conference which was held at the University of the West of England (UWE) Bristol on Saturday 18 March 2017.

This is the second student paramedic conference run by South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) and saw 200 students thrown into real life emergency situations recreated with mass casualties. The students were expected to take part

SWASFT’s University Liaison

in the emergency scenarios

Officer, Jennings Mitchell, said:

using a range of state-of-the-

“We had a fantastic day there

art ambulance vehicles and

was so much action for the

Team (HART) work alongside

equipment. Staff running the

students to take part in that will

the police, fire and rescue

life-saving master classes told

help prepare them for real life

services in hazardous

students of new techniques and

situations on the road. The role of

environments. The HART

gave an accurate account of

the paramedic is a tremendously

team created a mass casualty

what life is really like on the busy

rewarding one. The students

emergency situation in a club

frontline.

attending this conference are

with injured teenagers (see

emergencies – This help to

the paramedics of the future

photos) using actors, make-

improve students’ confidence

Keynote speaker Professor

and we are passionate about

up and lots of fake blood to

in supporting women giving

Jonathan Benger, National

accompanying them on this

allow students to experience

Clinical Director for Urgent Care

journey. SWASFT is proudly

some of the complex clinical

birth, using realistic maternity

for NHS England, said; “The

leading the country in many

challenges they may face and

paramedic’s future is bright, and

areas of pre-hospital care and

develop their understanding of

we are already seeing major

we want to share this expertise

the roles and procedures in a

changes to how paramedics

to ensure that tomorrow’s

terrorist incident.

clinically treat patients on the

paramedics are the best they

front line and this will only

can be. Our master classes are

progress further.”

delivered by subject experts and

Emergency Medical Service

are very relevant to everyday

and Air Operations described

front-line situations.”

some of the key skills,

The conference delegates also heard the amazing story of how

Demonstrations on the day were:

of the ST segment and other ECG components, and will

• The Hazardous Area Response

discuss real cases to improve students’ knowledge of the identification and treatment of these conditions.

• Maternity and Obstetric

manikins to give a truly ‘hands on’ experience.

IMAGES used in this news release courtesy of Bristol Post.

• Critical Care, Helicopter

techniques and procedures Ken Wenman, SWASFT Chief

used by Critical Care teams to

major heart attacks, while on a

Executive, said: “Our paramedics

facilitate enhanced patient care

bike ride, and how quick thinking

treat more patients at the scene

in life-threatening conditions.

paramedics saved his life.

than any other ambulance trust making us the best performing

• The Chest pain master class

The journey from student to

in the country. We want to recruit

– chest pain is a common

registered paramedic can be a

the best of the best among all

presentation in the prehospital

challenging one but SWASFT

paramedics and this conference

setting; the session seeks

wants to support students to

gives students amazing

to enhance knowledge of

become not just paramedics, but

experiences and learning they

differential diagnosis in chest

better paramedics.

can’t get in the classroom.”

pain and refine interpretation

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

patient Paul Pensom survived two

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

NEWSLINE Great Western Air Ambulance charity It is something that can save a life. Something that could be the difference between a patient dying at the roadside or surviving to hospital. The ability to give a pre-hospital blood transfusion is a vital step forward - and one that the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) is proud to be able to provide.

Covering a wide area, which includes major motorways and rural areas, the Critical Care Team treat traumatically injured casualties on a regular basis. From road traffic collisions, to horse riding incidents, these patients are severally injured - and have potentially lost a lot of blood. Waiting until they arrive at hospital for a blood transfusion could be too late, and in a situation where every minute counts giving blood at the scene can be crucial to their survival.

With this in mind GWAAC Critical Care Doctors Harvey Pynn and Tim Hooper set out on an 18 month journey of information gathering, meetings and planning to carry blood on board the helicopter and critical care cars.

Due to their previous military experiences they were the best people to lead this project. Both have experience of treating soldiers who have been wounded on the battlefield. The injuries these soldiers sustained required them to receive blood in the remote pre-hospital setting in order to ensure they had the greatest chance of survival.

The GWAAC Critical Care Team attend to the most seriously ill and injured people across Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and parts of Wiltshire. Of these cases in 2016 25.9% were trauma injuries, and 19.8% were RTCs. Although the patterns of injury in the military and civilian environments are different, the severity of injuries may be similar and therapy transferable.

Dr Pynn said: “There is evidence that it is beneficial for patients to receive a blood transfusion no more than an hour post injury.

Often patients are in the prehospital setting for longer than this so the ability to give a blood transfusion at the roadside will be beneficial, and could help improve their chances of survival.”

During the planning stage Dr Pynn and Dr Hooper worked with Critical Care Paramedics Neil Hooper, and Matt Baskerville (who recently joined the team from Wiltshire Air Ambulance), to enable GWAAC to become one of the first air ambulances in the South West to carry blood. This is a joint venture with WAA though with GWAAC providing all the senior governance and leadership advice for them.

The blood is collected daily from the North Bristol Trust Transfusion Laboratory at Southmead Hospital and delivered to GWAAC’s airbase in Filton by the charity Freewheelers EVS, which covers the South West. Additional deliveries can be made if required by the air crews.

If the blood is not used, it will be returned to Southmead Hospital by the volunteer blood bikers

The process involved a service level agreement with the North Bristol Trust Transfusion Laboratory at Southmead Hospital, who would supply the blood, and the charity Freewheelers EVS, who would deliver it to the airbase in Filton. All the GWAA clinicians were trained in the indications and delivery of pre-hospital blood transfusion.

August 2015 saw the hard work paying off - as GWAAC went live with blood. A few days after the launch a biker was seriously injured in an RTC, and so became the first person to receive a transfusion from the GWAAC team.

GWAAC now carries two units of O negative blood - which can be given to any patient. When that patient reaches hospital they may receive further blood products that match their blood type.

after 24 hours. The blood storage boxes maintain the temperature of the blood within in very narrow limits for well over 24 hours. Any unused blood units are therefore able to be put back into the Southmead Hospital blood bank, preventing waste.

During the first year 62 prehospital blood transfusions were carried out. Of these 84% were in trauma cases. In total over 80 transfusions have taken place since the project went live.

The next step for the charity is to start carrying plasma, which helps the blood to clot.

Blood is made up of several components. GWAAC carry red blood cells, which is one part.

The other two parts are plasma and platelets. By carrying plasma it will aid the resuscitation by improving the patient’s ability to clot.

When plasma is stored it is frozen so a specialist defroster is required to thaw it before the crew receive it. This will take place at the laboratory in Southmead Hospital. The

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plasma will then be delivered with the blood by Freewheelers to the base. By carrying it with the blood it means that the components are together, and can be given to a patient at the same time.

It is hoped that this will go live by summer 2017.

86 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

IN PERSON News

Stuart wins national award for outstanding service Congratulations go to Stuart Rankine, NWAS vehicle and equipment manager, who was awarded a prestigious award at this year’s Ambulance Leadership Forum (ALF), hosted and run by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives.

The annual event is designed to recognise ambulance service staff who have shown particular commitment to helping improve and deliver patient care during the past year.

Stuart was recognised in the Support Services category for his efforts in delivering thousands of pounds of savings across the Trust.

Derek Cartwright, NWAS Chief Executive, said: “Stuart moved from Operations to managing a small but significant team, delivering everything from vehicles to equipment to uniform, to keep services running smoothly.

Stuart and his team have delivered thousands of pounds of savings across the Trust. They have set up excellent audit tools, been actively involved in vehicle design and frequently produced business cases to the Board detailing proposed improvements and efficiencies that ultimately support frontline services. Stuart is a credit to the Trust and a true unsung support services asset.”

Stuart said: “I am proud to receive this award and I very proud of the team that I work with who have helped to make it all possible. I would like to thank Derek for nominating me and appreciating my work over the years. I will continue to enjoy my role within the Trust and look forward to future challenges.”

This year’s Ambulance Leadership Forum (ALF), hosted and run by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, was held at Chesford Grange in Warwickshire on 7-8 Feb 2017.

ALF brings together award recipients from right across the UK’s Ambulance services to be recognised for ‘Outstanding Service’ and representing a wide range of delivery areas from administration right through to volunteering and welfare.

News

Volunteer lifesaver thanked after attending 2,000 emergency calls A volunteer lifesaver has been recognised after attending 2,000 emergency calls.

Clayton Watts has supported members of the community in Llanelli as a Community First Responder (CFR) with the Welsh Ambulance Service for the last five and a half years.

First Responder Officer Stephen Roberts thanks Clayton Watts, who recently attended his 2,000th emergency call.

He has now been thanked by the Trust for his dedication after recently going to his 2,000th call out.

Since joining the Llanelli First Responder scheme Clayton has helped more than 100 patients in cardiac arrest, who were in urgent need of lifesaving care.

Clayton described being part of the CFR scheme as a ‘privilege’.

He said: “What I get out of being a first responder is helping those in their hour of need.

“It’s a definite sense of satisfaction when relatives recognise you days later in a shop or on the street and thank you for being there for their relative, which I also pass on to the crews who attended.

“I’m proud to be part of a service that makes a difference in people’s lives. It’s a privilege to work alongside amazing professional Paramedics, Technicians and other CFRs.” As well as assisting patients as a first responder, he has also organised fundraising events for the Llanelli, Burry Port and Pontyberem CFR schemes, which between them raised around £4,500.

Last year he volunteered to take part in the Shoctober campaign, which saw pupils at 200 primary schools across Wales taught cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

From left to right: Derek Cartwright, NWAS Chief Executive, with Stuart Rankine, NWAS Vehicle and Equipment Manager, and his wife Ruth.

“We are extremely proud of Clayton and all our volunteers, who support the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust in giving the best possible pre-hospital care to our patients.

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First Responder Officer Stephen Roberts said: “We’d like to thank Clayton for his dedication, commitment and continual support to his community while responding to emergency 999 calls alongside our Emergency Medical Services resources.

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

IN PERSON News

London’s Air Ambulance Strengthens Board with Three New Trustees London’s Air Ambulance, the charity that delivers a 24/7 advanced trauma team to critically injured people in London, has strengthened its Board with the appointment of three new Trustees. The new Trustees, Adrian Walker, Bob Forsyth and Ed Owen together bring a wealth of experience across the charity, banking and finance, communications, accounting, audit and governance, and medical research

the benefit of Londoners and the capital’s many

Barts Health NHS Trust provides the doctors

visitors. I am honoured to be working with the

and some financial support and the London

London’s Air Ambulance team.”

Ambulance Service provides the paramedics and expertise to dispatch the service. The

Bob Forsyth, Senior Assurance Partner,

charity relies heavily on voluntary donations

Ernst & Young LLP

and has a world class reputation for delivering clinical innovation and excellence at the scene

Bob has been a partner for Ernst & Young

of the incident. Find out more about the charity

since 1992, taking on various management

and its people at londonsairambulance.co.uk.

roles from Head of Marketing to his current role as UK Head of Audit Quality. As a client service partner, Bob has helped many companies improve their financial and corporate governance, and developed the firm’s best practice model for audit committees.

sectors.

Bob Forsyth said: “I am thrilled to be involved

Chairman of London’s Air Ambulance,

prehospital medicine. I have huge respect for

with London’s Air Ambulance and its work in

Mark Vickers said: “The past five years have seen transformational growth in all aspects of the Charity, not least in the enhancement of frontline operations and our service delivery capability, including the acquisition and

the medical, operational and charity crew and I am looking forward to working alongside them as they continue to provide a life-saving service to the capital. I am excited to offer my support as the charity embarks on the next chapter of

operation of a second helicopter.

its incredible journey.”

“Our strategy for the next five years will

Ed Owen, Head of Engagement &

focus on further improving our patient care and developing long term pre-hospital

Communications, Medicines Discovery Catapult (former CEO of Cystic Fibrosis).

clinical expertise through the Institute. The appointments of Adrian, Bob and Ed further

Before joining Medicines Discovery Catapult

strengthen our Board to lead us through this

in December 2016, Ed was Chief Executive

next stage of our development. They come at

of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, one of the UK’s

an exciting time with our new CEO Jonathan

leading medical research charities. Under

Jenkins taking up his role. It is fantastic to have

his leadership, the Trust implemented a new

been able to attract such high calibre talent into

research strategy and established plans for a

the Charity and we are delighted to welcome

national clinical trials platform in cystic fibrosis.

them onto the Board.”

Ed now leads work at the Catapult to ensure

News

Chris collects Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal after Birthday Honours recognition A welsh Ambulance Service boss has spoken of his pride after receiving the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal.

Chris Sims, Head of Operations – Resilience, was presented with the medal by Prince Charles at a ceremony held on Friday (10th February 2017) at Buckingham Palace.

It comes after he was named as the recipient of the award, which was established to recognise individuals’ distinguished and meritorious service, in the Birthday Honours List in 2016.

Chris, from Cardiff, said the occasion was made even more special by having his wife Lesley and daughters Charlotte, Brittany and Kaitlin in attendance.

medical research charities play a greater role Adrian Walker, Managing Director, Head of

in future drug discovery and development in

Global Transaction Banking, Lloyds Banking

the UK. Between 1997 and 2005 Ed was a

Group

government adviser in the Home Office and Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

Adrian joined Lloyds Banking Group as

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

Managing Director of Leveraged Finance in

Ed Owen said: “As someone who lives and

2007 and became Head of Global Transaction

works in London I know how vital London’s Air

Banking in November 2015. Adrian comes to

Ambulance is to the people of this city. The

London’s Air Ambulance with over 30 years’

service is run by a very professional and hard-

experience spanning retail, corporate and

working team and I am excited to be joining

investment banking activities and is a highly

them. I look forward to bringing my experience

experienced leader and strategist, proficient in

to bear and to help the charity make an even

leading transformational change and business

greater impact over the next few years.”

development.

London’s Air Ambulance treats on average Adrian Walker said: “I am thrilled to be joining

five critically injured people in London each

the Board of London’s Air Ambulance. The

day, performing medical interventions at the

Charity has my absolute commitment and I will

scene of the incident which are normally only

do my very best to help it prosper and grow for

found in a hospital emergency department.

The Welsh Ambulance Service’s Head of Operations – Resilience, Chris Sims, collects his Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal at Buckingham Palace.

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

IN PERSON He said: “It was amazing and so well organised, it was incredible really. It was nice to have the family there and Prince Charles was doing the investiture.

“Everybody gets a chance to have a chat

News

News

Trust appoints new Independent Non-Executive Director

SECAmb tutor recognised at national awards

with him and he asked me what it was like

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS

working for the ambulance service and how

Foundation Trust (SECAmb) is pleased

long I’d been in the job.

to announce the appointment of a new Independent Non-Executive Director.

“I was immensely proud to know my family was sat there in the audience when I think

Dr Angela Smith, from Brighton, will initially

of all the years I’ve done this job and

serve a three-year term running until February

missed a few birthdays through shift work

2020, and replaces Trevor Willington whose

and various things.

final term of office ended at the end of January.

A South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) tutor has been recognised at the annual Ambulance Association of Chief Executive (AACE) awards.

Paramedic Practice Educator, Kimberley Alexander, based at Leatherhead, Surrey, was nominated by the Trust for the in the tutor and educator category for her enthusiasm, experience and empathy for students.

Having worked incredibly hard as a student herself, prior to qualifying as a paramedic, she

“It was nice to be able to involve them in

is extremely dedicated and to her role and has

something like this as a thanks to them.”

supported a number of CPD activities for both students and staff during the last 12 months.

Chris has been a stalwart with the Welsh Ambulance Service for almost 32 years and

She regularly attends the University of Surrey,

has held no less than 18 different roles in

who supported the nomination, to support

that time.

practical teaching sessions during her own time.

He started his career with the then South Glamorgan Ambulance Service as part of

She was also heavily involved in the Trust’s

the Patient Care Service before joining the

‘Restart a Heart’ day held at the university

Emergency Medical Service.

helping to train hundreds of individuals; including students, lecturers and members of the public in CPR.

After becoming a paramedic, he rose through the ranks to work in the control

While her career was mostly focused on the

room and has since undertaken a large

International Financial Services Sector, Angela

number of roles including Regional Staff

spent some time as a Partner at KPMG and

Officer and Regional Director.

retired recently from a senior public sector role. Through her career Angela has gained

He was also operational lead for the creation of the Trust’s new South East regional headquarters at Vantage Point House in Cwmbran.

substantial Board and Committee experience, chairing several Finance and Risk Committees.

Angela joins fellow independent nonexecutives, Sir Peter Dixon (Interim Chairman),

More recently, Chris has been responsible for the rollout and management of the service’s Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART), before taking on his current role in 2014.

Lucy Bloem, Tim Howe, Graham Colbert, Al Rymer and Terry Parkin. She will chair the

SECAmb Acting Chief Executive, Geraint Davies said: “I was delighted to be present to witness Kimberley receive her award. She is a very worthy winner and I would like to thank her for her continued commitment to her role.”

Kimberley said: “I was very surprised but proud to win an award for something I thoroughly enjoy doing. I myself had an amazing mentor and feel it has impacted on my practice and teaching now.”

Trust’s Audit Committee.

Welcoming the appointment, SECAmb Chairman Peter Dixon, said: “I’m delighted that

Ambulance Service, said: “Chris has been at the forefront of a number of important

Angela has joined the Board. I look forward to working with her and I know her wealth of experience will ensure she makes a strong contribution to the Trust.”

developments within the Trust and that’s why we’re proud that he has been

Angela said: “Ambulance services are a critical

recognised in such a distinguished manner.

part of the NHS and an essential feature of modern British life. SECAmb is particularly

“We hope that he and his family enjoyed

noted for its dedicated and caring colleagues

the investiture on what must have been a

and I am delighted to have this opportunity to

memorable day for all of them.”

contribute.”

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

Tracy Myhill, Chief Executive of the Welsh

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

IN PERSON News

Exceptional volunteer recognised for national award posthumously A dedicated volunteer at the region’s ambulance service has received a national award posthumously.

Keith Marshall was a committed volunteer with the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) for five years, giving thousands of his hours to saving lives as a community first responder (CFR) in the Wattisham group in Suffolk.

On Keith’s behalf his wife, Mary, received his Outstanding Service Award for volunteering at the Ambulance Leadership Forum awards evening held on Tuesday 7 February.

Keith and Mary established the Wattisham group and sought to raise money and recruit more volunteers to their cause.

A year into his CFR role he attended a 999 emergency and suffered a cardiac arrest whilst attending the patient. Thankfully, Keith was resuscitated and continued to make a positive contribution to EEAST and his community.

Following his cardiac arrest, Keith stepped down as a CFR but continued to co-ordinate and manage the Wattisham CFR group. He also was elected as a governor for the Trust when it was applying for NHS Foundation Trust status. He then joined the Trust’s User Group, helping out at events, taking an active role in the Infection, Prevention and Control group and being a loyal advocate for the Trust at partnership meetings.

In 2014, Keith’s efforts were recognised when he was given the Trust’s Distinguished Service Award, for the effort and value that he gave to the service and to his community. At the time, Keith said: “EEAST has given me one of the

most rewarding compliments a volunteer could ever imagine and I am immensely proud in being chosen to receive the award.”

Chief Executive Robert Morton said: “I had the pleasure to meet Keith. His knowledge and expertise made him an incredibly valued asset to the Trust, and we will be forever grateful for the thousands of hours he volunteered to help our service – whether through his community first responder or Trust User Group work. Keith was a friend to the teams that had the pleasure of working with him, and he will be sorely missed.”

News

North West Ambulance Service paramedic awarded prestigious fellowship

Sir John Day joined the Royal Air Force having

A paramedic for North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has been awarded a highly prestigious fellowship which will see him spend more than seven weeks in Canada, Australia and New Zealand with an aim to look at Community Resuscitation.

flying instructor. During his 38 years in the

graduated with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering and then served a distinguished and varied career in the service, both as a front line helicopter pilot and fixed-wing Royal Air Force he served in a wide range of appointments, including Director of Operations in the Ministry of Defence with responsibility for all the United Kingdom’s military operations.

In 2003 he retired as an Air Chief Marshal, having been the Commander-in-Chief Strike

Matt Dugdale, 24, from Warrington applied for the Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship last September and was shortlisted to more than 250 applicants who were invited to attend an interview in London in January. Matt was awarded the fellowship in February, becoming only the second paramedic in the UK to be awarded the fellowship, after Mike Jackson, who is also employed by NWAS. Matt said “I started as a Community First Responder (CFR) within the trust nearly six years ago and I am now keen to see CFRs develop both within NWAS and other services in the UK. I can’t wait to begin my travels and explore best practice within the countries I have chosen.”

The focus of his work will be on the utilisation of CFRs in the pre-hospital setting. Following the trip, Matt will work on a 15,000 word report which will help to bring new ideas and best practice to both NWAS and other ambulance services throughout the UK.

Command, with command of all the Royal Air Force’s operational forces. He then became BAE Systems’ Senior Military Adviser, moving on from that role in December 2010.

Recently, Sir John has served as a Trustee of the Royal Air Force Museum, including nearly 6 years as the Chairman of Trustees, and as a Trustee of the Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation, a charity dedicated to improving lives through vocational education. He is also a Trustee of the Burma Star Association and he joined the HIOWAA Board in July 2016.

Retiring Chairman Noel Dobbs commented ‘I am delighted that Sir John has been appointed as Chairman of Trustees at this very exciting period of growth for HIOWAA. His wealth of experience will be invaluable and he is the perfect candidate to take the Charity forward as it enters its 10th anniversary year’.

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Sir John Day commented ‘Despite being News

HIOWAA appoints Sir John Day as Chairman of Trustees

one of the youngest Air Ambulance charities, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance remains at the forefront of pre-hospital emergency care, delivering a vital service to our communities. I am honoured to be taking

HIOWAA are pleased to announce that Sir John

over as Chairman of a charity that prides itself

Day has been appointed to the role of Chairman

as being a leader in its field and I look forward

of Trustees with immediate effect. Sir John takes

to playing my part in helping to keep the Air

over from retiring Chairman Noel Dobbs.

Ambulance flying and saving lives’.

90 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

PRODUCT SHOWCASE Does classroom based training adequately prepare emergency response workers?

Rescue Service, Armed Forces and other rescue teams.

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Ruth Lee Ltd are committed to helping professionals who save lives to train effectively. They are experts in the manufacture of rescue training manikins and other products. With more than 60 years’ experience, they have created a range of training manikins after consultation with the Ambulance Service, Fire &

full dismemberment, as well as impalement capabilities, emergency workers then had to work together to construct a plan to rescue the ‘casualty’ safely.

Ruth Lee Ltd also recently helped the North & Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency to create a realistic emergency scenario in one of their tunnels. This training exercise simulated a car crash, where two vehicles had burst into flames, causing that area of the tunnel to fill with smoke. As well as providing manikins, Ruth Lee supplied a range of smoke machines, lighting and theatrical props, which created a realistic, yet safe, training exercise.

Step out of the classroom

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You could consider using one of Ruth Lee’s Full-Bodied Airway Management or CPR manikins and partially trapping it under some rubble. Alternatively, consider how you would help a bariatric patient who has fallen whilst getting out of the shower in a small bathroom. We have a range of Bariatric manikins to help you train for this scenario.

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Ruth Lee Ltd are committed to helping professionals who save lives to train effectively.

They are experts in the manufacture of rescue training manikins and other products.

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

PRODUCT SHOWCASE UK MOD awards £14 million medical monitor contract to RDT The Ministry of Defence has awarded a £14 million triservice contract for medical monitors to Hampshire-based company RDT, a world-leader and fast-growing specialist in pre-hospital care solutions.

The new agreement will see the delivery of around 900 compact, easy-to-use and reliable vital signs Tempus Pro monitors, which will enable the UK military to manage medical incidents in the remote and challenging locations in which they regularly operate. Tempus Pro uniquely consolidates several functions onto one system, ensuring that Armed Forces medical personnel can provide the best quality of care possible to critically injured service men and women in very challenging environments. Tempus Pro monitors will be deployed on medical evacuation vehicles and aircraft, battalion aid stations, hospital ships, field hospitals and in far forward locations by special operations teams.

This award is the latest in a long line of successes for RDT, which has achieved 60 % growth in the last 12 months.

RDT is a significant exporter, generating more than 60 % of its revenue from international sales. Maria Miller, MP for Basingstoke, said: “RDT is a ground-breaking company and its success in securing this contract demonstrates the strong entrepreneurial, engineering and technological talent available in Basingstoke. This talent pool supports a thriving hub of high growth, high tech businesses in the town. The contract will sustain over 60 jobs at RDT’s local facility and has helped in the creation of 20 new roles. I congratulate Graham and his team on this tremendous achievement.”

The MOD selected RDT’s Tempus Pro monitoring system after an extensive evaluation programme that highlighted how this very small and robust monitoring platform delivers significantly more capability for British troops than existing solutions. Over the next five years, the MOD will replace all existing monitors with the Tempus Pro system. RDT has already delivered 444 monitors to the Armed Forces.

Minister for Defence Procurement Harriett Baldwin said: “Our Armed Forces serve with incredible commitment and bravery, and the new Tempus Pro monitor will ensure that they will receive the best possible care and treatment should they be wounded or taken ill on operations. Backed by our rising defence budget and our £178 billion equipment plan, our investment in these cutting-edge medical monitors demonstrates how we are working with our NATO allies to provide lifesaving equipment to our frontline personnel.”

Before awarding the contract, the Defence Equipment and Support organisation (DE&S) conducted an intensive year-long, multidiscipline monitor evaluation process that saw the system deployed and rigorously tested in extremely harsh and challenging locations. Traditionally, several various monitor types have had to be used at different levels of care in the patient pathway. Thanks to the modular and flexible nature of RDT’s Tempus Pro system, the UK MOD is now able to standardise on one monitor to provide streamlined medical support and critical patient care information from the battlefield onwards. This means the Record of Care of all sick and injured patients can

easily move with them as they progress through different levels of care, and ultimately be saved into their permanent patient record. A single monitoring solution has been an objective of the UK military for some time. It is only possible because of the forward-thinking and innovative way in which RDT has approached the development of its medical monitoring technology.

Chief Executive Officer of the DE&S, Tony Douglas, said: “This state-of-the-art piece of equipment shows how we are delivering proven, world-leading equipment to our Armed Forces.

The Tempus Pro monitor is a step forward in innovation and safety, demonstrating how we are committed to improving the medical care received by those keeping our country safe. This deal also highlights DE&S’ strong, collaborative partnership with industry, benefitting both our Armed Forces and the wider UK economy by sustaining around 60 UK jobs.”

Graham Murphy, RDT CEO, added: “We are incredibly proud to be providing the Tempus Pro to our Armed Forces, who do such important work to keep us all safe. One of the reasons the Tempus Pro is being adopted by the UK and many other NATO militaries is because of its unique ability to be enhanced in the field as new technologies emerge or needs evolve. The world is an ever-changing place and this flexibility is important to all our customers. To that end, RDT has an exciting set of new features in development to which the MOD will have full access as they become available.”

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

For more information, please contact: RDT Pavilion C2, Ashwood Park, Ashwood Way, Basingstoke, Hampshire, England RG23 8BG +44(0)1256 362 400

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

PRODUCT SHOWCASE at The Emergency Services Show...

O&H O&H Vehicle safety of everyone who comes into contact with any patient transfer

or blue light vehicle are met with

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an approach based around consultancy and innovation,

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We are based on a 6 acres site in Goole, East Yorkshire, housing a purpose built 60,000 sq ft manufacturing facility.

O&H Vehicle Conversions invests heavily to ensure that our extensive product range continues to offer customers the

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“The time of transactional relationships has passed.

Our build process is lean and Customers of today know what flexible, working closely with they want from a provider, they vehicle manufacturers to ensure understand the value that the that all modifications carried out right partner can offer to their complement the quality, durability organisation. At O&H, we are and safety of the original vehicle. looking for partners who want to Regardless of whether it’s a single work together to help improve vehicle or a large volume contract, the current situation. As such we our flexible approach to supplying recognise that we need to be vehicles means that we can apply part of the solution, not part of the same levels of quality and the problem. Whether a current attention to detail. customer or not, we want to speak with all service providers, to help Partnership does not end when a O&Hvehicle will beisat The Emergency Services Show, the challenges that they understand delivered. O&H Vehicle

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AUK_August_AUK_August_2013 11/10/2013 10:53 Page 254

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Life Connections 2014

Pre-Hospital Care Pre-Hospital Care Consultancy Ltd Consultancy Ltd Exmed Study Day of Advanced “PHTLS for First Essentials Theme: Difficult Airway Course EMS™ – An introduction Responders Course” Airway Thursday 15TH May 2014 Management Kettering Conference Centre, Kettering NN15June 6PB 7, Tuesday June 6, Wednesday

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This continuing education course 09.00 - 09.15 Introduction & History of the Course that teaches the principles of 09.15 - 09.45 The Airway Algorithms PHTLS is ideal for first responders, 09-45 - 10.30 Prediction of the Difficult Airway EMS practitioners, etc. Topics 10.30 - 11.15 BVM and Laryngoscopy being covered include: Airway/ 11.15 11.30 Tea/Coffee, Exhibition Oxygenation & Ventilation, rotations/30 min. each) 11.30 - 12.00 and Skills Stations (4 Circulation Shock, Traumatic Group 1 ETI Trauma.

Brain Injury &BVM, Spinal Group 2

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14.00 - 14.30

Skill Stations

Learn the full range of Airway Rotation 2 Management techniques, including: 12.30 - 13.30 Lunch, Exhibition The Use of Extraglotic Devices, 13.30 - 14.00 Skill Stations Video Assisted Intubation and Rotation 3 Surgical Cricothyrotomy.

Rotationare 4 Only 10 places available at 14.30 - 14.45 Airway Self Scope Video(50% a rate of £80.00 plus VAT below normal Course costs).

14.45 - 15.00 Tea/Coffee, Exhibition

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

Only 123 places are available Group Needle & Surgical Airway at 15.00 - 17.00 a rate of £80.00 plus VAT (50% Group 4 Video Laryngoscopy 17.00 below normal Course costs).

Topics and Speakers correct at the time of press but may be subject to change

Practical Moulages Wrap up CPD certificate provider

Delegate Rate: £72.00 (inc VAT) includes: delegate bag, refreshments and the opportunity to visit over 60 trade stands.

To register please visit:

To register please visit:

Only 7 places remain available!! www.lifeconnections.uk.com www.lifeconnections.uk.com

To register call 01322 660434 or visit:

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www.lifeconnections.uk.com For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

ww.emergencyuk.com | Hall 5 | NEC | Birmingham | 20-21 September 2017 | www.emergencyuk.com | Hall 5 | NEC | Birmingham | 20-21 September 2017 | www.emergencyuk.com | Hall

THE CLASSIFIED SITE

“Knowing what the roles of my emergency services colleagues are during an incident is invaluable, and can only improve outcomes for patients.”

Photograph © ESS

Mike Pickett, Paramedic, Yorkshire Ambulance Service

A unique event for everyone who works in the emergency services. Over 400 exhibitors, free seminars and product demonstrations.

AMBULANCE UK - APRIL

The Emergency Services Show 2017 – it’s all about you Hall 5, NEC, Birmingham. Wed 20 – Thu 21 September 2017. Free entry at www.emergencyuk.com.

Event partners

Media partners

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

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Does he need a trauma centre or the local hospital?

Twenty-year-old male in a motor vehicle accident. Airbag has deployed. Car has significant front-end damage.

Is he bleeding internally? Will he need a trauma centre?

These are some of the questions you need to answer on a suspected trauma call, as haemorrhage is the leading cause of death after injury.1 The new trauma parameters on the ZOLL X SeriesÂŽ help you accurately and quickly assess your patients so you can feel more confident in your treatment decisions.

Insight for informed decisions. www.zoll.com/uk/trauma-care Acosta JA, et al. Journal of the American College of Surgeons. 1998;186(5):528-533.

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Š2016 ZOLL Medical Corporation, Chelmsford, MA, USA. X Series and ZOLL are trademarks or registered trademarks of ZOLL Medical Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

MCN IP 1601 0092-05