Ambulance UK - August 2018

Volume 33 No. 4

August 2018

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In this issue Critcomms: A National Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Based Study to Investigate Pre-Hospital Handover Practises between Ambulance Clinicians & Specialist Pre-Hospital Teams in Scotland

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS 124

EDITOR’S COMMENT

126

FEATURES

126 Critcomms: A National Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Based Study to Investigate Pre-Hospital Handover Practises between Ambulance Clinicians & Specialist Pre-Hospital Teams in Scotland

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

EDITOR’S COMMENT Welcome to this issue of AUK. Well it looks like summer is here and for a change you can actually plan a barbeque more than 4 hours in advance, of course, it also means that working in high temperatures is less than comfortable. I am reminded of the days when the concession in hot weather was permission to remove a tie (but not the hat) now at least air conditioning makes it a little more bearable. It’s a great time for the public but that also means more incidents for us and shows how much more the public expect of us.

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

“It occurred to me that sometimes we probably don’t recognise the support of our family as we should and that when we do have an opportunity to be with them we should make the best possible time of it.”

The NHS is 70 this year. Looking back to the days of hat and tie, Sabre Saturn resuscitators, York 2 and the heavier 4 stretchers, not to mention side lifts and so on, the ambulance world has seen some fairly significant moves forward. Critical care Paramedics, helicopters, surgical skills and advanced formularies, integration with the wider health economy, just a few of the things that would have been as unimaginable as public space travel all those years ago. It makes you wonder what the future holds… you can’t see it but with a little thought can appreciate the direction of travel towards a multi-skilled workforce moving between clinical settings, skilled and recognised as an integral part of the healthcare landscape. A colleague said, we spend ages giving Paramedics additional knowledge and skills, only to lose them to GP practices, walkin centres and other settings. But isn’t this a testimony to the worth of Paramedics as professionals, whilst I’d probably be in trouble for promoting this, I’m quietly proud that in my career I’ve seen and experienced a change in perception of the ambulance service from ‘stretcher fetchers’ to recognised practitioners with a key part to play in the future of the NHS. On a sadder note, I was at the premature funeral of a colleague this week and was struck by something said at her reading. It referred to the sacrifices we make in our own lives to work towards helping others and more importantly the sacrifices our families make to support us in that. Missed Christmas, family celebrations, changes to the day to day lives of our families this, for many other people, isn’t a consideration. It occurred to me that sometimes we probably don’t recognise the support of our family as we should and that when we do have an opportunity to be with them we should make the best possible time of it.

So if you’re due to go on holiday, have a wonderful time, make the most of the sunshine and enjoy the time you’ll share with your friends and families.

Sam English, Co-Editor Ambulance UK

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FEATURE

CRITCOMMS: A NATIONAL CROSS-SECTIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE BASED STUDY TO INVESTIGATE PREHOSPITAL HANDOVER PRACTICES BETWEEN AMBULANCE CLINICIANS AND SPECIALIST PREHOSPITAL TEAMS IN SCOTLAND David Fitzpatrick1, Michael McKenna2, Edward A. S. Duncan3, Colville Laird4, Richard Lyon5 and Alasdair Corfield6 Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine 2018 26:45 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13049-018-0512-3 © The Author(s). 2018, Received: 1 March 2018, Accepted: 14 May 2018, Published: 1 June 2018 Reproduced with permission from the Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine

Abstract Background Poor communication during patient handover is recognised internationally as a root cause of a significant proportion of preventable deaths. Improving the accuracy and quality of handover may reduce associated mortality and morbidity. Although the practice of handover between Ambulance and Emergency Department clinicians has received some attention over recent years there is little evidence to support handover best practice within the prehospital domain.

Further research is therefore urgently required to understand the most appropriate way to deliver clinical information exchange in the pre-hospital environment. We aimed to investigate current clinical information exchange practices, perceived challenges and the preferred handover mnemonic for use during transfer of high acuity patients between ambulance clinicians and specialist prehospital teams.

Methods A national, cross-sectional questionnaire study. Participants were road based ambulance clinicians (RBAC) or active members of specialist prehospital teams (SPHT) based in Scotland.

Results Over a three month study period there were 247 prehospital incidents involving specialist teams. One hundred ninety individuals completed the questionnaire; 61% [n = 116] RBAC and 39% [n = 74] SPHT. Median length of prehospital experience was 10 years (IQR 5–18).

Overall current prehospital handover practices were perceived as being effective (Mdn 4.00; IQR 3–4 [1 = very ineffective - 5 = very effective])

although SPHT clinicians rated handover effectiveness slightly lower than RBAC’s (Mdn 3.00 vs 4.00, U = 1842.5, p = .03). ‘ATMIST’ (Age, Time of onset, Medical complaint/injury, Investigation, Signs and Treatment) was deemed the mnemonic of choice. The clinical variables perceived as essential for handover are not explicitly identified within the SBAR mnemonic. The most frequently reported method of recording and transferring information during handover was via memory (n = 112 and n = 120 respectively) and ‘interruptions’ were perceived as the most significant barrier to effective handover.

Conclusion While, overall, current prehospital handover practice is perceived as effective this study has identified a number of areas for improvement.

These include the development of a shared mental model through system standardisation, innovations to support information recording and delivery, and the clear identification at incidents of a handover lead. Mnemonics must be carefully selected to ensure they explicitly contain the perceived essential clinical variables required for prehospital handover; the mnemonic ATMIST meets these requirements. New theoretically informed, evidence-based interventions, must be developed and tested within existing systems of care to minimise information loss and risk to patients.

Keywords Handover, Paramedic, Prehospital, Critical care teams, HEMS, Safety, Quality, Mnemonics

Background AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

Handover is recognised as a high-risk process frequently associated

and developed their own systems and mnemonics to aide patient

with adverse events [1, 2]. It has been defined as the “transfer of

handover [2]. But few, if any of these, have been validated within the

professional responsibility and accountability for some or all aspects of

pre-hospital domain. There are other challenges. The abundance of

care for a patient, or groups of patients, to another person or professional

available mnemonic’s [7], absence of agreed protocol and professional

group on a temporary or permanent basis” [3]. Poor communication

discretion may also be contributing to what could be described as a

during patient handover has been identified internationally as a root

mnemonics confusion across systems. This is of particular concern

cause of a significant proportion of preventable deaths [4]. Although the

as professional, social, environmental and human factors beyond the

practice of handover between Ambulance and Emergency Department

structured handover process have all been suggested as factors that

clinicians has received some attention over recent years [2, 5–7] there is

influence handover effectiveness [2]. Many of these factors are likely

little evidence on handover best practice within the pre-hospital domain.

to be amplified in the pre-hospital setting where there are multi-agency

Pre-hospital services have therefore taken a pragmatic approach

responses and clinicians manage patients in exposed, noisy,

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FEATURE potentially dangerous environments with limited resource and clinical

after clinical interrogation within the Ambulance Control Centre [25].

capabilities [6, 8–10]. It is unsurprising therefore, that handover has

They offer unique knowledge, skills, equipment and resource not held

been highlighted as a WHO priority area for research [2, 11].

by standard RBAC and respond to incidents across Scotland. For example, Special Operations Response Teams consist of Paramedics

As trauma networks and specialist prehospital trauma teams have

and Technicians (and non-clinical staff) who bring specialist knowledge,

been developed to provide advanced medical and trauma care

equipment, vehicles and resource to support operations in specific

for time critical, high acuity patients [12–16] the importance of

hazardous environments such as CBRN, water rescue and multi-

prehospital handover is increasingly apparent. Despite these teams

casualty incidents. SAR, also paramedic led, provide care on behalf

being a very welcome addition to a prehospital care system, timely

of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, responding frequently to

and accurate tasking of their resources remains a challenge [17].

incidents in mountainous or coastal areas across Scotland (and the

Specialist prehospital teams often arrive as a secondary resource, thus

UK). HEMS provide a blended approach delivering paramedic led

necessitating clinical handover from road based ambulance clinicians.

or Prehospital Critical Care Team led (Physician and Critical Care

Although mnemonics do exist to support clinical handover these can

Practitioner) care tailored to the acuity level and clinical requirements

lack content specificity and may be problematic in health care systems

of the patient/s. They provide critical care that includes advanced

using different mnemonics [6, 18]. Furthermore, a recent review found

clinical decision making, induction and maintenance of anaesthesia,

little evidence to support the standardisation of handover processes

cardiovascular management and complex invasive interventions – of

and suggested that the function of mnemonics was uncertain [2].

which most are currently beyond the scope of the UK based paramedic.

Despite mnemonics being recommended for use between Ambulance

BASICS responders, principally General Practitioners, provide a life-line

Clinicians and Emergency Departments [19, 20], the suitability of these

of additional clinical support to RBAC in more remote and rural areas of

in the prehospital setting remains unknown and their use variable [21].

Scotland where ambulance resources are scarce.

Further research is therefore urgently required to understand the most appropriate way to deliver clinical information exchange in the pre-

Questionnaire development

hospital environment.

A pragmatic three-stage approach was used to develop the questionnaire. Stage one: two authors undertook a scoping review of the literature to identify key papers on prehospital and emergency

Aim

department handover. Key themes were identified, in particular barriers and facilitators, that along with clinical experiences of investigators, were

To investigate current clinical information exchange practices, perceived challenges and the preferred handover mnemonic for use during transfer of high acuity, time critical patients between road based

used to inform the development of a draft questionnaire. These were formed into multi-choice questions or statements aimed at measuring the extent to which these factors impacted on prehospital handover. Key

ambulance clinicians (RBAC) and specialist pre-hospital teams (SPHT).

questions and areas of investigation, with their respective measures, are

Methods

Stage two: one key stakeholder from each of the specialist services

presented in Table 1 (on next page).

(outlined below) reviewed and recommended changes to the questionnaire. These individuals were identified through the Scottish

Design An online cross-sectional questionnaire.

Ambulance Service professional networks and selected due to their role within their respective specialist team and expert knowledge in prehospital emergency care.

Setting The study was undertaken in Scotland where the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) is the national provider of prehospital emergency care, covering 30,420 sqm, serving a population of 5.4 million [22] and responding to circa 560,000 emergency calls per annum [23]. The service is primarily set within an Anglo-American model of care [24]

• SAS ambulance clinicians (road ambulance crew) – Paramedic and Technician led.

• Emergency Medical Retrieval Service/Tayside Trauma Team/Lothian Medic One clinicians – Physician led.

whereby road based Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) deliver the majority of care. However, occasionally support is required from specialist paramedic teams with expertise on chemical, Emergency Services (HEMS)/Search and Rescue (SAR), voluntary organisations such as British Association of Immediate Care (BASICS) and Physician led Specialist Prehospital Teams. Such extended services, particularly the inclusion of specialist critical care teams, provide an approach more akin to the Franco-German, physician led

• SAS Helimed aircrew (Inverness, Glasgow and Perth) – paramedic led.

• BASICS Scotland responders – mix of Physician, Paramedic and Nurse led.

• SAS Special Operations Response Teams Ambulance Clinicians – Paramedic and Technician led.

model of care [24].

Stage three: an iterative process of further revisions by all authors Pre-hospital specialist teams

produced a final draft questionnaire. This was sent to identified

SPHT are despatched through a variety of channels; i) on request by

members of each service to test the questionnaire’s ease of

RBAC, ii) automatically via Medical Priority Despatch Systems, or iii)

comprehension and completion and led to a small number of revisions.

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) and technical rescue, Helicopter

• Bristows Search and Rescue Aircrew – paramedic led.

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FEATURE Table 1 Key areas of questioning with scales/unit of measurement Question/statement

Scale/Unit of measurement

• Perceived of handoverwith scales/unit of measurement Table 1 Keyeffectiveness areas of questioning • Confidence that you have provided all essential information during handover Question/statement

1 – not at all effective to 5 - very effective

Confidenceeffectiveness that you have received all essential information during handover •• Perceived of handover

1 – not at all effective to 5 - very effective

Importance that of patient involvement process •• Confidence you have provided inallhandover essential information during handover

to 5 – to very 11-–not notimportant at all confident 5 –important very confident

1 – not at all confident to 5 – very confident Scale/Unit of measurement

Importance that of a structured handoverall essential information during handover •• Confidence you have received Importance of onpatient mutually agreeing a in handover time and location •• Importance involvement handover process

1- not important to 5 – very important

variableshandover for handover •• Perceived Importanceessential of a structured

List of variables

Recording and information •• Importance on delivery mutuallyofagreeing a handover time and location Preferred mnemonic for prehospital handover •• Perceived essential variables for handover

List of variables

How professional acknowledges receipt of information •• Recording and delivery of information •• Acknowledging receipt information Preferred mnemonic forofprehospital handover

1 – never to 5 – always

How professional often the patient is involvedreceipt in the of handover process •• How acknowledges information Barriers to effective handover •• Acknowledging receipt of information

1 – never to 5 – always

Repeating handover •• How often information the patient during is involved in the handover process •• Barriers Barriers to to effective effective handover handover (how often they impact) Difficulty ininformation finding timeduring to prepare and deliver handover •• Repeating handover

1 – very difficult to 5 – very easy

Timing of •• Barriers to handover effective handover (how often they impact)

Time in minutes

• Difficulty in finding time to prepare and deliver handover

1 – very difficult to 5 – very easy

• Timing of handover

Time in minutes

Data definitions

rates [26], were e-mailed to all clinicians who were involved in the

A number of current handover mnemonics were included with

identified incidents. To identify the members of the SPHT an e-mail

participants’ afforded the opportunity to include additional mnemonics if

invitation was also sent to a central co-ordinator in each of the SPHT

theirs was not listed (Table 2).

who forwarded to the members of their respective specialist services, involved in the incidents identified, for completion. E-mails included

Study sample and recruitment

a study information document and hyperlink to the online survey

Existing ambulance data systems permit the identification of ambulance

platform with supporting information video. Consent was presumed by

crews by call sign and then individual crew members by pay number.

completion of the questionnaire. A reminder e-mail was sent out after 3

However, Ambulance Clinicians do not consistently and routinely

weeks.

record details that identify the crew member/s who provide or receive a handover. To ensure our questionnaire was targeted at the population

Data analysis

under investigation a search of the ambulance call database was

Questionnaire results were analysed using SPSS v19. Summary

undertaken. This facilitated the identification of only those ambulances

statistics were presented as a frequency, percentage, median (M) and

(call signs and therefore crew members) that had been in attendance

an interquartile range (IQR). Where relevant comparisons were made

at an incident involving any one of the pre-identified SPHT between July

between RBAC and SPHT. Non-parametric measures were used to

and September 2016 (the previous 3 months). Personalised invitations,

analyse these data, as their distribution was not normal, with a p < 0.05

informed by evidence-based methods aimed at improving response

deemed significant.

Table 2 List of included mnemonics Mnemonic

Breakdown

ASHICE Sex, History, Injuries, Condition, Expected Time of Arrival Table 2 ListAge, of included mnemonics DeMIST DeMIST – Patient Demographics, Injuries Sustained, Symptoms and Signs, Treatments given Mnemonic Breakdown

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

MIST ASHICE

Mechanism of Injury, Injuries Sustained or suspected, – vital signs, Treatments initiated (and timing) Age, Sex, History, Injuries, Condition, Expected Time ofSigns Arrival

SBAR DeMIST

Situation,– Background, Assessment, Recommendations DeMIST Patient Demographics, Injuries Sustained, Symptoms and Signs, Treatments given

IMIST MIST AMBO SBAR ATMIST IMIST De MIST AMBO

Identification,ofMechanism/Medical complaint, Injuries/Relevant info,signs, SignsTreatments (vital), Treatment Trends, Allergies, Medication, Mechanism Injury, Injuries Sustained or suspected, Signs – vital initiatedand (and timing) Background History, Other info Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendations Age [inc. name], Time of onset, Medical Complaint/History or Mechanism, Investigations/Injuries, Signs, Treatment Identification, Mechanism/Medical complaint, Injuries/Relevant info, Signs (vital), Treatment and Trends, Allergies, Medication, Patient Demographics, Mechanism, Injuries sustained or expected, Signs – vital signs, Treatment Background History, Other info

SOAP ATMIST

Subjective information, Information, Assessment, or Pain Age [inc. name], Time ofObjective onset, Medical Complaint/History Mechanism, Investigations/Injuries, Signs, Treatment

De MIST

Patient Demographics, Mechanism, Injuries sustained or expected, Signs – vital signs, Treatment

SOAP

Subjective information, Objective Information, Assessment, Pain

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FEATURE

Fig. 1 mnemonic awareness and usage across participants

Fig. 1 mnemonic awareness and usage across participants Results

There were 247 pre-hospital incidents involving specialist teams over the 3 month study period. One hundred ninety individuals completed the questionnaire. Overall, responders were experienced prehospital care providers; number of years practicing Median 10 (IQR 5–18). Roadbased ambulance clinicians made up 61% (n = 116) of participants with the remaining 39% (n = 73) from the five specialist services.

Used and preferred mnemonics All participants reported using more than one mnemonic. The three mnemonics with the highest frequency counts for both awareness and usage were SBAR, ATMIST and ASCHICE respectively (Fig. 1).

as being either ‘effective’ or ‘very effective’ (Mdn 4.00;IQR 3–4).

Occasionally RBAC receive handovers, particularly where a SPHT has arrived before the ambulance resource. This is most likely to occur with HEMS where there is no requirement for aeromedical evacuation or where specialised teams have extricated a patient who subsequently required ambulance conveyance to the Emergency Department. It was therefore imperative to measure and compare both perspectives. SPHT reported a slightly lower perceived handover effectiveness rating than RBAC with 54% (n = 40) of SPHT compared to 78% (n = 90) of RBAC’s rating handover as either ‘effective’ or ‘very effective’; SPHT (Mdn = 4; IQR = 3–4) vs. RBAC (Mdn = 4; IQR = 4–4), U = 3344.0, p = 0.003.

When rating their personal confidence in the provision of essential information during handover, overall, participants scored a median rating of 4 (IQR 4–4) with 75% (n = 144) reporting feeling either

The single preferred mnemonic for prehospital use was ATMIST;

‘confident’ or ‘very confident’. There was no difference between RBAC

n = 67/184 (36%), followed by ASHICE n = 35/184 (19%) and SBAR

and SPHT’s in self-reported handover confidence ratings. Conversely

n = 31/184 (17%) (Fig. 2).

however, participants reported feeling less confident that they received all essential information during handover (Mdn = 3; IQR 3–4). Between-

Perceived effectiveness and confidence in existing handover practices

group analysis identified that those clinicians in the SPHT’s felt slightly

Overall, two thirds of participants (68%; n = 130) reported handover

less confident that they had received all essential information during

Fig. 2 Mnemonic preference

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

Fig. 2 Mnemonic preference

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FEATURE

Fig. 3 Frequency count of items felt essential for prehospital handover

handover (Mdn = 3; IQR2–4) when compared to RBAC (Mdn = 3; IQR

‘environmental hazards’. The specialist teams had a narrower

3–4), U = 3559.5, p = 0.03.

distribution and more skewed towards ‘sometimes’ to ‘often’ (i.e. ratings 3 to 4 on the Likert scale of 1 – never to 5 – always) for both

Perceived essential variables for handover

structured process and variability in handover (Table 3).

Twenty-six variables were identified from published handover mnemonics. Participants were asked to select which of these they

Views and experiences of the handover process

considered essential for delivery during handover. Figure 3 presents

Preparatory effort, timing and location of handover

the frequency counts of participant’s responses. The participant’s

Although there were a high number of neutral responses (n = 77,

prioritisation of essential clinical variables has high face validity with

41% [Mdn = 3; IQR 2–3]), almost half of all responders (48%; n = 92)

many of the higher priority variables independently, or in aggregation,

felt it was either ‘difficult’ to ‘very difficult’ to find time to prepare for

being those that may provide an immediate clinical impression

prehospital handover.

of the patient [27, 28]. Despite this, one particular variable stood out as receiving an unexpectedly low count; ‘illness’. This was

Perceptions of time (in minutes) required for handover preparation

noteworthy, as in practice the presenting condition is broadly

and then delivery were measured separately in minutes and show

categorised as either medical (illness) or trauma (injury). Although

a bi-modal distribution. For preparation, overall, 77.4% (n = 147) of

reasons for these differences were not explored, there are a number

participants felt that up to 3 min was required. However, almost 20%

of possible explanations. First, our separation and ordering of

(n = 37) of responders felt they required up to 5 min to prepare. On

variables within the questionnaire may have influenced participant’s

the time required to deliver a handover, 91% (n = 174) of participants

selection. Second, many of the existing handover mnemonics

stated they required up to 3 min. From this sub-group of participants,

omit the variable ‘illness’ [7] and so it is possible that this impacts

the largest proportion (57%; n = 100/174) reported they required only

clinicians’ awareness. And finally, it may be that the nature of calls

up to 1 min to deliver a handover. The need to identify an appropriate

requiring SPHT involvement (predominantly trauma) have influenced

‘location’ and ‘time’ for handover was felt to be either ‘important’ to

participant’s perceptions of the importance of specific variables.

‘very important’ in 77% (n = 145) and 69% (n = 131) of participants respectively; (‘Location’ Mdn = 2; IQR 1–2; ‘Timing’ Mdn = 2; IQR 1–2).

Barriers to effective handover The occurrence of perceived potential barriers to handover were AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

measured. A Likert scale was used to measure frequency (Never - 1

Acknowledging receipt of information

to Always – 5). Overall, ‘interruptions’ received the highest mean

Participants’ experiences of three aspects of post-handover

rating, followed by ‘Variability in handover mnemonic’, ‘Lack of co-

feedback were sought. 41% (n = 78) of participants reported they

ordination between responders’ and ‘Lack of structured process’.

‘often’ or ‘always’ received immediate acknowledgement of their

Noteworthy too were the perceived frequency of ‘lack of clear

handover, with 50% (n = 94) only ‘sometimes’. When feedback was

professional lead’, ‘poor verbal communication’ and ‘absence of

received this was mostly via a verbal ‘thank you’ (81%; n = 153),

written clinical information’; all key components required to support

however 51% (n = 96) did also report those receiving handover

a robust handover. Small but significant differences were found

perform a ‘read back’ of the information provided. 84% (n = 158) of

between the two groups mean rankings for three of the variables

participants stated they ‘sometimes’, ‘often’ or ‘always’ had to repeat

tested, ‘lack of structured process’, ‘variability in handover’ and

information during handover.

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FEATURE Table 3 Perceived barriers to prehospital handover Variable measured (listed in order of frequency)

All Mean (Standard Deviation)

Road Crews (Standard Deviation)

Specialist Teams

All Median (IQR)

Road Crews (n = 116) Median (IQR)

Specialist Teams Difference Median (IQR) between Groups p value (U)

Interruptions

3.26 (.813)

3.21 (.818)

3.35 (.801)

3.00 (2– 3)

3 (2–3)

3 (3–4)

.224

Variability in handover mnemonic

3.09 (.953)

2.97 (.950)

3.28 (.929)

3.00 (2– 4)

3 (2–4)

3 (3–4)

.034*

Lack of co-ordination between responders

3.09 (.761)

3.04 (.773)

3.16 (.741)

3.00 (3– 4)

3 (3–4)

3 (3–4)

.222

Lack of structured process

3.07 (.879)

2.95 (.863)

3.26 (.877)

3.00 (2– 4)

3 (2–4)

3 (3–4)

.022*

Lack of clear professional lead

3.01 (.813)

2.94 (.816)

3.11 (.804)

3.00 (2– 4)

3 (2–3)

3 (3–4)

.141

Poor verbal communication

2.97 (.856)

2.90 (.882)

3.08 (.807)

3.00 (2– 3)

3 (2–3)

3 (3–4)

.090

Absence of written clinical information

2.96 (.844)

2.91 (.875)

3.05 (.792)

3.00 (2– 4)

3 (2–3)

3 (2.75–4)

.228

Hazards relating to the TYPE of incident

2.75 (.860)

2.66 (.814)

2.89 (.915)

3.00 (2– 4)

3 (2–3)

3 (2–4)

.064

Environmental hazards

2.74 (.791)

2.62 (.798)

2.93 (.746)

3.00 (2– 3)

3 (2–3)

3 (2–3)

.004*

Multi-agency involvement: too many

2.74 (.853)

2.71 (.856)

2.77 (.853)

3.00 (2– 3)

3 (2–3)

3 (2–3)

.943

Difficulties in triage priorities during multi-casualty incident

2.67 (.795)

2.59 (.807)

2.79 (.763)

3.00 (2– 3)

3 (2–3)

3 (2–3)

.204

Inappropriate location of handover

2.54 (.784)

2.46 (.832)

2.67 (.853)

3.00 (2– 3)

3 (2–3)

3 (2–3)

.106

Lack of professionalism

2.54 (.872)

2.58 (.886)

2.49 (.852)

2.00 (2– 3)

2 (2–3)

2 (2–3)

.673

Handover timing too early

2.48 (.762)

2.43 (.829)

2.54 (.645)

2.00 (2– 3)

2 (2–3)

3 (2–3)

.354

Handover timing too late

2.40 (.783)

2.33 (.814)

2.50 (.726)

2.00 (2– 3)

2 (2–3)

2.5 (2–3)

.117

p value obtained with Mann-Whitney U test; * donates a significant difference between RBAC and SPHT

Recording and delivery of information

Involving patients in the handover process

All SAS ambulance clinicians are issued with paper-based clinical

58% of participants (n = 110) felt it was either ‘important’ or ‘very

guideline pocket books (size A6) that contain handover mnemonics

important’ to involve the patient in the handover process, with 27%

within. However, these do not contain corresponding field boxes to

(n = 52) expressing neutral thoughts and the remaining 15% (n = 28)

facilitate clinical data recording. Our questions therefore focused

‘unimportant’ or ‘not at all important’. There was a positive correlation

on the participant’s method/s to record and deliver clinical data for

between those who felt it important to involve patients in handover and

handover, rather than on whether they used any particular mnemonic

self-reported involvement of patient during handover (r = .617, n = 190,

card as an ‘aide memoire’ to support this process. To ensure a more accurate representation of current practices, and identify possible

p < .001).

inconsistencies in clinical data recording and delivery, participants were permitted to select from a range of possible supporting was considerable variation in participant’s responses. The most frequently reported methods for the recording and delivery of clinical

Discussion This study, to our knowledge, is the first to investigate handover between

information during handover were ‘committed to memory’ (60%;

prehospital road based ambulance clinicians and specialist prehospital

n = 113) and ‘verbally from memory’ (63%; n = 120) respectively. Also

services. One hundred ninety experienced prehospital practitioners, who

commonly used were electronic Patient Report Forms (ePRF) and

were involved in 247 incidents over a four month period, completed the

scrap paper to record and support the delivery of clinical information

questionnaire. While handover was generally thought to be effective,

used to support handover; ePRF recording (60%; n = 112) and

practices appear highly variable across Scotland. The recommended

delivery (57%; n = 109); scrap paper for recording (51%; n = 97) and

SBAR mnemonic is not always used, nor is it the preferred mnemonic

delivery (37%; n = 71).

for supporting prehospital handover. Furthermore, this study has

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

recording and delivery methods. As such, unsurprisingly, there

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FEATURE established that there are diverse challenges that impact on the

be high during such incidents. It is reasonable to presume then, when

exchange of clinical information between those primarily providing

key clinical information is not written down or recorded, some will be

(RBAC) and receiving (SPHT) essential clinical information. Barriers to

forgotten or imprecise recall will interfere with the sharing of accurate

effective handover were apparent and occasional small differences in

clinical data. Studies from the in-hospital environment have reported

opinions on handover quality were identified between the SPHT and the

similar issues in the delivery and receipt of handover information [5, 6].

RBAC. Collectively, these exposed challenges are of concern, but this

Undoubtedly, these issues too have the potential to impact on patient

new understanding provides us with an opportunity to focus on service

safety. Although our data indicates many participants also reported

improvement and further research.

using the electronic Patient Report Form (ePRF) to record information for handover, during high acuity calls the ePRF often remains in the

Key challenges

treatment area of the ambulance. This technology is therefore not

The gathering, synthesis, construction and delivery of a detailed yet

immediately available to the RBAC. The ePRF is used, but often

succinct handover demands considerable cognitive effort as well as

completed retrospectively, evidence also by the recognised frequency

time. Our study confirms that the handover challenges identified within

of an ‘absence of written clinical information’ as a barrier to effective

the prehospital setting are similar to those identified within the ED

handover (Table 3). These clear limitations to the existing ePRF system

literature [29] and thus some of the previously developed evidence

result in RBAC, during the incident, often resorting to the manual,

may be transferrable to the prehospital setting. There were a number of

contemporaneous recording of these data on scrap paper or the back

elements identified within the current system that appear to impede the

of a gloved hand. A practice also identified by others [38, 39] and one

handover process and that require attention.

that is not without its own inherent risks.

First, many participants reported it difficult to generate time to prepare

And fourth, the inconsistent use of mnemonics, lack of co-ordination

for handover, a particular challenge within a resource-limited setting.

and structured processes were all identified as key issues in handover.

Preparation is often inadequate but forms an essential component of

Manser and Foster [1] recommend the development of a share mental

the handover process [11]. The current adhoc approach during the

model for handover between teams, however this is unachievable

preparation and exchange of clinical information will likely add to an

where such inconsistencies exists. The importance of consistency in

already increasing cognitive burden. Indeed Cognitive Load Theory

handover is also emphasised in the study by Starmer et al. [40] where a

has recently been used to further understanding of the complexities

23% decrease in medical error rate post-introduction of a standardised

of handover and has determined that multiple factors are associated

handover process was reported. The issues on consistency in our

with different types of cognitive load; sensory, working and long term

study may have therefore contributed to ‘interruptions’ being identified

memory [30]. The ‘working memory’ used during handover is finite,

as the most frequent barrier to effective handover. Interruptions can

with limited capacity, being capable of holding only 4 to 7 (± 2) ‘units’

occur during handover when the receiver seeks information pertinent

of information at a time [30]. It is reasonable therefore to suggest that

to them that was missed by the provider. It is recognised from in-

the current variable preparatory process is detracting clinicians either in

hospital handover literature that the perceived quality of handover is

the preparation of a handover or from other important aspects of care

dependent on the expectations of those receiving it [5]. This may also

delivery. These factors may also impact negatively on patient safety

provide some explanation as to why SPHT rated handover quality

[31–33].

slightly lower than RBAC – expectations of handover differed. Similar difficulties, particularly around interruptions, have also been described

Second, our study exposed the relatively frequent absence of an

within the Emergency Department setting [5, 9, 41]. Notably these

identified professional lead as a barrier to handover. Participants also

have been identified as a potential contributor to clinical error [41].

highlighted the importance of agreeing the timing and location of

Such expectations may be managed more effectively, therefore, via

handover. It would be difficult to undertake the latter in the absence of

the introduction of a shared mental model of handover [11, 42]. These

a clear ‘lead’ and indeed other studies have demonstrated significant

must be considered within the context of any future handover process

improvements in clinical care from the introduction of an active team

introduced.

lead [34, 35]. Where a clear professional lead is identified, the initial engagement required to establish the timing and location of handover

Considerations on developing more effective handover

may enable the restoration of a degree of control in these challenging

Providing high quality handover is dependent on multiple factors.

environments and is therefore recommended.

To determine that there exists national inconsistencies in handover approach was of significant concern. And in recognising that there

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

Third, although we did not fully explore the physical format in which

is currently no ideal, evidence-based and definitive solution to this

participants used aide-memoires to support handover, we did

challenge, clinicians should reflect on the existing evidence to determine

investigate participants’ methods of clinical data recording and

whether the introduction of a nationally agreed and standardised

subsequent transfer during handover. The preference by many to use

mnemonic could support prehospital handover by reducing variability

‘memory’ to both record and deliver handover information is concerning.

and, therefore, the recognised mnemonics confusion. It would be

Previous research has identified that only 33% of data is retained on

illogical to ignore the evidence that is available, particularly that which

first handover when relying on memory alone, but where standardised,

suggests that an agreed, standardised mnemonic can reduce handover

printed forms are used, data retention can increase to almost 100%

duration, repetition, improve structure and consistency and also the

[36]. One study within the ED setting demonstrated less than 50% of

promotion of the shared mental model concept [1, 6].

the information provided during paramedic handover was retained by ED staff [37]. As has previously been discussed, cognitive load will

Solutions that are more pragmatic may also lend support to reducing

132 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

FEATURE cognitive demand during handover. For example, the reliance on

improvements in handover. This study provides a comparator (or

memory to record and deliver clinical information may indicate a need

benchmark) for future investigations in this area of care.

to develop some novel interventions to ease these processes for prehospital clinicians. There are known low [43] and high tech solutions

The results and associated concerns have also been discussed

[38, 39] available that possess the potential to free up significant time

within the context of the available literature. Perhaps unsurprisingly

and therefore cognitive effort required for handover preparation and

exposing that prehospital and in-hospital handover share similar

delivery in these high fidelity settings. The need to identify a clear

challenges. There is little published evidence of the risks associated

handover lead, as has been previously discussed, is also essential and

with prehospital handover, however medical error rates associated

should be incorporated into any system. Although, developing these

with handover in hospital are well evidenced and are a significant

skills would rely on additional education and rehearsal in handover

problem [3, 40]. Given these similarities in handover challenges,

[5] and increased resource. Identification and understanding these

prehospital providers would be unwise to ignore this risk due to a lack

many factors that impact on handover emphasise the complexities of

of published evidence within their own professional domain. These

handover and the predictable need for a multi-modal intervention to

similarities should motivate us to question whether the demonstrable

support the process. And so, in the absence of high quality evidence

success in improving handover within hospital, in particular reducing

there remains a need for greater understanding in this area. New

medical error rates [40], are reproducible within the prehospital

theoretically informed [1], evidence-based interventions, must be

setting. This conclusion strengthens the need for research in this area

developed and tested within existing systems of care.

of care. Further objective measures of handover quality (subjective and objective) are required, including medical error rates, on which

Limitations

the success or failure of future interventions may be measured.

Internal validity

Although the pragmatic mnemonic alone may lack the power to

The true efficacy of handover would require more objective, validated

provide a definitive solution to the handover problem, there is merit

measures [1]. We invited all individuals who attended these incidents

in including this as a part of a theoretically informed, multi-modal

over the study period to participate, however, there may have been

intervention within the context of the shared mental model [11].

response bias in those that chose to respond to the invitation and participate. It was also likely that some relevant questions were not included but we attempted to minimise this through an iterative approach to questionnaire design and the inclusion of experts in prehospital care in its development.

Declarations Acknowledgements Stakeholder Group: Many thanks to Mr. Colin Crookston, Mr. Keith

External validity This study provides an understanding of the perceptions and experiences of key professionals providing prehospital care across Scotland. The transferability of these results to prehospital services beyond Scotland, and the UK, is not known, but should be acknowledged as a limitation of this study. We did not obtain the views of certain groups such as Mountain Rescue, Community First Responders, Fire and Rescue as we decided to include only those registered as Medical, Nursing, Health Care Professionals and EMTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

As with all surveys a self-selection bias may impact on the results of this study.

Colver, Dr. Mike Donald, Dr. Randall McRoberts, Mr. Graeme Hay, Mr. John Pritchard and Mr. John Thomson who all provided expert input and feedback on the questionnaire and general aspects of the study.

For feedback on questionnaire design: Ms. Nicola Lawrie, Ms. Claire Greenhill, Mr. Brian Walker.

Mr. Derek Milligan for providing data on ambulance and specialists team call signs and John Henderson for identification of e-mails used for study invitations. Significant thanks to all prehospital clinicians from across Scotland and within the respective services who kindly used their valuable time to participate in this study.

We would also like to express our sincere thanks to the reviewers

Conclusion

who provided detailed feedback on the manuscript thus improving its quality and readability.

No previously published study has investigated the practice of Availability of data and materials

positive perceptions of handover our study identified significant

The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are

practice and mnemonic variation across Scotland. These variations

not publicly available but are available from the corresponding author

were apparent at individual level, between participants and

on reasonable request. Please email david.fitzpatrick@stir.ac.uk for

between prehospital teams. Although Wood et al. [2] concluded

access.

that mnemonics alone do not necessarily improve handover, there is some evidence to suggest they can reduce variability [6] and as

Authorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; contributions

part of a broader handover system can significantly reduce medical

MM came up with the original question. DF and MM refined the

errors [40]. Our results were therefore of concern. However, we now

question and designed the methods. All authors DF, MM, ED, CL,

have evidence of the practical challenges that prehospital teams

RL and AC contributed to the questionnaire development. DF and

face during handover; barriers that affect handover, concerns around

MM analysed the data. All authors contributed to the discussion

contemporaneous data recording and the need to have a clearly

and conclusion sections. All authors read and approved the final

identifiable handover lead. This knowledge could support future

manuscript.

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

prehospital handover between RBAC and SPHT. Despite the overall

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

FEATURE Ethics approval and consent to participate The study was deemed a service improvement project under the guidance outlined within the NHS Health Research Authority decision tool [44]. NHS Research Ethics Committee review was not therefore required. Approvals were however sought and granted from the Scottish Ambulance Service Research and Development Governance Group and Clinical Governance Groups from all participating services. Potential participants were provided with an information sheet and link to an online video outlining the aims of the study and that they did not require to participate should they chose not to. They were also free to withdraw at any time. Consent was presumed by completion of the questionnaires.

Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors’ Affiliations Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling,

1

Scotland. 2Scottish Ambulance Service, Glebe Cottage, Gairloch, Scotland. 3Nursing, Midwifery & Allied Health Professions Research Unit, University of Stirling, Scion House, Scotland, UK. 4Basics Scotland, Aberuthven Enterpise Park, Sandpiper House, Aberuthven, Scotland.

Pre-Hospital Emergency Care, School of Health Sciences, University

5

of Surrey, Guildford, UK. 6Emergency Medical Retrieval Service, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Wolfson Medical School Building, Glasgow, Scotland

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28. Sbiti-Rohr D, Kutz A, Christ-Crain M, for the ProHOSP Study Group, et al. The National Early Warning Score (NEWS) for outcome prediction in emergency department patients with communityacquired pneumonia: results from a 6-year prospective cohort study. BMJ Open. 2016. Online: http://bmjopen.bmj.com/ content/6/9/e011021.long. Accessed 18 May 2018.

www.hra-decisiontools.org.uk/research/about.html. Accessed 5 July 2016.

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NEWSLINE SECAMB

Man who had to learn to walk again reunited with ambulance team A Crawley man who was paralysed after suffering a fall from height has been reunited with the ambulance team who came to his aid.

Youth worker, Oluwa Winzenburg, 32, fractured his C5 and C6 vertebrae and severely damaged his spinal cord when he suffered the fall from height at an outdoor centre in

Rachel Cunliffe handled the 999 call.

Oluwa was taken to St George’s Hospital in Tooting where he underwent emergency surgery lasting more than seven hours to repair his vertebrae.

The expert treatment at St George’s was just the start of Oluwa’s journey.

Following a month-long stay in St George’s, Oluwa was transferred to the Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital in Aylesbury, an independent rehabilitation centre, for intense rehabilitation to retrain his body and in particular his right-hand side to move.

Surrey on 3 December 2017.

Oluwa, who fell approximately seven metres, was assessed and carefully immobilised by South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) crews, Amanda

Oluwa’s rehabilitation continued at the Royal Buckinghamshire, with his hard work paying off as he took his first unaided steps on March 7, a little over three months since his fall.

Yeap, Gordon Brown, Paula Kennelly and George Crowdy after Emergency Medical Advisor

Following discharge from hospital on 30 April, Oluwa, who

is continuing to undergo further physiotherapy, took the time recently to thank the SECAmb teams in person, attending the Trust’s Make Ready Centre in Crawley with his mother, Christiane.

lovely to hear how well Oluwa is doing. The team worked really well together and Oluwa’s dedication to his rehab is amazing to see. It’s been great to meet him again in person and on behalf of the whole team I wish him and his family all the very best for the

He said: “I just wanted to say thank you in person for everything everyone did. Without their actions on the day of the fall, none of the rest of my recovery would have been possible. They took me directly to the best place in St George’s. I’m very pleased to have met everyone. I’m just so grateful.”

Oluwa’s mother Christiane said: “I’m so thankful to the ambulance team. They managed everything fantastically. It’s so amazing how everything has turned out.

Whenever I see an ambulance now I look at it with a different perspective.”

future.”

Oluwa added: “I’ve got a long way to go still but I’m definitely on the right track and looking forward to further progress.”

SWASFT

Dream comes true for terminally ill, Jamie, 10 Paramedics from South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) helped to make 10-year-old Jamie’s dream come true when they trained him up to become

Paramedic Amanda said: “It’s

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

138 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

a ‘paramedic’ for the day.

Video laryngoscopy wherever and NEWSLINE whenever you intubate Jamie has the terminal genetic

with our manikin HAL (a Gaumard

condition, Neurofibromatosis,

high-fidelity manikin) who can

which causes tumours to grow

replicate any medical emergency.

along his nerves. Despite not

Jamie enjoyed responding to

being very well, Jamie likes playing

the incidents in our emergency

paramedic games at home.

ambulance on full blue lights and

His greatest wish is to become

sirens. He’s amazing and took on

a member of the emergency

board all our clinical instruction.

services, helping other people.

He’s definitely a future paramedic in the making.

The event was organised by Rays of Sunshine children’s charity,

“Now Jamie can do basic life

who help brighten the lives of

support, he can take blood

children who are living with

pressure and temperature as well

serious or life-limiting illnesses.

as checking vital observations and give life-saving CPR compressions

Jamie said: “I feel honoured to be

which he carried out on HAL and

chosen to work as a paramedic

other crew members. Jamie

for the day. I would like to thank

can also give lifestyle and eating

everyone for making my wish

advice to keep people healthy as

come true.”

well as scoop and load patients onto a trolley. He was really fun

Jamie’s day began at the

to have over and we all wish him

SWASFT North Bristol Operations

all the very best from the team at

Centre where paramedics

South Western Ambulance Service.

taught him some basic life-

A big thank-you to the crew that

saving techniques. Jamie then

helped on the day.”

travelled to the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC)

Rebecca Miller, PR and Digital

airfield, learning how the critical

Communications Manager for

care team use their specialist

GWAAC, said: “It was a pleasure

skills and equipment to treat the

to welcome Jamie and his

most critically ill patients at the

family to the Great Western Air

scene of an incident.

Ambulance Charity air base, and to help make his wish come true.

Jamie’s mum, Mary, said: “Jamie’s

Members of our Critical Care team

expectations for his wish day were

– a crew of specialist paramedics

totally surpassed, all thanks to the

and doctors – ran through some

Rays of Sunshine organisation, and

simulations with Jamie, and he

SWASFT ambulance/air ambulance

got the opportunity to meet the

services. This was an amazing,

pilot and sit in the helicopter and

once in a lifetime experience, not

Critical Care cars. We had a great

only for Jamie, but for us all! We

afternoon showing Jamie the

could have never have fulfilled

ropes and we were impressed

Jamie’s wish to become a real life

with his paramedic skills!”

paramedic without help from Rays Jane Sharpe, CEO of Rays of

would like to thank everyone from

Sunshine, added: “We can’t be

the bottom of our hearts, who were

more thankful to Great Western Air

involved in making Jamie’s dream

Ambulance Charity and the South

a reality.”

Western Ambulance Service NHS

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

of Sunshine. Jamie and ourselves

www.intersurgical.co.uk/info/iview

Foundation Trust for helping us Rebecca Wilson, Paramedic

pull off such an incredible wish.

Learning and Development

Every day Rays of Sunshine

Officer, for SWASFT said: “We

gives brave and deserving young

really enjoyed having Jamie train

people the chance to put their

with us. We put together a number

illness on hold and Jamie’s wish

of emergency training scenarios

is no exception.”

Quality, innovation and choice

139

NEWSLINE SECAMB

SECAmb supports HeForShe campaign

“Some of our police and fire colleagues locally have already signed up and we want to be involved in helping create a

South East Coast Ambulance

gender equal world.

Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) is pledging its

“It is everyone’s responsibility to

commitment for ‘HeForShe’, a

address gender inequality and

global solidarity campaign for

not something that only those

the advancement of women.

who are negatively affected by it should be concerned

The campaign, initiated by UN

with. I look forward to working

Women, invites people around

with everyone at the Trust

the world to ‘stand together

and closely with our blue light

to create a bold, visible force

colleagues and other partners

for gender equality’. Its goal

to further ensure SECAmb is a

is to engage men and boys as

workplace where everyone is

agents of change for gender

treated fairly and equally.”

equality by encouraging them to take action against negative inequalities faced by women and girls.

Locally, SECAmb joins Sussex

Find out more about HeForShe here: http://www.heforshe.org/en

and Surrey police as well as East Sussex and West Sussex fire services who have previously added their names to the campaign.

i-view™ video laryngoscope

In lending its support, SECAmb is pledging to improve the engagement, experience, development and promotion opportunities of and for women

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in its workforce and also to act as lead for the ambulance sector in the UK, encouraging other ambulance trusts to sign

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up.

Progress against the pledges will be monitored by the Trust’s Inclusion Working Group, which holds responsibility for steering the Trust’s Inclusion, Equality

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

www.intersurgical.co.uk/info/iview

and Diversity agenda in relation to both staff and patients.

SECAmb Chief Executive Daren Mochrie said: “I recognise that diverse organisations,

Quality, innovation and choice

where staff are supported and encouraged, are able to provide better patient care and I’m pleased that we are supporting this important campaign.

140 AMBULANCE_Uk_Half_Page_iview.indd 1

08/08/2018 15:55 For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

“I recognise that diverse organisations, where staff are supported and encouraged, are able to provide better patient care and I’m pleased that we are supporting this important campaign.”

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141

NEWSLINE NWAS

Ambulance service trials new role to give patients the right care closer to home A new role focused on providing patients with the right care

With vehicles equipped to treat

sure we’re providing the best care

for three years supporting

people on scene, the Urgent Care

for patients. A large proportion of

patients over the telephone so

Practitioners will do all they can

the 999 calls we receive are for

this is a great opportunity to be

to ensure the patient has the help

patients who do need support

out seeing patients and giving

they need, referring on to other

but don’t necessarily need an

face-to-face assessments.

local health services if required.

emergency ambulance to take

This is positive for patients, who

them to hospital. It is these

With our existing skills and

will be avoiding unnecessary trips

patients who the Urgent Care

to A&E, and it will help to keep

Practitioners will respond to.

closer to home is being piloted

emergency ambulances free to

at North West Ambulance

respond quickly to life-threatening

“This pilot is an exciting

Service.

incidents.

opportunity to bring new nursing skills to our frontline workforce

experience, and the additional training we’ve been given by the ambulance service, we’re perfectly placed to give patients the care and support they need. We see ourselves as trailblazers, being one of the

The Urgent Care Practitioners

The Urgent Care Practitioners

and use existing paramedic

are nurses and paramedics who

will also spend some of their

expertise to focus on helping

respond to patients who have

time working within the control

people as close to home as

called 999 but do not need an

centre. In this part of the role, if it

possible. We’ll work closely with

emergency ambulance and

is safe to do so, the Urgent Care

other health services in the local

could possibly receive support

Practitioners will use their clinical

area to make sure patients get the

and treatment at home, rather

expertise to give patients care

right care for their needs, at the

Care programme, which

than having to go to hospital.

and advice over the telephone or

right time and in the right place.”

incorporates a number of

While nurses have been part of

make onward referrals.

the ambulance workforce for a

few ambulance services in the UK to provide such a service.”

The six-month pilot is part of NWAS’ Transforming Patient

service developments and Jason Mulrooney, a nurse

initiatives focused on ensuring

number of years, it is the first time

David Ratcliffe, Medical Director at

taking on the new Urgent Care

patients get the right care, at

they will be employed in NWAS in

NWAS, said: “We are continuously

Practitioner role, said: “I’ve

the right time, in the right place,

a role responding to patients.

developing our services to make

worked for the ambulance service

every time.

Powerful solutions for EMS care

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

A surgeon must always rely on his or her own clinical judgement when deciding which treatments and procedures to use with patients. For verifying availability of Stryker products in your area please contact your Stryker representative. Copyright © 2017 Stryker. The products shown above are CE marked. Stryker Corporation or its divisions or other corporate affiliated entities own, use or have applied for the following trademarks or Service marks: Stryker, Power-PRO XT, XPS, Power-LOAD. ©2017 Physio-Control, Inc. All names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective Specifications are subject to change without notice. Not all products are available worldwide. Check the manufacturers’ Declarations of Compliance for a list of products and accessories authorised for use within the EU.

142 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

NEWSLINE HELP Appeal gives £2.25 million so far for King’s College Hospital’s new helipad

as well as sustaining an open

Lydia added: “Without the helipad

fight a fire. These savings have

femoral fracture, a fractured wrist

Tom may not have made it in time.

been allocated to other lifesaving

and forearm, a dislocated elbow

This whole experience has had

services.

and severe haemorrhaging.

such a dramatic effect on all our lives, and thanks to the helipad

Robert Bertram said:

After his partner, Lydia Clark,

and team at King’s our family has

described Tom’s injuries to

been kept together. Looking back

“We are delighted that the HELP

the 999 call operator the

I can see how much difference the

Appeal can continue to fulfil its

decision was made to send an

extra minutes the helipad saves

pledge to King’s College Hospital

air ambulance, which arrived

can make – the traffic near King’s

Charity. We are hugely grateful

King’s by air ambulance in

around 20 minutes later. Tom

was so bad on the day that Tom

to the generosity of the public

first year

was intubated at the scene

was brought in that I ended up

as we don’t receive any funding

and arrived on the helipad at

getting out of the car and running

from the government or national

King’s around 25 minutes later.

to the hospital.”

lottery. It’s great to see how our

• 162 patients brought to

• Average of four landings a week

donations have made such a

Following stabilisation in the Robert Bertram, Chief Executive

Emergency Department, Tom

King’s College Hospital’s helipad

difference to a significant number

of the HELP Appeal - the only

was moved to the Intensive Care

was the first on the mainland

of critically ill patients who’ve been

charity in the country dedicated

Unit and the next day had his

to have a DIFFS installed in

rescued from across the South of

to funding hospital helipads - has

femur fixed, wrist set and was

2016. Previously the state of the

England.”

presented a cheque for £250,000

given a tracheostomy so he

art system had only ever been

to Ian Smith, Chairman of King’s

could be woken up. He has since

used in offshore oil rigs. DIFFS

Ian Smith, Chairman of King’s

College Hospital NHS Foundation

undergone 10 hours of facial

incorporates a series of nozzles

College Hospital NHS Foundation

Trust. This latest donation brings

reconstruction and has made a

which are integrated into the

Trust added:

good recovery.

helipad and spray water and

the total amount given to £2.25 million of the Help Appeal’s £2.75 million pledge to King’s College Hospital Charity. This money has helped to build a lifesaving helipad with a Deck Integrated Fire Fighting System (DIFFS) at King’s College Hospital’s Denmark Hill campus.

foam. It can put out a fire within 15

”Thanks to the new helipad at

Tom said: “Without the helipad

seconds, allowing air ambulance

King’s College Hospital, more

I probably would have died, so

crew to continue treating and

critically ill patients can receive the

I’m so grateful for King’s and the

transferring a critically ill patient

urgent care they need quicker. We

air ambulance crew for saving

to the emergency department as

are extremely grateful to the HELP

my life. You really don’t realise

quickly as possible. DIFFS has

Appeal and its supporters for

how crucial it is until you need

allowed the hospital to reduce

funding this project to help King’s

it – thankfully my boys still have

staffing costs with firefighting

deliver life-saving care as quickly

their daddy.”

teams no longer required to

as possible.”

King’s College Hospital is one of four major trauma centres in London, serving a population of 4.5 million people from South East London to the Kent coast.

Over the past year and a half, there have been 362 landings on the helipad, which is an average of four landings every week. Previously helicopters had to land in Ruskin Park and then move patients to a road ambulance, adding 25 minutes to the emergency transfer. In the first year after the helipad opened, 162 air ambulance.

Last October, 40-year-old Tom Locke, a father of three from Hythe in Kent, fell three storeys from the roof of his house while trying to remove nesting pigeons

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

patients were brought to King’ by

from behind solar panels. He fractured every bone in his face,

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

NEWSLINE EMAS

NHS heroes from Leicester on starstudded charity single recorded at Abbey Road Studios

Midlands and recipient of the

“Then we walked in and could

Queen’s Ambulance Medal, still

see Tony Hadley in the recording

sings to many of his patients

studio, but there were lots of other

and while he is working, as well

people I recognised too – the

as at events and at his temple

members of Blue, Ashley from

to raise money for community

Diversity and Kimberley Walsh.

defibrillators and local charities.

“What was really strange was He said: “I can’t help but sing

that people came up to me and

Two NHS heroes from Leicester

at work because it is a job that

said ‘You’re Kuldip, the singing

have joined the likes of Tony

makes me happy because I like

ambulanceman – I’ve heard all

Hadley, boyband Blue, UB40 and

caring for people. Singing to them

about you.’

Beverley Knight to record a charity

also helps to relax patients. –

single to raise funds for healthcare

especially when I serenade them

“Singing with everyone brought

charities across the UK.

on the way to hospital.”

back lots of memories of my days

Ambulance technician Kuldip Singh

In 2016, Vicky (41) based at

Bhamrah from East Midlands

Leicester Royal Infirmary hospital,

“It was absolutely thrilling and a

Ambulance Service (EMAS), and

created a rap about hand

real dream come true.

Vicky Cartwright, ward matron at

hygiene. She came up with the

University Hospitals of Leicester

idea driving home from work.

“We just need everyone to buy the

were invited to the iconic Abbey

Leicester’s Hospitals has used the

record now so that we can raise

Road Studios in London to record

rap in staff campaigns including

enough money to help those who

the Beatles classic With a Little Help

staff inductions. Other Trusts from

need it. It’s in the hands of the

from My Friends.

around the country have also

public now.”

in the band.

used the rap.

Vicky said: “We didn’t know that

The charity single, released on

“We didn’t know that we were going to Abbey Road studios to record the single. Meeting and singing with so many famous faces and NHS staff from around the country was so empowering. To be part of something this special has been the highlight of my year. It has been amazing and a fantastic way to say thank you and Happy Birthday to the NHS!”

6 July as part of the NHS’s 70th

Vicky started her NHS career

we were going to Abbey Road

birthday, includes dozens of NHS

in 1998 and began working at

studios to record the single.

heroes who have dedicated their

Leicester’s Hospitals in 2002 as a

Meeting and singing with so

lives to the health service – and

staff nurse. More recently she has

many famous faces and NHS

“Being part of the NHS 70 single

Kuldip and Vicky were specially

been promoted to matron. Vicky

staff from around the country was

with them is a privilege!”

selected to appear on the track.

is passionate about hand hygiene

so empowering. To be part of

and gained a Master in Science

something this special has been

The show heard exceptional

A 60-minute special on ITV

(MSc) in Advancing Professional

the highlight of my year. It has

stories from right across the NHS,

documenting the creation of the

Practice.

been amazing and a fantastic

meet extraordinary patients and

way to say thank you and Happy

NHS staff and deliver plenty of

Birthday to the NHS!

surprises and feelgood moments

charity single was shown on 4 July, followed by a world record attempt

Vicky said: “I came up with this

to host the biggest live singalong.

rap because hand hygiene is

Kuldip and Vicky, who live and

very important, especially in

The ITV documentary was

hospitals as they aim to recruit

work in Leicester, were specially

healthcare, and thought this

presented by Ashley Banjo from

thousands of voices to swell the

selected to be part of the single

would be a fun and memorable

Diversity and BBC Radio 2’s DJ

ranks of the Big NHS Singalong

due to their singing experience.

way to remind both staff and

Sara Cox and aims to capture all

choir.

patients. I’m really grateful to

the excitement of the recording

Kuldip, 65, based at Goodwood

everyone who helped to make

of a charity with an array of stars

This latest mission into the charts

station and who has been in the

my rap come to life! In my role as

including Seal, Beverley Knight,

follows the NHS Choir’s 2015 hit

service for 37 years, is well known

matron I often break into the rap

Guy Garvey and many more.

single ‘A Bridge Over You’, which

throughout Leicestershire as ‘the

as a reminder.”

up and down the country’s

beat Justin Bieber to that year’s

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

Tony Hadley, who rose to fame as

singing ambulanceman’.

UK Christmas number one spot.

Kuldip and Vicky explained that

the lead singer of Spandau Ballet

In his younger years, he was also

being invited down to Abbey Road

and is one of the celebrities on

All proceeds will go to the NHS

in two bands – ‘KS Bamrah &

Studios to sing with celebrities

the charity single, said he enjoyed

Charities Together, a group of

Party’ and Awaaz Group – which

from the last seven decades was

meeting Vicky and Kuldip.

more than 100 NHS charities that

released several EPs and albums

a surreal but fantastic experience.

have come together to celebrate He said: ““Kuldip and Vicky are

the 70th anniversary of the NHS

Kuldip said: “I felt like a celebrity

both very passionate about the

and raise awareness of the work

Kuldip, the first Sikh

– we were picked up in a car and I

NHS and it was great to hear how

that NHS charities do to support

ambulanceman in the East

was interviewed by Sara Cox.

they bring music into their day jobs.

the NHS.

throughout the 70s and 80s.

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

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145

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NEWSLINE

Photographs © ESS

The Emergency Services Show bravery

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

A unique event for everyone who works in the emergency services.

Over 400 exhibitors, free CPD-accredited seminars and live product and rescue demonstrations. Hall 5, NEC, Birmingham. Wed 19 – Thu 20 September 2018.

Free entry at www.emergencyuk.com.

The Emergency Services Show 2018 – it’s all about you Event sponsors

146

Event partners

Event supported by

For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

20

TESTED

NEWSLINE

SECAMB

SECAmb’s improved research performance recognised in national league tables South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) is pleased to have dramatically increased its clinical research activity in the last 12 months.

The improvement is set out in this year’s Research Activity League Table, published on 18 July by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN).

SECAmb has significantly increased the number of recruits involved in its studies to 1,181 from just 60 in 2016/17, which has earned it first place in the league tables for this measure of research activity compared to all ambulance services in England.

Each year, the table provides a picture of how much clinical research is happening, where, in what types of NHS organisation, and involving how many participants.

SECAmb Research Paramedic Jack Barrett works as part of Julia’s team. He himself has been the link coordinator for a study called Mindshine 3, which is being conducted by the University of Sussex to investigate

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the effectiveness of two online interventions, aimed at improving wellbeing and reducing stress among NHS staff.

He said: “I have always been interested in the academic side of the profession so this role is something that I find very interesting.”

Other projects that the Trust is currently supporting include a study enhancing mental health awareness in emergency services led by Sussex Partnership Trust, a national study into patient outcomes of outof-hospital cardiac arrest, led by the University of Warwick and a study led by SECAmb evaluating multidisciplinary healthcare professionals’ perceptions and experiences of using electronic patient care records and electronic referrals.

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Julia added: “Without any doubt, this success in research activity is attributed to all of our staff across the Trust who are passionate about developing the evidence base to make sure that we provide the best care to our patients. This level of commitment can only help to move us forward in relation to our research activity in the coming years.”

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

SECAmb Head of Research, Professor Julia Williams said: “This is really good news for SECAmb. We are delighted to have made such progress. This improvement is clearly the result of the last few years of targeted research activity across SECAmb with a real concerted effort from the Research and Development department’s team and our dedicated frontline clinicians who have participated so enthusiastically in these studies.”

“Without any doubt, this success in research activity is attributed to all of our staff across the Trust who are passionate about developing the evidence base to make sure that we provide the best care to our patients.”

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

NEWSLINE Clinical Supervisor Steve

YAS

Johnson, paramedic Andrew

Cardiac arrest survivor reunited with life-savers

Wallace and emergency medical technicians Landa Sapele and Michael Taylor provided advanced life support, whilst police officers

A lorry driver who suffered a cardiac arrest on board the

Dan Hermann and Steve Caulfield helped with CPR. After further shocks from a defibrillator, Jaap’s

P&O ferry Pride of Hull has personally thanked the people who saved his life.

heart was restarted.

He was taken to Castle Hill Hospital

Jaap Schilperoort, from Holland, was found slumped at the

in Cottingham for emergency surgery and discharged nearly three weeks later.

wheel of his truck as vehicles disembarked the ship at King

Steve Johnson said: “All the links

George Dock in Hull on 21

of the ‘Chain of Survival’ were in

March.

Jack Lawday, Carl Mitchell, Steve Caulfield, Steve Johnson, Jaap Schilperoort, Dan Hermann and Martin Dosdale

place to provide the best possible chances for Jaap to recover and

The 59-year-old was immediately

He said: “I was very pleased to

what any other crew on any

return to his family. Great team

given cardiopulmonary

see them and to say thank you.

other ship would have done,

work all round.”

It was a bit unreal, because I

but I am extremely proud of the

resuscitation (CPR) by members of the ferry crew and they used

can’t remember a thing about

professionalism shown by all

Jaap, who is a regular passenger

the ship’s defibrillator to shock

what happened – it filled in some

those involved.”

on the Pride of Hull, travelled over

him several times before staff

missing gaps. There were so

from Holland with his family to be

many people involved and I feel

It is not the first time that a P&O

from Yorkshire Ambulance

reunited with his life-savers on 13

very, very lucky.”

crew in Hull has helped someone

Service arrived.

June.

suffering a cardiac arrest. In May The ferry crew, police officers and

2016, staff saved the life of Italian

ambulance staff were presented

passenger Alfredo Cantoni who

with certificates of commendation

collapsed on board the Pride of

to recognise their life-saving

York ferry.

actions.

Paul Mudd, Divisional Commander (North and East Yorkshire) at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “Having to save a ferry passenger’s life doesn’t happen every day and the crew on board the Pride of Hull, along with the police officers, did an excellent job in supporting us.

Everyone involved should be very proud of their efforts - they are true heroes.”

Captain Eugene Favier, from AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

P&O Ferries, added: “Medical emergencies happen from time to time right across our company’s fleet and they can be very

PRO M VE A 2 B

W I T H

D I G N I T Y

traumatic. Crew are well-trained and the training just kicks in during an emergency.

“They would all say they were just doing their job and doing

148 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

“All the links of the ‘Chain of Survival’ were in place to provide the best possible chances for Jaap to recover and return to his family. Great team work all round.”

NEWSLINE NWAS

Ambulance service given thumbs up from OFSTED Teaching and learning standards for apprentices at North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust (NWAS) have been given positive feedback from regulator, OFSTED. The ambulance service changed the way it provides training to apprentices in May 2017 when it became an employer provider meaning it was able to deliver its first regulated qualification in-house.

In the report senior leaders at

the comments from the report

ambulance crew for the remaining

the trust were found to have a

and very proud of the fantastic

nine months.

“clear workforce strategy and

progress that our new apprentices

operational plan” to ensure that

are making, many of which are

On completion of the programme,

apprentices “receive good-quality

now gaining first-hand experience

apprentices will become qualified

education and training to enable

by working as part of an

Emergency Medical Technicians.

them to perform their job roles to

emergency ambulance crew.

a high standard.”

“There is still work to do to ensure Apprentice recruitment was found

that we continue to improve but

to be “rigorous,” with all of those

the findings of this report gives us

recruited from May 2017 still on

assurance that we are headed in

the apprenticeship.

the right direction.”

Most apprentices are “make

The visit was undertaken as part

good progress” and “achieve the

of a series of monitoring visits to

targets set for them,” the report

a sample of new apprenticeship

said.

training providers that are directly funded through the

Currently, 145 apprentices

apprenticeship levy.

are enrolled onto the Level 4 NWAS was randomly selected

Associate Ambulance Practitioner

The Associate Ambulance

as the first new NHS employer

(AAP) apprenticeship, to become

Practitioner (AAP) apprenticeship

provider in the country to receive an

emergency medical technicians.

involves 14 weeks of classroom

early monitoring visit and was found

based learning followed by

to be making ‘reasonable progress’

Michael Forrest, Deputy Chief

emergency driver training before

across all three monitoring areas in

Executive for NWAS, said: “We

learning on the job by working

a report published in May.

are extremely pleased with

in practice as part of a frontline

“There is still work to do to ensure that we continue to improve but the findings of this report gives us assurance that we are headed in the right direction.”

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

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

NEWSLINE SECAMB

Former nurse thanks ambulance crew

hindsight, she now realises was

did a really good job and I think

a significant warning sign.

it’s important to acknowledge the good work which is taking

First to arrive at the scene was Sittingbourne paramedic, Lee

A retired nurse from Rainham,

Smith, who was working with

Medway, has thanked the

a student in a single response

ambulance team who came to

vehicle. Having assessed

her aid when she suffered a

Gail, Lee was quick to realise

heart attack earlier this year.

that she was seriously unwell

place across the NHS. I’m extremely grateful.”

Danny said: “It’s really nice to see Gail looking well again. It was clear she was extremely

and likely required specialist

unwell and needed urgent

Gail Dewhurst, 62, visited

treatment at William Harvey

specialist treatment. We’re just

Medway Ambulance Station

Hospital in Ashford.

one part of the chain and key to her recovery was the care

in Chatham and met with paramedic Danny Edwards

Danny and Phil soon arrived

she received at hospital. It was

and ambulance technician

as back up and the team set

lovely to see her face-to-face

Phil Woods to say thank you in

about readying Gail for the

and on behalf of my colleagues

person.

journey to hospital. At William

I wish her and her family all the

Harvey Gail received the expert Gail, who attended with

treatment she required to

daughters Clare, Karen and

open up the arteries around

grandson Braiden, collapsed

her heart. Following a five-day

with severe chest pain at

admission Gail was discharged

home shortly after 6am on 19

to commence her recovery at

March. It followed two days

home.

very best for the future.”

Gail added: “In the nicest possible sense, I hope to never see Danny or Phil again! But, if I or any of my family do ever need the help of the ambulance

of pain in her left arm, which she had put down to carrying,

She said: “It was really good to

service again, I hope it’s them

but which, with the benefit of

meet Danny and Phil. Everyone

who attend.”

“It was really good to meet Danny and Phil.

Everyone did a really good job and I think it’s important to acknowledge the good work which is taking place across the NHS. I’m extremely grateful.”

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STAND G74

NEWSLINE Molly Tarawally

LAS

The Service celebrates seventy years of the NHS – and looks to the future

A student who survived a devastating car crash was inspired to train as a paramedic by the London Ambulance Service crews who saved her life.

The history of London Ambulance Service in the NHS The NHS was established 70 years ago on 5 July 2018. London Ambulance Service became an NHS Trust in April 1996, having been established to our current formation in 1965 with the merger of nine existing services.

A 1949 Daimler ambulance outside our Waterloo HQ in 2018 In 1948 the post-war reorganisation of the provision of health led to the National Health Service Act – which made it a requirement for ambulances to be available for all hose who needed them – for the first time.

Molly Tarawally Ronald Ellis

of the ambulance from the Prince Ronald ‘Ron’ Ellis, who lives in

of Wales Hospital in Tottenham to

Enfield, started working on the

Chase Farm Hospital in Enfield.

ambulances in the 1930s when he was still a teenager.

A London-wide service was created in 1965 when one ambulance service was formed in London from parts of nine existing services. It comprised nearly 1,000 vehicles and 2,500 staff.

In 1974, when the National Health

and pelvic and facial injuries.

“But we had a lot of fun. They

After being discharged, Molly

were the best days of my life. We

applied to do a Paramedic

worked hard but got by with a

Science degree at Anglia

good sense of humour.”

Ruskin University – which

Service was created.

Service‘s oldest station is Deptford, which is 138 years old.

Christopher and Mark McCarthy Ronald Ellis – celebrating his 100th birthday in the year the NHS turns 70

million 999 ambulance calls in a

Twin brothers Christopher and Mark McCarthy have been with us for 27 years and they still work

Then ambulances were equipped with a canvas stretcher that had to be carried and a bell rather than a siren.

shifts together. The duo, who are paramedics in north west London, say they make a great team as they know what each other are thinking.

the London Ambulance Service.

Molly is now in her second year of her degree. When she graduates she will be qualified to apply for a paramedic role with London Ambulance Service, where her training and development would continue.

Molly – who is still recovering from the accident, added: “Training to be a paramedic is hard work but it is so rewarding.

“On one of my shifts I saw a paramedic who looked familiar.

as with the other emergency

Ron recalls walking in front of the

services.

ambulance carrying the bell and a

“It’s a real bonus to be working

It turns out he was one of the

with someone who thinks the

paramedics who treated me

torch so the vehicle could be seen

same as you and it’s great after

after my accident. He helped to

Some of the people and faces

in the pea-soupers which were

stressful jobs. Being a twin really

save my life. Now I am saving

behind the NHS over the years

common in London at the time.

does help.”

lives.”

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

healthcare professionals, as well

recovering from broken bones

patients.

the same year London Ambulance

Authority. London Ambulance

closely with hospitals and other

to spend 10 days in hospital

it wasn’t always easy carrying our

working. He left the job in 1965 –

West Thames Regional Health

the NHS in London and we work

between two lorries. She had

ambulances didn’t have ramps so

met his wife Gladys, a nurse, while

local government to the South

Our Trust is an integral part of

when her car was crushed

birthday on the 27th of August –

transferred from the control of

year. In 2017 we had over 1.9m calls.

on the A406 in north London

“It was a hard job then. The

Ron – who will reach his milestone

London Ambulance Service was

Service would typically receive one

Molly Tarawally, 21, was driving

includes a work placement with

Service was reorganised, the

In the 1960s London Ambulance

He said: “I once walked in front

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

NEWSLINE Protection for Suffolk County

ambulance station in Suffolk,

express our sincere gratitude

Fire and ambulance services share Sudbury base

Council, opened the station and

joining those in Brandon, Bury St

to The Wight Strollers and

said: “We have already seen

Edmunds and two in Lowestoft.

The Island Savoyards theatre

A joint station for Sudbury’s fire

this one in Sudbury will continue to

EEAST

and ambulance services has been officially opened and is

groups for their generosity; they

success across Suffolk where our emergency services are working closely together. Partnerships like develop, creating more opportunities

IOW

Small island with a very big heart

really are true credits to our Island community. We are also extremely grateful to St Thomas of Canterbury and Shalfleet Primary Schools for housing the

for blue light collaboration and,

fully operational.

importantly, closer working with local

St Thomas of Canterbury and

PAD’s, being our site guardians

communities. In addition, sharing

Shalfleet Primary Schools have

and allowing these lifesaving

The station on Gregory Street has

such facilities means public money

become the latest 24/7 Public

devices to be available to the

can be saved and directed more

Access Defibrillator (PAD)

whole community 24/7.

efficiently into frontline services.”

sites for the Isle of Wight NHS

been occupied by the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, but now the

Ambulance service.

East of England Ambulance Service

Louise continued: “32 year old Laura Summers of Sandown Bay

NHS Trust (EEAST) will share

Robert Morton, Chief Executive

facilities in a new partnership.

of EEAST, said: “This move

This is thanks to the Wight

Academy, who suffered a sudden

will benefit our staff, as the old

Strollers donating their seventh

cardiac arrest whilst at work, is

EEAST staff will now benefit from

Sudbury ambulance station was

Public Access Defibrillator and the

a fine example of why it is just

improved facilities and better access

no longer fit for purpose. Being

Savoyards giving an outside wall

so important that all schools

to the road network for emergency

in the same location as our fire

defibrillator case to the IW NHS

have immediate access to a

vehicles. It also means that blue

service colleagues will bring many

Ambulance Service community

defibrillator. It’s the safe use of

light services can build on existing

advantages, allowing us to give

defibrillator scheme.

the defibrillator and good quality

partnerships and it represents value

the same level of service to local

for money for taxpayers.

people in and around Suffolk.”

effective CPR that can increase Louise Walker, Head of Head

someone’s chance of survival

of Ambulance Training &

from an out of hospital cardiac

Councillor Richard Rout, Cabinet

The station in Sudbury is the

Community Response Services

arrest, from as little as 5% to as

Member for Environment & Public

fifth shared community fire and

(ATCoRS) said: “Words cannot

much as 74%.”

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

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

NEWSLINE The buggy will be used to

time consuming, bumpy, and

Robert said: “The HELP Appeal

New ‘ambo-buggy’ arrives at West Suffolk Hospital to support most critically unwell patients

transport patients flown into West

difficult to manoeuvre. Using

is a charity that helps critically

Suffolk Hospital by air ambulance

this new medical vehicle we’ll be

ill patients receive the best

to the hospital’s emergency

able to get patients into hospital

pre-hospital care to allow the

department.

care more quickly and more

greatest chance of survival and

comfortably.”

recovery. The patient’s comfort

The West Suffolk Hospital will be able to provide more comfortable transport for its most critically unwell patients thanks to the donation of a new state-of-the-art medical buggy.

The medical vehicle, affectionately known as the ‘ambo-buggy’, was donated to the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) earlier this month by The Help Appeal, a charity that provides funding towards helipad builds and associated equipment where and when it’s needed.

As a specially adapted medical

and reducing the amount of time

vehicle, the buggy can host a

West Suffolk NHS Foundation

it takes to get to the emergency

stretcher and has seating for both

Trust works closely with local air

department are crucial and now

the driver and the critical care

ambulance charities, including

this can be achieved at West

team providing care to the patient.

the East Anglian Air Ambulance,

Suffolk hospital with its new, state

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance,

of the art, medical vehicle.

Barry Moss, head of emergency

and Magpas; whilst the majority

preparedness, resilience and

of critical care patients are

“Patients will now be transferred

response for WSFT, said:

brought into the Trust by land

from the helipad to the expert care

“Whilst our helipad is located

ambulance, escorted by the

they urgently need, quickly and

quite closely to our emergency

air ambulance critical care

smoothly. We are delighted that

department, for these often

teams, the new buggy will help

the HELP Appeal could cover the

critically injured or unwell patients,

to provide a more seamless

entire cost.”

reducing stress and improving

care pathway for those patients

comfort is really important.

brought in by air.

“Previously patients would have

The Trust was delighted to

their generous donation. We want

been brought to the emergency

welcome Robert Bertram, chief

to do more work to develop our

department on a stretcher from

executive of the HELP Appeal, to

helipad capability in the future,

the landed helicopter, which is

the Trust for the buggy’s delivery.

and this is a fantastic first step.”

Barry added: “We’re incredibly grateful to the HELP Appeal for

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

L-R: Barry Moss, head of head of emergency preparedness, resilience and response at WSFT; Robert Bertram, chief executive of the HELP Appeal; Helen Beck, chief operating officer at WSFT; John Earnshaw, assistant manager for portering services at WSFT; Darren Cooksey, security management specialist for WSFT; Caron Clare, representing vehicle supplier My Golf Buggy

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

NEWSLINE EEAST

Ambulance crew thank respiratory team for a speedy response An ambulance crew

from CPFT to see if they could

EEAST, said: “Although thankfully

bronchiectasis and pulmonary

help.

we didn’t need to go to A&E, the

fibrosis. The service provides a

patient was suffering from a chest

mix of clinics, home visits and

Specialist nurse Erin Turney

infection, shortness of breath and

exercise classes.

arrived at the patient’s home

was very anxious which made her

within half an hour to carry out an

symptoms worse. We get a lot of

assessment.

patients with COPD who dial 999 or go to hospital unnecessarily,

from the East of England

Erin Turney, specialist respiratory

but they could easily be referred

Ambulance Service NHS

nurse, said: “Our aim is to help

to CPFTs respiratory team.”

Trust (EEAST) have praised

people to manage their respiratory

the Cambridgeshire and

condition as well as possible by

“The patient was quite isolated

Peterborough Foundation

helping them to understand their

which added to her anxiety

Trust (CPFT) respiratory team

treatment and tips for controlling

so I put her in touch with a

for their speedy response to a

their symptoms. The patient

befriending service run by Age

patient who phoned 999 after

had been to her GP with a chest

Concern. Mostly she just needed

becoming short of breath.

infection and had been given

reassurance and information –

antibiotics and steroids, but

and she did go on holiday which

Paramedic Clare Hadley and

hadn’t really been given advice on

was a brilliant outcome. I also

Associate Ambulance Practitioner

how to manage her symptoms or

advised the patient that she could

(AAP) Sarah Andrew attended the

understand what was normal for

contact the service directly if she

patient and following thorough

someone with a chest infection.

needed any more help.”

assessment, it was decided that

She was also worried she

this patient did not necessarily

wouldn’t be well enough to go on

The CPFT respiratory team

need to go to hospital on this

holiday.

provides specialist care for

occasion. Clare and Sarah contacted the respiratory nurses

patients with a chronic lung Clare Hadley, paramedic at

“Our aim is to help people to manage their respiratory condition as well as possible by helping them to understand their treatment and tips for controlling their symptoms.”

disease such as COPD,

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AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

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154 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

NEWSLINE Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence: nominations now open The Association of Air Ambulances is today calling on the air ambulance community to nominate an individual or team, for this year’s Air Ambulance Awards of

recognise colleagues for the

of Excellence gives everyone

incredible work undertaken

associated with the air

throughout the year.”

ambulance community the opportunity to recognise and

“We have deliberately made the

celebrate those who go well

Awards both straightforward

beyond their remit to the benefit

and free to enter in order to

of the patient on a day to day

encourage all organisations to

basis. Air ambulances would

nominate their star individuals or

not exist without the incredible

teams.”

The Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence are in their sixth year, and have become a prestigious

Excellence. These prestigious

event for the pre-hospital care

and independent awards,

sector. Last year saw over 350

honour the exceptional

people watch Sophie Long

contributions of staff and

of BBC News and Helicopter

volunteers who provide

Heroes presenter Rav Wilding

outstanding services and

hand 12 Awards to some

support for air ambulance

outstanding individuals and

organisations nationally.

teams.

Nominations are welcome

Nominations are now open to

throughout the air ambulance

recognise and support the most

community and are not limited

inspirational people providing

to just those who provide the

them with the recognition they

services, but all who are involved

deserve. The Awards are judged

in providing the prehospital

by an independent panel of

emergency care services

experts and presented at a gala

you see across the UK. Jim

dinner which will take place

Fitzpatrick MP, Chair of the

at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel,

independent judging panel, said:

London, on 12 November. Last

dedication of these individuals and teams, with the Awards providing the perfect opportunity to exemplify their successes.“

• Air Ambulance Pilot of the Year • Air Ambulance Campaign of the Year • Charity Volunteer of the Year • Special Incident Award • Lifetime Achievement Award • Innovation Award • Air Ambulance Dispatcher of the Year

Nominations are now sought for

The closing date for nominations

the following categories and can

is 1 September 2018. The winners

be found on the AAA website:

will be announced at the Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence

• Outstanding Young Person Award • Charity Staff Member of the Year • Air Ambulance Paramedic of the Year • Air Ambulance Doctor of the Year

gala dinner to be held on 12 November.

Further details of award categories, together with a nomination form can be found at: https:// associationofairambulances. co.uk/awards/about-theawards/.

year’s winners included pilots, “Year on year, we see many

paramedics, doctors, fund-

outstanding entries from all

raisers, aircraft dispatch staff

areas of the air ambulance

and volunteers.

community. We would like to take this opportunity to encourage

Chair of the Association of Air

all organisations included

Ambulances, Paula Martin, said:

within the air ambulance sector to nominate their peers and

“The Air Ambulance Awards

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AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

The winners from the 2017 Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence

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

NEWSLINE YAS

national Ambulance Response

SWASFT

in May 2018, the service has now

Region’s Ambulance Service welcomes boost to funding

Programme (ARP) response time

This boost to funds means that

Inspectors at the Care Quality

the service has now been rated

Following the Department of

we can now introduce 62 new

Commission (CQC) have rated

as ‘Good’. A full report of the

ambulances at pace.

NHS 111 services in Dorset as

inspection has been published at:

Health’s announcement of extra funding for ambulance services

standards we need more vehicles able to convey patients to hospital

CQC rates NHS 111 in Dorset as good

to update and expand their fleet

“In addition, we will be receiving

of emergency ambulances,

£1.948 million to introduce an

Rod Barnes, Chief Executive of

ambulance vehicle preparation

Yorkshire Ambulance Service

service in two of our ambulance

NHS Trust, responded to the

stations in West Yorkshire. This is

news:

an exciting development which

“This is fantastic news for patients

and re-stocked by a dedicated

and a very welcome investment

team ready for ambulance

of £5.64 million at the Trust for our

clinicians to take out at the start of

fleet of emergency ambulances

their shifts.

been rated ‘Good’ for providing safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led services. Overall

and local healthcare facilities.

will see our ambulances cleaned

‘Good’.

Following a recent inspection, the service, which is run by South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) was found to have improved, and is now rated as ‘Good’ across all five domains.

The Trust provides a 24-hour telephone-based service to a population of 1.3 million people

http://www.cqc.org.uk/location/ RYF45 Ken Wenman, Chief Executive of South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted that our NHS 111 service in Dorset has been rated as ‘Good’ across the board. This is a fantastic achievement and is the result of a lot of hard work by everyone involved in delivering this

living in Dorset who need non-

service. Particular thanks must go

miles a year responding to over

“Having additional funding for

emergency medical advice over

to all NHS 111 staff and the Urgent

780,000 incidents.

these vital elements of our service

the phone. The service is free and

Care team. Congratulations to you

is a massive boost and will ensure

is supported by highly trained

all on this excellent result and thank

advisers as well as experienced

you for the excellent care that you

nurses and paramedics.

give to our patients in Dorset.”

which cover more than 14 million

our patients receive the best care “With increased demand and Ambulance Today 2p.fhmx 1/9/17 11:42 Page 1 the introduction of the new appropriate to their needs.”

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

156

As a result of the latest inspection,

Composite

For further recruitment vacancies visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

NEWSLINE Ruth Rankine, CQC Deputy Chief

brain injury, two epileptic seizures

Richard was put into an induced

with Ben Macauley, the paramedic

Inspector of General Practice, said:

and a broken arm. Richard made

coma by the medical team in

who attended to him on the day of

“People who call the NHS 111

a remarkable recovery and, in

order to prevent further swelling

his accident. Richard was excited

service are entitled to quick and

September 2018, will be taking

to his brain as a result of his head

to share with Ben his plan to take

easy access to healthcare advice

on the Great North Run to raise

injury. They decided he should be

on the Great North Run alongside

and information, or access to urgent

vital funds for Kent, Surrey &

flown to King’s College Hospital

his cousin in September, to

attention when that’s appropriate.

Sussex Air Ambulance which

in London, a major trauma centre

fundraise for the charity that saved

came to his rescue that day.

capable of providing the specialist

his life. As if this wasn’t enough,

care that Richard needed. He

Richard is also in the process of

“This inspection saw some excellent examples of good

When Richard, from Darlington,

remained in an induced coma for

setting up his own charity which

practice and improvements that

embarked on a London to Paris

several days before he was taken

aims to help people who have

cycling challenge with his friends

to James Cook University Hospital

suffered a traumatic brain injury.

Jon and Louise, he could never have

in Middlesbrough to continue his

anticipated how his day was going

recovery.

were now fully embedded into the running of the NHS 111 service.

“I am pleased that South Western Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust has continued to build on the progress that we had identified in our previous inspections and have now achieved a ‘Good’ rating.

Former patient takes on the Great North Run for the charity that saved his life

to turn out. The team made their way

As Richard is from the North East of England he is asking

south from London Bridge, reaching

Having made such an exceptional

the people of Kent, Surrey and

Warlingham in Surrey where they

recovery, Richard said “I am so

Sussex, who could benefit from

found themselves at the summit of

grateful for the expert treatment

the services of the charity at

Succombs Hill – a notoriously steep

I received from the crew of Kent,

any time, to get behind him and

hill running down to their hotel for

Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance.

sponsor him. Richard says “None

the night.

Without their fast response and

of us ever know when we might

treatment, I don’t know if I would

need this vital service and I really

Unfortunately, Richard never

be here today. I am also really

hope that I can raise some funds,

completed the descent and fell

thankful to the dedicated teams

and awareness, for this amazing

from his bike halfway down the

at King’s College Hospital and

charity which saved my life.”

hill. A Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air

James Cook University Hospital.”

Ambulance crew was called and

Richard’s fundraising page can

Five years ago Richard McMann

the medical team (consisting of a

In May 2018, the charity welcomed

be found here:

was involved in a life-threatening

doctor and a paramedic) began

Richard to their base at Redhill

www.justgiving.com/

accident, suffering a traumatic

treating Richard at the roadside.

Aerodrome where he was reunited

fundraising/richard-mcmann

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

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

NEWSLINE SWASFT

Motorcyclist meets SWASFT lifesavers after deer collision A motorcyclist who was seriously injured in a latenight collision with a deer has been reunited with the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) paramedics who saved his life.

David Lucas, 59 from Dorchester, sustained life-changing injuries when he hit the animal on the A354 as he was riding home from a work shift as a bus driver.

He said: “I’m very grateful to

999 Control Room, assessed

socket which resulted in partial

everyone involved. They’ve given

David’s condition over the phone

sight loss.

me three more years of living on

and ensured crews went to the

this earth. I must’ve had the wrong

exact location.

insurance to go through the Pearly

coma for four weeks. He SWASFT Emergency Care

remained in hospital for another

Practitioner Tony Brind (now

six weeks, before continuing his

David said he saw the animal run

retired) arrived first in a rapid

recovery at home.

across the road ahead of him,

response vehicle, followed by

before it backtracked into his path

ambulance crew Wendy Austin

He was later diagnosed with

and died on impact.

and Allan Rudd. Operations

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Officer, Mike Rowland, also

(PTSD). He has been unable to

attended the incident.

ride or work since the incident for

Gates!”

“I remember everything up until the moment of the crash. I’ve

medical reasons.

been trying to piece together what

Mike said: “The scene was

happened afterwards,” he said.

a mess, with the damaged

Mike added: “Thankfully these

motorbike and remains of the

kinds of incidents are rare. It’s

Weymouth milkman, Colin

deer on the road. David was lying

clearly had a massive impact on

Woodsford, was travelling to work

on his back, semi-conscious. He

David. But it’s been a pleasure to

when he saw the motorbike on the

really wasn’t very well.”

be able to meet up with him.”

PTSD is an anxiety disorder

road. He stopped at the scene, spotted David lying in a grass

SWASFT clinicians transported

He was given a ‘50/50’ chance

verge almost 20 metres away

David to Dorset County Hospital

of survival, after being thrown

from his bike, and dialled 999.

in a critical condition. He was

from his bike on Wednesday 8 July 2015 at around 1.30am.

then transferred to Southampton “I saw some boots in the long

General Hospital with a serious

grass and went to have a look,”

head injury.

At a special event at Dorchester

he said. “It was pure luck that I

Ambulance Station on Thursday

found him. I realised he was alive,

His other injuries included two

(21 June), David thanked

but it did look pretty nasty.”

cracked ribs, a punctured lung, a

members of the SWASFT crew and the 999 caller who saved him.

David was put into an induced

ruptured spleen, a fractured collar Pippa Roncarelli, in the SWASFT

bone, and a fracture to his left eye

caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.

Someone with PTST may relive the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks.

The majority of people exposed to traumatic events do experience some short-term distress, which usually resolves without the need for professional intervention.

Some people with PTSD may find it difficult to control and process their emotions. They may display symptoms including shortness of breath, tight muscles, excessive sweating and raised heart rate.

They may feel constantly on edge, always anxious about events repeating, and unable to remain calm in what should be manageable circumstances.

More information on PTSD can be found at https://www.mind.

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

org.uk/information-support/typesof-mental-health-problems/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd#.

W1coeS2ZPUJ from Mind, the mental health charity.

Always call 999 in a medical emergency – when someone is Pictured (left to right): SWASFT Operations Officer for West Dorset, Mike Rowland; Patient, David Lucas; SWASFT Paramedic, Wendy Austin

158 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

NEWSLINE have really struggled, so they

YAS

helped me greatly.”

‘Miracle Man’ meets ambulance heroes

The reunion was a very proud moment for Liz and Sally, because

A man who suffered a cardiac

ambulance crews rarely find out

arrest has personally thanked

what happens to their patients

the Halifax ambulance crew

after they take them to hospital.

who helped to save his life.

Liz said: “We meet people on the Neil Davidson, a Deputy Lieutenant

worst day of their life, help them

of West Yorkshire, was at home

as best as we can, take them to

when his heart stopped in the

hospital and that’s pretty much

middle of the night. His quick-

some of his heroes at Halifax

the Resuscitation Council (UK),

Ambulance Station. He was

supporting Restart a Heart Day

joined by his wife, Janice, for the

on 16 October, raising money

until the crew arrived to take over.

emotional reunion with Clinical

for charities and also raising

Supervisor Liz Cheetham and

awareness of CPR. I’m going to

Oliver, who was staying with his

paramedic Sally Tinkler.

campaign for every child in school

thinking son, Oliver, started cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and continued chest compressions

to be taught this life-saving skill.”

parents at the time, learned how

where it ends for us. Occasionally, we find out how people are getting on, but a lot of the time we never find out what’s happened, so it’s lovely that they’ve been in touch to let us know how well it’s turned out.”

Sally added: “We don’t always

to perform CPR as a 15-year-old

Neil said: “They saved my life,

at Rishworth School near Sowerby

good and proper. Words can’t

Speaking about the night when

lovely to see him walking, talking

Bridge.

describe how I feel about what

Neil’s life was saved, Janice said:

and being an advocate for Restart

they did to help me to survive and

“The instructions from Yorkshire

a Heart Day. He’ll be saving lives

recover.

Ambulance Service were really

by just doing that and helping

good and concise. Without them

other people - awareness and

on the end of that phone, I would

knowledge is key really.”

Neil, who was described as ‘Miracle Man’ by doctors and nurses in hospital, has visited

“I’m now doing a lot of work with

get such a great outcome and it’s

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AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

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

NEWSLINE First flight lands at life-saving new helipad

The helipad also has built-in lighting, which means that helicopters can land at any time or day or night for the first time.

The £250,000 facility has been constructed next to the ED and opened on 11 June. It has been paid for by the HELP Appeal, which is the only charity in the country dedicated to funding the construction and upgrade of hospital helipads.

Nick Hulme, chief executive of The Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, said: “This is a story about what can happen when we all work together. The idea for the new helipad came from one of our clinicians, Dr Neil Berry, who is also a flying doctor working for the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA). Our estates team and charity teams worked together with the HELP Appeal and thanks to their generous support, we have a new helipad.”

The new facility will allow hospital and ambulance teams to quickly transfer critically ill patients into the hospital, or to other specialist centres. Previously, it took between 15 and 20 minutes to reach the ED from the hospital’s old helipad, which was at the back of the field at Copleston High School.

Dr Berry, consultant anaesthetist at Ipswich Hospital and EAAA, said: “We are delighted that our new helipad is now up and running. It will allow us to transfer seriously ill patients much more quickly, in turn offering them the best possible chance of survival and recovery.

A life-saving helipad which will allow medics to transfer criticallyill patients into Ipswich Hospital’s emergency department (ED) quickly and smoothly has welcomed its first air ambulance.

“Every second is crucial when dealing with medical emergencies. In the past, there have been occasions when its has taken longer to transfer the patient from the helipad to the ED than it did to reach them at the site of the incident, so the minutes the new helipad will save could be the difference between life and death.

“I am extremely proud of the medical care which is provided by the hospital and the EAAA, and am hugely grateful to the HELP Appeal for enabling us to further enhance our services by making this new helipad possible.”

Robert Bertram, chief executive of the HELP Appeal said: “We go where we are needed most, and Ipswich Hospital needed our help. When a patient suffers a major trauma or serious medical emergency, a dangerous clock starts ticking, and it’s vital they receive expert care immediately.

A short trolley push to the emergency department or lengthy

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

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

transfer to hospital after landing in an air ambulance could mean the difference between life and death.”

Matthew Jones, director of operations at EAAA, said: “We are delighted to assist Ipswich Hospital with the launch of their new helipad. The helipad will substantially benefit patients who are airlifted to the hospital, as the time taken to transfer to the Emergency Department is significantly decreased thereby providing additional life-saving minutes.

“We can also now deliver patients to the hospital in the hours of darkness which will give our crews more options and save precious minutes when treating a patient with life-threatening or life-changing injuries or illnesses.

I would like to say a big thank you, on behalf of EAAA and all our patients, to the HELP Appeal and to Ipswich Hospital who have made the construction of this new helipad possible.”

NEWSLINE Keith, together with Christine and

Keith was taken to James Cook

Trauma and accidental incidents

his son Chris, have now been able

hospital where he was looked

rose overall, reaching 1,749,

to thank the crews personally.

after by his cardiology and

of which 736 were road traffic

anaesthetics colleagues in A&E.

collisions, which were up 20 per

The 59 year old grandfather of five

Keith later had an Implantable

cent in comparison to 2016/17.

from Stockton, who will celebrate

Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

his 60th birthday next month,

fitted and has since been able to

Stabbings and violent crime

said: “I don’t remember much

enjoy playing golf whilst on his

were also responsible for

who saved his life

about what happened but I really

road to recovery.

the rise in call outs, making

A doctor is looking forward to

of the people that saved my life

Clinical care manager and

missions throughout the year.

and thank them all in person.

paramedic Andy Dowson, who

Shockingly, stabbing incidents

Without their help and Christine

joined NEAS in 2001, said: “It has

alone rose from 78 in 2016-17,

for doing CPR it may have been

been great to see Keith again

to 135 in 2017-18.

crews who saved his life.

a very different outcome. It all

today looking much better. It was

seems surreal, like it didn’t really

definitely one of the more difficult

Geographically, West Midlands

Dr Keith Milligan, a consultant

happen.”

cardiac arrests we’ve been to and

was the most attended county

it took a while to get a pulse back

covered by Midlands Air

Speaking at the reunion Christine,

but we didn’t give up and seeing him today makes it all worthwhile.

Ambulance Charity, with 26 per

who has been married to Keith for five years, said: “I remember

The fact that Christine was able to

Keith leaning forward and saying

start CPR before our arrival made

he felt he was having a funny turn,

all the difference to Keith.”

NEAS

Doctor thanks ambulance crews for saving his life Ingelby Barwick grandfather reunites with ambulance crews

celebrating his 60th birthday with his family this month thanks to the determination of the ambulance

in anaesthesia and pain management at James Cook Hospital, was with his wife Christine at their home in Stockton when he suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed.

wanted to put faces to names

then all of a sudden he slumped

up almost seven per cent of

Red Cross ambulance technician

Christine, a retired nurse, rushed

in his chair and I knew that I had

to his side and called 999 and

to do something. I immediately

with support from a NEAS call

rang 999 and started doing

handler she began CPR, keeping

compressions on his chest.

arrest I have been to. It has been

body to supply his brain and vital

“At that moment I just thought

again and to be able to send the

organs with oxygen, until the

there isn’t anyone here to help

arrival of the ambulance crews.

me so I have to put my emotions

the blood flowing around Keith’s

aside and do the best I could First on scene were Red Cross

for him. It wasn’t until the

crew Nathan Thornton and

crews arrived that I realised the

Jessica Robinson, quickly

seriousness of the situation and I

followed by North East Ambulance

thought I had lost him.

Service clinical care managers Andy Dowson and Mark Harvey.

“The quick response and the

Together they helped Keith,

exceptional care and skills the

shocking him a total of 13 times

emergency crews showed on that

with a defibrillator before he came

day saved my husband’s life and

round in the ambulance.

ultimately kept our family together.”

Nathan Thornton added: “Keith’s cardiac arrest was the first cardiac an absolute pleasure to see Keith end result of the work we do.”

Keith and Christine are keen to promote the importance of having CPR skills and have donated £300 to the North East Ambulance Service Charitable Funds to go towards installing a public defibrillator in their area as well as donating £300 to the British Red Cross.

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Missions up by 23 per cent

cent of incidents taking place in the location.

79.2 per cent and 20.2 per cent of incidents were activated due to trauma and medical respectively, with the remaining 0.5 per cent transfer operations.

Ian Roberts, air operations manager for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “It’s clear from these statistics that the need for the support of the critical care paramedics and doctors on board our helicopters and rapid response vehicles is on the increase, which is why we are constantly looking to improve our operational and clinical services to ensure we can keep saving lives every day.

“The skilled aircrew, together with state of the art equipment and helicopters, ensure a patient’s chances of survival are vastly increased. Our CCPs are trained to Master’s degree

attended 23 per cent more

level, which is reflected in their

missions in the last 12 months

forward thinking and quick

than in the previous year, as

actions on every mission they

well as attending its 50,000th

undertake.”

mission in March 2018.

To find out more about the The total number of incidents rose

charity’s leading clinical work, visit

from 1,792 in 2016-17, to 2200 in

midlandsairambulance.com/

the financial year from 2017-18.

clinical.

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity

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

NEWSLINE SCAS

Public raise £700 towards ambulance man’s stolen bike

Central region, staff from other

A cheque for £700 has

On receiving the money from his

been handed over to SCAS Emergency Care Assistant, Rob Blakley to put towards a new

emergency services across the UK and even from as far afield as Australia.

Team Leader, Sam Brown, and Clinical Operations Manager for South East Hampshire, Mark

bike.

Roberts, Rob said:

All the money was raised through

“This whole situation, although

a Crowdfunder appeal online after Rob’s custom-built NS Soda bike (worth around £1,500) was stolen on the night of 15 May whilst Rob was working in the Portsmouth

upsetting and frustrating, has been heartwarming and

EEAST

Life-saving equipment Louth colleagues installed across Leigh receive recognition for their collaboration Academies Trust Colleagues from Louth Ambulance Station have won an award in ‘Partnership Working’ to recognise the positive collaborative outcomes they have achieved through working together effectively since moving into the joint Fire and Ambulance Station on Eastfield Road in Louth.

humbling; not only to myself but for every other member of the ambulance service I have

and South East Hampshire Area

spoken to. Everyone is amazed

answering emergency 999 calls.

and genuinely taken back by the public response – it really does

The bike was Rob’s only mode

restore some faith in humanity

of transport from his home in the

and reminds us all of why we do

Isle of Wight to his work base at

the job in the first place.”

SCAS’ North Harbour Resource Centre in Portsmouth. Whilst

Rob has been kindly loaned

it was insured, the policy only

another bike to enable him to

covered theft from Rob’s home

still get to and from work and

– a fact he only found out after

the donations from the public

its lock was cut off and the bike

will enable him to afford a good

stolen by a gang of three using a

quality replacement of his own;

white transit van.

one that will be able to withstand the numerous miles and all

The donation, the idea for which

weathers Rob will put it through to

came from local people on

get to and from work.

hearing of Rob’s plight in The News, on Wave 105 FM and on

The fee charged by Crowdfunder

social media, was made up of

was covered by a colleague

contributions from members of

of Rob’s so that every penny

the public as well as colleagues

donated online has gone directly

from other areas of the South

to him.

The joint station was officially opened by MP Victoria Atkins on the 17 November 2017 as part of the national approach to blue light organisations (police, fire and NHS ambulance) working more closely together.

Since the move, colleagues have been working and training alongside each other as well as strengthening their relationships through social events and gatherings.

Michael Collins, Duty Operations Manager for the East of Lincolnshire said: “Colleagues at Louth station have embraced the station move and are working and training effectively together.

This collaboration strengthens the working relationships between the two services and enables them to work efficiently at the scene of an incident, which ultimately benefits the patient and saves lives.

“I am very proud of my team; it’s great they are receiving recognition for their actions.”

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

Clinical Support Mentor Di Moncaster, Paramedics Gemma Loveday , Brett Forman and Annabelle Riggall and Technician Vicky Butler are representing the station and collecting their award at an awards evening held

by Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue at The Dower House Hotel in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire.

L - R: Rob Blakley, Sam Brown, Mark Roberts

SECAMB

You can follow their evening on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

162 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

Pupils attending Leigh Academies Trust (LAT) schools are now safer, thanks to the installation of defibrillators at all the Trust’s 17 sites.

Supported by South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) Critical Care Paramedic, Dave Hawkins, the Trust invested in the equipment which can be used to restart a person’s heart in the event of a cardiac arrest.

In England, ambulance services attempt resuscitation on approximately 28,000 people each year of whom less than 10 per cent survive. Sadly some 270 children die every year of sudden cardiac arrest at school. Schools are not required by law to keep a defibrillator on site, but such devices can be life-saving in critical situations.

The sooner a patient in cardiac arrest is treated with good CPR and where appropriate, a shock from a defibrillator, the greater their chance of survival.

Staff at all of LAT’s academies have been trained in the use of the defibrillators, which will only deliver a shock if it is required.

Emergency Operations Centre staff will also provide clear instructions over the phone.

SECAmb CCP Dave said: “It’s fantastic that Leigh Academies Trust has installed defibrillators on each of their sites. I hope that other schools, colleges, community groups and places of work, follow this example. When someone is in cardiac arrest the sooner they receive CPR and potentially a shock from a defibrillator, the greater their chance of survival.”

Leigh Academies Trust Business Controller Jack Taylor said: “We are delighted with the support and guidance provided by Dave to implement these life-saving devices in all our Academies. The decision to provide them was made through our Trust Health and Safety Committee so that we continue to ensure the safety and welfare of all our young people, employees and visitors.”

IN PERSON SCAS News

SCAS Community First Responder recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours List Mike Jukes, a volunteer community first responder (CFR) in Bransgore (situated in the New Forest) since 2005 has been recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List, with a British Empire Medal for Services to Emergency Response and Fundraising.

Mike has been a volunteer community first responder (CFR) in his local area, Bransgore, since 2005, responding to appropriate emergency medical incidents. In addition to this he is also the Bransgore CFR scheme coordinator looking after the team of other local volunteer responders.

Will Hancock SCAS CEO said ‘Mike is an excellent ambassador for South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) and has worked tirelessly in his local area bringing the community together. Over the past 12 years Mike has been an inspirational character not only in his commitment to the CFR role responding to emergency incidents but also as a successful fundraiser and education provider. As a volunteer he embraces the Trust’s core values of Caring, Teamwork, Professionalism and Innovation.

He has been an exemplary role model and we send our huge congratulations to Mike on this well deserved achievement’.

are facing a medical emergency and to be

to lead health boards comes after a senior

able to offer initial help and care before the

management career in the IT industry.

ambulance arrives. I was speechless when I heard news of this award and I am proud

He said: “Being appointed the new Chair of the

and humbled to be recognised for doing

Scottish Ambulance Service is a huge honour and

something that is so rewarding in itself.”

I am extremely excited to be leading the Board of such an important national organisation.

EEAST News

Non-executive board member steps down

“I join at a time where innovation and positive

A Non-Executive Board Member of the East

improve the care we are delivering for people

of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust

across Scotland.

Ambulance Service and I am really looking forward to working with our staff to further

has stepped down after three years in post.

“In my view, we can play a bigger and even more Hertfordshire-based member Tony McLean left the Trust at the end of June (2018) owing to

vital role within the NHS in Scotland and I will be championing the fantastic work which is being

other commitments outside of his Trust role.

undertaken by our staff with all of our partners,

Tony said: “It has been my great privilege to

Service to make a positive difference to people’s

serve the Trust and I will look on in pride to see it grown from strength to strength, knowing I

whilst looking for new opportunities for the lives and improve the experience for our patients.

played a small part in its development.”

“It is a privilege being appointed the new Chair

Tony began his career in Nursing and trained

alongside our staff and partners in making the

as a General Nurse, Psychiatric Nurse and Health Visitor before moving into general management and eventually becoming a NHS Trust CEO, managing community mental health and learning disability trusts in the South and East Anglia.

He has also worked in the independent sector as a CEO and Executive Chairman and has run a number of other large healthcare businesses across the UK and Scotland.

In responding to the news of his award Mike said ‘‘It is an honour and a privilege to serve the community in this area at times when they

change is already underway within the Scottish

Sarah Boulton, Chair of the Trust, added: “Tony has been a valued member of the Board for the past three years and we value his experience, knowledge and contribution. We wish him all the best.”

and I am really looking forward to working Scottish Ambulance Service the very best it can be.”

Chief Executive Pauline Howie said she was delighted Tom Steele had agreed to lead the organisation.

She added: “Leading the Scottish Ambulance Service requires dedication and a steady hand – qualities I am sure Tom will bring, especially as we move forward to meet the health and social care challenges facing services across the UK. On behalf of all our staff I would like to welcome Tom and wish him well for the future.”

Tom Steele replaces the previous Chair David Garbutt. David, who served as Chair of the Scottish Ambulance Service for nine years, has been appointed Chair of NHS Education

SAS News

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport Shona Robison has appointed a new Chair to lead the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Tom Steele, who takes up his new role today, joins the Service after serving as a NonExecutive Director of NHS Lanarkshire and a member of the South Lanarkshire Integrated

in Scotland.

“I join at a time where innovation and positive change is already underway within the Scottish Ambulance Service and I am really looking forward to working with our staff to further improve the care we are delivering for people across Scotland.”

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

Newly Scottish Ambulance Service Chair appointed

Joint Board since 2014. His work in helping

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

IN PERSON EEAST News

New executive joins the Board Paramedic Tracy Nicholls has been

Paramedics and is now the first female

Yvonne Ormston, Chief Executive of NEAS,

paramedic to be working at this influential

said: “We are really looking forward to

level. Well done Tracy and congratulations to

welcoming Peter to the organisation and

the East of England Ambulance Service. We

feel very confident that through his positive

look forward to working ever closer together in

leadership, NEAS will go from strength to

the future.”

strength.

appointed as Director of Clinical Quality and Improvement at East of England Ambulance Service.

Tracy, a Fellow and Vice Chairman of the College of Paramedics, will be the first female paramedic on any ambulance service board in

“Peter is a very people-centred person and

NEAS News

Council of Governors appoint new NEAS chairman Peter Strachan welcomed to new post

the country.

A new chairman has been appointed by

Tracy said: “I relish the opportunity to drive quality and improvement across the organisation and look forward to seeing staff ideas on improving patient care come to fruition across all directorates. I have been with the organisation a long time and have seen exceptional delivery of care time and time again and know that the focus on patients will remain, despite the challenges that may come our way.

the Council of Governors at North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

Governors confirmed the appointment of Peter Strachan at a special meeting held on 17 April. This follows the resignation of the Trust’s Chairman, the late Ashley Winter OBE, who sadly passed away following a short illness.

Mr Strachan, a graduate of Durham University,

“Without the opportunity provided by Robert and the Trust Board and support from NHSI, this would not have been possible. This reflects the growth of the paramedic profession and the multi-disciplinary way in which it has evolved. I am sure that these opportunities will only grow, not only for paramedics, but for many allied health professions.”

returns to the North East from Scotland to join

this, together with his tremendous skills and experience, makes him a great asset to NEAS and the wider NHS in the North East”.

As an NHS Foundation Trust, NEAS has around 12,000 public and staff members who elect governors to a council that holds the Board of Directors to account and is responsible for appointing the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors.

Mr Strachan added, “It’s a great privilege to be appointed to chair the North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. I’m very much looking forward to making a difference to the communities and people of the North East through the vital role the Ambulance Service plays in the healthcare of the region.

the ambulance service after a career in the

“I’ve been really impressed by the commitment

railway industry, latterly as chairman of UK

of the team and dedication for our patients

Rail and managing director of the Caledonian

throughout the organisation, and I believe my

Sleeper for Serco PLC. He has also served

passion for service improvement will allow

in senior roles with Network Rail and the

the Trust to build on the very high standards

Department for Transport. Mr Strachan has

already achieved.”

strong links and family ties to the region. He will join the Trust in June.

Lead Governor, Michael Glickman, welcomed

Robert Morton, EEAST Chief Executive said: “This breaks new ground for paramedics as she is the only paramedic to undertake this quality and improvement role on a board in any ambulance trust currently.

“We are really pleased that Tracy was successful, after a highly competitive recruitment, to come through as our preferred candidate for appointment. Tracy’s progression from PTS to Board Director over 24 years is testament to her passion and commitment to quality and improvement.”

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

Gerry Egan. Chief Executive of the College of Paramedics said: “This is an inspirational and visionary appointment by Robert Morton and the Board of EEAST, which marks a great step forward in terms of paramedics working on Ambulance Trust Boards.

“Tracy is without doubt one of the most

NEAS Chairman Peter Strachan

inspirational leaders in the College of

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

IN PERSON the appointment having been closely involved

pleased that the organisation had been able

group directions and then provided training

in the selection process. He said, “We

to appoint Jason, given the high calibre of

to paramedics so that they can administer

are confident that Peter will provide strong

candidates.

the four commonly used ‘Just in Case’ medications. Paramedics also have access

leadership whilst being responsive to the needs of staff and patients.”

WAS News

New Chief Executive for Welsh Ambulance Service

“There was an exceptionally strong field for this

to specialist resources produced by the

post, which is testament to the regard in which

team and have been trained to help patients

the Welsh Ambulance Service is now held.

manage symptoms such as breathlessness in advanced cancer.

“Jason is an experienced and respected leader in ambulance services, both in this country and

Rachel Armitage, Managing Director at

abroad. He brings with him a wide range of

RCNi, said, “The RCNi panel of professional

We are delighted to announce that we

leadership and transformational skills, coupled

judges voted Lynn Dunne as a finalist

have appointed Jason Killens as the new

with an engaging and lively approach which, I

because of her incredible story and because

Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance

have no doubt, will make a positive impact on

of the impact she has had on people with

Service.

the organisation and across NHS Wales more

cancer. With the nursing shortage high on

broadly.

the national agenda, it’s important that we give nurses like Lynn the recognition they

Jason is currently Chief Executive at the South Australia Ambulance Service, with

“The Board has endorsed Jason’s

deserve, and we look forward to celebrating

much of his career spent at the London

appointment and I’m sure you will join with us

her work at the awards.”

Ambulance Service, where he progressed

in welcoming him to our organisation.”

The RCNi Nurse Awards identify and

through the ranks from Emergency Medical Technician to Executive Director of

A start date for Jason is yet to be agreed and

celebrate nurses who, every day, go

Operations.

will be shared once it has been finalised.

above and beyond to save lives, provide outstanding care for patients and transform

Speaking about his appointment, Jason said he was delighted to be joining the Welsh Ambulance Service at an exciting time in the organisation’s development.

“The Welsh Ambulance Service has been on an impressive journey of transformation in the last few years, but I recognise there is much more to do to realise the true potential of the organisation.

“That’s an exciting proposition for me, leading an organisation which is committed to punching well above its weight, both as a leading ambulance service on the global stage and also as a key player in the wider unscheduled care system in Wales.

“I am looking forward to joining you in the early autumn and will be working with the Executive Team on a plan to engage with as many of you as possible when I arrive.”

Interim Chair, Martin Woodford, said he was

SWAST News

Cornish cancer nurse makes finals of UK’s top National Nursing Awards Cornish cancer nurse, Lynn Dunne, who works for South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, has been announced as a finalist in the 2018 RCNi Nurse Awards, the UK’s most prestigious nursing accolade. Lynn is a key member of a pioneering project between Macmillan Cancer Support and the Trust to improve and promote best practice in cancer, palliative and end of life care when patients have to access urgent and emergency care services predominantly

nursing practice for the better. Just five inspirational finalists for each award category have been chosen from more than 700 entries and Lynn is a finalist in the Cancer Nursing Award category.

The hunt for Britain’s nursing heroes started back in December 2017, led by Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway.

Kate Garraway, RCNi Nurse Awards Ambassador 2018, said, “The 2018 RCNi Nurse Award finalists are all incredible. So often nurses don’t get the recognition they deserve and I can’t wait to celebrate their hard work and dedication at the ceremony – if it was up to me I’d crown them all as winners.”

through 999.

As a Macmillan cancer care development facilitator, part of Lynn’s role is enabling paramedics to improve symptom control ensuring they can remain in their own homes where appropriate. Patients in rural areas who have difficulty engaging with primary care services or who are not covered by an out-of-hours community nursing service were being taken to hospital when medications had run out, or for symptoms which could be addressed at home. Lynn and fellow

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

for patients with cancer or at the end of life,

project team colleague, Louise Pennington worked collaboratively to produce patient

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

IN PERSON EEAST News

EMAS News

New Non-Executive appointed to The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust

EMAZING East Coast Paramedic Stuart Speed retires after 26 years

The East of England Ambulance Service

has retired after serving 26 years in the

NHS Trust (EEAST) has appointed Ravi

Lincolnshire Paramedic Stuart Speed ambulance service.

Mahendra as the new Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee

Stuart started his ambulance career in 1992

- Ravi will function as one of the decision-

following his service in the military, joining as

making body for the organisation.

a Patient Transport Assistant. Two years later he progressed into a Trainee Technician role and three years later in 1997 he qualified as a paramedic and never looked back; ending his career at Skegness Ambulance Station where it all began.

Within his career he has mentored and helped progress many of our new clinicians, provided colleague support when they needed it the most, delivered seven babies into the world and saved and touched the lives of many patients and their families.

He said: “There are a few jobs I have attended that stay with me. I once attended a gentleman who had a heart attack two weeks before he was due to get married. I and my crew mate treated him and got him into hospital to have a pacemaker fitted. He was able to get married two weeks later.

“I see him and his wife in the area; it reminds me that I have had a worthwhile and rewarding career.”

Sue Cousland, General Manager for Lincolnshire said: “It was a real pleasure and privilege to see Stuart on his penultimate shift before he heads off for a very happy and healthy retirement. Despite having only met Stuart on a couple of occasions, his smile seems to be a permanent one! It is testament to Stuart’s dedication and professionalism as he appears to be well liked and respected by everyone you speak to.

“Have a great retirement Stuart and a huge thank you from us, for all you have done for fellow staff members and the patients you have come into contact with over your 26 years

He said: “I have seen lots of changes and

in the service. You will be very much missed on

advances in clinical practice in my time with

the East Coast”

the ambulance service. I have met and treated thousands of patients, some of whom I will

Stuart is planning to spend his retirement

never forget. “

ticking off adventures from his bucket list, including a trip to America and pursing his

Ravi Mahendra

Ravi has over 18 years’ extensive experience

Stuart added that he has enjoyed every minute

passion for motor flying with his brother.

of serving the public and loves to see people in his area whose lives he has had an impact

We wish him a healthy and happy retirement

upon. One job in particular sticks with him.

#EMAZINGStaff #PrideinEMAS

operating at board level within the financial sector working with businesses such as AIG Genworth Financial and General Electric.

Ravi’s last executive role was as Finance Director for Global Insurer AIG. where he worked at board level to develop strategy and finance leadership across 90 countries. Ravi who is based in Watford now joins the Trust with a real eagerness to learn something new AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

while also use his experience in the private and financial sector to help EEAST move forward.

Ravi said “ As Audit Committee chair, what I would like to do is help the organisation reach better governance and improve financial controls. I want to help the trust plan for the future and make EEAST one of the, if not the best ambulance trusts in the country. “

Stuart Speed photographed with General Manager Sue Cousland and East coast colleagues

166 For more news visit: www.ambulanceukonline.com

COMPANY NEWS Ruth Lee Ltd are well-known in

Realistic Training – All Shapes and Sizes

the paramedic community and have supplied general handling and patient handling manikins for many years. We also have a range

Patients come in all shapes and sizes and therefore when completing training, it makes sense to make your scenario as realistic as possible using a variety of sizes and weights – including bariatric.

of bariatric manikins which have

Are ambulance teams prepared

Prepare with effective training

been designed to allow teams to prepare effective extrication methods which put personnel and patients at minimal risk of injury when moving and transporting heavier individuals.

for bariatric casualties?

At Ruth Lee Ltd we want to make It’s no secret that obesity amongst

sure that we are supplying teams

the UK population is on the rise

with the best possible training

– but did you know that obesity

equipment. Our bariatric manikins

is one of the biggest strains on

come in 3 sizes, 90kg, 180kg and

Government funding? According

260kg. The lighter manikin, whilst

to the Department of Health, they

not ‘strictly’ a bariatric provides

confirmed that it spends more

the bulk of an obese patient

each year on the treatment of

without excessive weight. Where

obesity related ill-health (a total of

which means that one trainer can

Bariatric Carry Sheet, a standard

easier training set up is required,

£5.1 billion in 2014/15) than the

set up the rescue scenario on

Bariatric Carry Sheet, plus 2 Body

we have also designed a Water-

government does on “the police,

their own with minimal lifting and

Slings. Our Carry Sheet have

fillable Bariatric Suit which allows

handling risk.

been tested to destruction and

fire service and judicial system

you to transform a Duty Manikin

combined”.

into a bariatric. Teams can place

In order to further promote safe

sheets have been designed to

the bariatric in a confined space,

lifting and handling we can

allow a minimum of 6 people to

This is a shocking statistic and

such as a small bathroom, and

provide a range of bariatric carry

assist with lifting and are a useful

one which poses an important

then add the required weight

sheets and a Bariatric Evacuation

addition to your ambulance

question - what additional

using water. It’s a simple process,

Kit which contains a Super

equipment.

are LOLER certified. All of these

demands are being put on ambulance crews when it comes to treating plus-sized casualties?

Often, bariatric casualties are prisoners of their own bodies and with this in mind, they will often require assistance when it comes to hospital visits and emergencies. Ambulance crews are therefore seeing an increasing number of bariatric patients and a requirement to help move them safely.

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

Training for a heavy-weight problem With the prevalence of obesity increasing it’s important that HART and general ambulance crews prepare plans for bariatric casualties. Training with manikins is one of the best ways of preparing for this scenario.

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

COMPANY NEWS Rescroft Ltd

BOC Healthcare

Bluelight UK

Rescroft is a well known name in the emergency services sector.

BOC Healthcare supply a range of medical gases and service solutions to support healthcare practitioners and patients. Our lightweight, integral valve cylinders demonstrate BOC’s unrivalled commitment to improving ambulance crew performance, reducing costs, and optimising patient care.

When Bluelight UK Ltd first opened in 2003 there were a handful of converters, building ambulances for the public sector. The used vehicle market was buoyant with many new private ambulance services coming on board. At the turn of the millennium most of the services were able to use C1 category vehicles as most of the staff were exNHS Trust and the preferred choice was the 5 cylinder Mercedes Sprinter modular box ambulance, built by UVM, MacNeillie or Wilker. Non-C1 vehicles (van conversions) were in use by St John Ambulance and Red Cross.

Based in Redditch, Worcestershire, they are a key seating supplier to the majority of blue light vehicle builders and convertors throughout the UK as well as producing specialist seats for customers in both Europe and Asia.

Founded in 1976, they employ over a hundred people who are involved in the design, manufacture and supply of a range of products that are fitted into various blue light and

BOC offers a wide range of

emergency services vehicles.

emergency care equipment designed for use by medical

The CT Lite Duo has now been

professionals and appropriately

fitted as a rear facing attendant

trained first aid personnel

seat by a number of authorities and offers a lightweight solution for use by attendants, passengers or smaller children requiring a harness belt configuration. The

including AEDs, pulse oximeters and our LIFELINE oxygen kit.

ENTONOX is a ready-to-use

seat can be fitted on a sliding base

medical gas mixture of 50%

to help with cleaning at the rear.

nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen that

With the emission charges coming into force, the cost of new vehicles and the increased cost of labour (drivers with HGV license) many of the private ambulance services saw a cost saving in adding B license vehicles to their fleets.

provides rapid, safe and effective Their Levl seat, a swivelling

short-term pain relief. Key features

With the limitations a van

stretcher seat, is fitted in many

include:

conversion under 3.5 tonnes brings

vehicles and a specially adapted belt was recently introduced to make the seat more comfortable for younger passengers.

Other popular products include the Winga and Plica tip and turn seats and the Defender Titan, an M1 standard passenger seat.

All products are fully compliant to current legislation. Rescroft are currently refurbishing their in house AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

test rig which will help them with the design and development of new products in the future and will allow them to continue working with manufacturers and carrying out fully witnessed in vehicle seat belt anchorage testing.

it is essential to make the vehicle as • Predictable and reliable analgesia, • Effective pain relief and sedative effect without loss of consciousness,

lightweight and robust as possible as well providing a comfortable environment for the patient. It is just as important to provide good, clean open space for the crew, after all this is their office.

• Rapid onset and offset, which can lead to savings through reduced treatment time and increased patient turnaround, • Easy, self-regulated administration, • Minimal side-effects BOC Healthcare 24 hour Customer Service Centre

Further details of all the Rescroft

0800 111 333

products can be found on their

Email:

website at www.rescroft.com

bochealthcare-uk@boc.com

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

Bluelight UK and Renault Trucks have been developing concepts over the past few years and are pleased to bring two new vehicles to the market later this year. The first project is a multi-purpose van conversion using an “all-new design” for patient transport movements. This vehicle will ultimately converted in Belfast with partners Gray & Adams and will offer an array of layouts to cater for stretchered patients of all sizes and wheelchairs. Details will be available soon.

The second project is a 3.5 tonne box body Renault Master A&E Baus AT conversion which can be uprated to 3.9 tonnes GVW. Built on a chassis platform this lightweight conversion will provide the extra space required the increasing needs of a modern ambulance service.

Both projects will be covered by Renault Trucks 3 year 100,000 mile warranty and covered by “out-ofhours” services which is essential for any operator needing to maximise the use of their new assets.

As there is currently a shortage of good quality used HDU ambulances, Bluelight UK continues to order new vehicles built to HDU specifications. If you are interested in providing a quality product for your clients from a company with a proven track record, contact sales@bluelightuk.co.uk for more information or call the office on 01942 888800

COMPANY NEWS

East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust is recruiting now to the following roles: • Paramedics • Newly qualified paramedics • Emergency medical technicians

For more information, please contact the Recruitment Team on 01234 243200 or to apply visit: AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

eastamb.nhs.uk

169

AUK_August_AUK_August_2013 11/10/2013 10:53 Page 254

THE CLASSIFIED SITE For For further further information make information or or to to make aa reservation reservation please please contact contact

Terry Terry or or Brenda Rachel Tel: Tel: 01322 01322 660434 660434 Fax: Fax: 01322 666539 email:

info@mediapublishing info@mediapublishing company.com or by post to: Media Media House, 48 High Street 48 Swanley Swanley KentBR8 BR88BQ BQ Kent

Life Connections 2014 Exmed Study Day

Theme: Difficult Airway Course EMS™ – An introduction Thursday 15TH May 2014 Kettering Conference Centre, Kettering NN15 6PB

AMBULANCE UK - AUGUST

170

TIME: A.M

PRESENTATION

TIME: P.M

08.30 - 09.00

Registration

12.00 - 12.30

09.00 - 09.15

Introduction & History of the Course

09.15 - 09.45

The Airway Algorithms

12.30 - 13.30

09-45 - 10.30

Prediction of the Difficult Airway

13.30 - 14.00

10.30 - 11.15

BVM and Laryngoscopy

11.15 - 11.30

Tea/Coffee, Exhibition

11.30 - 12.00

Skills Stations (4 rotations/30 min. each)

PRESENTATION Skill Stations Rotation 2 Lunch, Exhibition Skill Stations Rotation 3

14.00 - 14.30

Skill Stations Rotation 4

Group 1

BVM, ETI

14.30 - 14.45

Group 2

EGD’s & Rescue Airways

14.45 - 15.00

Group 3

Needle & Surgical Airway

15.00 - 17.00

Group 4

Video Laryngoscopy

17.00

Airway Self Scope Video Tea/Coffee, Exhibition Practical Moulages Wrap up

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

CPD certificate provider

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

Only 7 places remain available!!

To register call 01322 660434 or visit:

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

PARAMEDICS - SOUTH WEST £23,023 to £36,644 pa (plus unsocial hours payment)* Join us and you’ll find an Ambulance Service that understands the better we look after you, the better equipped you’ll be to look after our patients.

We are passionate about providing care closer to home and equip all of our staff with the training, support and skills they need to deliver a higher level of care, enabling more of our patients to be treated without conveyance to hospital. And we want a better future for you too. Our career framework supports our paramedics to develop specialist or managerial careers, with the progression of many of our current staff testament to our commitment to internal progression and career development Whether you crave a coastal location, the best of the British countryside or the historic cities of Cheltenham, Bath and Bristol (to name but a few), you really will find a better lifestyle outside of work here in the beautiful South West.

• • • •

The most clinically advanced Trust within the UK Permanent and bank opportunities available One of the most beautiful parts of the country Lowest conveyance rate in the UK

Let us look after you better.

For your next career move visit www.betterparamedic.co.uk

• A better work-life balance • Dedicated staff support service • Structured career pathways

/swasFT * Depending on qualification/ registration status

Better you, Better everybody.

WORKING WONDERS Join Us.