WINTER 2008

The News letter for the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust

relieved couple have paid a heartfelt tribute to the ambulance and then I heard the baby crying – that is a fantastic feeling. We controller who talked the dad through delivering his baby deal with some very unpleasant calls so it’s nice to get something son at home. like this where you feel you’re making a difference.” ADan James says that emergency medical dispatcher Victoria Oliver, 7lb 13oz, was born at 12 noon on Friday, November 23, Barrell, from Goitre, near Pontypool, did a brilliant job as she but after a measured start to proceedings when Alison went into helped bring little Oliver into the world. labour at 6.30 in the morning, it all developed very quickly. And now Dan is going to get a keepsake of his moment of glory Dan, 30, a property developer, said: “By about 11am the from the Welsh Ambulance Service in the form of a recording of the contractions were about every two or three minutes and we were phone call between him and Victoria, including the moment when advised by the hospital to wait about an hour but by 11.30am they Oliver opened his lungs for the first time. were less than a minute apart. It was baby number two for mum Alison Maunder, of Clos “I dialed 999 and got through to Victoria and by 12 noon the Gradog, Penarth, but a first live birth for Victoria, a 25 year-old baby was here and within a few minutes the ambulance was here who has been working in the control room at Mamhilad, near too and they cut the cord. Pontypool, for just over a year. “But Victoria was excellent and very impressive. She was very clear And Victoria said that Dan had more than done his bit as well: and very concise and managed to talk me through it very effectively. “You expect people to be a bit panicky, especially at first,” she said: “It’s about ten minutes later you start shaking.” “But he was quite calm and did a great job. Partner Alison, 28, a teacher, said: “Dan’s the real star of the show. “I think I was on the phone for 23 minutes and the baby was born He was fantastic and so was Victoria.” after about 16. And Dan added: “Alison is very proud of me but she was amazing. “It was the first time I had done it. You do get quite a few She had no pain relief or anything – I was just there to catch him. pregnancies but usually the ambulance crew or the midwife arrive in “But it was quite funny because Alison’s sister, Ceri, was with us, time to take over . holding her hand and she is due in about a month and when she “I just advised that when the head was showing to press down ran out to meet the ambulance crew one of them said, ‘You look as firmly and support the head if you’ve got a while to go yet’.”

page 2 page 8 page 10 In a state Replacement friend On call Alan Murray WE’RE MAKING A DIFFERENCE Says... n ambulance crew who brought a us have to shock someone 12 times. It’s n ex-paratrooper made it home for see he was in a state. at the scene. Dear Colleague, man back from the dead 12 times incredible really. Christmas thanks to the skills of a “There was blood covering his leg and They checked Nesta’s general condition Thank you to everyone who took the time to have received the grateful thanks of “When we got there he didn’t look too Welsh Ambulance Service his right ankle was facing the wrong way – and as she had come round and come complete the NHS Staff Survey form. We received Ahis wife – and a big bag of Jaffa cakes. bad, a bit grey and sweaty, but once we put Awho saved his life after an horrific there was so much blood around it I wasn’t downstairs they put a tiny amount of a the results in January and since then we have been Keith Rosser from Treharris was given the electro-cardiograph on him it told a paragliding accident. sure whether it had been severed. glucose jelly substance in her mouth which, working with trade union representatives on an an electric shock 12 times and also treated different story – basically he was having a Adrian Key spent five months in hospital “I had backup from the Aberdare when mixed with saliva, she was able to action plan to address the issues raised. with a clot-busting injection before massive heart attack in front of us. after suffering a dreadful catalogue of ambulance crew of Julian Cummings and swallow. The results are very challenging for us and being airlifted to Morriston Hospital for “I charged up the defibrillator and we injuries in the incident in July. Martin Price and we tried to make him as She recovered very quickly and didn’t demonstrate that many relationships between emergency surgery. shocked him and his pulse came back but it He lost the sight in his left eye and comfortable as we could while we waited need to be taken to hospital, but Debbie colleagues are not working as well as they might. In The 58-year-old director of a building was only moments later that it went again suffered a bleed to the brain and multiple for the Sea King helicopter.” and Ieuan stayed with her long enough to many respects we were not surprised by this, given maintenance firm is now recovering at and so I charged the defibrillator and gave broken bones including his jaw, his pelvis in Adrian still faces a long, hard road to ensure that her blood-sugar level was back the enormity of the TTMD programme and, of Keith another shock, once again resulting home and wife Susan said: “It’s thanks two places, both thighs and his right shin, recovery but he’s determined to make it: to normal and her condition remained course, knowing where we started from. to the ambulance crew that my husband in a pulse. and he dislocated both knees and his right “I’ve got titanium rods in my legs holding stable. survived.” “He kept suffering cardiac arrests – it ankle. me together so I wouldn’t stand much Ieuan, 42, from Coedpoeth, an When the survey was carried out we were less than The couple were on a caravan holiday at happened about ten times followed by a In all his right leg was broken in 50 chance of getting past an airport metal ambulance technician for two and a half a year into our five year modernisation programme Lydstep Haven, near Tenby, when Keith pulse.” different places and he has spent 20 hours detector,” he said. years, said: “It was a potentially very and the Trust had been going through some major became ill with chest pains on Saturday Even after the thrombolysing clot-busting on the operating table as surgeons have put dangerous situation but luckily we were changes. I appreciate that everyone is working hard morning, September 1. injection, Mr Rosser arrested twice more his body back together again. Flintshire woman who has suffered called and we were able to deal with it. under immense pressure to improve the service and Susan dialed 999 and within eight with Gareth and Roger shocking him again But if it hadn’t been for Merthyr from diabetes for over 30 years this kind of work and commitment has made it minutes the crew of paramedic Gareth before he was stable enough to carry into paramedic Simon Morgan the six foot two can look to the future with more hen paramedic Neil Phelps, below possible to introduce service improvements across Jones, below left, and technician Roger the ambulance. ex-para knows he wouldn’t have been home Aconfidence thanks to the expertise of an second left, was called to an . Hubbard were on the scene. Keith, who survived a heart attack seven to spend Christmas with wife Jane and ten- ambulance crew. address in the Rhondda it turned Managers have been among those working She said: “He had a massive heart attack years ago, said: “I remember them coming year-old son Lloyd. Nesta, 52, and husband Richard, of outW to be one he knew well – he used to exceptionally hard on these issues. In recognition and they had to resuscitate him and shock in but I don’t recall much after that but I’m “He quite simply saved my life,” says Swaine Avenue, Buckley, are able to deliver their papers. of this the Trust is launching a new management him 12 times – they worked on him for just so grateful to them. Adrian, 35, who got home to Little Mill, recognise the warning signs when her sugar This time the Rapid Response Vehicle learning programme, part of which will focus on the about 40 minutes to save his life. “I remember Roger Hubbard saying to near Pontypool, from hospital on Monday: levels are running low, and know what paramedic saved the life of 73-year-old need for good communication and the importance “The professionalism and expertise of me, ‘Don’t go now, stay with us’ and I said, “It’s down to him and what he did on that action to take. retired builder Derek Williams who had of building strong working relationships. There are these two men is second to none – they ‘Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere,’ mountainside that I’m here, back home for “It often happens during the night or early suffered a stroke in his living room in also a number of other initiatives in the pipeline must be the finest in the country.” and I reached up and Christmas.” morning and I either take something myself Heath Terrace, Ynyshir. which you will be kept up to date with as they Gareth touched his He and two friends were on the mountain or Richard is able to pour an isotonic drink Mrs Shirley Williams recalled: “We develop. admitted: cheek and said between Merthyr and Fochriw and Adrian down me,” she said. had only celebrated our 50th wedding In addition, 2008 will see KSF become fully “I’ve been a ‘Thank you.’” took off first, running downwind to inflate One morning, however, Richard was anniversary four days earlier but Derek operational for all staff. This will give you the paramedic the parachute and then lifting off: “I flew came downstairs from having a bath and sat opportunity to influence improvements in your job five years and for about 10 to 15 seconds and then as I on the settee and just flopped on the floor. I’ve never turned back my canopy just pitched and I “He was shaking so much and in a performance, provide you with feedback about how known dived down.” terrible state. I phoned my daughter and you are doing and allow you to discuss your future Travelling at about 30mph he plunged my two sons and they came and called the career with your manager. 100 feet and crashed face first into ambulance and Neil was there very quickly. Another new initiative is the introduction of a Staff the hillside: “My knee came up and “We didn’t realise who he was and we Awards for Excellence scheme which we will launch smashed into my face and I was knocked forgot to ask his name but we have to thank in the Spring to celebrate staff achievements. Look unconscious and must have been out for a him for getting there so promptly and for out for more information on this on the intranet, on couple of minutes,” he said. his professionalism and caring attitude”. notice boards and in your regional staff newsletters. Simon, 40, a paramedic for 12 years, said: Neil, 34, born and bred in the same I hope that these new initiatives will help you to “They were about two or three hundred village but now living in nearby Porth, feel better informed and fully involved in helping to metres away and it was a steep climb with said: “Apart from delivering their Sunday move the Trust towards being a better performing my equipment and when I got there I could papers, I had been there before over a and more engaging place to work. year earlier when Mr Williams suffered Finally, Christmas and New Year were particularly a stroke but this time it was much more challenging, compounding, for many of us, serious. unprecedented pressures in the emergency care “I was there in two or three minutes and system. I hope that you will be aware by now of the found that he couldn’t speak and was very sustained efforts that senior managers and executives disorientated so I gave him oxygen and have been making, in partnership with other the appropriate drugs to relax him. trusts, local health boards and the Department of about to leave home for work at 6.15am “He was the worst I’ve seen in a stroke Health & Social Services at WAG, to manage these when he checked to see how Nesta was, victim, his breathing was very distressed and found her unconscious. Because of her and he really wasn’t very well at all but I pressures more effectively now and in future years. condition he could not get her to swallow. managed to treat him and the crew of Bev I want to thank all of those hard working people He dialled 999 and within a very short James and Chris Hunt were soon there and all of the EMS and PCS time paramedic Debbie Roberts, from with the ambulance to transport him to staff, control and resource Flint, and technician Ieuan Williams were the Royal Glamorgan Hospital.” centre staff, the nurses and on the triage desks and everyone at NHS Direct Wales for their efforts and forbearance over a season that most other people in Wales look forward to without qualification.

Alan Murray, Chief Executive

2 3 NHSDW strides Meet the Board : Clare Cookson Walk on the wild side into the future

Sunday afternoon walk in the helicopter eventually spotted the man, who NHS Direct Wales has made major strides during mountains may be some people’s idea was in his 40s and from Newport, but the its first year under the umbrella of the Welsh of fun but it proved a real test of skill ambulance was directed to the wrong side Ambulance Service, according to the latest figures. Aand endurance for two colleagues in the of the mountain. They show that significant improvements Welsh Ambulance Service. Bernard and Julian, who is based at have been made in directing callers to the most For, with help from four police officers, Aberbug, took their vehicle as far as appropriate service. Bernard Williams, below left, and Julian possible along the narrow lanes and tracks This often means that calls which once would have Rudge had to carry a seriously injured man and were then airlifted to the spot, where meant the dispatch of an emergency ambulance about a mile through rough, boggy terrain. they found the man suffering from a broken under blue lights are now being dealt with by a more Now the extraordinary effort put in by leg and complaining of back pains. suitable service provider. them has earned them a commendation The location was about two miles from And the figures also show that NHSDW is often from the Chief Constable of South Wales. the ambulance but the air ambulance was outperforming NHS Direct in England. The drama began on a Sunday in June attending another incident, so Bernard, The most recent figures available show that in when Bernard and Julian were leaving Julian and the police officers carried the November 2006 5.2 per cent of calls to NHSWDW Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny, and rider on a stretcher about a mile over the resulted in a 999 ambulance response but by received a call to an incident on the mountain to a police Land Rover, in which October last year that figure fell to 2.8 per cent. mountainside between Pontypool and he was then taken to the ambulance. In comparison in NHS Direct England for the Llanhilleth. “It was hard going because he must have same period 4.9 per cent of calls resulted in a 999 They were told that a trials motorcyclist weighed about 14 stone and it was very ambulance. had fallen down a ravine while riding across boggy and uneven in places,” said Bernard, Ruth Saele project lead for performance the moorland and though he was badly 64, who retired in January after 33 years in improvement within NHSDW said that as part of injured he had managed to call the police the ambulance service. the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust it was vital that on his mobile phone. “The whole thing must have taken about they offer a quality service to the people of Wales. “He didn’t know exactly where he was two hours from when we received the call.” She said: “We need to ensure that we are but said he could see a radio mast,” said The two colleagues and four police signposting callers appropriately without Bernard, a supervisor who is stationed in officers received their commendations compromising the quality and safety of the service Tredegar. at a ceremony at Croesyceiliog Golf and we provide to the public. he top team at the Welsh Ambulance Service can carry retailers of luxury footwear and accessories, and helped develop The crew of the South Wales Police Country Club. “At the same time, urgent and emergency through the ambitious programme of change to bring the Warrington as a booming business centre before spending ten years healthcare options such as 999 ambulances, A Trust into the 21st century. after moving to Anglesey as North Wales director of the Red Cross. and E and GP Out Of Hours appointments are TThat’s the view of one of the Trust’s longest serving non-executive After that she was looking for a new challenge and found it on the precious NHS resources that should be allocated directors, vice chair Clare Cookson, who has been on the Board board of the Welsh Ambulance Service. appropriately to those whose healthcare needs since 2002. “I had been involved in first aid with the Red Cross and had often require them.” Coincidentally this daughter of an Ormskirk GP gives a real worked with the Ambulance Service and found them excellent Since December 2006 NHSDW has implemented Lancastrian flavour to the Trust team as she was brought up just people to deal with and that encouraged me to apply for the post,“ a number of initiatives to improve clinical outcomes, seven miles away from the Southport home of chairman Stuart she says. in line with the Welsh Assembly Government’s Fletcher. Her experience in business means she is under no illusions about Designed for Life and the Ambulance Service’s Time Both have long since happily settled in Wales, Stuart in the task confronting the Service though: “The modernisation plan, to Make a Difference. Haverfordwest and Clare with husband Harry near Beaumaris on Time To Make A Difference, involves a massive programme of Ruth explained that the aim was to increase the use Anglesey. change and that will bring challenges,“ she adds. of the three ‘low risk’ clinical outcomes; Homecare, There she can indulge two of her passions, walking the scenic “But I’m very optimistic about the long-term future for the GP routine and Pharmacy, where it was appropriate Anglesey Coastal Path and tending her garden with its views over organisation because we have a really talented team of people at all and safe to do so. the Irish Sea. levels. She said: “It was anticipated that in turn, we would She also describes herself as a fair-weather sailor aboard her “Together they have the skills, the ability and the will to turn see the percentage of outcomes to the ‘higher risk’ husband’s classic yacht which the two plan to take up to Scotland things round.” outcomes, GP Urgent, A and E and 999, fall. this summer. She herself brings her experience in business and in management “Since the initiation of the project, performance But those are spare time hobbies for Clare who was educated at to the Trust while Stuart Fletcher pays his own tribute: “She is a has shown significant improvements in clinical the former Loreto College in Llandudno before gaining marketing very hard working and conscientious non-exec and I enjoy working outcomes directing callers to the most appropriate and business studies qualifications and going on to work in the with her. point of care thus using NHS resources effectively. public and private sectors throughout her career. “The diversity of her experience has been and continues to be of “Our effectiveness in doing this has been down to She has been group marketing manager for Bally Group (UK), real value to the Board.” all the teams and individuals who have made this progress possible and they deserve our thanks.” Welsh Ambulance Service Chief Executive Alan Murray said: “When NHS Direct joined us, I agreed Warming news people with the Director that it should be aiming to achieve FOR older a home care disposition for at least 40 per cent of its The British Gas Help the Aged partnership and the that they are warm and safe during the winter Services Manager for the the Welsh Ambulance callers. Welsh Ambulance Service are joining forces in Wales to months.” Service, says: “PCS staff will have the packs “This was based on my experience of helping to help older people guard against the effects of the forecast The ‘Your Winter Warm Up’ packs contain available to give to patients and they are in the cold snap. set the service up in England in the 1990s. When a step-by-step guide to keeping your home ideal position to be able to identify those who they joined us, fewer than 16 per cent of callers were New figures from the British Gas Help the Aged warm, a guide to claiming benefits, top 10 tips may be at risk in cold weather. Partnership show that 100,000 Welsh over-60s fear their for keeping warm during the winter months, a “They will also take the packs to day units being directed to home care and five per cent were health may be at risk because their homes are not warm guide to Help the Aged services, information across Wales so that they are available to those being directed to 999. enough in winter. on home heating schemes and grants offered who don’t use ambulance transport. “I’m pleased to say that the figures for January British Gas Help the Aged Partnership spokesman by British Gas and two thermometers – one “We welcome this opportunity to work with 2008 are 3.1 per cent to 999. Iwan Rhys Roberts explains: “Cold weather can have a for your bedroom and one for your living the British Gas Help the Aged Partnership.” “In total, including home care, pharmacy and GP detrimental effect on older people’s health, and as these room. routine, 57.9 per cent of callers are being triaged to figures reveal, this a major concern to one in six over 60s The Welsh Ambulance Service’s Patient Care Picture: Showing off the British Gas Help The Aged non-urgent dispositions. across Wales. Services staff will be handing out the packs to partnership Winter Warmer packs are, from left, Julie “The British Gas Help the Aged Parternship has “This is being done safely and appropriately and older people who travel on their vehicles across Winspear, National Patient Care Services Manager for lays excellent foundations for the Trust’s contribution prepared the ‘Your Winter Warm Up’ information pack the country and also distributing the packs at the Welsh Ambulance Service, PCS staff Mike Evans to the DECS strategy, whose theme is quick and to address these concerns. The pack is full of useful day units all over Wales. and Nia Tudor Hughes and Glenys Hughes-Jones, of information on what older people can do to make sure Julie Winspear, National Patient Care Help The Aged Wales. appropriate access to unscheduled care services.”

4 5 By special DELIVERY company director has paid a heartfelt the recording and copy it as a training aid the latter stages of labour. In fact, the baby’s n ambulance controller has been mum and dad and we were getting ready “On his birth certificate there’s a space for tribute to the ambulance controller and that makes me feel quite proud too. head was about to appear,” said Gary, who praised for doing a ‘fantastic’ job to go to hospital but she went upstairs for the name of the person who delivered the who talked him through delivering Experienced paramedic Kevin Hands was has delivered two other babies in his 27-year after she talked a husband through a wash and I went to make some Welsh baby and my name is there and that gave Ahis baby daughter. soon on the scene after the birth and he career in the ambulance service. Adelivering a baby at home. rarebit for dinner when she called me. me a thrill. Relieved dad Roy Barlow says that said: “David did a very good job, he’s been “Everything went well and within five Now proud dad Ian Morgan has “She was holding on to the bedside “But I just did as I was told, the real controller David Twigdon Williams, excellent, and it’s nice for the staff in control minutes of our arrival the baby girl was requested a tape of the conversation he table and the contractions were coming stars of the show were Delyth and the pictured below with the family, was to get some credit. born,” he said. had with Eleri Rees, from Pentremeurig, every three minutes – she said ‘The baby’s controller.” “brilliant” as he helped bring little Millie “They’re a vital part of the machinery of In fact, the birth went so smoothly that Carmarthen, as he helped bring his 8lb 7oz coming, the baby’s coming’ and I knew we The person at the other end of the phone Megan Barlow into the world. the service and a part that’s often taken for Paula and her new-born, named Celwyn, son Thomas into the world. hadn’t got long. was 23-year-old Eleri Rees who was in her His efforts have now been recognised at granted but it’s certainly one of the busiest who weighed in at 7lbs 1oz, didn’t need to It was a second child for Ian and Delyth “I asked my father-in-law, Handel, to dial final week as a call-taker at Carmarthen Ambulance Control for North Wales at and most hectic departments you would go to hospital. who was due to go in to Singleton Hospital 999 and my mother-in-law Janice came Ambulance Control before beginning her Llanfairfechan where the recording of the ever want to work in. She is the couple’s third child, with Ellie, in for the birth but events upstairs with me and helped get Delyth studies in Swansea to become a biology call to the Barlows’ home is to be used as a “They’re often the unsung heroes and it’s now three, having been born at Singleton overtook the couple. onto the bed and then it all happened so teacher. training aid. nice for them to get some credit.” Hospital, Swansea, and Katy, two, at “Eleri was fantastic, absolutely brilliant,” fast. She said: “It was my last week but the Roy, who works for Topaz Cosmetics in Meanwhile, David hopes soon to be Glangwili. said Ian, 34, of Cefn Hengoed Road, “The controller was so calm and just first birth I had actually talked through. Guilden Sutton near Chester had dashed joining Kevin and the other emergency “But this was the best experience of the Winch Wen, Swansea: “She was so calm kept talking me through what to do and “I had come close a few times but the home from work on Wednesday, September ambulance staff on the road: “I’ve been three and I’m so grateful to the ambulance and just talked me through everything encouraging Delyth. ambulance had always arrived so this was 5, to take wife Alison to hospital only to accepted for Ambulance Technician crew,” said Paula, 37. and it all happened so fast, it was a bit of a “When the baby’s head started to appear special. find the baby was in a hurry to arrive. training,” he said: “So I hope to be out on “Luckily for Tracy he opened the front blur.” she told me to get my hands ready either “It was a brilliant feeling and nice to hear Roy, 49, from Maes y Parc, Halton, near the road myself soon.” door just in time to let the paramedic in or “Delyth side to slow the head down and ease the the baby crying at the end of the line – it Chirk, said: “At ten to one my secretary paramedic arrived just in time to save he would have had to deliver it himself,” she was at baby out and then to wipe around the nose went well and both mother and baby are told me I’d better go home and by the time a nervous dad from acting as stand-in laughed. home and mouth so he can breathe and to be healthy. I’d got there it was half past one and it was midwife. with careful because he would be slippery and “I thought Ian was very good, very calm clear Alison wasn’t going anywhere.” AProud father Tracy Morris was especially her not to drop him. and so was Delyth and it all went really It was a second baby for Alison, 42 – her delighted at the appearance of Gary “When my mother in law said you’ve got well first was 25 years earlier - and the couple Davies as he would otherwise have a little boy I was choking up then. How “I wasn’t really nervous. It’s what you’re couldn’t be happier, though seven pound had to deliver his new baby daughter many dads have actually delivered their trained to do so you deal with it – each call Millie’s arrival was pretty nerve-wracking. himself. own son – that’s a nice story to be able to is different which is what I enjoyed about Roy added: “Alison was in the bathroom Gary and his colleague, tell. the job.” and I managed to get her onto the floor trainee ambulance technician and I was on the phone as I tried to follow Paula Carr, from Cardigan, Paramedic Gary Davies and trainee David’s instructions. were at Glangwili Hospital, ambulance technician Paula Carr with Paula “I could see the baby’s head and the cord Carmarthen, on a Sunday Thomas and baby daughter Celwyn. was across it so I just pushed gently on it afternoon when they were and out he came in half a second. asked to go to Tycroes Road, “David was brilliant and very calm. Alison Tycroes, near Ammanford, and little Millie are fine so it was just a where Paula Thomas was perfect outcome.” about to give birth. David, 44, a father of two from Pendre They rushed to Avenue, Prestatyn, said: “I think Roy was the scene, where quite stressed by it but he did well and I did they found Tracy my best to keep his attention. panicking as the “You don’t really get nervous. The training baby was starting kicks in and you get on with it and give to appear. them the basic instructions and tell them to “We went wipe the baby’s nose and mouth to help it upstairs to the to breathe. bathroom and “I’ve been told that they’re going to keep the lady was in

Eleri Rees holds baby Thomas Morgan as proud parents Ian and Delyth and their daughter Hannah, aged five, look on.

6 7 HD Crews Ready To Roll new breed of vehicles which free up emergency ambulances for life- The six newly-trained South East staff are Frances Joyce and David Jones, threatening cases has been introduced in Wales. in , Rob Panniers and Roger Hughes, Tredegar, in Blaenau Gwent, The High Dependency Ambulances will transport urgent cases and Mark Richards and Russell Davies, at Hawthorn, in Rhondda Cynon Aleaving the Welsh Ambulance Service’s flagship new vehicles free to Taf. concentrate on incidents where lives are at risk. It brings to six the number of trained High Dependency Service personnel These intermediate ambulances will not be equipped to as high a clinical in North East Wales with the Peter Pritchard, Geoff Wellings, Vince level as emergency ambulances but they will be able to deal with many cases Clayton and Arwel Owen now joining Barry Davies and Colin Rice who which at present are tying these vehicles up. already operate from Mold. The initiative is an exciting one according to Welsh Ambulance Service The four extra HD staff are based at Queensferry but all six cover Trust chairman Stuart Fletcher who said: “The advent of these vehicles Flintshire and and Flintshire Locality Ambulance Officer Mark represents another step in the modernisation of the Service. Timmins said: “It’s an integrated part of the emergency ambulance service. “Most importantly they will free up our emergency ambulances to do “The HD vehicles and crews will work in partnership to provide urgent what they are designed for, respond to life-threatening emergencies.” care where appropriate. Ten staff were recently trained in using the new HD vehicles at the “You may need an emergency ambulance to attend to you but you don’t Ambulance Service’s Training College in Swansea, six from South East necessarily need it to then transport you to hospital.” Region and four from the North. It’s a proven concept according to Regional Director of Ambulance

John Coombes with paramedic Dai Isaac and We’LL BE There forambulance technicianyo Lisa Williams.u

top angler has paid tribute to the Welsh with a cuddly gift to help him bear the loss of a wyn Pumford has celebrated his Golden Ambulance Service emergency staff who treasured toy two months ago. Wedding anniversary with a party saved his life. The five-year-old, from Old Colwyn, lost his for family and friends – something AJohn Coombes was taken ill in the early hours Patchy Bear, during a trip to Llandudno. G he admits he would have missed out on but of the morning at his home in Merthyr but The bear was given to him for comfort by an for emergency ambulance staff. ambalance staff were on the scene quickly to ambulance crew when he was taken to hospital “They saved my life,” he admits cheerfully administer a thrombolysing drug. for treatment following breathing difficulties. and the 72-year-old from Ton Pentre in the Now the 65-year-old is looking forward to Mum Linda Ashton said: “When Bradley was Rhondda has even written to Welsh Assembly many more happy hours on the banks of the two and half years old we called the ambulance, Government Health Minister Edwina Hart to River Taff after making a good recovery from his they came, and they gave him the Patchy Bear, praise the efforts of the Ambulance Service and heart attack. and from that day he absolutely doted on it. other branches of the Health Service in Wales. He said: “What they did was sensational – I “But about a month ago it fell out of our car Gwyn recalls the day his life was almost wouldn’t be here otherwise. somewhere and although we hunted high and snatched away very vividly: “It was a lovely day “Dai the paramedic and his colleague Lisa were low we couldn’t find it.” and I decided to go blackberry picking. absolutely brilliant and so were the coronary care Linda contacted the Welsh Ambulance Service “If I’d got to where the blackberries were I staff at Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr – for help and thanks to Jason, Bradley has found a wouldn’t be here now but I had only gone four they all worked together extremely well.” new teddy bear to keep him company. or five hundred yards down the road when I Mr Coombes suffered his heart attack at home Jason said: “When we heard about Bradley’s collapsed. I managed to stagger across the road in Aneurin Crescent, Twyn y Rodyn, Merthyr, loss, we wanted to help out as his bear had to the shop where I asked the shopkeeper, Chris on Thursday, September 27, only days after helped him get through his difficulties when we Lewis, to run me home in his van. helping organise the Welsh fly-fishing trials. took him into hospital. “When I got home I realised something was He said: “I had been stripping some gates with “So we made a few enquiries and found a desperately wrong and I told my wife Valerie to paint stripper and had had difficulty breathing willing helper ready to step into the breach and ring 999. and I woke up that night and just couldn’t get be there for Bradley when he needs him the “I was out of it but they my breath. most. Our teddy, although not a replacement arrived very quickly and “I rang NHS Direct and they put me in touch for Bradley’s Patchy Bear, will keep him they did what they had with the Ambulance Service and Dai and Lisa company.” to do. were there very quickly. They calmed me down Bradley was introduced to his new friend “My wife told me and got me settled.” during a visit to Colwyn Bay Ambulance they said I hadn’t got Dai Isaac, 45, from Merthyr, a paramedic for Station for a personal tour around the Welsh a pulse so I must have 15 years, said: “Mr Coombes didn’t realise what Ambulance Service’s new 21st century been on the wrong side was happening but as soon as we put an ECG on emergency vehicle. of right but they were him we knew he was having a heart attack. magnificent.” “We told him he was having a heart attack On the scene that Pictured above clockwise from top right, Wales Services for North Wales Dafydd Jones-Morris: “It has been used across and asked him if we could give him the day were ambulance Ambulance Trust High Dependancy Vehicle at the UK,” he said: “And it’s a strategy that works and frees up emergency thrombolysing drug and he told us to go technicians Gary Cefncoed Hospital, Swansea, Mark Richards, Russell ambulances to deal with life-threatening cases.” ahead. Woodcock and Preston Davies, Vince Clayton, Frances Joyce, David Jones, The man responsible for getting the vehicles on line is National Fleet “I don’t think he realised what was Geoff Wellings, Peter Pritchard, Arwel Owen with Rob Manager Tony Cowley and he said: “We do have over 40 vehicles available McCarthy and paramedic Panniers in the vehicle. Not pictured, Roger Hughes. happening to him. He thought it was Brian Williams, right, which could be converted to high dependency and at present we are engaged in making 12 ready. indigestion or a pulled muscle in his and Gary (left) said: “Mr chest.” “Crewing high dependency vehicles could be the breeding grounds for Pumford wasn’t very the next generation of paramedics and technicians, getting them used to well. He had arrhythmia “An integrated he Welsh Ambulance Service has dealing with patients with a higher level of clinical need.” which is a very fast, Mike Cassidy, Deputy Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service, spread a little festive cheer by irregular heartbeat. part of the service” said: “We have been looking at the way we work and how we respond to giving a boy who lost his favourite “We gave him oxygen demand. Tcompanion an early Christmas present. and as his condition - Flintshire LAO “Demand for urgent cases has gone up dramatically and we need to Bradley Ashton, right, was smiling improved he was taken to change the way we deal with them. after Conwy and Denbighshire Locality hospital.” “There will be facilities on board to provide oxygen and pain relief and Officer Jason Williams presented him Mark Timmins they will be staffed by people trained to look after patients in transfer.”

8 9 Volunteers on call

ou might think you’re number’s up but and to train staff at all their halls. when it comes to Staying Alive – 85 – then “All the training is delivered by the Welsh Paramedics Robin it could be a Saving Grace – 68 – or even Ambulance Service, takes about four hours and Petterson and aY Lucky Seven to find yourself in a Castle Bingo includes patient assessment, basic life support and Sarah Vivian Club. the use of a defibrillator.” clean up at the That’s because all eight – Garden Gate - Castle “It’s comforting to know that we have this vital Millennium Clubs in South Wales have signed up for the life-saving equipment,” said Castle Bingo Human Stadium Welsh Ambulance Service’s Public Access Resources Executive Jayne Beynon. Defibrillator scheme. “It gives us confidence to know that if someone So, if you’re going to have a heart attack then had a sudden heart attack we would be able to one of the best places to do so is with your eyes increase their chance of survival. down for a full house at Castle Bingo – it could “Every one of our clubs now has a defibrillator keep you out of the Gates of Heaven, number 27. which has been part-funded by the British Heart In fact you’re Gordon’s Den, ten, times more Foundation and the staff have been trained to use likely to survive if you have a heart attack at the them. bingo than if it happens in your living room. “Public Defibrillator Units can be a crucial life That’s because staff at Castle Bingo have not saving device and we are very pleased that Castle only been trained by the Welsh Ambulance Bingo is able to provide this vital service at all its Service in the latest emergency resuscitation busy clubs. techniques but they have the latest equipment as “We have over 40,000 members through well. our doors each and every week and we pride Each of their eight clubs across South Wales has ourselves on our reputation which is built around a state of the art defibrillator, an electric shock the exceptional levels of Customer Service and CLEAN HANDS KICK OFF machine, stored there. amenities which we provide for our members. he Welsh Ambulance Service Trust has locations. We need to ensure that we don’t pass As well as the two at Canton and Newport “The support and training we have received from been chosen as a pioneer in the National germs from one patient to the next – cleaning Road in Cardiff, the Castle clubs at Newport, the Welsh Ambulance Service has proved crucial to Patient Safety Agency‘s extension of its our hands can prevent this. Bridgend, Swansea, Nantgarw, Neath and the success of this initiative and we are extremely Taward-winning cleanyourhands campaign to care “We all have a responsibility to ourselves as are in the scheme. grateful to Steve Roberts, Tony Rossetti and Gerard settings outside hospitals. well as to our patients and colleagues to stop the PAD officer Gerard Rothwell said: “We have Rothwell and their teams for their dedication and The Trust celebrated being chosen as a spread of infections through good hand hygiene worked closely with Castle Bingo to set this up professionalism.” ‘pioneer’ organisation by hosting an event at the – playing as a team and working together is as Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, and in the spirit important in patient safety as it is on the rugby of the Rugby World Cup, Cardiff paramedic pitch.” Sarah Vivian was on hand to ‘kick bugs into The event was also attended by the Chief touch’. Nursing Officer for Wales, Rosemary Kennedy, Sarah, from Llanelli, is also a member of the who said: “With more and more care taking Welsh women’s touch rugby squad, and scored a place outside hospitals, improving hand hygiene try against England in the Touch Rugby World across all care settings has the potential to Cardiff Medics 1st responders, Cup in South Africa. significantly reduce the risk of infection - so I’m from left, Kate Gordon, Charlotte Scrum-half Sarah said: “In the Ambulance delighted to be here to celebrate the first stage of Sidebotham, Fiona Kenny, Jun Service, we treat people in all sorts of different the extension of the cleanyourhands campaign” Cho, Clare Morkane, Rhian Davies and Huw Williams

he UK’s first ever First Responder group The volunteers will provide the same service as to be formed exclusively from medical all other First Responders and not attempt to put ON COURSE FOR UNI students had their baptism of fire in their into practice the skills they have learned on their The Welsh Ambulance Service has cleared offered to students by UWS. Tground-breaking new role - on the weekend of the university course. two more vital hurdles in its bid to develop Mike added: “It is fair to say that the Faculty Wales v South Africa rugby international. “For insurance purposes we could not do its Higher Education pathway to paramedic process was unexpectedly swift, with the Dean They responded to a total of 11 ‘999’ that, but there’s no doubt that our knowledge education. and the two Vice Deans fully supportive of emergencies and Welsh Ambulance Service First will help us to assess the patient’s condition, to The National Ambulance Training College in the programme with relatively few points for Responder Officer for South East Wales Tony communicate with them and help the paramedics Swansea has had its draft two-year Paramedic clarification. Rossetti said: “It was a busy spell for them and when they arrive,” said Huw. Science Curriculum approved by the University “Following minor editing of specific elements they coped superbly.” Rhian, who is from Llanelli, commented: “With of Wales Swansea’s Curriculum Quality Board. within the programme, the official PSC design An incredible 300 medical students showed an traffic so heavy in Cardiff at times I’m sure that Castle Bingo Supervisor David Dean and HR Executive Jayne Beynon National Training Manager Mike Collins said approval was given.” interest in joining, and the first 30 volunteers there’ll be plenty of occasions when we will be with, from left, Ambulance Service First Responder Officer for Central that months of intense preparation aimed at In addition, the NATC has for the second went “live”in November and there are plans for able to help. and West Wales Steve Roberts; South East Wales First Responder Officer getting the curriculum ratified by the University’s successive year gained two straight A’s in its a rolling programme of training to ensure the “It’s a win-win situation, with the community Tony Rossetti and Public Access Defibrillator Officer Gerard Rothwell. School of Health Science had borne fruit. annual external inspection. teams are topped up as students qualify and move benefiting and the students getting experience He said: “The process was extremely Meanwhile, the next step on the way to on. of dealing with life-threatening incidents,” she langollen workers, above right, have which is now housed at the Tourist banded together to help provide vital Information Centre in Llangollen. “ meticulous, ensuring that every subject and finalising the programme for the projected They will cover the Heath, Gabalfa and Cathays added. care for cardiac arrest patients. All the volunteers can now respond to a objective or learning outcome was in the correct September 2008 first intake at Swansea areas of Cardiff where they live and work. Wales Heart Research Fund provided £1,000 LStaff from the town’s library and tourist cardiac emergency and deliver appropriate place on the two-year timetable. University is for the accreditation to be The move began about 12 months ago when in sponsorship to set up the group and Dr information centre have formed Llangollen’s care until an ambulance arrives at the “Every subject had its content scrutinised to approved by the Health Professions Council, the 300 students had the scheme explained to them Mike Stephens, consultant cardiologist at the first ever Public Access Defibrillation Scheme. scene. ensure the student would be learning the correct paramedic regulatory body. by Tony Rossetti, who has also trained them. University Hospital of Wales, has donated the Ambulance man Mark Richards carried out Team trainer Mark explained that the theory and experiencing the correct clinical Then a further joint HPC/British Paramedic The group co-ordinators are fifth-year students group’s first defibrillator. Half the cost of the the training of the group with support from volunteers are a vital asset to the health of practice at the correct time. Association (BPA) validation will be necessary residents and visitors to Llangollen. Huw Williams and Rhian Davies, and they are second machine has been promised by the British the British Heart Foundation and Health “Those topics not presently taught had to for the new University paramedic programme Commission Wales. “The town is a popular tourist confident the group can provide a valuable service Heart Foundation. be integrated logically into the curriculum at and Mike said: “Extensive work is being in the densely populated part of the city. Team members all wear polo-shirts sponsored The volunteers have been trained to carry destination during the holiday season and out basic life support skills and use an having this scheme in place will help give precisely the correct place in the timetable.” undertaken to ensure that the high quality of “Everyone is very keen to get going and the by the printing company The Publicity automated external defibrillator. tourists and residents that little extra peace The next step was to go before the University education delivered by staff at the National more trained volunteers we get the more we can Centre. The group also has its own website, Group member Carys Harris said: “Mark of mind when it comes to their health and Faculty Validation Board in December to ensure Ambulance Training College and its associate share out the hours,” said Huw, from Blackwood. medicsfirstresponders.org provided training in the use of a defibrillator well-being.” the course’s suitability as part of the prospectus colleges continues long into the future.”

10 11 HAF’S SKY-HIGH 5p BONANZA

Well done: Bryn pictured with Haf Thomas from Llanrug, who raised £22,000 for the Air Ambulance by collecting 5p pieces

pera star Bryn Terfel, the patron of the Wales Air Ambulance, officially opened the charity’s shop on Caernarfon’s High Street, recently. The shop, which opened its doors in March, has proven to be a popular addition to the town. OBryn, who had just flown back from New York, said: “It’s wonderful. Every time I hear about the work Open! Bryn Terfel cuts the ribbon to the Air of the Air Ambulance I want to do more for them. It is something that is so important in this location.” Ambulance charity shop in Caernarfon. This year, volunteers at the charity were given permission to raise money at Bryn’s Faenol Festival, where they collected £3,000. Also at the launch was Haf Thomas, from Llanrug, who raised £22,000 for the Air Ambulance by By Helen Harper, Caernarfon Herald collecting five pence pieces - that’s 440,000 5p coins! Pictures by Arwyn Roberts RECYCLING DEPOT OPEN FOR BUSINESS ales Air Ambulance policy to recycle as many products as contact 01792 552999 or 07817961277 or you can visit the recycling possible has proved such a success that they have had to find a depot at Unit 10, Gilsea Park, Llansamlet, Swansea. new warehouse in order to store the goods. WBroken gold and silver jewellery, old mobile phones and ink cartridges MUSIC TO OUR EARS are among the many items that the service recycles as well as clothing, good quality furniture, books and bric-a-brac. he Auxiliary Coastguard team organised a musical evening Commercial Manager Allan Devonald said, “This area of our business to raise Funds for Wales Air Ambulance... a whopping £1350.00, is growing rapidly. We can sell a lot of what people throw out and this but little did they realise that they would soon be called to action to is money in the pot to keep the Charity flying. We are always in need of Thelp Wales Air Ambulance in a shout. quality items and the depot will open up new opportunities for us to deal During the handing over of the cheque ceremony the Coastguard with a much higher volume of furniture donations. We will be able to take boys and girls were called to Llangennith beach to help the land bulk furniture donations from companies as well as donations from the ambulance give aid to a kite surfer who had crashed onto the sand from general public.” 20 feet. The paramedics took one look at the patient and called in Wales Air Ambulance offer a free collection service and also a delivery Wales Air Ambulance from Fairwood who airlifted him to Morriston. service which is subject to a delivery charge from £10 – depending on The Coastguards didn’t even have time for a photocall with Wales Air delivery location. Ambulance representatives, so instead have been promised a trip to the If you have something to throw out, but too good to throw away. Please airbase at Swansea.

Call our Lottery Hotline on 08700 720 999 or 08700 736 999 or visit www.walesairambulance.com

If you have any comments or ideas about the magazine or suggestions about how Please contact Alistair Syme on 01824 703073 or e-mail at alistair@ceidiog. it can improve than please contact a member of the editorial team.This is your com, Steve Salter (South-East Region) on 01443 492986 or e-mail Steve.Salter@ magazine and if you are reading it and thinking that it doesn’t address issues that you ambulance.wales.nhs.uk, Andrew Watt (North Region) on 01341 421023 or feel are important, then it is down to you to contact your regional representative and e-mail [email protected] and Michael Jose (Central and West tell them about it. Any stories or ideas are also welcomed so please contribute and Region) on 01656 890154 or e-mail [email protected] make this your magazine. 12