EMAS experiences highest ever 999 demand

The festive season got off to a busy start for EMAS and its frontline crews on Friday 21 December
when it dealt with 2,384 emergency calls - that’s 457 more than would normally be received on a
typical Friday. And record call volumes continued into the early hours of the following morning.

As in previous years, people drinking to excess were the main reason for the increase with crews
dealing with callers who had injured themselves or were so ill, they needed hospital treatment.

A spokesperson for EMAS said: “We geared up for a very busy night because the last Friday before
Christmas is traditionally a time of high demand as people finish work and start to party. Sadly, many
of the patients we dealt with had their night out spoilt and some will even be spending Christmas in
hospital rather than with their family and friends. We expect the increase in demand to continue over
Christmas and into the New Year and whilst we don’t want to be killjoys, we’d urge people to drink
sensibly to avoid the same problems happening to them.”

The service is also asking the public to only call 999 in cases of genuine life-threatening emergencies.

Ambulance trusts' South West merger plan moves closer

BBC News has posted that plans to create a single ambulance service for south-west England have been sent to the health secretary for approval.

Great Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust (GWAS) wants to merge with South Western Ambulance Service (SWAS) to create a single foundation trust. The new trust will cover an area from Gloucestershire down to Cornwall.

GWAS said the merger would see some job cuts, however frontline services would not be affected.
A spokesman could not say how many staff would be affected.

If approved by Jeremy Hunt, the trusts could merge by February.

Ken Wenman, chief executive of both organisations, said the plans had been subjected to "rigorous scrutiny" by external bodies such as Monitor and the strategic health authority."It is reassuring that at no stage of the process have there been any concerns that the partnership should not proceed and we are now looking forward to receiving final approval from the secretary of state," he said.

 

Sea of Santas raise £5,000 for air ambulance

 

A Santa dash at Lydiard Park earlier this month, organised by the Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix and the charity, raised £5,000.The event saw more than 200 Santas brave the bitter cold to run 5km around the park, and this week the club visited the charity to hand the cheque over.

Caroline Corrigan, fundraising manager for Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “It costs the charity £2,000 per day to keep the helicopter in the air and the Rotarians’ goal was to raise enough funds to keep the helicopter flying for further two days by raising £4,000.

“They did in fact raise £5,000 with more funds due to come in. The money will keep the air ambulance flying for another two days and potentially save six lives.”

Swindon Phoenix was invited to the unit to donate the funds raised and see the helicopter.Paramedic Matthew Baskerville who flies on the helicopter gave them a look around and answered questions on the role he plays as a crew member.

The Wiltshire Air Ambulance relies completely on the public for funding. The service does not receive any Government funding towards its annual target of more than £700,000.In the last year crews flew to more than 42 incidents in and around the Swindon area.

Phoenix Rotary president Paul Parfrey said “I have chosen Wiltshire Air Ambulance as one of the beneficiaries from the fundraising that Swindon Phoenix are doing as it’s a critical service to saving lives in Wiltshire.

“The Santa Run took hours of organising but it paid off. The members of Swindon Phoenix are proud to support this worthy cause and we have booked December 1, 2013 for the next Swindon Santa Run.”

For more information about Wiltshire Air Ambulance visit www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk or for more information about the Rotary Club visit www.swindonphoenixrotary.org

From the Swindon Advertiser: http://tinyurl.com/cypjabl

 

Interim chief executive for ambulance trust

An interim chief executive has been appointed to the East of England Ambulance NHS Trust.

Andrew Morgan, former chief executive of NHS Norfolk and Waveney, will lead the trust while the next stage in the recruitment process is carried out.

Maria Ball, chairman of the trust, said: “Andrew is a superb person to lead the trust whilst the next stage of the recruitment process is carried out. The trust is entering an important time as we work with new commissioners to agree how the service will be funded, what services will be provided to patients and to what standards.

“With Andrew’s extensive expertise within the NHS, he will be able to guide the trust forward to improve our services to patients, and see EEAST through the difficult winter period where traditionally we see an increase in demand on 999 services.”

Mr Morgan has worked in the NHS since 1982 and has held posts as chief executive at NHS Bedfordshire and NHS Harrow, and has spent time as a health authority director in primary care.

 

Fundraising for National Air Ambulance Week

The chance to try flying an ambulance without leaving the ground will be available in Basingstoke’s Festival Place shopping centre on Saturday 29th September.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) will be bringing its Helicopter POD to the centre as part of the fundraising National Air Ambulance Week.Visitors will be able to make donations and find out more about HIOWAA and its associated charities.

Flying an average of four to five missions every day, the air ambulance is estimated to incur operational costs of £3,600 for every day it flies – a figure that is only raised through donations.

HIOWAA chief executive John Perry said: “We receive no funding from the Government or the National Lottery for operational purposes, and so we rely on the generosity of the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to maintain the service.”

HIOWAA has flown 3,946 missions in its first five years, many of which have saved lives.
Ten fundraising events will be taking place across the region for air ambulance week. For details of all fundraising events across the county, visit hiow- airambulance.org.uk.

New students to be given drinking advice by paramedics

On Tuesday 25th September, Will Lodge of the Daily Gazette writes that freshers at Essex University will be given life-saving lessons and safe drinking advice by ambulance teams.

Crews from the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) are visiting freshers’ fairs in the region promoting their What to Do When Your Mate’s Had a Few campaign.

Paramedics at Essex University’s event on Saturday October 6 will also be teaching students first aid skills including CPR and advising students to register with a local doctor.

Help needed for this year’s Commando Challenge

Can you help?  Devon Air Ambulance Trust is looking for volunteers to help at their biggest fundraising event of the year – which takes place on the weekend of Saturday 6^th and Sunday 7^th October.  The annual Commando Challenge, now in its 22nd year, starts at Bicton Arena and volunteers are needed to marshal the route across Woodbury Common to the Royal Marines assault course.  Thousands of  participants are booked to take on the challenge over the two days, with the warm up training and support offered by serving Royal Marine Commandos.

Caroline Creer, Fundraising Director of Devon Air Ambulance Trust, explained, “This event is always so well supported and every year the teams say what a fantastic time they have had.  It’s the only time of the year that the course is open to the public and, with the help of the Royal Marines themselves, it really is a unique challenge which also raises significant funds for both the Trust and ‘C’ Group, the Royal Marines charity.   As with any event of this size, however, the safety of participating teams is paramount and that relies on the goodwill and help of a great number of volunteers.  We would be really grateful to hear from anyone who can come along on either of the days to offer a hand.”

If you would like to help at this event please call Caroline Creer of Devon Air Ambulance Trust on 01392 466666, or indeed, if you have grit, determination, a terrific sense of humour and a team of people to help you along the way (minimum team of 4,) then why not enter this year’s Commando Challenge.  Entries are still available on the day - visit www.commandochallenge.co.uk for further details or email c.creer@daat.org

Ambulance Service Opens its Doors to Members of the Public

Members of the public are being offered the chance to have a behind-the-scenes look at their local ambulance service at an open house event held by Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

The event, which will provide an opportunity for people to meet with a range of staff including members of the Trust Board and frontline clinicians, and to look at some of the Trust’s vehicles and equipment, will be held from 8.30am to 9.00am on Tuesday 25 September 2012 at The National Coal Mining Museum for England, Overton, Wakefield.

Dr Dave Macklin, Associate Medical Director at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, will then deliver a presentation from 9.00am to 9.30am on the work of the Medical Emergency Response Incident Teams (MERITs), which provide advanced medical care on scene at a range of emergency incidents.

The Trust’s Annual General Meeting, which will begin at 9.30am and last for approximately one hour, will then highlight the ambulance service’s achievements during 2011-12 and plans for the future and formally present the annual report and accounts for this period.

This will be followed by the Trust Board Meeting in public which will begin at 10.45am and finish at 2.30pm.

David Whiting, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “We’d like to extend a warm welcome to members of the public who would like to come along and find out more about what we do, ask us questions and share their ideas.

“The involvement of patients, carers, and residents across the region in what we do has never been more important to us, especially as we continue our journey towards becoming a foundation trust.”

The Foundation Trust team will also be at the event to answer any questions about membership and becoming a Governor.

Members of the public are asked to confirm their attendance at the event by emailing: foundationtrust@yas.nhs.uk or by telephoning: 01924 584416. Attendees can also raise questions with the Trust Board regarding items on the agenda ahead of the Trust Board meeting using the same contact details.

AMBULANCE STAFF SCORE FUNDS FOR CHARITY

 Ambulance staff from around the country battled it out on the football field this weekend in a bid to raise money for charity.

The tournament organised by West Midlands Ambulance Service Paramedic, George Shakeshaft, managed to raise over £2,000 for The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice * in Stoke.

The event which kicked off at Goals Soccer Centre in Stoke in Trent on Saturday saw 14 teams complete in the six a side football tournament. A number of the teams were made up of West Midlands Ambulance Service staff, including staff from the Trust’s patient transport services, front line emergency ambulance staff and support staff. A team from London Ambulance Service was also warmly welcomed to the event.

 

Stoke City FC Mascot Pottermus with Tom Mallam from WMAS’ Patient Transport Service and DJ for the day.  

A family fun day ran alongside the tournament which included refreshments, bouncy castles, face painting, donkey rides and much more.

Talking about the event George said: “A superb day was had by all. The football tournament went extremely well with the winners and runners up being awarded their trophies at a special awards ceremony held that same evening. The evening event was enjoyed by 140 guests, who were entertained by live music from Mathew Street and DJ Aaron Wilkes who kept the party going until midnight.

“I’d personally like to thank everyone involved for all their hard work and generosity, from the stall holders to the entertaining figures of DJ Tom Mallam, Dandelion the Clown, Stoke City FC mascot Pottermus and of course all the football players who took part in the event and those who came along in support.

“I hope to be able to make this an annual event and hopefully see more teams from other ambulance services around the country become involved in any future events.”

Melanie Mills, Director of Fundraising and PR at the Hospice, added: “This was a great event by George and the team at West Midlands Ambulance Service. The valuable funds they have raised will be used towards funding our £2.4 million running costs and will certainly help to brighten up the lives of local children.”

Agatha Christie Sea Swim now cancelled

After much consideration, it is with regret that this year’s Agatha Christie Sea Swim at Goodrington, in aid of Devon Air Ambulance Trust, is now cancelled.

Caroline Creer, Fundraising Director for Devon Air Ambulance Trust, explained the reason for the cancellation,  “Following the very poor summer, the sea temperature remains lower than usual and we think this may be one of the reasons we have had fewer registered participants this year.  The weather has really not encouraged people to train and, unless you swim that distance regularly, to swim a mile in the sea really does need a degree of training!  We are grateful to all those who have already registered and, as we will re-arrange the event for next year, we are offering their entry money back or the opportunity to hold it over for entry to the 2013 Sea Swim.”

The next event in the Devon Air Ambulance calendar is Commando Challenge; a unique opportunity to ‘get down and dirty’on the Royal Marine’s assault course on Woodbury Common on the weekend of 6^th & 7^th October.

For further information about this, or any other, event for Devon Air Ambulance Trust, please telephone 01392 466666 or visit www.daat.org

Burnley pub boss leads new life-saving emergency team

A FLEDGLING first aid team is getting off the ground in rural areas of Burnley thanks to a publican.
Patrick O’Reilly, manager at the New Waggoners in Dunnockshaw, is leading the first Burnley community first responders team.

Formerly a member of a similar outfit in Clitheroe, Patrick started to make inquiries about establishing a team based around the Manchester Road hostelry.

North West Ambulance Service bosses have now fitted a community defibrillator at the pub, for immediate casualties in areas such as Clowbridge to Rosehill.

Patrick, who is a field trainer and instructor under the Heartstart scheme, is now set to head-up a three-strong team.

Jane Atkinson, NWAS community resuscitation development manager, said the team would play a vital role in attending life-threatening incidents.

“Their role is important in providing care and support to patients, until the ambulance crew arrives on site. NWAS trains and equips first responders with defibrillators, oxygen and first aid kits,” she added.
The team at Padiham has also recently expanded with the additional of two new community responders and a further pair in training.

Several new schemes have also sprung up in Rossendale and defibrillators are in place in Haslingden, Crawshawbooth, Rawtenstall, Bacup and Waterfoot.

Mark Evans, Lancashire’s community resuscitation manager, added: “With a patient in a life-threatening condition, it is the simple things that save lives, including the type of assistance and the speed of response, which is why we use first responders.”

Potential new recruits in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale areas can become involved by visiting the scheme’s website at www.nwas-responders. info.

 Peter Magill, Chief reporter, Lancashire Telegraph

‘Care to Wear Red’ for London’s Air Ambulance

We need your help; we hope you will never need ours…

London’s Air Ambulance’s Wear Red Day launches on Friday 28th September, for the first time in its history and it is a day which the charity hopes will become an annual fundraising event. 

‘Wear Red Day’ will become a dress code on 28 September for all Londoners willing to support London’s Air Ambulance, the charity which runs London’s helicopter emergency medical service. Simply by wearing red to the office, school or on a night out, you can raise awareness and money for this life-saving service.

London’s Air Ambulance provides pre-hospital medical care to victims of serious injury, at the scene of the incident, throughout London. By turning a casual Friday to Wear Red Day and collecting a minimum of £1 from participants, everyone can make a difference to the 10 million people who live, work and commute within the Capital.

Dr. Gareth Davies, Chair & Medical Director, London’s Air Ambulance, said: “London’s Air Ambulance relies heavily upon donations from the public. “Serious injury is the commonest cause of death in under 55s.  London’s Air Ambulance treats over 2,000 seriously injured patients a year and by wearing red on this day and getting others involved, you are helping us to continue to save lives. It is so simple!!”

Why not wear something red for the day at your school or work place? You can wear red head to toe, dress up as a tomato or just wear red socks to show your support. Fundraising should be fun and an event like this is easy to organise and takes very little pre-planning.

Some people also auction a dinner with senior management within their organisation, hold a cake sale or a sponsored chest wax. Anything is possible. We can help with posters, stickers and wristbands for those taking part. 

The Wear Red Day is a part of National Air Ambulance Week (24^th – 30^th September), the UK wide initiative organised by Association of Air Ambulances.

To register, visit, http://londonsairambulance.co.uk/component/content/article/542

 or contact Amanda Crozier at London’s Air Ambulance on 020 7943 1302 or email a.crozier@londonsairambulance.co.uk.

Fabrice Muamba meets Edmonton paramedic lifesaver

A paramedic who was one of the first medical staff to treat Fabrice Muamba after he collapsed and stopped breathing has said it was a 'privilege' to meet him again.

Pete Fisher, who is based at Edmonton ambulance station, Windmill Road, was off-duty from the London Ambulance Service but working as part of Tottenham Hotspur’s pitch side rescue team at the match with Bolton Wanderers in March.

He met with him for the first time at the recording of the BBC’s 999 Awards programme, which was broadcast on Thursday night (16 August).

Pete, who was among the medical team to receive a special award from Fabrice for their actions in saving his life, attended the ceremony on behalf of all the ambulance staff involved on the day of the incident.
They included London Ambulance Service colleagues who were on duty in the stadium and carried out the ambulance journey to hospital.

Pete, pictured holding the award, said: “It was a privilege to meet Fabrice again. It was a magnificent team effort on the day to save his life, and I believe that it wasn’t for the training we received from the Service then none of this would have happened.”

Fabrice, who has this week announced his retirement from professional football, said of all the people who treated him: “They did an unbelievable job. They never gave up on me and they never stopped treating me. I thank every one of them every single day.

“I truly carry them in my heart everywhere I go. I told them they are special people - those are my heroes.”

CHEADLE RESIDENT SKYDIVES FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE 

Sixty year old John Dean will be jumping 10,000ft from an aeroplane in a bid to raise money for Cheadle First Responders.Mr Dean, who has lived in Cheadle for 30 years, will be taking on a tandem skydive for charity in Whitchurch today. 

Talking about the parachute jump Mr Dean said: “Unfortunately I lost my wife, Carol earlier this year, and it was decided that donations made at the funeral would be given to West Midlands Ambulance Service for the Cheadle First Responders.

“Following the donation I received a lovely thank you letter from the service and it has encouraged me to think about raising more money.

“I decided to do a skydive as it is something I have always thought about doing but have never got round to. Following the events of this year, I have really been driven on to do it and raise some money for a good cause.”

The Cheadle community first responders are volunteers that respond to emergencies on behalf of West Midlands Ambulance Service, prior to the arrival of an ambulance. CFRs are trained by the Ambulance Service to a nationally recognised level and help reach those people suffering from medical emergencies in the remote rural communities fast. In many illnesses or injuries the first few minutes are critical and simple interventions can be performed in order to save lives or prevent disability.

Duncan Parsonage, Community Response Manager said: “Community First Responder Schemes are entirely funded by charitable donations, so any donations from the local community are greatly received.

“CFRs help reach those people, suffering from medical emergencies, in the remote rural communities fast. In many illnesses or injuries the first few minutes are critical and simple interventions can be performed in order to save lives or prevent disability.

“I would like to say a huge thank you Mr Dean on behalf of the Service and the CFR group. His previous donation and future fundraising efforts really could help to save more lives within Cheadle.”

The local community in Cheadle have really supported the CFR group and earlier this year the responder group were able to purchase a new 4x4 response vehicle thanks to the communities generosity. 

Vinnie Jones Becomes A First Aider

The latest appearance from Hollywood hard man Vinnie Jones sees him gain a first aid qualification. However there is more to the story as he has come up with a completely new method of CPR.

August 06, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Vinnie Jones latest television commercial sees him tell all on the subject of Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The former pro footballer even went on a first aid at work course in preparation for the ad in which he reveals a new technique in delivering CPR. Train Aid however has joined a number of training providers who are calling for clarity on what is the correct protocol. The advert kicks off when a non-breathing body is dramatically thrown across the floor. First on the scene is Vinnie who explains to his peers a new way of delivering "Hands Only CPR". This new concept means that you no longer need to worry about blowing oxygen into the lungs, and instead just need to focus on artificially pumping the heart. The advert was created by the British Heart Foundation to raise awareness of this new form of CPR. However controversy exists owing to the thousands of first aid courses that teach candidates to perform full CPR. No one questions that chest compressions are a life saver, but the body does require a constant stream of oxygen. Vinnie wraps the commercial up by telling everyone that there "should be no kissing as you only kiss your missus on the lips". First aid at work training teaches candidates that if you have the confidence to blow air into someone's lungs then there is no time to hesitate. The full CPR protocol instructs to keep a flow of oxygen into the lungs, and then circulate it via chest compressions. Who knows one day you might be called upon to touch the lips of your work colleague, golfing partner or best mate. Train Aid Ltd deliver both affordable and enjoyable training courses that place a strong emphasis on teaching practical skills that are relevant to real life. Website: http://www.train-aid.co.uk

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/825476#ixzz22m0Sx23T

Medals for Penicuik lifesavers 

Penicuik volunteers providing support to ambulance teams have been congratulated for their lifesaving contributions.

A group of Community First Responders received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for spending five years or more assisting the Scottish Ambulance Service during emergency calls.

The medals were presented by Bryan Finlay, the community resuscitation development officer for the Scottish Ambulance Service (south-east division), and Shirley Rogers, the deputy director for health, workforce and performance with the Scottish Government, during a recent ceremony at the Craigiebield House Hotel in Penicuik.

 

Air Ambulance Lottery reaches new heights!

Lottery membership reaches 22,000

The lottery run by Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) which contributes over £729,000 each year to the Charity’s fundraising effort, has attracted its 22,000th member.

DAAT Lottery, established in September 2001 last year  raised in excess of £1 million and today, in addition to one full time lottery supervisor and two part time administrators, has over 130 agents across the county ranging from newsagents to hairdressers.

Caroline Creer, DAAT’s Director of Fundraising, said: “The Lottery is one of DAAT’s biggest successes and the secret behind it is it only costs £1 per lucky number a week to play. 79% of members currently pay by standing order so it is very easy for them to support us through the Lottery and this also greatly reduces administrative costs.”

The Lottery draw takes place each Friday with winning numbers randomly drawn via specialised computer software.  The weekly prizes range from a jackpot of £1,350, to £135 second and third prizes and a further 10 prizes of £50.  An average of 70p goes straight back to the Charity.

Caroline Creer added: “Lottery membership is maintained and increased through our specially authorised team of canvassers who never collect cash, only standing order forms and cheques from members at the doorstep. 

“This is very important for us as it provides members with confidence that the system cannot be abused because of its transparency and our ability to review paper trails.

“We are very grateful to all our Lottery members who with just a small weekly commitment do so much to support our work.  We hope many more will take the opportunity of supporting us in this way and they can do so in the first instance by visiting www.daat.org ; or ringing 01392 469886 for an entry form or to find out where your local agent is.”

DAAT Lottery are registered with the Gambling Commission and are also members of and regulated by the Lottery Council, as well as the Great Foundation and Gambling Aware.

AMBULANCE CALL ASSESSOR TO WALK 100 MILES FOR CHARITY

A West Midlands Ambulance Service call assessor is walking 100 miles to raise money for Huntingtons Disease Association.

Leah Church who works in the Emergency Control Room in Tollgate, Staffordshire is all set to take on the challenge this week.

The walk is taking place in Nijmegen, Holland and will see participants walking over a four day period from 17^th – 20^th July, covering a massive 25 miles each day.

Talking about the challenge Leah said: “Huntingtons Disease is a hereditary disorder of the central nervous system. It usually develops in adulthood causing a very wide range of symptoms.

“Unfortunately the disease has affected a number of my family members, so this charity is extremely close to my heart. I am hoping to raise as much money as possible, allowing the charity to continue their excellent work supporting families affected by the illness as well as raising further awareness of the disease.”

Leah hopes to raise £1,000 for the association and is has almost hit her target already, raising a total of £942 so far.

Anyone wishing to give Leah a helping hand in achieving her goal please visit http://www.justgiving.com/Leah-Church. Every little bit helps.

What are you doing between 24 and 30 September?

Why not support your local Air Ambulance and make a difference to the community you live in, especially during National Air Ambulance Week (‘NAAW’)?  Every penny really goes a long way in helping save lives.

NAAW is an initiative put together by the Association of Air Ambulances (‘AAA’), the organisation which unites not only Air Ambulance charities from across the country, but also operators and ambulance services. The Association gives a national voice to a local service.

Caroline Creer, Fundraising Director of Devon Air Ambulance Trust said “We’re joining together with other local Air Ambulances across the country, to ask everyone to get involved during National Air Ambulance Week.”

Caroline added “Why not hold a mufti or a dress up/dress down day at your school, college or work place?  We believe fundraising should be fun and an event like this is easy to organise and takes very little pre planning.  We can also help with posters and wristbands for those taking part.”

You may wish to organise your own event – maybe you want to hold a cake sale, fete, or do something more daring like a parachute jump or sponsored swim. Whatever you decide to do, rest assured that all monies raised will stay locally, helping to keep your local Air Ambulance flying.

To register your event or find out more about how you can help contact Devon Air Ambulance Trust on 01392 466666 or email info@daat.org

Medical Staff Treat 700 at Festival

Over 700 people required medical attention at the Isle of Wight Festival.

Revellers were treated for a variety of problems ranging from allergies, blisters, sunburn and sprains through to over indulgence, minor burns and exhaustion.

Chris Smith, Head of the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service said 'the partnership working between the Island’s NHS, South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust’s HART specialist team, and the St. John Ambulance and Red Cross volunteers in Strawberry Fields is an important part of the service provided.

'Hundreds of Festival goers were helped with Injuries, illness and minor ailments and our colleagues in St. John Ambulance and the Red Cross were kept busy until the early hours and our private sector partners kept the campsite vigil all night long.   Indeed the whole medical service provided to the Festival is based on excellent partnership working between the NHS, voluntary and private sectors.'

Close to the First Aid Centre in Strawberry Fields the Isle of Wight NHS Trust team organise and run a pharmacy under the name ‘Wight Medicine’.   They were able to provide hundreds of Festival goers with over the counter remedies and emergency supplies for common problems such as headaches, hay fever, eye infections, sunburn, blisters, indigestion, bites and stings.

Acting Chief Executive at Isle of Wight NHS Trust Karen Baker said: “All our staff who work and volunteer at the Festival are a credit to the organisation.  They help ensure that the Festival is safe and fun for all present whilst at the same time ensuring that Island residents continue to receive a high quality responsive service.'

Not long to go...

Plans are now well under way for this year’s Motorcycle Ride Out in aid of Devon Air Ambulance Trust, with a new registration and start point, a new route and a different location for the celebrations at the end of the ride.  This annual event, now in its 7^th year, traditionally attracts riders from all over the county of Devon and this year looks set to be bigger and better than ever.

Bikers are invited to meet from 0900 on Sunday 8^th July at The Log Cabin at Knowstone, just off the A361 between Tiverton and South Molton.  There is plenty of parking and refreshments will be available.  After a safety briefing, the ride will start at 1100, following an 80-mile fully marshalled route through some of Devon’s most beautiful countryside, finishing on The Den at Teignmouth, where there will be live music, hot food, a beer tent and entertainment for all the family.

One rider looking forward to the Ride Out this year is Andy Payne who, as well as riding the route, will also be displaying his 1000cc Aprilia v-twin racing sports bike on The Den at Teignmouth.  Andy, from Paington, was airlifted by Devon Air Ambulance in June 2010 following a head-on collision between his motorbike and a car.  Andy, in a great deal of pain from compression fractures to three of his vertebrae, was grateful to the paramedics who attended the incident, “I was very relieved to be taken to hospital by the helicopter as a land ambulance would have taken much longer and, undoubtedly been a far bumpier ride!  I am very happy to be back riding and racing again and I am delighted to support the Devon Air Ambulance wherever I can.” 

This year’s ride costs only £5 to enter; all riders receive a souvenir t-shirt and all bikes will be entered for judging.  Trophies will be awarded to category winners in Best Custom Bike, Best Classic Bike and Best In Show.

Caroline Creer, Director of Fundraising for Devon Air Ambulance Trust, said “Our annual Motorcycle Ride Out is always incredibly well supported. It’s such a good day out and the atmosphere is amazing. Like Andy, the motorcycling community of Devon is very appreciative of the work of the Devon Air Ambulance and this is one event where they can be involved and really give something back.”

In 2011, 33 motorcyclists were airlifted to a specialist hospital as a matter of urgency. The medical attention and care given by the aircrew at the scene of an incident and the speed with which they can convey patients to the most appropriate hospital is paramount to their survival and recovery.

I'm your patron, car crash victim tells Magpas team

Magpas patron Lady Linda Vane Percy experienced the emergency medical team in action when her car overturned in Huntingdon. The 63-year-old was cut out of her vehicle by the fire service as a Magpas team monitored her condition.

Lady Linda, of Island Hall, Godmanchester, suffered four fractured ribs and cuts and bruising and is now recovering at home. She told the News she made a joke about Magpas to the emergency services at the scene, knowing they attended serious incidents, only to recognise one of their distinctive Magpas uniforms. Lady Linda, 63, said: “They said ‘we have been asked to check you over’ and I said ‘I am a patron of yours’ and they replied ‘I thought I recognised you, at least you are getting your money’s worth now’.” She added: “I have been a great supporter of theirs for many years. I was so pleased, I love my Magpas.”

Lady Linda said she did not think the accident was ever going to stop as her Smart car flipped over and the windows began to smash. She said: “My mouth was full of broken glass and my hand was bleeding profusely.”

She was removed from the vehicle on a spinal board before being taken to hospital.

Lady Linda praised Magpas and the emergency services, saying: “They were so marvellous, all of them. After a week I still feel stiff and quite breathless and not able to do as much as I would like to do.”

Lady Linda and her husband Christopher Vane Percy are organising a fundraising event for Magpas at Island Hall, involving an exhibition of her Zandra Rhodes dresses and talks about the designer’s work. Information about the event, on July 1, is available from info@magpas.org.uk or (01480) 371060.

Julian Makey , Cambridge News

Gravesend lifeboat called to injured man on boat in Erith

The Gravesend lifeboat was called in the middle of the night to help a man who had fallen on a boat in Erith.
Crews were scrambled to the sailing barge Cambria at 3:08am on Wednesday (June 6). The casualty, who had briefly passed out, was found to be conscious and alert on arrival but was complaining of a pain in his side from when he fell. A Hazardous Area Response Team paramedic was put on board the Cambria and consulted with the lifeboat crew from Gravesend about how best to deal with the casualty.It was agreed to land the man ashore at Erith Causeway, where he was taken to hospital by ambulance.

 

CEGA win Waypoint Airmed and Rescue Challenge 2012

CEGA Air Ambulance again demonstrated that it leads the way in standards of clinical excellence by winning the Waypoint Airmed and Rescue Challenge 2012 for fixed wing aircraft.

The Challenge is held annually at the Waypoint Airmed Conference, which attracts exhibitors and delegates from all over the world. Working in teams and using patient simulators, teams have the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise in a typical medical emergency situation to a panel of international medical experts.

"We're delighted to receive this international endorsement of our proactive approach to patient safety and care. It's a true testament to the skills of our multi-disciplined air ambulance teams," said Stuart Cox, Senior Flight Nurse, one of CEGA's participating medical team.

INSPIRING FIRST AID HEROES AND COMPANIES SOUGHT

- AWARDS OPEN FOR ENTRY -

Do you know someone who has saved a life? Or a healthcare organisation that has high first aid standards? St John Ambulance is seeking your nominations as the charity launches its nationwide search for individuals, organisations and businesses that are leading the way in first aid.

The St John Ambulance First Aid Awards is a high-profile awards event honouring first aid role models, while raising awareness that first aid can be the difference between lives lost and lives saved. This year’s event will be hosted by survivalist Ray Mears who has himself used first aid many times and will take place at the luxurious Lancaster London hotel near London’s Hyde Park on 19 November.

Ray Mears says: ‘When I attended last year’s St John Ambulance First Aid Awards, I was touched and inspired by the stories that I heard of heroism and commitment to saving lives. That’s why I am proud to be hosting the First Aid Awards this year.

‘The skill to save a life is an essential one; you never know when you could find yourself faced with a situation where first aid is the difference between a life lost and a life saved. That’s definitely the case in the wilderness but also applies at home, in the office or your local neighbourhood.

‘I can’t wait to hear the great first aid stories that come out of this year’s awards and meet those leading the way.’

Previous winners

Last year’s inaugural event was an inspirational and uplifting evening, with celebrities and royalty attending to celebrate first aid excellence. Hosted by BBC newsreader Sophie Raworth, the evening recognised outstanding individuals from organisations like the Metropolitan Police and Tesco as well as from local communities. Teenagers James Mavin and Michael Purvis received an award from HRH The Countess of Wessex for saving an elderly gentleman's life, while playscheme worker Christophe Hayes was rewarded for resuscitating his colleague.

Healthcare organisations nominated last year included Acorn Villages, Roche Products and winner 3 Trees Community Support. 3 Trees Community Support also won the prize for Overall Workplace of the Year, for a submission described as 'inspiring' by the judges.

Help ensure recognition for first aid heroes

Successful entries will be invited to join high-profile guests for the uplifting black-tie ceremony in November.

Last year’s winner, Simon Smith, Director at 3 Trees Community Support said: “Winning both the Workplace Award for Healthcare and the Workplace of the Year Award came as a big surprise. We see first aid as an everyday part of what we do and it is very humbling to win both of these awards. 100% of our team are trained in first aid and they work hard to bring first aid knowledge to the wider community and young people. We believe it’s an important part of what we offer at 3 Trees and is something we hope to continue doing in future.”

Find out about our award categories, and help ensure that inspirational first aid stories and organisations who are going the extra mile get the recognition they deserve. Visit www.sja.org.uk/firstaidawards for more information. The deadline for entries is 5pm Friday 13 July.

First Responders Recognised With Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal

Six members of the Rossendale Community First Responder team were proud and honoured to receive a Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee medal for long service.

 Pictured with their medals left to right are: Gary Bradbury,
Mohammed Shafiq (currently training to become a Paramedic),
Brian Pickup (Rossendale CFR Team Leader),
Councillor Gladys Sandiford, Dawn Taylor (Deputy Team Leader),
Simon Doyle (now leading the Sabden CFR team),
Carl Potter (former CFR, now a Paramedic) and Paul Nielsen.

The medals were presented at the team's regular training evening at Fearns Community Sports College by Councillor Gladys Sandiford, former Mayor of Rossendale. Each of the Responders has served at least 5 years in continuous voluntary service to the Rossendale community.

First Responders are mobilized by North West Ambulance Service and, as they are on call from their own home or place of work, they are often able to arrive on scene before the emergency ambulance. They are trained to a high standard and carry life saving equipment to assist a patient with serious or life-threatening conditions.

Paul Nielsen said: 'I am really proud to receive the medal and to have not only my work, but also the work of all Community First Responders recognised in this way.'

Essex Emergency 2000 Helping Herts Air Ambulance Save Lives

Herts Air Ambulance is being backed up with a new response vehicle thanks to the region’s emergency vehicle services and repair specialists, Essex Emergency Services 2000 Ltd in Romford, Essex.

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust Clinical Manager, Stuart Elms took delivery of the Volvo 4x4 on Friday 4^th May at North Weald Airfield, home of the Herts Air Ambulance.

Stuart said: “Essex Emergency Services 2000 have vast experience of working with all the Emergency Services in both London and the East of England. Owners; Bill and Jacqui were able to supply the Herts Air Ambulance a dedicated high specification Volvo response car and back it up with 24 hour cover. The knowledge of Essex Emergency Services 2000 and their ability to provide this degree of service is second to none. This vehicle will allow the Doctor and Critical Care Paramedic HEMS team to continue to attend the same types of serious incidents and deliver the same high level of critical care using the full range of life-saving medical equipment and drugs if the helicopter is grounded due to weather conditions. Essex Emergency Services 2000 have delivered us the ability to keep saving lives.”

Bill McKenna, Essex Emergency Services 2000, adds: “We have already worked with Essex Air Ambulance to modify and undertake the livery for their BMW X3 response car which was handed over to them in 2007. We are very pleased to once again be helping our local Essex & Herts Air Ambulance service by sponsoring them with one of our own cars and hope to be able to give them the support for many years to come.”   

The response car will be used in cases when the helicopter cannot respond such as adverse weather conditions or during unplanned maintenance - meaning the HEMS Crew can still reach the scene of an incident and provide the same critical care to the patient as the vehicle carries full life-saving equipment exactly like the helicopter.

Paramedic Receives Daybreak Health Heroes Award
Live on ITV

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust Cri cal Care Paramedic Laurie Phillipson was surprised yesterday morning live on ITV’s Daybreak by Dr Hilary who presented him with a Health Heroes Award. Joined by Laurie’s family, friends, Dr Pamela Chrispin, Medical Director and other colleagues from the East of England Ambulance Service Trust, plus two airlifted pa ents; 14 year old Danny Williams and Jim Cox whose lives have been touched by Laurie and the Air Ambulance Crew; Dr Hilary burst into the Crew Room at the Air Base in Earls Colne where Laurie and the on duty Doctor and Pilot were having their morning briefing, to surprise him with the award.

L‐r: Ben Myer (EHAAT Cri tical Care Paramedic), Pamela Chrispin (East of England Ambulance Service Trust Medical Director), Danny Williams (airlifted pa ent), Stuart Elms (EHAAT Clinical Manager), Laurie Phillipson (EHAAT Cri tical Care Paramedic), Dr Hilary (Daybreak), Jane Gurney (EHAAT CEO), Jim Cox (airlifted pa ent), Jonty Robinson (EHAAT HEMS Doctor), Cliff Gale (EHAAT Opera ons Director) and Gary Sanderson (East of England Ambulance Service Trust Communicati ons Manager)

Every day this week, Dr Hilary is surprising people with his Health Heroes Award; recognising and celebra- ting our unsung heroes of the health community. Jane Gurney, CEO of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT), who nominated Laurie, said: “On behalf of everyone at EHAAT I nominated Laurie for his outstanding service as an Air Ambulance Paramedic and teaching in his local community. Laurie has completed over 10 years of continuous service with EHAAT, flying well over 1,000 missions in both Essex and Hertfordshire and has touched the lives of many individuals, helping hundreds of people when they needed it the most. He has often gone over and above by supporting many fundraising activities, helping the Charity to raise much needed funds. A father and husband to a young family, he still finds time to teach clinicians the life‐saving skills he has developed. We are all so proud of Laurie and all of our dedicated Air Crew who help save lives every day.”

Doctor Pamela Chrispin, Medical Director for the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) said: “Our trust is very proud indeed of Laurie and he thoroughly deserves his recognition for his commitment to pre hospital care in the communities he has served for the last ten years, well done.”

Speaking of his award, Laurie said: “Up until Dr Hilary led me into the hangar and I saw all my family and friends I thought it was a wind‐up and it's all still sinking in! I feel very honoured to have received the award, the Essex & Herts Air Ambulances provide a first class critical care service and every member of the medical and charity team works extremely hard to keep the aircraft flying and making a difference to countless lives across the region. I've been very lucky to have played a small part in that service for such a long time; a privilege that few paramedics get to enjoy. I would like to thank all my colleagues for their support and the kind nomination.”

RAF Cranwell officer to drive 10,000 miles to deliver ambulance to Mongolia

An RAF officer from Cranwell will embark on a 10,000 mile road journey to Mongolia to deliver an ambulance on behalf of charity called Go Help.

On July 7, Sgt Chris Pacey, who serves with the RAF Regiment at the Officer and Aircrew Cadet Training Unit (OACTU), will set off on his journey accompanied by his wife Dee to deliver the ambulance donated by Alisdair Couper from Terberg DTS, whom they met last year during a Help for Heroes rally.

Go Help is a UK registered charity whose aim is to enable access to primary healthcare through provision, distribution and maintenance of emergency vehicles. In Mongolia there is a shortfall in ambulances that it is not unusual for the sick or the injured to wait three hours for help to arrive followed by a three hour journey back to hospital. However, with the provision of ambulances from the UK, many lives can be saved.

The charity arrange for the import of the ambulance at two specified border crossings into Mongolia, but the rest of the journey is planned according to which countries the team wishes to travel through. Sgt Pacey said: "Our journey will see us driving alone and unsupported across to Eastern Europe and into the Ukraine where we will stop and visit a local children's orphanage. We'll then continue through some difficult terrain along the TransSiberian highway, through Kazakhstan, back into Russia then onward into Mongolia heading for the capital Ulaanbaatar where we will meet the teams who will take delivery of the Ambulance.

"We are aiming to raise £1000 for GO HELP the Charity who organise the import of the Ambulance, then anything over and above that is going to be donated to Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance."

Throughout his career Sgt Pacey has always been involved in raising money for a variety of charities by organising various events including track days and off road driving days. Then, in late 2009, while looking to take part in something that would give them experience rallying in other countries, Dee found the Help for Heroes European 4X4 rally and Teamrockape was born. They took part in the 2010 and 2011 rallies and have raised in the region of £27,000.

Having secured their ambulance they are now in need of support by way of fuel sponsorship, medical equipment and vehicle spares. Being seasoned travellers they are pretty well equipped on a personal level but there are a few outstanding items on their wish list which can be found on their website at www.teamrockape.co.uk

 

MEDICAL CREWS GIVEN SIMULATION TRAINING IN AIR AMBULANCE

CEGA Air Ambulance recently brought together its medical crews for a simulation training day in a fixed wing air ambulance; thought to be the first training exercise of its kind to be held in Europe.

The team demonstrated resuscitation and defibrillation procedures in a King Air 200 aircraft using a high fidelity manikin with breathing functions, palpable pulses and blood pressure displays.

“Simulation training in an aircraft can provide medical crews with valuable hands-on experience in a safe and controlled environment; promoting a positive patient safety culture,” says Dr Tim Hammond, CEGA’s Chief Medical Officer. “By providing a realistic scenario, it can also help crews to develop teamwork and communication and aid in the planning of practicalities, such as the positioning of medical equipment and patients’ luggage.”

“This training for our medical crews complements the simulation training given to CEGA pilots and is testament to our commitment to be at the forefront of patient safety initiatives.”

The simulation session received an overwhelmingly positive response from participants and is likely to become a regular fixture in the CEGA Air Ambulance training programme.

Ambulance service in plea for help to map location of county defibrillators

 East Midlands Ambulance Service is urging people to help it save more lives. It wants to hear from organisations and community groups which have special equipment that can be used to treat heart patients.
The service is compiling a list of places where there are defibrillators – machines which send an electric shock to the heart when someone has gone into cardiac arrest.

Ambulance crews and community first responders are trained to use them to help save lives. But the machines can also be used by untrained members of the public in an emergency. While awaiting for an ambulance, members of the public can use the machines if they are given guidance over the phone by the ambulance service. There are also audio prompts given out by the defibrillators.

Pete Winson, East Midlands Ambulance Service's community defibrillator officer, said they were working with the British Heart Foundation and National Defibrillator Programme to map the location and availability of the machines. He said it was believed that some organisations may have held fund-raising events to pay for the machines but not let the ambulance service know. He said: "We need to know so that, if we receive a 999 call from the area, we can tell the caller there is a defibrillator nearby and treatment can begin.

"Knowing the location of all defibrillators in the county will help save more lives."

Currently, the ambulance service knows the location of 15 Derbyshire defibrillators.
Organisations and community groups who have access to one are asked to send full contact details, which includes a contact name, location and address with postcode of the defibrillator, to Pete Winson. He can be contacted via e-mail at peter.winson@emas.nhs.uk.

Wiltshire College students plough 200 acres to raise cash for air ambulance

Farm mechanisation students at Wiltshire College Lackham have successfully completed a 200-acre ploughing marathon within 24 hours.The event was the 15th annual ploughing marathon held by the college, with students choosing to run the event to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

The students from the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Farm Mechanisation worked in shifts through the day and night to get the job done.Lecturer John Dixon said: "Despite the very dry conditions we are covered 200 acres, which was over 12 different fields. The students have been great and very sensible. They’ve had to deal with any problems and make decisions quickly and independently. They worked with commercial equipment in a real-life environment, which gave them great experience."

Student Robert Purton, 17, said: "It was really hard work but a good laugh as well. We used equipment that not many students in colleges will have access to.I ploughed three hours on the morning and three hours again in the afternoon. I was happy to do as much as I could as it’s for a good cause."

The marathon was a great opportunity for students to raise money for local good causes. This year they are hoping to raise a minimum of £1,000 for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

 

Paramedic pays visit to Prestatyn primary pupils

Primary school pupils were given a special insight into the life of an ambulance paramedic and the ‘special’ tools used to help patients every day.

Ysgol Clawdd Offa welcomed the Welsh Ambulance Service into the school for a day to help children understand the service and the help it can provide them and their family if ever needed.

The Welsh Ambulance Service is working to encourage children to be aware of the right way to call 999 and also not to be afraid of a visit by an ambulance crew as their goal is to help each patient they see.

Leading the visit was Rhyl Ambulance Station paramedic , Dermot O’ Leary. Throughout the day Dermot chatted to each class year about his job role, demonstrated equipment used by paramedics and introduced the all important….yellow banana.

“It’s how I always introduce myself to the younger classes,” Dermot explained, “I tell them ‘do you know I drive a big yellow flying banana when going to a 999 call?’”

“They always want to know my answer. I drive a big flying banana as it flies along at speed going nana nana! On a serious level, it’s about making them feel more comfortable in front of a paramedic  if they ever have to call on our help,” said Dermot.

“It’s so important from an earlier age that children know what our role is and how we can help them and importantly how they can help us as well. Today has been about explaining that we are here to help and care for them, they don’t have to be frightened of us and what we do.”

Dermot added:  “It’s been a privilege to meet all the Ysgol Clawdd Offa pupils and actually hear how much they already know about the right way to call us for help. I even think I might have met a few paramedics of the future after seeing such enthusiasm for my visit.”

Vinnie Jones resuscitation video 'not harmful'

Britain's Advertising Standards Authority has rejected allegations that a video by Vinnie Jones on resuscitation encouraged unsafe behaviour. The video, used in a TV advertisement, featured the actor and former footballer showing how to carry out "hands-only" cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a person suffering a cardiac arrest.

"Say some geezer collapses in front of you. What do you do?," Jones says, before adding: "First off you call 999. I know. Then no kissing. You only kiss your missus on the lips. You push hard and fast here on the sovereign to Staying Alive."

The ASA said 20 complainants objected that the ad was harmful and likely to encourage unsafe behaviour, because they believed it showed incorrect CPR techniques. The British Heart Foundation, for which the clip was made, told the ASA the ads aimed to increase bystander intervention when presented with evidence of cardiac arrest.

"They said they knew of 15 reported instances of people applying the lessons learnt from the ad with a positive outcome," the ASA said in a report on its adjudication.

Survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK are "appalling", with less than 10 percent of casualties surviving to leave hospital, and the BHF aimed to improve those survival rates while facing the reality that most people did not know how to give CPR, the advertising watchdog said.

The ASA noted that the ad had been prepared in consultation with the Resuscitation Council (UK), and in line with European Resuscitation Council guidelines. "Because the ad showed correct techniques for hands-only CPR, we concluded the ad was not harmful and did not encourage unsafe behaviour," the authority concluded.

Student saved by air ambulance crews urges cyclists to raise money

A student who was saved by air ambulance crews is appealing for cyclists raise money for the service.

Christopher Woodhams, 22, from Sidcup was struck by a passing car in Dartford while training for charity bike ride in June 2010 and sustained significant pelvis and head injuries.

He was given emergency anaesthetic – usually done in hospital - at the roadside and spent three weeks in intensive care. He is now urging riders to take part in the Air Ambulance’s 100mile or 100km Double 100 Bike Challenge on June 10.

He said: “The helicopters are often called to cyclists injured on the road and on the North and South Downs so this is a great way of saying thank you to the crew for helping them in their hour of need.”

Registration costs £25 and minimum sponsorship is required. Contact project manager Corinne Hitching on 07784 229717 or e-mail corinneh@kssairambulance.org.uk.

Emergency calls put anniversary party on hold

CORNWALL Air Ambulance's 25th birthday party was interrupted twice on Sunday as the aircrew were called away from the celebrations for real life rescues.More than 100 volunteers and patients joined members of the charity team and trustees at the new headquarters and operations facility on the outskirts of Newquay to celebrate 25 years of saving life on April 1.And they got a birds'-eye view as the air ambulance paramedics and pilot were twice called away to attend emergency calls.

The first incident was to a two-year-old boy with breathing difficulties. The child was flown from the Launceston area to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth for treatment. Each year 80 patients airlifted to hospital in Cornwall are children and babies.

Later in the afternoon, the helicopter was tasked to a motocross event near Liskeard, where a young male competitor had suffered suspected neck and spinal injuries following a fall from his trials bike.

On both occasions partygoers were able to watch from yards away in the facility's community room as the helicopter took off.

The air ambulance was called to three other incidents over the weekend, including a road traffic collision near St Teath, where a male patient had to be cut free from the vehicle before being taken to hospital by helicopter. Pam Faulkner, who joined Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust as a trustee earlier this year, said: "Being right among the operations gave everyone a real sense of belonging. Seeing the helicopter take off and disappear into the distance really hammers it home that someone out there in Cornwall really needs it."

Cornwall launched the UK's first air ambulance in 1987. Chief executive, Paula Martin, said: "The charity and the whole air ambulance story has been a success story for Cornwall. There are now 18 charities like this all across the UK, with over 30 lifesaving helicopters in operation. The amazing thing is that apart from Scotland, they are all funded by public donations and fundraising, and just like us in Cornwall, depend almost entirely on the goodwill of local people and business to keep them flying.

"Countless lives have been saved over the years, and we simply could not imagine Cornwall without a vital air ambulance service to serve its community."

Anyone interested in getting involved with the charity fundraising, volunteering, or sponsorship, should call charity headquarters on 01637 889926.

 

The Air Ambulance Service calls up Mike Tindall

Former England rugby international and Gloucester centre Mike Tindall has signed up to become an ambassador for the Air Ambulance Service. Tindall, whose 11 year career as an England rugby international player which earned him 75 caps, has come on board to help support the charity with its national PR campaign, fund raising and awareness.

First established in 2003 as a charitable organisation, the air ambulance service now provides a vital helicopter emergency medical service across five counties in the heart of England and will shortly launch a bespoke children’s air ambulance across the UK.

 The Air Ambulance Service is a charity particularly close to Tindall’s heart because of the valuable life saving work of the service and in particular its close connection to rugby. Due to the physical nature of the sport, the Air Ambulance Service often attends to many rugby players who have received serious head, neck and spinal injuries. These types of injuries, which account for some of the highest incident call outs for the service, require the utmost care and the fastest possible medical attention, which the the Air Ambulance Service paramedics and helicopters provide.

Commenting on the appointment Mike said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been asked to become an ambassador for the air ambulance service and to help raise awareness for such a truly worthy cause. Throughout my career I have been aware that there have been many serious and potentially life threatening injuries on the rugby pitch, the air ambulance service are the angels of the sky, their dedication and commitment to saving countless lives is truly heroic and humbling to witness in action. I am privileged to have been asked to support this cause and to highlight the importance of this valuable life saving service.”

Existing celebrity supporters of  the Air Ambulance Service include Hollywood actor Rob Lowe, rock stars Nick Mason from Pink Floyd and Queen’s Brian May, Formula 1 legend Damon Hill, actors Colin Salmon, Roger Lloyd Pack and former SAS soldier turned author Andy McNab.

http://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/

 

Working together for a safer future

Emergency service lifesavers are sharing good practice to help make a difference for those unfortunate to face the aftermath of a road traffic collision.

Welsh Ambulance Service staff linked up with North Wales Fire and Rescue firefighters at a road traffic collision demonstration held at Rhyl Fire Station. The aim of the event was to help frontline ambulance crews understand the methods and skills used by fire-fighters when faced with having to extract patients from vehicles that have been involved in an incident on the road.

Representatives from Rhyl Fire Station demonstrated the different ways they can extract a patient safely from a damaged vehicle and explained how they operate at an incident to help ambulance staff have the knowledge at scene to work efficiently with their emergency service colleagues.

“Sometimes road traffic collisions can be extremely traumatic, not just for those involved, but for the emergency service crews arriving on scene. Events such as this help us strengthen our partnership with the fire service so we can together work effectively and safely to give patients the best chance of survival,” said Holyhead ambulance  technician Stephen Rogerson.

Rhyl paramedic Dermot O’ Leary added: “Having the fire service at your side during a difficult road traffic collision makes all the difference for the patient you are looking after. Working together helps us know that even a simple approach as alerting the fire service to the model of car involved can make a big difference to quickly extracting a poorly patient from a vehicle.”

Paul Scott, Community Safety Team Manager, said: “Firefighters often see the devastating effects of road traffic collisions. We are always working on initiatives to try and educate the public about road safety and what they can do to make themselves and their passengers safe.”

THE VILLAGE PEOPLE ARE IN SAFE HANDS

A hotel in the Black Country is looking after their guests and staff better than ever before thanks to West Midlands Ambulance Service. With 125 bedrooms, 4,500 leisure club members, meeting rooms, a restaurant, a coffee shop and around 200 staff, De Vere Village Hotel on Castlegate Park in Dudley can welcome around 2,000 people through their doors each day.

With such a busy venue, West Midlands Ambulance Service recently provided the hotel with an automated external defibrillator (a device used to restart someone’s heart when they’ve suffered a cardiac arrest). A total of nine staff were given training in basic life support and how to use their new piece of life saving kit during a hands on training session delivered by a local paramedic last month.

Pictured (left to right): Dawn Fox (paramedic), Mark Mills (Leisure Centre Operations Manager), Lee Tempest (Pub Manager), Luke Hughes (Membership Advisor), Warren Thompson (Assistant Pub Manager), Steve Dear (Restaurant Manager), Audrey Williams(Housekeeping Team Leader), Lynda Parkins (Meeting and Events Manager), Andy Parkes  (Leisure Club Manager), Emma Wilkins (Black Country Community Response Manager), De Vere Village’s ‘The Purple Man’

Andy Parkes, Leisure Club Manager, said: “You can’t go wrong with the training, its’ really easy to follow. There was no fear factor from anyone on the training as the defibrillator is simple to use and operate.By having a defibrillator and people trained in first aid means that our guests and staff are in a safe environment. We’re really grateful to West Midlands Ambulance Service for providing us with this valuable training and life saving equipment.”                                         

Dawn Fox, a Paramedic from Tettenhall, trained the group on Tuesday 28th February and said: “It was great working with the staff at The Village as they were really enthusiastic learning new skills and getting to grips with the defibrillator. Its common sense for such a busy leisure facility to have a defibrillator and people trained in first aid as, with so many people using the hotel, it’s inevitable that someone will need vital first aid. They’re a very proactive team who are keen on looking after their visitors and staff alike. By increasing the amount of defibrillators in the public domain and by increasing appropriately trained personnel in the use of a defibrillator and basic life support, the percentages of survival from a cardiac arrest can only increase.”