Ambulance UK Feb 2017

Volume 32 No. 1

February 2017

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ANNOUNCING THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF

PRO

A Unique System For High Quality Objective CPR Performance Feedback

In this issue The IT Clamp - A New Addition to the External Haemorrhage Control Ladder Paramedics Don’t Make Medication Errors....Right?

Life Connections 2017 Announcement

“It would be hard to rival as a training system…”

(Excerpt from Professor Douglas Chamberlain)

*Used with permission: Evaluated by Jim Walmsley Critical Care Paramedic Lead, South East Coast Ambulance Service

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS 5

EDITOR’S COMMENT

7

FEATURES

7 The iTClamp™ - A New Addition to the External Haemorrhage Control Ladder – A Case Report

Ambulance UK This issue edited by: Sam English c/o Media Publishing Company 48 High Street SWANLEY BR8 8BQ ADVERTISING: Terry Gardner, Brenda Pickering

10 Paramedics don’t make medication errors…right?

CIRCULATION:

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Life Connections 2017

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COMPANY NEWS

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Innosonian Europe: Brayden Pro Launch

PUBLISHERS STATEMENT:

Following on from the huge success of the Brayden Manikin launched in 2014, Innosonian Europe are delighted to announce the imminent launch of Brayden Pro.

The views and opinions expressed in

A Unique System For High Developed in conjunction with leading member of the European Resuscitation Quality Objective Community in pre-hospital, hospital, university and voluntary sectors, the Brayden Pro CPR provides healthcare professionals with quantitative data driven feedback. This can be Performance Feedback

the Publisher, the Editors or Media

used to enable students to improve their CPR performance when a data driven need is required. Brayden Pro provides students with real time feedback during CPR training.

It enables detailed post CPR training debriefing by providing quantitative data of key CPR parameters as outlined in the ERC 2015 Guidelines such as compression depth, compression rate, hand position and compression release. Feedback on hands off time and ventilation performance is also provided from the Brayden Pro manikin.

this issue are not necessarily those of Publishing Company.

Next Issue April 2017 Subscription Information – February 2017 Ambulance UK is available through a personal, company or institutional subscription in both the UK and overseas.

UK: Individuals - £24.00 (inc postage) Companies - £60.00 (inc postage) Rest of the World: £50.00 (inc. surface postage) £75.00 (airmail) We are also able to process your subscriptions via most major credit cards. Please ask for details.

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mission: Evaluated by Jim Walmsley Critical Lead, South East Coast Ambulance Service

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“It would be hard to rival as a training system…”

(Excerpt from Professor Douglas Chamberlain)

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

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Professor Douglas Chamberlain said: “The Bluetooth line between the impressive Brayden Pro manikin and the app on a Android tabled greatly enhances the training value of the system. It gives not only an immediate guide to the quality of compressions, but also offers trends and a permanent record of what is being achieved, it would be hard to rival as a training system”.

3

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.

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 pre-dispose 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 classeffects. 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. May 2016. 2. Coffey F et al. Emerg Med J 2014; 31: 613-618.

Date of preparation: December 2016. PMR-NOV-2016-0378

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. *PENTHROX should be self-administered under supervision of a person trained in its administration, using the handheld PENTHROX Inhaler.1

EDITOR’S COMMENT

EDITOR’S COMMENT Welcome to this issue of AUK. So, here we are in 2017 in the aftermath of a fairly chaotic Christmas period that was probably the busiest I can remember. I don’t know why, its probably psychological, but Christmas always seems to spawn sad incidents. Crews have to deal with these, then clock off to spend happy times with family who don’t always realise how tough the job can be. So, if like me, you worked through Christmas, take pride in the fact that without your efforts and ability to cope with these competing emotions, Christmas would not have been half as happy for an awful lot of people.

There was some talk of humanitarian crisis, some talk of GPs working harder and longer, some of talk about developing roles and lots of pictures of queuing ambulances. Where do the problems lie? The answer is simple. Demand is seriously outstripping supply. So what of 111, shouldn’t that reduce 999 call volume? The answer, in my humble opinion, is yes it should, except of course it perhaps doesn’t. Figures released this month show that of the 1.2 million calls received in November 2016, 14% received an ambulance response, the highest number since 2014 (Source: 111 MDS 1/17).

111 is a door and it is fairly obvious that if you put a door anywhere, someone will go through it. Patient safety built in dictates that a certain percentage will require further face to face assessment, that’s as it should be and triage systems always default to safe. Trouble is, the percentage can stay the same (and if you check the NHSE figures it does) but if the call volume grows then the demand on emergency and urgent care grows.

The interesting figure from the 111 MDS return is that 4% of callers would not have spoken to anyone had 111 not been available. That’s a fairly spectacular figure when you consider the 12 million callers into the system.

I wonder how many of these people received an ambulance response after triage.

At the heart of the problem is not 111 though and it’s perhaps unfair to point a figure. It’s my belief that at the heart of the problem is the lack of education for people trying hard to find a solution in the middle of a crisis.

But again that’s not necessarily their fault. As a nation we have provided a bewildering array of services which are now drying up as the money gets short. We have given and now threaten to take away. As the doors get fewer, the casualty is a public we have probably lulled into false security with paternalistic systems.

Whatever happened to self care? Should there be more investment in education and less provision of services. I don’t know the answer but I do know how many red flag sepsis episodes I’ve probably had in my life and never been to hospital. I know how many scarring injuries I sustained growing up and survived.

It pains me that we need to provide simple advice at all, what happened to common sense.

People use the internet to find out pretty much anything but how to manage a two hour headache. So, is education an answer? CPR in schools is great but shouldn’t children also be educated in the need to use precious resources like the NHS sparingly. Managing a crisis and knowing how to access health services appropriately is as much of a skill as any other curricular subject. So this is my thought for 2017, unless we educate the public to expect less and become more self sufficient, finite resources dictate that we will be able to provide less and leave people anxious, uncertain and confused at a time when the last thing they probably need is exactly that.

On a lighter note, if I do retire this year, I will be extremely sad to miss novel developments. I watched a firefighter with a jet pack putting out fires in Dubai whilst hovering like a superhero…it really is a wonderful world!!!

I hope you enjoy this issue of Auk and that 2017 brings you life, luck and prosperity.

Sam English, Co-Editor Ambulance UK

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

“111 is a door and it is fairly obvious that if you put a door anywhere, someone will go through it.

Patient safety built in dictates that a certain percentage will require further face to face assessment, that’s as it should be and triage systems always default to safe.”

Did I mention busy? I’m writing this as a near pensioner (its an old photo) and it made me quite reflective about my time as a Paramedic and the state of the world we now live in. I couldn’t overlook the biggest change in my particular history and, in a way, I’m glad I’m at this end of my career. I wonder, with the current levels of demand and its associated stress, how many of today’s staff will reach retirement.

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FEATURE

INTRODUCING

PRO

AFFORDABLE HIGH QUALITY OBJECTIVE CPR FEEDBACK

*Used with permission: Evaluated by Ken Spearpoint, Principal Lecturer & Emeritus Consultant Nurse, University of Hertfordshire.

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

…While being able to gain obvious feedback, real time visual prompts engage the user to improve technique and muscle memory.

I can see this becoming a cornerstone to any BLS training: allowing EMS providers, the ability to deliver exquisite BLS when needed.

Jim Walmsley, MSc, PgCert, MCPara, Critical Care Paramedic Lead, South East Coast Ambulance Service

FEATURES: • Quality Score using algorithm determined by leading European Opinion Leaders • Configured for AHA and ERC (2015) Guidelines • Overall CPR Quality Score calculated and presented over time • Objective CPR metrics available as complete event AND by individual CPR cycle • Set for differing responder skill level – Healthcare Professional or Layperson • Up to 6 manikins can be monitored at one time.

Connected via Bluetooth to an Android tablet & intuitive app • Set for ventilation only and compression only • Tested & Evaluated by European in-hospital & prehospital resuscitation experts

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6

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FEATURE

THE ITCLAMP™ - A NEW ADDITION TO THE EXTERNAL HAEMORRHAGE CONTROL LADDER – A CASE REPORT Mr Andrew Thurgood - Consultant Nurse Birmingham Professor Sir Keith Porter - Professor of Clinical Traumatology Birmingham

Abstract

For catastrophic external haemorrhage a start point may be the application of a tourniquet.

The iTClamp™ is a new device for the control of external haemorrhage that works by closing the skin and subcutaneous tissues producing a tamponade effect immediately reducing or stopping bleeding.

This paper reports what the authors believe is one of the first UK prehospital deployments of the iTClamp™ and discusses the indications for its use and its potential inclusion in the external haemorrhage control ladder.

In the pre-hospital setting for some patients it is difficult to achieve external haemorrhage control for a number of reasons which include anatomical position (junctional wounds in the axilla, root of neck and groin), size of the wound, environmental conditions (an unsafe environment), access to the patient (entrapment), patient compliance (irritable, combative patients) and the need for rapid external haemorrhage control.

The clinical challenge to control significant external haemorrhage is

Keywords

particularly relevant to pre-hospital practitioners working forward at the

External haemorrhage, haemorrhage control

point of wounding.

Method

Introduction

Figure 1 – civilian “haemostatic ladder”

The iTClamp™ (figure 2) is a temporary wound closure device which can control severe bleeding within seconds of application to a penetrating injury. The iTClamp™ is designed to seal the edges of the wound closed to create a temporary pool of blood under pressure, this forms a stable clot that mitigates further blood loss until the wound can be surgically explored and repaired. The application technique is illustrated in figure 3.

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

In pre-hospital care haemorrhage contributes to 33-56% of civilian trauma related deaths and is the primary cause of potentially survivable battlefield deaths in current conflicts1-6. In many of these cases patients die from uncontrolled external blood loss. UK pre-hospital clinical practice has adopted the modifications to the ABC (airway, breathing and circulation) paradigm embracing lessons learnt from the military experience in theatres of war and now SURGERY advocates <C>ABC (where <C> stands for the HAEMOSTATIC RESUSCITATION control of massive external haemorrhage)7. The approach to the control of TRANEXAMIC ACID external haemorrhage has been further augmented by the inclusion of elastic TOPICAL HAEMOSTATICS AND field dressings, tourniquets TOURNIQUETS and haemostatic agents.

The external haemorrhage control ladder (haemostatic PRESSURE & ELEVATION ladder) is used to ensure basic wound management techniques are adopted FIELD DRESSING before more sophisticated 8 ones . A contemporary POINT OF INJURY version of the haemostatic ladder is shown in figure 1.

Figure 2 – The iTClampTM (pre-application)

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FEATURE

Open device and place along wound edges

Close the device whilst applying gentle downward pressure

Check that good position has been maintained

Wound is closed and haematoma forms

Figure 3 – iTClampTM application technique

Case History

medium in the region of the left axilla, which was found to be bleeding from the circumflex scapula artery. This was successfully treated with

A young adult male was assaulted and sustained multiple stab wounds.

On scene, the patient was hypotensive with no palpable radial pulse.

embolisation by the interventional radiology team. Other wounds were managed by exploration, toilet and sutures. The patient subsequently made an uneventful recovery.

Control of the combative patient made patient handling very difficult especially as there were minimal medical resources on the scene to give assistance.

Discussion

Following a rapid trauma exposure, a deep 5 cm long stab wound to the

Providing care in the pre-hospital environment produces many

posterior aspect of the left shoulder was identified and found to be the

challenges not seen in hospital practice, including risks to scene safety,

only wound still actively bleeding. Direct pressure was attempted but

reduced patient access and poor patient cooperation.

the patient moved and slipped away. Attempts at getting a dressing or some form of direct pressure on to the wound also proved futile as the blood sodden floor was slippery under foot.

Delays in haemorrhage control are responsible for the majority of preventable deaths(9). The control of bleeding from less severe wounds is also regarded a priority especially in the elderly and those

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

A decision was taken to use the iTClamp™ to close the wound.

patients with limited cardiovascular reserve(9). This device can be

Application of the iTClamp™ was quick, it takes approximately 15

used effectively with minimal training and could be used as a first-line

seconds to open the packaging, align the device for placement and

treatment to control bleeding from the scalp, neck and junctional areas.

clasp the wound edges. The patient made no verbal complaint of pain when the device was applied. The application provided immediate

Whilst there have been previous publications reporting the use

arrest of haemorrhage. The patient was placed in a lateral position

of iTClamp™ this is the first report supporting its use in a difficult

to protect the iTClamp™ then transferred to a major trauma centre.

environment in a non-compliant patient(10-11).

Subsequently, the patient’s condition stabilised with blood replacement.

The wound in the axilla produced a left haemopneumothorax. The

The patient presented in this paper was covered in blood, shocked,

wound over the right iliac crest revealed a fracture of the iliac crest.

irritable, and combative and had a wound on an anatomical position

A trauma computed tomography scan revealed a blush of contrast

difficult to dress. The application of simple direct pressure was

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FEATURE challenging and proved to be unachievable. In this case, the application of iTClamp™ produced immediate cessation of external blood loss.

Summary Difficult wounds and circumstances may challenge even the most experienced prehospital immediate care practitioners. We believe the iTClamp™ is an effective addition to the external haemorrhage control ladder, sitting alongside the tourniquet, in selective cases where conventional measures may be difficult to deploy or less effective it can prove life saving.

References 1. The epidemiology and modern management of traumatic haemorrhage: US and international perspectives. Kauvar DS, Wade CE. Crit Care. 2005;9 (Suppl 5):S1-9 2. Impact of haemorrhage on trauma outcome: an overview of epidemiology, clinical presentations and therapeutic considerations. Kauver DS, Lefering R, Wade CE. J Trauma.

Resuscitation and Emergency Care

2006;60(6 Suppl):S3-11 3. Causes of death in US Special Operations Forces in the global war on terrorism: 2001-2004. Holcom KB, McMullin NR, Pearse L, Caruso J, Wade CE, Oetjen-Gerdes L, Champion HR, Lawnick M, Farr W, Rodriguez S, Butler FK. Ann Surg. 2007;245(6):986-91 4. Died of wounds on the battlefield: causation and implications for improving combat casualty care. Eastridge BJ, Hardin M, Cantrell J, Oetjen-Gerdes L, Zubko T, Mallak C, Wade CE, Simmons J, Mace J, Mabry R, Bolenbaucher R, Blackbourne LH. J Trauma.

2011;71(1 Suppl):S4-8 5. Epidemiology and outcomes of vascular trauma at a British Major Trauma Centre. Perkins ZB, De’Ath HD, Aylwin C, Brohi K, Walsh M, Tai NR. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2012;44(2):203-9

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6. Death on the battlefield (2001-2011): Implications for the future of combat casualty care. Eastridge B, Mabry R, Seguin P, Cantrell J, Tops T, Uribe P, Mallett O, Zubko T, Oetjen-Gerdes L, Rasmussen TE, Butler F, Kotwal RS, Holcomb J, Wade C, Champion H, Lawnick M, Moores L, Blackborne L. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2012;73(6 Suppl):S431-S7 7. ABC to <C>ABC: redefining the military trauma paradigm. T J Hodgetts, P F Mahoney, M Q Russell, M Byers. Emerg Med J 2006;23:745–746

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

Kirkman. JR Army Med Corps 153(4): 299-300 9. Update on prehospital emergency care of severe trauma patients.

Tazarourte K et al. Ann Fr Anesth Reanim 2013; 32(7-8): 477-82 10. First UK use of the iTClamp™ haemorrhage control system: Case report. Hudson A, Glazebrook W. Trauma 2014;16(3):214-216 11. The iTClamp in the management of pre-hospital haemorrhage.

Tan ECTH, Peters JH, McKee JL, Edwards MJR. Injury, Int J Care

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8. Damage Control Resuscitation. TJ Hodgetts, PF Mahoney, E

The complete solution from the respiratory care specialists

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16/05/2016 17:12

FEATURE

PARAMEDICS DON’T MAKE MEDICATION ERRORS…RIGHT?

Paramedics don’t make medication errors…right?

out “some Fentanyl” to put the kid back to sleep.

You reach down to the floor next to you and grab the medication bag. You reach for the Fentanyl ampule – finding exactly where it should be – and drawing it near to your face you read the label. As the blurriness fades, you can clearly see the word FLUmazenil printed on the side of the ampule.

(1) “FLUmazenil”, you mutter to yourself - that’s (1) where the Fentanyl is supposed to be…” You see pping1, Bruce Hoffman1 your partner give you a thumbs up and you show Klint Kloepping1, Bruce Hoffman1 him the vial. His happy face becomes a sad face; DistanceCME LLC, PA, USA. and he throws his hands up in the air in disgust.

1. DistanceCME LLC, PA, USA. You ampule e is reproduced from Canadian Paramedicine with the permission of put the the editor and of FLUmazenil back, and ctive authors. start rummaging around the medication bag for This article is reproduced from Canadian Fentanyl. Still sleepy, and now irritated, you think Paramedicine with the permission of the editor on “there has to be a better way”… and the respective authors.

n identification and administration is a regular and anticipated expectation of pre-­‐ nd critical care transport clinicians and providers. There are several known ms that exist so this process happens easily and safely. Despite the many available there continues an unsettling increase of medication identification and Sound familiar? Unfortunately, this is something identification andrevealed administration is ation errors. Medication Several factors have been as consistent culprits that allow for that happens all too frequently. As critical care rs to occur. Tahere are and several best practices known to the pre-­‐hospital and critical regular anticipated expectation of preproviders we do all we can for the safety of the ds that support safe mand edication dministration.

These iand nclude the many rights of hospital critical acare transport clinicians and the patient. n administration, the process of cseveral hecking known and double checking, tteam he facilitation of high However, sometimes a providers.

There are mechanisms simple like medication administration, can mulation training and lastly, the promulgation and use of the EZ D rug ID task, system.

Introduction

Discussion

that exist so this process happens easily and become uniquely precarious. As paramedics Despite the many available resources, he following safely. scenario: and critical care practitioners we consistently there continues an unsettling increase of rehearse and teach many of the safety medication e Flight Paramedic on a identification 24 hour shift and for aadministration fixed wing critical care transport service. with medication mechanisms associated urrently in flight with Several a seven-­‐year-­‐old male, cardiac errors. factors have beenpost revealed as arrest. It has already been a administration. These include the rights of nd you are on hour number 13 that out allow of 24.

Ythese ou have already consistent culprits for errors to completed two successful medication nd understandably, a re v ery t ired.

Y our p artner i nforms y ou t hat the kid is administration and checking, occur. There are several best practices known rechecking double c in the 130’s and slightly hypertensive, 150 / 90 and seems to be getting aand gitated. checking. We rehearse to the pre-hospital and critical care worlds these with near perfect ou to get out “some Fentanyl” to put the kid back to sleep. You reach down to the cadence, often identical that support safe medication administration. to you and grab the medication bag. You reach for the Fentanyl toampule finding the way–we were taught during our initial the many rights medication here it should These be – ainclude nd drawing it near to yof our face you read the training label. A s the and education. As best practice would administration, thewprocess of checking and on the side of the ampule. fades, you can clearly see the ord FLUmazenil printed have us believe that these allow for near perfect double facilitation of high fidelity nil”, you mutter to ychecking, ourself -­‐ tthe hat’s where the Fentanyl is supposed to be…” You see practice, actual data tells us otherwise; precisely ner give you asimulation thumbs utraining p and you im tpromulgation he vial. His happy face becomes a sad andshow lastly,hthe that they are not fail proof. and use of the EZ Drug ID system.

Consider the following scenario: AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

You are the Flight Paramedic on a 24 hour shift for a fixed wing critical care transport service.

You are currently in flight with a seven-year-old male, post cardiac arrest. It has already been a long day and you are on hour number 13 out of 24. You have already completed two successful missions and understandably, are very tired. Your partner informs you that the kid is tachycardic in the 130’s and slightly hypertensive, 150 / 90 and seems to be getting agitated. He asks you to get

The time to take stock in this situation has come; here and now. Critical care providers and paramedics work in an austere and typically sleepless environment; answering calls for help that are flogged with extreme intensity, significant stress and high acuity. This occurs at all hours, day and night. An understanding mind would realize that the environment alone predisposes us to making errors. Additionally, a fifteen-year literature review showed that “insufficient sleep has been associated with cognitive problems, mood alterations, reduced job performance, reduced motivation, increased

10 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

safety risks, and physiological changes” (2). It is fair to say that no one individual is without the risk of unintentionally committing a medication identification or administration error.

In adequate summation, it may be best to turn to Dave Grossman’s book ‘On Combat’ where we are told, “to err is human” (3). This succinct and impactful statement duly supports the fact that “the human factor plays a significant role” (3) in stressful situations, such as during war time.

One can draw a similar parallel when comparing such to the critical care environment.

Many of these same principles and concepts are directly applicable to both the ground and air critical care setting. For example, some of the factors that are associated with medication errors include “medications with similar names or similar packaging, medications that are not commonly used and look-alike / sound-alike medication names” (4). Understandably, these factors when combined with ground or air transport in the critical care setting can lead directly to a medication identification and administration error. The question seems to ask itself: “can and how do we prevent and mitigate these errors?”

To be clear, lets answer the first part of the question: “can we prevent these errors” - the short answer is YES – wen can prevent these errors. The second question of “how” is a bit more involved, but absolutely achievable and doable. It can be suggested that we, as critical care providers, take measures to reduce medication errors. These include stocking medications in the same place, every time, without exception. Additionally, we might also consider passing along medication information changes in a timely manner such as during a safety huddle or at change of shift. This is supported by a statement from the National Institute of Health which stated “five studies and one literature review assessed the relationship between communication failures and medication errors” (4).

Lastly, conducting a double check with another provider, prior to medication administration will allow for another layer of safety. A recent publication reported that “double checking policies are commonly used as a strategy to

FEATURE packaging standard, worldwide.

For example, these recommendations include “colour coding the packaging for [a specific] class of medication” (7) such as muscle relaxants. Although progress has been made in the effort to mitigate such errors, there are still regularly occurring medication identification and administration errors. The EZ Drug ID campaign additionally supports current best practices and seeks to codify the known essentials of medication identification and administration.

ensure medication safety” (4). These practices are a standard of care that should be regularly implemented by critical care crews. Rationale for these practices can be found in a clinically applicable case scenario as described above.

But is there more?

The short answer is YES! Simulation training has been an increasingly valuable resource among educators all over the world. Simulated training helps to minimize the human factor during real world medication administration by keeping in both patient and provider safeties in check.

Assuring that critical care providers do not make medication identification and administration mistakes in real world practice, they must be pushed to their limits during intense, high fidelity, real world simulation training. This is supported by a statement from Issenberg et al. which states that “These principles concern the learner’s engagement in deliberate practice of desired educational outcomes [which] involves (a) repetitive performance of intended cognitive or psychomotor skills in a focused domain, coupled with (b) rigorous skills assessment, that provides learners with (c) specific, informative feedback, that results in increasingly (d) better skills performance, in a controlled setting” (5).

We should be clinically practicing consistent and reliable behaviors – the same way, every single time. This includes medication identification and administration.

process of regular, color coding and consistent packaging among drugs worldwide. Color coding and consistent packaging would clearly “improve the distinctiveness of [many] high risk [drug groups]” (7).

Conclusion

Medication identification and administration is prone to errors. As discussed in this article there are number of factors that contribute to this, both supports current best practices and seeks to and codify the based. known essentials of medicatio human systems There are evidence EZ Drug ID was the brain child of Dr. Nicholas based solutions in how to assure the limitation identification and administration.

Chrimes, an Anaesthetist in Sydney, Australia. of these errors. Some of the solutions include It should be noted that there were “numerous the appropriate use of the rights of medications, EZ Drug ID literature was the rain child of [with Dr. Nicholas Chrimes, an Anaesthetist in Sydney, Au reports in the thatblabelling issues checking and double checking, the use of high medications] a significant contributor to “numerous reports in the literature that labelling iss should be nare oted that there were fidelity simulation and lastly, the promulgation medicine errors” (6). medications] are This a smomentous ignificant campaign contributor o mofedicine errors” (6). Whichever This momentous c andtuse the EZ Drug ID system. has caught the industrial eye of healthcare has caught the industrial eye of healthcare delivery ystems ver torhe woforld. Spec solution you electsto choose, a allll ofothem one delivery systems all over the world. Specifically, them, there is an increased chance of mitigating has m ade a

l asting a nd i mpactful m ark i n t he c ritical c are t ransport s etting.

It is impo it has made a lasting and impactful mark in the medication errors. note hat transport there isetting. s no set oal for to the EZ Drug ID corporation or campaign to take ove criticaltcare It isgimportant practices.

It issno imply seeks note that there set goal for theto EZimprove Drug ID current practices. As such, the EZ Drug ID camp corporation campaign to take over current any and all medication identification and administr to reduce orand ultimately prevent practices.

It simply seeks to improve current errors. This is accomplished through a process of regular, color coding and consisten The views and opinions expressed in this article practices. As such, the EZ Drug ID campaign packaging among drugs worldwide. Color coding and consistent packaging would cle are those of the authors and do not necessarily works to reduce and ultimately prevent any and “improve the distinctiveness of [many] reflect high the risk [drug groups]” official policy or position(7). of their all medication identification and administration errors. This is accomplished through a employers or organizations.

Disclaimer

There is a growing culture within the critical care transport system that unnecessarily pressures providers to “never” make a mistake. This is unrealistic. At its most basic understanding perfect practice is rarely achieved in the critical care transport environment. High fidelity simulation provides us the medium to progressively improve the imperfect. Debriefing, as you would after every mission in real world practice, should be seen and understood as equally beneficial during a simulation training.

Internationally, there is a campaign to standardize medication packaging to provide an additional safety layer to medication identification and administration. This campaign is called EZ Drug ID. The core concept and central purpose behind this mission is to make all drugs

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

So, we have double checked our medications, packed them in our bags the same way (every time), and have successfully completed simulation training. Our patients are completely safe now, right? Not quite! There is always more that can be done to improve patient safety, especially during medication administration.

Figure recommended and consistent color sfor chemes high risk medication profil Figure 11- -­‐recommended and consistent color schemes high riskfor medication profiles (EZDrugID) (EZDrugID)

11

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

FEATURE References 1. EZDrugID. 6246376_orig [Internet].

2015 [cited 1 November 2015].

Available from: http://ezdrugid.org/ uploads/3/5/5/2/3552206/6246376_orig.jpg 2. Rogers, AE (2008) Chapter 40: The Effects of Fatigue and Sleepiness on Nurse Performance and Patient Safety in Hughes RG (Ed.) Patient Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses.

Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US) 3. Grossman, D and Christensen, LW. (2007) On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and Peace. 2nd ed. PPCT Research Publications.

4. Hughes, RG, Blegen, MA. (2008) Chapter 37: Medication Administration Safety in Hughes RG (Ed.) Patient Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US)

5. Issenberg SB, McGaghie WC, Petrusa ER, Lee Gordon D, Scalese RJ. Features and uses of high-fidelity medical simulations that lead to effective learning: a BEME systematic review. Med Teach. 2005 Jan;27(1):1028.

6. Department of Health Australia.

(2014). Regulation impact statement - General requirements for labels for medicines. Retrieved from http:// ezdrugid.org/EZDrugID/Strategies_ files/GenReqsforMedLabels.pdf 01 November 2015.

7. EZDrugID (2015) Strategies For Minimising Medication Error. Retrieved from http://ezdrugid.org/strategies.html 01 November 2015.

Keywords – paramedic, simulation, education, medication, administration, clinician

Bruce Hoffman is a critical care nurse, paramedic and current graduate student.

He works as both a clinician and educator in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maryland, with a background in the division of critical care (ICU, ER, Cardiology, and Flight).

Email: bruce.e.hoffman@gmail.com Twitter: @bruceEhoffman Klint Kloepping is a US trained Critical Care Paramedic and Flight Paramedic. He is currently pursuing a Baccalaureate degree in EMS management. Klint works full time as a Flight Paramedic in the Midwest, USA. Klint is also an EMS Instructor with DistanceCME. Email: klint.kloepping@flightbridgeed.com Twitter @NoDesat

Welcome to the next generation in simulation technology.

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• 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.

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AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

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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.

education

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

equipment

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Collects data on every compression The LUCAS 3 device now collects data on compressions, pauses, user interaction, alarms and battery information. For easy review of device and user action, data can be downloaded via Bluetooth®, with no more cables to lose. The LUCAS 3 device is built on a data platform ready for the future of connectivity.

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For more information please contact Samantha Amena on 07799 364823 or samantha.amena@physio-control.com

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

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

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13

FEATURE

LIFE CONNECTIONS 2017 Another Year - Another Step Forward I am delighted to announce that Life Connections 2017 will run

In respect of Life Connections 2017, as in previous years, four

alongside the Emergency Fleet Exhibition & NAPFM Conference,

conferences are being planned over the two day period for the

taking place at the Telford International Conference Centre, Telford,

benefit of Paramedics, Emergency First Responders, Resuscitation

on Tuesday June 6 and Wednesday June 7.

Officers, First Aid Trainers, etc. To date a number of keynote speakers including Professor Sir

In 2016 over 1000 delegates

Keith Porter, David Halliwell,

and visitors attended the

etc. have already agreed

Emergency Fleet Exhibition,

to present, covering topics

therefore by aligning the two

such as: ‘Fatal Fractures’,

events to the same dates and

‘Drug Overdose... First Time

venue, delegates, visitors

Treatment’, ‘Can the Fire and

and exhibitors will benefit by

Ambulance Services Work

having joint access into the

Together?’, ‘Extracorporeal

Ambulance Equipment Zone

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation’

held in the foyer of Hall 3 and The Emergency Fleet Zone in

and ‘Paediatrics...Should We

Halls 1, 2 and 3. It is anticipated

Just Take Them All In To?’, ‘The

that over 120 Trade Stands will

Role of CFRs in a Cardiac Arrest with The Emergency Response

be displaying the latest fleet vehicles equipment and services which will ensure those in attendance

Team’. We are currently seeking further topical presentations for the

will certainly have a full and worthwhile experience.

few slots that remain available.

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

14 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

FEATURE

In addition, Pre-Hospital Care Consultancy Ltd will again be running their successful PHTLS for First Responders Course and their Essentials of Advanced Airway Management workshop.

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

Visitors from the emergency sector are also invited to attend and are assured of a full and rewarding day as, with over 120 exhibitors displaying the latest emergency vehicles and equipment, there will be plenty to see and do. For security reasons, those wishing to attend as a visitor only will need to pre-register via our website: www.lifeconnections.uk.com Terry Gardner - Event Organiser

Life Connections 2017 Telford International Centre, Telford Tuesday June 6 & Wednesday June 7 Conference/Workshop information to date:

Wednesday June 7

Paramedic Practice Conference

Resuscitation Today Conference

Only 100 places are available, early bird delegate offer £35.00 + VAT

Only 80 places are available, early bird delegate offer £35.00 + VAT

First Aid Conference

Emergency First Responders Conference

Delegate rate tba

Delegate rates tba

PHTLS for First Responders Course

Essentials of Advanced Airway Management Course

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

Only 10 places are available at a delegate rate of £80 plus VAT (50% below normal Course costs)

‘Early Bird’ offers include lunch, tea/coffee, etc. plus free parking.

Full conference/workshop details will shortly be available on our dedicated website: www.lifeconnections.uk.com

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

Tuesday June 6

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

NEWSLINE Northumbria leads European project to improve patient safety A Northumbria Universityled project to improve patient safety education has

The project is led by Dr Alison

“These experiences are not

For more information contact

Steven, a Reader in Health

always recorded or explored

alison.steven@northumbria.

Professions Education at

and thus a valuable source of

ac.uk

Northumbria University. The team

information about patient safety

includes Professor Pauline Pearson also from Northumbria University and colleagues from six partner universities: Saimaa University of Applied Sciences in Finland; the University of Alicante in Spain; the

been awarded €431,996 in

University of Eastern Finland; the

European funding.

Univerity of Genoa in Italy; Østfold

Programme of the European

learning opportunities are lost.

“SLIPPS will draw on the real experience of students in clinical placements and help to bridge the divide between front

EEAST

Research will look at scale of emergency calls related to dementia

line healthcare practice and

A NIHR-funded research

and Lappeenranta University of

those engaged in education

project led by the University

Technology, in Finland.

and research.”

of the West of England (UWE

University College in Norway Co-funded by the Erasmus+

remains untapped and potential

Bristol) in partnership with

Union, SLIPPS (Shared Learning from Practice to improve Patient

There are also health care

The project aims to utilise

University Hospitals Bristol

Safety) is an innovative three-

provider organisations involved

these real-life experiences and

NHS Foundation Trust will look

year education and research

in each country, thus the wider

students’ reflections on them

at calls to emergency services

project that will draw on the

group includes: health care

real experiences of health

as the basis for a range of

educators, front line healthcare

and social care students in

professionals, health care

educational resources which

work placements across five

managers, patient safety

European countries.

managers, and experts in technology and simulation.

Errors, mishaps and

will feed into an open access virtual learning centre for international, multi-professional learning about patient safety. In addition the project includes the

from older people with multiple health problems which include dementia.

Working with East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) and South Western

misunderstandings are

Dr Steven said: “When in work

common and around one in 10

placement settings, student

patients suffer avoidable harm.

healthcare professionals

These incidents impact upon

may witness or be involved

patients, their families, health

in patient safety incidents of

care organisations, staff and

varying degrees, some of which

The project will run for three

patients to hospital and identify

students. SLIPPS is responding

showcase best practice, while

years in the first instance and

interventions that would reduce

to the challenge to improve

others may involve errors or

offers many opportunities for

hospital admissions for these

patient safety education.

misunderstandings.

future developments.

patients.

development of an international patient safety education and research network.

Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) the 18-month project aims to analyse data, look closely at the decision making process of admitting

Every year in the UK there are approximately 8 million 999 ambulance calls and 20 million A&E attendances and the pressure is increasing on emergency services. This research will look specifically at emergency calls related to people living with dementia to establish the scale of this, the response AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

of the ambulance services and identify ways to reduce avoidable hospital admissions.

Hospital admission can have a detrimental effect on older people who are living with dementia alongside other health problems, so for the benefit of these patients it is important to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.

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

NEWSLINE The research will first look at 2,000

The research is led by Dr Sarah

having a fall, which would be

and organisations or ways of

anonymised ambulance service

Voss, Associate Professor, UWE

a cause for concern. However,

sharing information with carers

records for those aged over 65

Bristol. She says, “We know that

they may be remembering a fall

or clinical staff. We hope this

to see why emergency services

paramedics are often called to

that happened a week ago, but

research will provide evidence

were called, how long they were

people living with dementia but

the ambulance crew has no way

for ways we can improve the

at the scene and whether or not

we don’t know the true extent

of knowing this unless a relative

situation for patients and for the

the patient was taken to hospital,

of this. We know that these call-

or carer is on hand to provide

emergency services.”

stayed at home or was referred to

outs may take a long time to

this information and explain the

another service.

sort out, and time is often spent

situation. This kind of contextual

Jonathan Benger, consultant

on the scene making sure the

information could help to avoid

in Emergency Medicine at

The researchers will then shadow

person is safe. We also know

an unnecessary a hospital

University Hospitals Bristol

ambulance crews to observe

that if admitted, the outcomes

admission.

NHS Foundation Trust, said,

cases where crews are interacting

for people who have dementia

with people living with dementia

alongside multiple other health

“This research will give us a

which has the potential to lead

and look in depth at the factors

problems tend to be worse

much better understanding of

to people with dementia being

influencing the decision to

than for others in the same age

the complex decision making

supported more effectively

admit the patient or treat them

group.

processes that are required

in their own homes, and

in the community. They will also

“We fully support this research,

of emergency services and

reducing the risk that they

interview, with their consent, the

“If a patient is confused and

point us in the direction of

will be admitted to hospital

patient, family and clinical staff.

forgetful, it can be challenging

the type of intervention that

unnecessarily.”

for ambulance crews to

might be useful – whether it

The third phase of the research will

establish what the main issue

is direct connections between

The research is funded by

look at what interventions that might

is. A person with dementia may

emergency services and

NIHR, National Institute for

help paramedics and stakeholders

call 999 because they have a

those with local knowledge

Health Research, ‘Research for

keep patients out of hospital.

headache and may remember

such as relevant charities

Patient Benefit’ scheme.

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

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

30% NEWSLINE Up to

off

Pay monthly bundles

Available to Emergency Services personnel, plus five family members and friends vodafone.co.uk/emergencyservices

Vodafone Power to you

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

RK

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18 Terms RPI: Each April, your bundle price will increase by an amount equal to the RPI rate published in March of that year. We will publish this rate on our website. Full details are available in the Vodafone Airtime terms and conditions.

For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

NEWSLINE WAS

Welsh Ambulance Service Staff Recognised in Queen’s New Year’s Honours List Trauma Care conference The 18th international Trauma Care conference will be held at Yarnfield Park Conference Centre

There has been double delight for the Welsh Ambulance Service as two of its colleagues are recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.

in Staffordshire from Wednesday 15th – Saturday 18th March 2017.

This multi-disciplinary event provides trauma education for everyone involved in UK trauma management from injury to recovery: from volunteer firstaiders to Major Trauma Centre specialists.

The Paramedic programme (£55) will be held on Wednesday 15th March and the Student Paramedic programme (£40) is on Saturday 18th March. Candidates have the opportunity to move between sessions to experience the parallel educational streams.

The PHEM/HEMS day running on Thursday 16th March will be covering the latest topics in Pre Hospital Emergency Medicine including advanced trauma physiology, stress inoculation training & psychological support, development of a national Major Trauma Triage Tool, and “when trauma meets psychiatry”.

Trauma Care also hosts a poster competition where pre-hospital practitioners can showcase the completed in their local practice.

The deadline for submission of abstracts is 29th January 2017 and successful abstracts are published

Nigel, who has dedicated 24 years to the service, has been instrumental in the recent success of the Trust in winning two prestigious Research for Patient and Public Benefit grants.

Meanwhile Andrew, who has been with the service for almost 30 years, has led many significant educational projects that have resulted in substantial improvements for patients and staff alike.

Chief Executive Tracy Myhill said: “We are extremely proud that both Nigel and Andrew have been recognised and it’s a testament to the sterling service they have provided to the Trust and to the people of Wales over the years.”

In his role Nigel has further developed the Trust’s Research and Development Forum, created close working relationships with Swansea Clinical School and secured funding for many important research projects.

He is a regular speaker in worldwide events in ambulance research and was invited to speak at conferences in the United States and Sweden.

Chief Executive Tracy Myhill added: “They are highly deserving of the award and I am delighted that their commitment has been acknowledged in such a distinguished way.”

Both the Trust’s Director of Operations Richard Lee, and Head of Operations – Resilience, Chris Sims were recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

LAS

New ambulance vehicles for London

The Welsh Ambulance Service’s Head of Research and Innovation, Nigel Rees has been awarded the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal.

Two hundred new ambulance vehicles are set to hit London’s streets with potential for a further 60 to be approved next year.

Andrew’s achievements include co-writing the Swansea University Diploma in Paramedic Science and he is currently leading the transition of paramedic education from diploma to degree-level, in collaboration with the university.

London Ambulance Service will introduce 140 new Mercedes ambulances from March 2017, after a business case was approved by NHS Improvement. A prototype for the new state-of-the-art vehicles is currently being built.

His distinguished career with the Welsh Ambulance Service spans 29 years and has evolved from a part-time Patient Care Service operative to Senior Education and Development Lead.

In addition to this, 60 new Volkswagen Tiguan fast response cars are currently being rolled out across London Ambulance Service.

Andrew, who is based in Swansea, has been pivotal to the modernisation of ambulance education and is a valued member of the Trust’s Senior Management Team and UK National Education Groups.

Nigel joined the ambulance service in September 1991 as a cadet with Powys Ambulance Service, before progressing to Patient Care Services and then becoming an Emergency Medical Technician, working at various locations across South Powys.

He has led driver education within the Trust for 13 years, designing and developing two innovative driver training vehicles, the concept of which has since been shared and adopted by other ambulance trusts.

He finally returned to his home of Ystradgynlais as a paramedic in 1993 and was Powys’s first Advanced Paramedic Practitioner.

He has since taken up role as

He has also developed a team of driving and clinical tutors who are respected throughout the UK, due to their exemplary conduct and standards.

Deputy Director for Fleet and Logistics, Justin Wand, said: “We are investing heavily in replacing our emergency vehicles and the 60 new fast response cars have already been well received by our staff.

“Our new ambulances will offer greater reliability, improved comfort for our patients, new technology and a more environmentally friendly engine.”

Some of the 200 new vehicles will bolster the existing fleet while others will replace older models which will be phased out.

in the journal Trauma.

Details about the poster competition, the full conference programme and on-line registration can be found at www.traumacare.org.uk

A business case for a further 60 Volkswagen Tiguan fast response cars is due to be considered, with possible delivery in the next financial year.

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

trauma audit or research they have

Both the Trust’s Head of Research and Innovation, Nigel Rees, and its Senior Education and Development Lead (Head of Driving), Andrew Challenger, have been awarded the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal.

Head of Research and Innovation at the Trust, based in Cardiff, and is also working towards his PhD.

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

NEWSLINE treatment, sepsis can lead to

now been extended to any patient

Trust supports national campaign to tackle Sepsis

multiple organ failure and death.

where sepsis is suspected. The

Every year in the UK there

IOW

are 150,000 cases of Sepsis, resulting 44,000 deaths (more than bowel, breast and prostate cancer combined).

Trust’s integrated treatment The good news is that if

protocol was developed by Dr

diagnosed early then Sepsis can

John Wood and paramedic Tholi

be treated and outcomes greatly

Wood. A trained paramedic can

improved.

deliver high dose antibiotics at the scene of an incident or in

A national campaign has been

the patient’s home ensuring vital

launched to improve knowledge of:

minutes and hours are not lost and lives are saved. The effect

• what sepsis is

a significant reduction in the

Sepsis is caused by the way the body responds to an infection

• symptoms of sepsis

infections, problems in the

mortality of patients seen at St. Mary’s Hospital. The scheme has

which can occur anywhere such as chest or urinary tract

of this has been to help make

• when to seek urgent

been running since October 2013.

healthcare advice Shane Moody, Consultant

abdomen like burst ulcers, or simple skin injuries like

Isle of Wight NHS Trust has been

Nurse at Isle of Wight NHS

cuts and bites. Sepsis is a

at the forefront of fighting Sepsis.

Trust, says: “We know that

life threatening condition that

The Trust was the first in the

treating suspected Sepsis much

makes the body’s immune

western hemisphere to introduce

earlier saves patient’s lives and

system go into overdrive as it

a community delivered response

prevents admissions to intensive

tries to fight the infection. This

to patients with a condition which

care – a third of patients

can reduce the blood supply to

might leave them susceptible to

admitted to intensive care have

vital organs such as the brain,

sepsis e.g. immunosupressed

sepsis. Our integrated services

heart and kidneys. Without quick

due to cancer treatment. This has

here on the Island – all hosted in

“We know that treating suspected Sepsis much earlier saves patient’s lives and prevents admissions to intensive care” Isle of Wight NHS Trust – made it possible for us to develop and implement this initiative quickly.

Previously patients had to wait until they arrived at hospital to receive these special antibiotics intravenously. For every hours delay in diagnosis and treatment the risk of death from sepsis increases substantially.”

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

Isle of Wight Ambulance Service Clinical Support Officer Tholi Wood said: “A call to the Trust’s integrated urgent care hub on either 999 or 111 activates the service. The call can be made by the patient, a member of staff in the Trust’s cancer service including the Chemotherapy Suite or by a GP. The Urgent Care Hub may dispatch a rapid response vehicle to enable the patient to be treated at home.

This is likely to be followed up by an Emergency Ambulance to transfer the patient to hospital for further treatment and tests but the important early diagnosis and treatment is achieved reducing the longer term problems for the patient.”

You can find out more about Sepsis on the NHS Choices website at http://www.nhs.uk/ conditions/Blood-poisoning/ Pages/Introduction.aspx

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

NEWSLINE SWASFT

Celebrating a year of success – the service ensuring that ambulance staff stay well

By the very nature of the work

and urgent care services on a

service for those already

they do, ambulance staff working

24-hour basis across an area

experiencing problems, the

on the road and in clinical hubs

spanning a fifth of England.

purpose of this initiative, which combines the skills of

(999 call centres), are frequently exposed to traumatic and

Through the SWS staff can

safeguarding, HR and clinical

disturbing events and this can

access physiotherapy and a

professionals, is also designed

have a bearing on their welfare –

range of specialist counselling

to act as a proactive service

both physically and mentally.

services and facilities. Working in

encouraging people to ‘stay well’.

conjunction with, and supported The innovative Staying Well

The SWS was introduced in

by, a number of partner

As the Trust enters the festive

Service (SWS) launched by

addition to the staff support

organisations including Mind,

season, one of the busiest times

South Western Ambulance

services already available and

the Samaritans and a number of

of year in terms of activity and

Service NHS Foundation

can be accessed for problems

safeguarding boards, staff can

demand for ambulance services,

Trust (SWASFT) a year ago

and issues stemming from an

be assured that their needs will

staff can be assured of getting all

as a measure to further

individual’s personal life as well as

be tailored to the wide range of

the help and support they need.

support the physical and

situations occurring at work which

options available to help them.

mental health and wellbeing

are adversely affecting them.

of its workforce, has been

Emma Wood, the Trust’s Stress, anxiety, financial concerns,

Executive Director of HR and

hailed a great success and

Anyone accessing the SWS can

drug or alcohol problems,

Organisational Development, is

cited as an example of best

be assured that their situation

physical injuries and domestic

delighted that the SWS is such

practice nationally. Around

will be dealt with sensitively and

violence are some of the triggers

a valuable resource for staff and

950 members of staff have

in strict confidence. Accessible

for people to get in touch with the

said: “The fact that more than

accessed the service in its first

via phone or email, the service

trained professionals staffing the

20% of the Trust’s workforce has

year of operation, equating

has been designed to meet

service.

taken advantage of the help and

to approximately 21% of the

the challenges associated with

Trust’s entire workforce.

delivering a range of emergency

support services on offer in its first As well as acting as a support

year of operation is testament to

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

The team gathers on launch day - from left to right Sarah Thompson, Head of Safeguarding, Sam Fraser, Health and Wellbeing Lead, Katie Searles, Mental Health Practitioner and Alison Watling, Trainee HR Business Partner.

22 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

NEWSLINE its success. We take the health

Matt Baker, a Devon based

The leadership and management

staff and the diversity they

and wellbeing of our workforce

operational staff member, has

programme, which began a

bring, the importance of positive

extremely seriously and are

accessed the service and

year ago, aims to give future

appraisals, how to have difficult

pleased to be able to provide

found it extremely beneficial.

leaders at the East of England

conversations, exploring attitudes

them with a comprehensive

He said: “I didn’t realise that

Ambulance Service NHS Trust

and behaviours, and developing

range of support mechanisms.

there was help available for me

(EEAST) the tools to undertake

integrity and credibility as leaders

in my darkest days until I was

their role effectively, engage with

for the future, to name but a few.

“I would like to take this

referred to the Staying Well

their colleagues, and support and

opportunity to sincerely thank

Service. Subsequently the help

value them through a variety of

Jill Page, EEAST’s Organisational

our supporters, including Mind,

and support I received was

leadership practices.

Development Manager,

the Samaritans and PTSD UK

beyond all my expectations. It

for their invaluable expertise

has turned my life around and I

A celebration of learning event was

“It is important to appreciate this

and support. Our staff carry out

cannot sing their praises highly

held on Friday, 18th November

fantastic cohort have all come

a fantastic job in serving their

enough.”

at EEAST’s headquarters in

from different starting points, all

Melbourn, Cambridgeshire, to

experiencing very different and

celebrate the achievements of

sometimes difficult journeys

Cohort 1, the pilot group.

along the way - each with their

local communities and as we approach one of the busiest times of the year, they can be assured that if they need any assistance we are here to provide it.

EEAST

Celebrating ambulance leaders of the future

congratulated the group, adding:

own individual challenges. I am As part of the internally-run

immensely proud of them all and

programme cohorts work together

look forward to working with them

to complete a group project,

in the future.

“Profiled on the BBC’s One

A new leadership programme

the aim being to demonstrate

Show last month, the SWS is

to support ambulance service

the leadership skills developed

“All of Cohort 1 have been

held up as an example of best

managers of the future has

and utilised on the programme.

instrumental in shaping this

practice nationally and we are

celebrated its first successful

This includes self-awareness,

programme for EEAST’s future

very proud of this achievement.”

group of graduates.

communication skills, valuing

leaders”.

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

NEWSLINE

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

Think

outside a box with

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

NEWSLINE

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

Think

outside a box with

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

NEWSLINE Allianz UK donates further funds to UK’s Air Ambulance community Allianz UK has presented a cheque for £250,000 to the Association of Air Ambulances Charity (AAAC).

In February 2016, employees from Allianz UK announced the AAAC as their Charity partner for an initial three year period with an aim of raising over £1 million. Each Allianz branch has been organising fundraising activities at a local level to support their regional air ambulance service. Allianz UK is supporting its 5,000 employees and helping to raise awareness.

This recent donation was presented at the recent National Air Ambulance Conference and brings Allianz’s current fundraising total to £277,116.67*, with many more activities planned.

Jon Dye, CEO at Allianz UK commented: “Our employees have really gone the extra mile raising money for this important charity

through a range of fundraising activities. We’re pleased to be able to support the vital work air ambulances do in locally communities throughout the UK.” The AAAC is a legally independent body which is designed to funnel national donations into individual air ambulance charities.

It allows air ambulance charities to approach national or large regional organisations who may want to make donations to the air ambulance sector as a whole.

Liz Campbell, Chairman of the AAAC said: “The Allianz relationship has flourished since they announced the AAAC as their charity partner and we thank them for their commitment and dedication to the cause.

The money they are raising is supporting and improving air ambulance services throughout the UK and we look forward to a strengthening the relationship even further in 2017 and beyond.”

More information on the Association of Air Ambulances can be found by visiting: www.aoaa.org.uk *At date of Issue 8th December 2016.

WMAS

Night-Lit Emergency Helicopter Landing Sites Programme Reaches Phase II Following the successful operation of four temporary night-lit emergency helipads across Herefordshire and Shropshire, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has announced it is now rolling out further temporary night-lit sites in the counties, to enable a greater number of patients in urgent need of medical attention reach the hospitals best suited for their specific injuries.

The current sites, which were granted funded by a separate organisation, the County Air Ambulance Trust and it’s HELP Appeal, launched in February 2016 and are located in Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Bishops Castle, Shobdon and Tilstock.

Since last October, the charity’s three aircraft have been utilising the temporary helipads in the hours of darkness, meaning the

aircrew were able to fly to more remote locations by helicopter at night, enabling them to reach and treat those in urgent need of medical attention.

Following the success of the first phase of sites, the team who assisted in creating the Community Emergency Landing Light Support (CELLS) programme, paramedic Julian Spiers and Captain Richard Steele, received the innovation accolade at MAAC’s Recognition Awards and Charity Ball in 2016.

Julian Spiers comments: “At Midlands Air Ambulance, we strive to offer the very best care to our patients, and this includes those who are unfortunate to need our services in the more remote parts of the region. The CELLS project was launched to enable us to bring the very best clinical skillset to the patient, and to reduce transfer times to specialist hospitals after dark.

“Phase I of the project has been a great success and the roll out of Phase II will mean we reach and treat more people as demand for our service continues to grow.”

As part of Phase II, a further CELLS site at in the Aylestone Hill area of Hereford is progressing and it is hopeful this site will be available for use in January 2017. The Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is therefore appealing to local residents to volunteer for CELLS training within the next few months.

Further sites will be reviewed with a further grant received from the HELP Appeal to support the project.

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

If you are interested in becoming a CELLS volunteer, please contact cells@midlandsairambulance.com for more information.

Facing left to right: Toni O’Sullivan, Allianz Communications Consultant, Rav Wilding, presenter of Helicopter Heroes, Liz Campbell, Chairman of the AAAC, Richard Foulerton, Allianz CSR Manager, Sophie Long, BBC News Broadcaster and David Radford, Allianz Chief Marketing Officer.

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

To find out more about how you can help to fund a Midlands Air Ambulance Charity mission, please call 0800 8 40 20 40 or visit: www.midlandsairambulance.com

PIP

NEWSLINE

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As the leading provider of outsourcing and support service solutions, Capita employ qualified health experts to conduct independent disability assessments. Joining us as a disability assessor you’ll be:

You will receive full training and ongoing support within the role. So, if you have a full UK Driving Licence and at least two years post-registration experience (NMC/HCPC/GMC registered with a valid pin) then email PIPrecruitment@capita.co.uk for more information.

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

• Understanding the detailed history of the claimant’s condition(s) and the impact on their daily living and mobility • Building a detailed understanding of their unique condition, contributing with your own recommendations • Gathering and understanding supporting evidence from other experts • Producing and presenting a comprehensive report to the DWP • Earning up to £34,000 + fantastic benefits*

*Terms and conditions apply

27

NEWSLINE takings to a record £8.2million.

ended in 30 seconds after he

ICAP’s charity day and was so

Celebrity support for London’s Air Ambulance at ICAP Charity Day sees record £8.2million raised worldwide

This money will be split between

“killed” the patient.

pleased to be there to support

Celebrity supporters of

LAS

London’s Air Ambulance have joined forces with other public figures and stars from the worlds of entertainment, film

the team. It is great that the day

ICAP’s chosen beneficiaries of which London’s Air Ambulance

Other celebrities who tried their

made such a huge amount for

is one. The donation received

hand at the game included radio

this wonderful charity, and I hope

will support the fleet of rapid

presenter Jeremy Vine, who

others will be inspired to donate

response cars for three years.

admitted to a competitive streak,

too”

and Drs Christian Jessen, Pixie ICAP’s fundraising day is held

McKenna from Embarrassing

Interim CEO Charles Newitt

each year and sees the company

Bodies and Christoffer van

escorted TV presenter Gail

giving their global revenues and

Tulleken from ‘Operation Ouch’

Porter at the event and watched

commissions to charity. Staff

– none of whom were able to

as she closed deals on the

also sacrifice their salary on the

successfully complete the game.

trading floor worth millions of pounds. Commenting on the

day to increase the total that is distributed to good causes.

The fun did not detract from the

day Charles said;

purpose of the day though, which

and sport at ICAP’s annual charity day in London to help

London’s Air Ambulance medics

was to help the represented

“Being part of the ICAP Charity

close deals worth millions of

set up a Giant Operation game on

charities raise awareness, raise

Day has been an absolute

pounds to raise funds for the

the trading floor which proved a

money, and change lives for the

privilege. London’s Air

charity.

royally good draw for the visiting

better.

Ambulance has operating costs of £8.5million each year. The

celebrities. HRH Prince Harry and Twiggy, Brenda Blethyn, Gary

HRH The Countess of Wessex

TV presenter and radio

support from ICAP means that

Roslin, Dr Hilary Jones, Helen

both stopped by to try the game

broadcaster Gaby Roslin

we can fund our fleet of rapid

Fospero, Gail Porter and Nina

and speak with London’s Air

summed up the celebrity

response cars for the next three

Wadia toured the trading floors in

Ambulance consultant Gareth

support for London’s Air

years – a significant help for

London’s Air Ambulance branding

Grier and Lead Paramedic Sharon

Ambulance;

our service. All of our celebrity

speaking to ICAP staff who

Mortimer. HRH Sophie Wessex

were in fancy dress. The party

proved to be a natural, beating

“London’s Air Ambulance is such

getting stuck into the fun of the

atmosphere helped boost global

Prince Harry’s attempt which

a vital service. I had such fun at

day and helping to close deals

supporters have been incredible,

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

28 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

NEWSLINE that will mean we can continue to provide a world-class service for all Londoners. Thank you to Gail, Gabby, Hilary, Helen, Brenda, Twiggy and Nina, and everyone at ICAP for such an amazing day.”

WMAS

Superbike Legend Returns To Bike4Life Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, organiser of the much-anticipated Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival 2017, has announced former World Superbike champion and racing legend, Carl Fogarty, is returning to lead the Ride Out on Sunday 30th April 2017.

Now in its seventh year, Bike4Life has grown to become one of the country’s most popular biker events. Now over 6,000 bikers take part in the Ride Out which

runs 23 miles from Meole Brace in Shrewsbury to RAF Cosford, home to the Bike4Life Festival, which attracts a further 6,000 people.

Carl Fogarty was the star of Bike4Life in 2015, and is returning in 2017 as part of his continued commitment to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, which sadly airlifts motorcyclists on a regular basis.

Carl said: “Bike4Life is one of the best biker events in the calendar, and it’s all in aid of a very important cause. When I took part previously the atmosphere on the day was fantastic and it was great to so many with bikers, fans and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s own supporters.

“I’m really looking forward to once again leading the Ride Out, and as registration is now open, I’d urge people to sign up as there are

limited places in the Ride Out.” Jason Levy from Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, and chair of the Bike4Life organising committee, added: “We are honoured Carl is returning to the Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival. His career achievements are legendary, and we know he will really help make Bike4Life 2017 be a great success.

As well as being a great day out, Bike4Life also aims to raise vitally important funds for our lifesaving service, so I’d encourage anyone thinking of getting involved, to support our event and register now for the Ride Out.” To take part in the Ride Out, led

by Carl Fogarty, simply visit www. bike4lifefest.com. It only costs £10 per motorbike (pillions ride for free) to register with all proceeds raised going to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. For those who don’t take part in the Ride Out, entrance to the

Bike4Life Festival is £5 per person and under 16s go free.

Bike4Life is run in collaboration with Safer Roads Partnership and West Mercia Police who work tirelessly to promote road safety and to help reduce the number of road traffic collisions across West Mercia. The event is supported by the Central Motorway Police Group, Highways England, West Mercia Police Shropshire County Council, the RAF Museum Cosford and RAF Cosford.

Keep up to date on social media by following Bike4LifeFest on Facebook and Twitter.

Find out more information about the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity by visiting www. midlandsairambulance.com or for more information on the Safer Roads Partnership visit www. srpwestmercia.org.uk

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

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

NEWSLINE Night-Lit Emergency Helicopter Landing Sites Programme Reaches Phase II Following the successful operation of four temporary night-lit emergency helipads across Herefordshire and Shropshire, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has announced it is now rolling out further temporary night-lit sites in the counties, to enable a greater number of patients in urgent need of medical attention reach the hospitals best suited for their specific injuries.

The current sites, which were granted funded by a separate organisation, the County Air Ambulance Trust and it’s HELP Appeal, launched in February 2016 and are located in Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Bishops Castle, Shobdon and Tilstock.

Since last October, the charity’s three aircraft have been utilising the temporary helipads in the hours of darkness, meaning the aircrew were able to fly to more remote locations by helicopter at night, enabling them to reach and treat those in urgent need of medical attention.

Following the success of the

parts of the region. The CELLS

Blood samples are passed to

A spokeswoman for NHSGGC

project was launched to enable

nursing staff on arrival at the

said: “We are currently trialling

us to bring the very best clinical

hospital and sent to the lab as the

a project with one particular

skillset to the patient, and to

patient is being checked in.

paramedic crew taking patient

reduce transfer times to specialist hospitals after dark.

bloods en route to hospital, in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

order to speed up diagnosis on

say the aim of the pilot is to

arrival.

“Phase I of the project has been a

speed up the diagnostic process

great success and the roll out of

and “reduce the strain” on A&E

“This is being tested with a

Phase II will mean we reach and

services.

small group of patients who

treat more people as demand for our service continues to grow.”

As part of Phase II, a further

are referred by their GP to the When patients are seen by a

Medical Assessment Unit at the

doctor, they should have a full set

Royal Alexandra Hospital and the

of blood test results.

project will be evaluated in the

CELLS site at in the Aylestone Hill

New Year.

area of Hereford is progressing

The scheme is targeted at

and it is hopeful this site will be

patients who have been referred

“Staff at the Royal Alexandra

available for use in January 2017.

as an emergency by their GPs to

The Midlands Air Ambulance

Hospital have been working

the hospital’s acute receiving unit.

closely with colleagues in the

Charity is therefore appealing to local residents to volunteer for CELLS training within the next few months.

Further sites will be reviewed with a further grant received from the HELP Appeal to support the project.

If you are interested in becoming a CELLS volunteer, please contact cells@midlandsairambulance. com for more information.

To find out more about how you can help to fund a Midlands Air Ambulance Charity mission, please call 0800 8 40 20 40 or visit: www.midlandsairambulance.com

Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) The pilot is detailed in the

on a number of different projects

board’s winter plan and part

to support patient care and flow,

of a range of strategies to help

of which this is one.”

ease pressure on accident and emergency services.

A spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Service

The paper states: “The premise

said:”Paramedics are trained to

of the project is enabling the

take blood samples during their

Scottish Ambulance Service to

initial training.

assist in the emergency unit diagnostic process by taking a

“The pilot at the RAH is using

patient’s bloods on route to the

this skill to take blood samples

RAH.

for some patients prior to arriving at hospital when they travel by

“The expected benefit of this

ambulance.

change is to speed up the diagnostic process, meaning

“The aim of this is to escalate

when medical staff first reviews

the patient through the initial

the patient, they should already

department as quickly as

have a full set of blood results to

possible.

direct treatment options.”

SAS

“This is seen as a positive step in

Paramedics taking blood tests to help speed up A&E waiting times

Both Glasgow Royal Infirmary

the patient experience and joint

and the RAH are also taking

working with the RAH and the

part in a pilot to help reduce

Scottish Ambulance Service”.

Steele, received the innovation

Paramedics are being trained

Under the scheme, GPs will

accolade at MAAC’s Recognition

to take blood samples from

decide if an admission for some

Awards and Charity Ball in 2016.

patients to help drive down

patients can be safely delayed

accident and emergency

until the next day.

first phase of sites, the team who assisted in creating the Community Emergency Landing Light Support (CELLS) programme, paramedic Julian

pressure on the immediate assessment unit.

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

Spiers and Captain Richard

Julian Spiers comments: “At

waiting times.

The health board say

Midlands Air Ambulance, we

WAA

Wiltshire Air Ambulance awarded £1 million towards custom-built new airbase

strive to offer the very best care

Ambulance staff are taking part

alternatives to admission will

to our patients, and this includes

in a pilot involving patients who

be explored by an experienced

WILTSHIRE Air Ambulance

those who are unfortunate to need

are being taken to the Royal

member of staff such as a

(WAA) has been awarded £1

our services in the more remote

Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.

senior nurse or a consultant.

million towards its new airbase.

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

NEWSLINE The £1 million is from the LIBOR

“As has been the case since

is granted we will be launching a

young boy from Tooting, I never

fund and was announced by the

the charity was established, we

Capital Appeal to raise the remaining

would have expected to receive

continue to rely on donations and

£1.25 million of the £5.1 million cost

an award from HM the Queen.

Rt Hon Philip Hammond, during

grants and make no demands

of our new airbase. We already have

the Autumn Statement in the

upon the taxpayer to fund our

£2.5 million pledged by a benefactor.

“Over the last forty years, it has

House of Commons today (23

vital service. However, I would

Come early 2017 and we hope

been an honour to work alongside

November 2016).

like to thank those local MPs

groups, businesses and individuals

our emergency service family and

who lobbied on our behalf since

across Wiltshire will all support our

to see the members of staff I have

The LIBOR fund is monies from

without their help this funding

Airbase Appeal to secure the future

helped to develop move on to

fines levied on the banking

would not have happened.

of this lifesaving service for many

greater things.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, the

more years to come.”

industry for manipulating the LIBOR rate.

“It was a real shock to have been

“Our dedicated paramedics, doctors and pilots have saved

The charity is proposing to build the

countless lives in the 26 years we

airbase on land at Outmarsh Farm,

have been operating, thanks to the

Semington, near Melksham. It will

generosity of people raising the

consist of an Operations Centre for

funds we need. Our new airbase

its helicopter and aircrew and base

will allow our essential helicopter

for the Charity Team.

emergency medical service (HEMS) to save future generations.”

The charity has already been

LAS

London Ambulance medic honoured with Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal A London Ambulance Service medic, who helped saved

granted outline planning

Currently the charity rents

permission for the Outmarsh Farm

a hangar at Wiltshire Police

site and has submitted its detailed

headquarters in Devizes for its

plans for the project to Wiltshire

helicopter and aircrew while the

Council.

charity team is based in rented

awarded the prestigious Queen’s

offices in Calne.

Ambulance Service Medal in the

David Philpott, Chief Executive of

countless lives in major incidents and played a key part in the capital’s response to the Olympic Games in 2012, has been

New Year’s Honours List.

WAA, said: “We are delighted to

Mr Philpott added: “Having a

have been awarded this £1 million

purpose-built facility will enable

Paul, who has spent over forty

grant from Her Majesty’s Treasury

us to have full control over our

years saving lives in London, was

towards our new airbase. The

future. Our preferred location at

also recognised by colleagues

funding will be used to complete

Outmarsh Farm, Semington, will

for his continual commitment to

the building, equipping and

enable our helicopter to reach

patient care and staff progression

fitting out of our purpose-built

all parts of Wiltshire within 11

as part of his role as a sector

Operations Centre and will bring

minutes, as it currently does from

delivery manager.

together the aircrew, helicopter

its base in Devizes.

Speaking of his award, Paul said:

and charity team onto one site for the first time.

“If our detailed planning application

“Starting out in the Service as a

awarded the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal and I’m incredibly humbled to receive such high recognition for my career with the Service.”

The award praised Paul’s commitment to London Ambulance Service, highlighting his involvement in responding to major incidents and events including the London Olympic Games in 2012.

Peter McKenna, Deputy Director at the London Ambulance Service said: “Paul has spent two thirds of his life dedicated to serving the population of London, saving countless lives.

“During his time with the Service, he has also strived to ensure the continuous improvement and development of his colleagues, playing a key role in introducing formal management training. We are very pleased that his efforts have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours List.”

Paul will be invited to attend a ceremony at Buckingham Palace from Her Majesty the Queen.

The Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal (QAM) honours a very small, select group of ambulance crews and control room staff who have shown exceptional devotion to duty, outstanding ability, merit

A 3D image of Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s proposed new airbase on land at Outmarsh Farm, Semington

and conduct in their roles within

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

later in the year to receive his award

NHS Ambulance Services.

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

NEWSLINE paramedics in the future to ensure

ensure all ambulance staff receive

schoolchildren on Restart a

patients will continue to get the

fair pay. This agreement is a step

Heart Day in 2015.

very best care.”

in the right direction.

Ken Wenman, lead chief executive

The GMB is pleased the DOH

Sector Campaign category and

The role of a paramedic will be

Association of Chief Executives

has finally realised paramedics

the results were announced at

re-banded nationally, giving

(AACE) and chief executive

need to be paid properly. We

an awards ceremony in Leeds in

paramedics the opportunity to

of South Western Ambulance

will now work with ambulance

November.

earn more as they progress.

Service NHS Foundation Trust,

employers to ensure the details

New pay deal for paramedics

The team entered the Public

said: “We are really pleased that

of this agreement are properly

Led by Corporate

The Department of Health, NHS

this agreement on pay banding

implemented.”

Communications Officer Louise

Employers and ambulance unions

has been reached, which

have agreed paramedics will be

recognises the additional clinical

re-banded nationally from band 5

skills and knowledge ambulance

to band 6.

paramedics now have and will continue to develop.

This new deal will see paramedics

Boyes, the team planned a YAS

Yorkshire Ambulance Service Corporate Communications Team Scoops Silver PR Award

multi-faceted campaign to increase public awareness of the benefits of bystander CPR, recruit volunteers to facilitate the training and secured partnership support.

in England move up the pay scale

“Patients will undoubtedly benefit

from band 5 to band 6 where

from this important decision as

appropriate. This is in recognition

ambulance services across the

of the increasing responsibilities

country help to transform urgent

of being a modern paramedic.

and emergency care services in

The Yorkshire Ambulance

traditional media, profiling

England, treating more patients

Service Corporate

‘flagship’ schools across the

outside busy hospitals.

Communications Team has

region, providing a dedicated

won a Silver Chartered Institute

online microsite and encouraging

of Public Relations PRide

support from health and

Award 2016 in recognition

emergency service partners,

of the work done to raise the

professional football and rugby

profile of our efforts to provide

clubs and celebrities.

It also means paramedics will be able to earn more as they progress through the Agenda for

“Under the new banding,

Change pay scale.

paramedics will be expected to develop and provide the

UNISON head of health

necessary skills put forward by

Christina McAnea said: “This

the UECR. The UECR sets out

agreement shows what can be

a clear vision for the ambulance

achieved when everyone works

service to change from a

together in the interests of both

service based on a model of

patients and staff.

transportation to one of clinical

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training to 20,000

assessment and treatment.

“This will help ambulance trusts

from the ambulance service,

to become more of a mobile

but it will certainly make it a little

treatment service that best suits

easier for trusts to hold onto

patient needs.”

experienced staff.”

Unite national officer for health

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt

Sarah Carpenter said: “We

said: “Our dedicated paramedics

believe and are pleased that it

do a vital job helping patients

has now been recognised after a

when they need it most so I’m

number of years raising concerns

very pleased that we have agreed

that our members were not

a new pay deal with unions.

appropriately rewarded for the vital role they perform.

“In recognition of their increased responsibilities we have agreed

“We look forward to working

to look at re-banding around

with employers and the other

12,000 paramedics where their

ambulance unions to finally

job description matches the

implement this pay deal.”

requirements of the new band 6 profile, moving them up the pay

GMB national officer Sharon

scale and making sure we are

Holder said: “GMB has

able to better recruit and retain

campaigned for many years to

implementation of a variety of tactics including social media,

“The banding issue alone may not solve the drain of paramedics

The campaign strategy included

32 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

Widespread national and local

NEWSLINE help to cover the operation of a

Strategic Operational Manager

Twitter activity helped to raise

new fleet for a period of one year

responsible for planning the

the profile of the campaign and

“Our bid set out how a donation

from 2017.

ambulance, medical and first

the event model was this year

from LIBOR would help us to

adopted by the UK’s 13 other

set up a fully-functional night

WAAC will receive the £1m LIBOR

events. This has included Royal

ambulance services.

operation for the whole of

donation in April 2017.

Week, the Royal Military Tattoo,

media coverage and significant

closer to reaching that goal.

aid provision at the many

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, the

Wales, enabling us to carry out WAS

Wales Air Ambulance Charity receives donation from LIBOR banking fines The Wales Air Ambulance Charity has been successful in its bid for funding from the LIBOR banking fines, announced in the Treasury’s Autumn Statement.

paediatric, neonatal and adult

SAS

rugby international matches,

Scottish Ambulance Service Manager Awarded Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal in Queen’s Honours List

football games and the Papal

will continue fundraising and

John Alexander, Head of

any fuss, yet the success of

appealing for donations to reach

Service for the Scottish

Edinburgh’s events are well

its goal of a 24/7 service.

Ambulance Service South East

documented and there will

Division, has been awarded

be countless patients who

missions on board our aircraft.

We’re delighted to have secured £1m, which will cover one third of our costs for night flight planning.”

Wales Air Ambulance Charity needs to raise £6.5m in charitable donations every year to keep its four helicopters flying. The charity

Visit amongst others.

Pauline Howie, CEO of the Scottish Ambulance Service said, “John is the type of person who just gets on with it without

The £1m boost will go towards

It works in partnership with NHS

the Queen’s Ambulance

have been cared for and

increasing flying hours and

Wales, who supply medical crews

Service medal in the Queen’s

lives saved at these events

the charity’s plans for night

and kit on board the helicopters.

New Year’s Honour’s List.

because of John’s exemplary

It is the second time the Wales Air

John has been with the

and exceptional devotion to

WAAC’s chief executive Angela

Ambulance Charity has applied

Scottish Ambulance Service

duty. On behalf of all of our

Hughes said: “It’s the charity’s

for and received funding from the

for 31 years, working as an

staff and Board, I would like

vision to become a 24-hour

LIBOR banking fines. In 2015 the

Ambulance Paramedic and

to congratulate John on being

operation and this donation from

charity received £1.5m towards

Team Leader and has been

recognised in this year’s

the LIBOR fund takes us a step

a helicopter upgrade, which will

the principle lead Tactical and

honours”.

and distinguished service

operations.

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

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

NEWSLINE WMAS

Trust introduces some of the most advanced ambulances ever West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) is rolling out 66 of the most advanced ambulances ever seen.

The vehicles, which use technology normally associated with the aerospace industry, come with the key message emblazoned on the rear that there is an alternative to 999. It is part of a joint initiative with NHS England to highlight that patients don’t always need to dial 999 to get urgent care.

WMAS Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “These new ambulances are some of the most sophisticated emergency vehicles in the world. Not only are they packed full of the latest technology to help patients, but they are more comfortable and efficient than ever before, using technology piloted in the aerospace industry.

“I am delighted that we have been

around 14 million callers a year to get the right care in the right place, first time – reducing pressure on A&E and 999 services.”

Tony Page, WMAS Fleet General Manager, added: “By using construction methods used in aircraft manufacture we are providing our patients and staff with a quieter and warmer working area. Improvements include better air suspension and more

Ambulance charity manages national emergency services bereavement fund

comfortable seating which will

supporting families bereaved in traumatic circumstances.

Under the scheme, specialist bereavement support will be available to the surviving relatives of members of the English

A national bereavement support

ambulance, fire, coastguard,

service has been launched to

search and rescue, air

“The techniques used mean the

help children and families whose

ambulance, and police services,

vehicles are lighter which will

parents or close relatives have

as well as volunteers under their

improve the handling and reduce

been killed while on duty with

direct control, who are killed while

fuel and maintenance costs,

one of the emergency services.

on duty as a direct consequence

provide a better ride and handling.

allowing us to invest even more into front line clinical care.

of their work.

The specialist service is being funded out of a £1 million

Bereavement support, which

“We have worked closely with

endowment granted to the

can also be via telephone or

our staff and the manufacturers

Joint Emergency Services

email as well as face to face, is

to design the vehicles so that

Bereavement Fund from the Libor

available to children and young

they are easy to use and easier

fines funding. The bereavement

people who have been affected

to clean and restock for our

fund is managed by TASC, The

by a parent’s death, as well as

Ambulance Fleet Assistant teams.

Ambulance Staff Charity on

other immediate family including

behalf of all of the participating

parents, guardians and siblings.

“All of the vehicles also include

emergency services charities in

Support can be offered even if the

CCTV systems that will help to

England.

death occurred some time ago.

protect our staff should the worst happen.”

Group sessions may also be held The bereavement support scheme

involving other bereaved families.

offered by the Joint Emergency WMAS Communications Director,

Services Charities provides

To find out more about the

Murray MacGregor, added: “It is

ongoing help to children and

support available, please visit

great that we have been able to

young people under the age of

the dedicated Winston’s Wish

work with NHS England to get

25 and their families through a

webpage www.winstonswish.

threatening injuries or illness.”

such important messages out to

programme of comprehensive

org.uk/emergencyservices

the public by using the side of

support, including face-to-

Dr Helen Thomas, National

the ambulances. We first started

face sessions with specialist

Families or organisations working

Medical Advisor for Integrated

using this method some years

practitioners if needed.

with bereaved children and young

Urgent Care at NHS England,

ago and I’m delighted that NHS

said: “It’s really good to see the

England see the value of this

The cost of the first year of

or bereavement support by calling

NHS 111 non-emergency number

method of providing information

operation was met by a welcome

the Winston’s Wish Freephone

sitting alongside 999 on these

to the public.

donation from the Blue Lamp

Helpline on 08088 020 021

Foundation, but further set-up

between 9am and 5pm Monday

“I am equally pleased that we are

costs and the ongoing service

to Friday. Calls are free and

“This gives a clear message

able to highlight our social media

is being funded out of the

confidential. Winston’s Wish can

that 999 is for life-threatening

presence on Twitter, Facebook,

endowment.

also provide publications suitable

emergencies – but if you’re in

Instagram and You Tube. With

need of urgent help and it’s not

around 50,000 followers seeing

The charities are working in

an emergency there is another

the updates that we put out on

partnership with childhood

For more information about

number to call – NHS 111.

a daily basis, this will allow us to

bereavement charity Winston’s

the Joint Emergency Services

communicate even better with the

Wish who have almost 25

Bereavement programme and fund

public of the West Midlands.”

years specialist experience of

contact TASC on 02477 987922.

able to join with NHS England to highlight that many patients could be helped by using the 111 service leaving 999 for those who have life

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

ambulances.

“The service is now helping

adults can also obtain guidance

to the circumstances.

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

NEWSLINE EEAST

‘No excuse’ for attacking ambulance staff after new figures show 19% increase in assaults Emergency Medical Technician Graham Hillman was on duty in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, last October when he was called to

That’s the message from bosses

Criminal sanctions were brought

“One assault against a

at the region’s ambulance service,

against 66 people in the last

colleague is one too many and

which has experienced a 19%

year.

can have a devastating impact

increase in reported violence in the last year.

Chief Executive Robert Morton said: “It is appalling that some

on individuals and their families.

“It is unacceptable and we work

New figures reveal that there were

people are violent towards our

232 physical assaults against East

staff when they are trying to help

closely with police to ensure

of England Ambulance Service

and provide the best possible

that criminal proceedings are

NHS Trust (EEAST) staff in 2015/16,

care to patients. There’s no

brought against those who

compared to 195 in 2014/15.

excuse for attacks on our staff.

attack front-line staff.”

an intoxicated patient who lashed out and broke his glasses. He was then spat at. His attacker was jailed for 16 weeks and ordered to pay £125 compensation.

“It is one of the most disgusting things that one person can do to another. Lashing out is bad enough, but spitting is disgusting.

It makes me more wary and realise that not everyone is grateful to see us or fully in control.

“It is not the first time I have experienced violence, but is the first time I felt it needed to be reported and press charges. The sentence validates the view that this behaviour is totally unacceptable.

We were off the road for four hours because of what he did.

“As 999 emergency ambulance staff, our only concern for our patients is to help them in every way that we can. We should be able to do this without fear of being attacked, assaulted or having our personal property damaged in the process of doing so…”

“She was drunk.”

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AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

“He had taken drugs.”

ambulance staff.

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

NEWSLINE Bank Fines Celebrated by Minister at Air Ambulance Reception

£10.8 million from the banking

Caroline Creer, Fundraising

“The APPGAA is here as your

fines fund (LIBOR).

Director of Devon Air

champions and your advocates

Ambulance and Chair of

in Parliament. Keep providing

Rob Wilson MP said: “Air

the AAA Communications

the amazing service that you

ambulances across the UK have

Subcommittee said “We were

do for our constituents; without

grown to play a key role in our

pleased to meet some of our

you, many of them would not be

emergency services response

Devon MPs at the reception

around.”

capacity. The latest award of

and delighted at the support

£10.8 million is in addition to the

received. Although we are

A reception held by the All

£24 million previously allocated

very much looking at the best

Party Parliamentary Group for

in previous statements, however

practice and support in Devon

Air Ambulances (APPGAA)

there is a possibility that these

it’s also essential for us to be

took place on the House of

funds will run out in the not too

able to play an active role in

Commons Terrace, Westminster

distant future.

our unique community across

EEAST

Ambulance service launches new dementia strategy

the country. The recognition

An ambitious strategy has

event, hosted by Chairman of

“The air ambulance network

that Central Government

been launched by the region’s

the APPGAA Jim Fitzpatrick

needs to consider not only how to

affords us by this parliamentary

ambulance service to improve

MP for Poplar and Limehouse,

continue saving lives but also ways

group gives greater visibility

the care and experience for

gave members of both Houses

to enhance the network so that

and enables us to raise our

people with dementia.

of Parliament the opportunity to

they can continue saving lives into

industry’s profile.”

meet with representatives from

the future. It is making great use

air ambulance charities and

of their 2,500 volunteer community

“The APPGAA’s annual

Ambulance Service NHS Trust

ambulance services.

in many different ways. The UK

reception is an important

(EEAST) say it will develop a skilled

is the second most generous

date in our calendar and an

and effective workforce able to

Jim introduced Rob Wilson MP,

nation in the world donating £11

opportunity for the community

champion compassionate person-

Minister for Social Society who

billion to good causes. My goal is

to come together and meet

centred care and recognise the

thanked the APPGAA for all their

to create an environment so that

with members of Westminster

early signs of dementia.

hard work before addressing the

the voluntary sector can create a

to highlight our successes and

audience. Rob highlighted the

sustainable future. The public must

discuss our Key Issues.”

excellent outcome of the Autumn

trust that their fundraising is going

Statement last week where

to great causes and you have my

Jim Fitzpatrick MP brought

air ambulances were a major

continued support as the Minister

proceedings to a conclusion

The strategy was launched at

beneficiary in being awarded

of Social Society.”

with a final message of thanks:

the latest Board meeting on

on 28 November 2016. The

Bosses at the East of England

And it has pledged to become a dementia-friendly organisation.

Wednesday 30th November by one of the service’s area clinical leads Duncan Moore, with support from the Alzheimer’s Society.

It’s been implemented to support the Government’s National Dementia Strategy to ensure all people living with dementia and their carers should live well with dementia. Dementia is incurable and symptoms can include severe memory loss, mood and personality changes AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

and behaviour that challenges others such as serious confusion, agitation and aggression.

The work over three years will be done in partnership with charities and health and social care statutory dementia care Left to right – Nigel Hare (Operations Director – DAA), Stephen Tyrrell (Trustee – DAA), Caroline Creer (Fundraising Director – DAA), David Hawes (Finance Director – DAA) and Richard Tate (Pilot – DAA)

36 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

providers, as well as clinical commissioning groups and voluntary organisations.

NEWSLINE Duncan said the collaborations

It will streamline the number of

either now wearing, or in the

Commercial Alliance, will monitor

will aid and support the work

different clothing items used by

process of migrating to, the new

the success of the core uniform,

and contribute to improving the

paramedics and other ambulance

core uniform.

assist in the development of

health and outcomes of those

staff nationwide, reducing the

with dementia, and their carers:

number of local variations on

The new uniform will be phased in

opportunities for standardisation

“Dementia is one of the greatest

essential garments such as

as Trusts replace worn out items

and rationalisation via Lot 2,

challenges facing our ageing

shirts, T-shirts, trousers, fleeces,

used by existing staff and issue

share experience amongst

society – there are more than

jackets and high vis vests from

uniforms to new recruits joining

Trusts with an objective of driving

82,500 people in the East of

over 80 to just 16. The framework

the service. The approach creates

standardisation, and ensure value

England living with a diagnosis of

also provides a platform for

the opportunity for staff to retain

for money.

dementia.

cost savings, standardisation

the same uniform if they transfer

and rationalisation of a range of

to other Trusts.

“Our patient transport services

future specifications, seek out

additional items procured.

routinely work with people living

Mark Ainsworth, Chair of the National Uniform Working Group

Ambulance Trusts in the UK

(and Director of Operations, South

with dementia, and of course

As well as saving the tax payer

spend an estimated £3.2 million

we have to make emergency

Central Ambulance Service NHS

an estimated 37% over the four

per annum on uniform, including

responses in the community to

Foundation Trust) commented:

year duration of the initial contract

purchasing around 65,000 shirts

affected families and individuals

“The new framework agreement

when compared to the previous

and 55,000 trousers. Previously,

so in our capacity as an

provides an excellent platform

costs, the garments have been

different Trusts used different

for Trusts to procure suitable

independently tested to highly

suppliers and had various local

core uniform and general work

rigorous standards to ensure they

contracts and agreements in

wear in a standardised way,

are the most hard wearing and

place, with widely differing prices

demonstrating value for money,

robust uniform items available to

and terms.

which is underpinned by the

ambulance service and seeing people living with dementia every single day we needed to put it at the centre of our work. It’s the right thing for us to put a massive emphasis on developing our

UK ambulance staff.

National Uniform User Group, The National Ambulance

which is now working collectively

Daren Hopkinson, Chair

Procurement Group (NAPG)

to investigate further savings and

of the National Ambulance

identified that major savings could

standardisation opportunities

Procurement Group and Head

be made by standardising core

using the framework agreement.”

of Procurement, North West

items of uniform and worked

Ambulance Service, said: “This

closely with its procurement

project demonstrates how

partner, the NHS Commercial

like-minded NHS organisations

Alliance, to create a framework

across the UK, with a common

agreement with suppliers who

requirement, can successfully

could guarantee to reach the high

collaborate to achieve quality

goals set for the project.

2016 was busiest ever year for Lincolnshire air ambulance crew

the 37% saving feeds into our

The resulting contract represents

One of the air ambulance

organisations’ primary objective,

the culmination of considerable

services that covers

which is sustained patient care.”

hard work, extensive nationwide

Lincolnshire were called out

stakeholder engagement across

more times in 2016 than in any

has created the first ever

In addition to standardising

the UK and a high level of inter-

other year in its history.

standardised uniform for use by

the core items which form the

NHS collaboration.

UK Ambulance Trusts is set to

major part of a staff member’s

deliver £3.4 million in savings

uniform, the project has also

National Ambulance Procurement

for Magpas, who had almost

for the NHS.

given Ambulance Trusts access

Delivery Manager at the NHS

1,500 callouts for the charity’s

to a pool of approved suppliers to

Commercial Alliance, James

advanced care, across 12

The project, which was delivered

order other work wear items and

Richards, who managed the

different counties.

by the NHS Commercial Alliance

Personal Protective Equipment

project said: “This landmark

and the National Ambulance

(PPE) including helmets and

procurement has delivered an

The ever-increasing demand

Procurement Group, will save

safety footwear, which will create

excellent outcome that has

for the service led to its expert

Ambulance Trusts the cost

additional cost savings and

fundamentally changed the way

medical team being called out to

of more than an entire year’s

ensure a compliant route to

the marketplace operates for

emergencies on average of four

expenditure on uniform items

market for the Trusts purchasing

Ambulance Trusts in this category,

times a day.

(equivalent to around 165,000

them.

and achieved substantial savings

organisation to become dementiafriendly.”

For more information on living with dementia, visit https://www. alzheimers.org.uk/ or https:// www.dementiauk.org/

New national ambulance uniform will save the NHS £3.4m A landmark project which

and efficiency benefits. Ultimately

2016 was the busiest year to date

After becoming a 24/7 service

The majority of Ambulance

A new National Uniform User

in October 2015, the charity

of funding approximately 100

Services in England, as well as

Group has been formed which,

now sees almost 50 per cent of

paramedics.

Wales and Northern Ireland are

with the support of the NHS

callouts taking place overnight.

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

and operational benefits.”

just four years - the equivalent

garments per annum) over

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

NEWSLINE

“Learning new skills and techniques is important for my career progression but it also means I’m better equipped to help the patients I attend.”

Mel Eddon, Emergency Care Assistant,

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

38

Photograph © ESS

Yorkshire Ambulance Service

The Emergency Services Show 2017 – it’s all about you A unique event for everyone who works in the emergency services. Over 400 exhibitors, free seminars and product demonstrations.

Hall 5, NEC, Birmingham. Wed 20 – Thu 21 September 2017. Free entry at www.emergencyuk.com.

Event Sponsor

Event partners

Media partners

For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

5|

IN PERSON LAS News

Noel retires on Christmas Eve Brent paramedic Noel Thomas retired on Christmas Eve – also his birthday – after 40 years with London Ambulance Service.

As well as being one of the Service’s longest serving paramedics, Noel has worked with the same crewmate for 30 years – thought to be a record.

Noel said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my job. Retiring is either the best decision I’ve ever made or the worst. My head and body are saying it’s a wise decision but my heart is saying different.”

Noel, who lives in Northolt with his wife Christine, has two sons and has also fostered many children over the years – as well as delivering around a dozen babies while working as a paramedic.

“Certain jobs you see are horrific and will stay with you forever but when we resuscitate someone or a patient says ‘thank you’, that’s a feeling money cannot buy,” said Noel.

“In four days as a paramedic you can bring in a life and be there when someone goes; it’s like a circle.”

He credited his long-serving crewmate Christine Money – now retired herself – as being one of the main reasons he stayed in and enjoyed the job for so long.

“Having a good crewmate makes this the easiest job in the world. It’s like having a friend and you support each other, both in what’s going on in your life and through the difficult jobs we have to attend.”

Noel said he felt the most important element of his career was treating everyone with common courtesy.

“You cannot judge people as you don’t know what has happened in their life that has gotten them to that point. Under different circumstances it could be any of us.”

Noel started his career at Park Royal ambulance station on 6 September, 1976. He spent some time at Willesden ambulance station before moving on and spending the majority of his career working from Wembley ambulance station.

SECAMB News

Trust announces appointment of new Chief Executive South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) has appointed a new Chief Executive.

Following a robust recruitment and selection process, the Trust’s Chairman Sir Peter Dixon announced that Daren Mochrie will be joining SECAmb. With nearly 30 years’ experience of working in the NHS in Scotland and currently the Director of Service Delivery for the Scottish Ambulance Service, Daren has extensive experience of managing ambulance services in both rural and urban settings.

Daren was also the lead for ambulance provision in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as well as being a specialist advisor with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), leading four recent CQC inspections of ambulance trusts in England.

In announcing the appointment, SECAmb Chairman Sir Peter Dixon said: “I am delighted that we have been able to secure a new Chief Executive with Daren’s skills and experience and I’m confident he will provide the necessary leadership to support our recovery.”

During the interview process, the interview panel were very impressed with Daren’s breadth of knowledge and grasp of the challenges which the Trust faces.

Daren will take over from Geraint Davies who is currently Acting Chief Executive of the Trust and will remain so until Daren joins. The Trust is working to agree a start date and will advise of this in due course.

Sir Peter added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Geraint for the stability and focus that he has provided during this very difficult period for the Trust.”

LAS News

Paramedic’s half-century of saving lives in London One of the longest serving paramedics in the UK is still saving lives in the capital after

50 years at London Ambulance Service.

Kevin Walker, 70, still rides his bike to from his nearby home to Ilford Ambulance Station where he has spent his whole career, having returned to work part-time after just one month spent in retirement.

“The highlights have definitely been resuscitating people,” said Kevin, who was awarded in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his work as a paramedic. “I joined up because I wanted to try and help people and I still enjoy the job. Being a paramedic makes you feel you’re doing something worthwhile.”

One of his most memorable moments was saving the life of a woman he knew as a receptionist in one of the hospitals he took patients to.

“When you see someone you know in cardiac arrest, it’s not nice,” said Kevin.

“Thankfully we brought her back and when I was out shopping she came up to my wife and said ‘your husband saved my life’.”

Before the city had fully felt the effects of a series of clean air acts it was subject to thick ‘pea soup fogs’ and Kevin recalled how they had to navigate the streets with burning torches to reach patients and take them to hospital in the late 1960s.

He said: “They used to put a third man on the ambulance who would walk in front with a foot-long wax taper. Between walking to the patient and then to hospital they could end up walking about seven miles.

“In those days we didn’t do so much treatment; if the patient was badly injured we just had to try and stop the bleeding and get them to hospital as quickly as we could.”

The state-of-the art ambulances Kevin uses today, fully equipped to deal with a range of emergencies and navigate quickly through the city streets, are a far cry from the original fleet.

He added: “The vehicles then were old diesels; you could do about 50 miles an hour going downhill with the wind behind you. In the winter they wouldn’t start so we had to put a mattress on the only petrol coach in our fleet then push the diesel ambulances around the yard until they started.”

Assistant Director of Operations Ian Johns said: “By any measure Kevin is an extraordinary man who has committed his life to making sure people are taken care of.”

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

“The rich, the poor and everyone in between are equal when they need our help. We are privileged to see people when their guard is down and be able to help them,” he explained.

Assistant Director of Operations, Ian Johns said: “A forty year career serving London is an extraordinary milestone and the London Ambulance Services wishes Noel the very best in his retirement.”

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

IN PERSON LAA News

Chief Executive Officer for London’s Air Ambulance Appointed London’s Air Ambulance, the charity that delivers a 24/7 advanced trauma team to critically injured people in London, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Jenkins as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In this role, Jonathan will provide strategic leadership and direction for our charity, continuing to ensure it is well administered and builds on growth in both operational capability and revenue.

Jonathan will join us in April from Social Investment Business where he led a number of successful programmes, which resulted in over £250m of investment into charities and social enterprises. He also has considerable frontline experience, serving as a trustee for a number of charities, including mental health specialist Bright and the Ethex positive investment platform.

Speaking about the appointment London’s Air Ambulance Chairman Mark Vickers said: “With Jonathan at the helm, our charity is in a strong position to build on the momentum of our existing success. We look forward to seeing Jonathan use his impressive talents to act as an inspirational leader, a key spokesperson and a passionate advocate for our organisation, generating strong and longlasting relationships with various stakeholders.

“The Charity undertook a rigorous search and selection process for this position and we received a pool of exceptionally strong applicants. Jonathan’s impressive skillset and experience, along with his obvious passion for the charity, convinced us that he was the right person to enhance our impact and profile locally, nationally and internationally.”

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

His experience includes strategy formulation and operation delivery in complex environments. Throughout the organisations he has worked in, he has a strong track record in improving core financial, HR, and IT processes. Jonathan’s entire career has been defined by an ability to fundraise in different arenas: from the public, from institutions, for private companies and for charities. Jonathan also brings with him a wealth of contacts in both Government and the City.

He serves as a Panel member on a variety of

investment and advisory panels for funders and key sector stakeholders, including government departments, the Big Lottery, the British Council, ACEVO, the Design Council and the innovation charity Nesta. He carried out a secondment with Nesta to formulate investment process for the creation of the £400m Big Society Capital.

“Her leadership has helped steer the Service through a challenging period and in the last two years she has overseen one of the biggest recruitment drives in NHS history, the development of the advanced paramedic practitioners programme, an improved fleet and focused on the personal development and recognition for everyone who works for the Service.”

Before applying for this role, Jonathan already had a keen interest in London’s Air Ambulance. He has previously raised £17,000 for the charity by taking part in the 250km Marathon Des Sables desert ultra-marathon and volunteers for bucket collections..

As Medical Director, Dr Moore led a transformation in patient care, from a doubling of cardiac arrest survival rates in just four years, to the Service being at the centre of the development of specialist stroke, trauma and heart attack centres – and she was appointed London’s first Trauma Director in 2009.

Commenting on his new role as Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Jenkins said: “I have followed the extraordinary progress of London’s Air Ambulance over the past few years as it became one of capital’s most iconic charitable brands. The Charity has already achieved so much, but I am excited to push it even further.

I look forward to working alongside both the fundraising and operational teams to take this inspirational charity to new heights.”

LAS News

London Ambulance Service - Dr Fionna Moore retires from her position as Chief Executive Dr Moore, who is 67 years old in the new year, plans to ease her way into retirement by spending three days a week doing clinical shifts with the Service, London’s Air Ambulance and in emergency medicine.

“I took on the chief executive role intending to do it for two years, to stabilise the Service at what was a challenging time,” said Dr Moore.

“I always wanted time at the end of my career to step-back from management responsibilities and focus on my first passion, the clinical care of patients.”

Dr Moore has worked in the NHS for over 40 years where she was medical director for the Service for 18 years and chief executive for two.

Dr Moore was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours in 2013 for services to the NHS and the emergency services.

Chairman, Heather Lawrence OBE, said: “I want to sincerely thank Dr Moore for her years of service.

40 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

Dr Moore said: “We have seen a 63 per cent reduction in mortality from trauma in London and where we led the way, the rest of the country has followed.”

NHS Improvement London regional director Steve Russell paid tribute to Dr Moore and thanked her for the “professional dedication and personal commitment” she has made to London Ambulance Service over the past 20 years.

He said: “For two decades, Dr Moore has devoted herself to London Ambulance Service, first as a clinician and most recently as chief executive. Her willingness to step into the chief executive role at a time of significant challenge for the organisation demonstrates her commitment to the Service.

“Since taking up the role of chief executive, Dr Moore has led the delivery of clear improvements which form a strong foundation for the trust’s continued progress in performance, recruitment, and improved organisational culture. There is no doubt that the Service has further hard work ahead on its journey, but it has a sound platform on which build and grow.”

As well as leading the Service, Dr Moore has been at the frontline, delivering care to patients at major incidents such as the Southall and Paddington train crashes, at events like the Notting Hill Carnival that she has attended for a number of years, and during clinical shifts across London.

Dr Moore said: “It’s been a huge privilege to work alongside so many dedicated, committed and wonderful people for so many years. I am immensely proud of the work everyone at the Service does and the progress we have made to improve our care to patients over the last 20 years.”

IN PERSON The Board and NHS Improvement will now seek to appoint a new permanent Chief Executive for the Service. In the meantime, Andrew Grimshaw, Director of Finance will act as interim Chief Executive.

WAS News

Welsh Ambulance Service Staff Recognised in Queen’s New Year’s Honours List There has been double delight for the Welsh Ambulance Service as two of its colleagues are recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.

Both the Trust’s Head of Research and Innovation, Nigel Rees, and its Senior Education and Development Lead (Head of Driving), Andrew Challenger, have been awarded the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal.

Nigel, who has dedicated 24 years to the service, has been instrumental in the recent success of the Trust in winning two prestigious Research for Patient and Public Benefit grants.

Meanwhile Andrew, who has been with the service for almost 30 years, has led many significant educational projects that have resulted in substantial improvements for patients and staff alike.

Chief Executive Tracy Myhill said: “We are extremely proud that both Nigel and Andrew have been recognised and it’s a testament to the sterling service they have provided to the Trust and to the people of Wales over the years.”

Nigel joined the ambulance service in September 1991 as a cadet with Powys Ambulance Service, before progressing to Patient Care Services and then becoming an Emergency Medical Technician, working at various locations across South Powys.

He has since taken up role as Head of Research and Innovation at the Trust, based in Cardiff, and is also working towards his PhD. In his role Nigel has further developed the Trust’s Research and Development Forum, created close working relationships with

He is a regular speaker in worldwide events in ambulance research and was invited to speak at conferences in the United States and Sweden.

The Welsh Ambulance Service’s Head of Research and Innovation, Nigel Rees has been awarded the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal.

Andrew’s achievements include co-writing the Swansea University Diploma in Paramedic Science and he is currently leading the transition of paramedic education from diploma to degree-level, in collaboration with the university.

His distinguished career with the Welsh Ambulance Service spans 29 years and has evolved from a part-time Patient Care Service operative to Senior Education and Development Lead.

Andrew, who is based in Swansea, has been pivotal to the modernisation of ambulance education and is a valued member of the Trust’s Senior Management Team and UK National Education Groups.

He has led driver education within the Trust for 13 years, designing and developing two innovative driver training vehicles, the concept of which has since been shared and adopted by other ambulance trusts.

He has also developed a team of driving and clinical tutors who are respected throughout the UK, due to their exemplary conduct and standards.

Chief Executive Tracy Myhill added: “They are highly deserving of the award and I am delighted that their commitment has been acknowledged in such a distinguished way.”

Both the Trust’s Director of Operations Richard Lee, and Head of Operations – Resilience, Chris Sims were recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

helped saved countless lives in major incidents and played a key part in the capital’s response to the Olympic Games in 2012, has been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal in the New Year’s Honours List.

Paul, who has spent over forty years saving lives in London, was also recognised by colleagues for his continual commitment to patient care and staff progression as part of his role as a sector delivery manager.

Speaking of his award, Paul said: “Starting out in the Service as a young boy from Tooting, I never would have expected to receive an award from HM the Queen.

“Over the last forty years, it has been an honour to work alongside our emergency service family and to see the members of staff I have helped to develop move on to greater things.

“It was a real shock to have been awarded the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal and I’m incredibly humbled to receive such high recognition for my career with the Service.”

The award praised Paul’s commitment to London Ambulance Service, highlighting his involvement in responding to major incidents and events including the London Olympic Games in 2012.

Peter McKenna, Deputy Director at the London Ambulance Service said: “Paul has spent two thirds of his life dedicated to serving the population of London, saving countless lives.

“During his time with the Service, he has also strived to ensure the continuous improvement and development of his colleagues, playing a key role in introducing formal management training. We are very pleased that his efforts have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours List.”

Paul will be invited to attend a ceremony at Buckingham Palace later in the year to receive his award from Her Majesty the Queen.

LAS News

London Ambulance medic honoured with Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal A London Ambulance Service medic, who

The Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal (QAM) honours a very small, select group of ambulance crews and control room staff who have shown exceptional devotion to duty, outstanding ability, merit and conduct in their roles within NHS Ambulance Services.

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

He finally returned to his home of Ystradgynlais as a paramedic in 1993 and was Powys’s first Advanced Paramedic Practitioner.

Swansea Clinical School and secured funding for many important research projects.

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

COMPANY NEWS Critical Care Patient Transfer Bag manufactured by Openhouse Products Openhouse Products, working with the North London Critical Care Network (NWLCCN) have developed the Critical Care Patient Transfer bag to deliver standardised equipment and quick ‘at a glance’ checking to support front line staff when transferring critically ill patients.

The bag was designed with human factors at the forefront

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design process can be seen in the Journal of the Intensive Care Society (JICS).

The Critical Care Patient Transfer bag is made in the UK at the Openhouse factory in Birkenhead. Openhouse manufacture the bag using their own anti-bacterial material ‘micrAgard Plus™’ that is

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

“The bag was designed with human factors at the forefront and facilitates quick and easy access during a transfer.”

COMPANY NEWS How using the right equipment can help produce more realistic training

circumstances or environments.

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can make them more realistic In 2016, Ruth Lee supplied a range of manikins to Exercise Unified Response (EUR) - the biggest multi-agency training exercise in history. EUR was a large scale and complex, live and command post exercise based on a significant building collapse and incorporating heavy transport and mass causalities. A true successful because of how realistic the environment was.

Now, we are not saying you need to go to the scale of this exercise – but we would encourage you to escape the confines of the classroom and find out just how well your students perform when

AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

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

COMPANY NEWS RDT unveils a new approach to defibrillation monitoring RDT, a leading provider of pre-hospital care solutions, previewed its Tempus ALS™ defibrillator monitor at MEDICA 2016. Visitors to the RDT booth were able to see this innovative solution – which offers the benefits of a fully ERC-compliant defibrillator and an advanced monitor in a small and lightweight package – ahead of its official launch in early 2017.

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AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

44 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

COMPANY NEWS memory. I can see this becoming a cornerstone to any BLS training:

Innsonian Europe (Dr J. Smart)

allowing EMS providers, the ability to deliver exquisite BLS when needed.”

Innosonian Europe (IE) are proud to announce the imminent launch of the new Brayden Pro manikin. The Brayden Pro is a logical next step building on the success of IE’s first product: the ground breaking Brayden manikin. The Brayden manikin has become widely adopted in the UK since its launch in the UK in 2014.

The Brayden manikins easy to use intuitive lights provide real time objective feedback of CPR compression quality (depth, rate and recoil) according to either ERC or AHA 2015 Guidelines and now with improved ventilation offers a cost effective solution for teaching good CPR technique.

Ken Spearpoint (Principle Lecturer Medical Simulation, University of Hertfordshire) said: “The Brayden Pro offers students the potential for high quality CPR performance feedback. In doing so it provides a unique learning system in terms of technique and, perhaps more importantly, it can be utilised to analyse critically important human factors issues during CPR.” Professor. Douglas Chamberlain said: “The bluetooth link between the impressive Brayden Pro manikin and the app on an android tablet greatly enhances the training value of the system. It gives not only an immediate guide to the

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Paramedic Lead, South East Coat

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Ambulance Service) said:

arrange a formal demonstration please contact Innosonian

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OUNCING AL LAUNCH OF

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AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

Jim Walmsley (Critical Care

to improve technique and muscle

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

A Unique System For High

AUK_August_AUK_August_2013 11/10/2013 10:53 Page 254

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Brain Injury &BVM, Spinal Group 2 AMBULANCE UK - FEBRUARY

46

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47

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.

1

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