Tag: West Midlands Ambulance Service

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NEWS: Bungalow fire on Tangmere Drive puts two Castle Vale residents in hospital

Concerned Castle Vale locals gather whilst emergency services attend incident at Tangmere Drive bungalows / Photograph supplied by local resident

Words by Ed King

A fire that ransacked three bungalows on Tangmere Drive in Castle Vale yesterday has put two local residents in hospital.

Both initially attended to at the scene by ambulance crews a man was treated for a “medical incident” whilst a woman was also treated for “potentially serious injuries”, before being dispatched for hospital care.

No further casualties were reported, and it is believed the two people conveyed for hospital care are in a stable condition.

At around 1:15pm on Thursday 13 August, fire was seen coming out of the front of a bungalow on Tangmere Drive, before quickly spreading to the two neighbouring premises.

Local residents called the emergency services, who attended the scene and quickly controlled the blaze before it spread further.

Fire at Tangmere Drive bungalows / Images supplied by local residents

The properties are owned and managed by The Pioneer Group, Castle Vale’s largest social landlord with over 2500 residential homes in its portfolio.

In a public statement issued at 5:25pm on the day of the fire, The Pioneer Group stated their “staff have been on site supporting those affected” and asked for “members of the public to avoid the area if possible.”

A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service told Castle Vale Local: “We were called to a fire on Tangmere Drive in Castle Vale, Birmingham at 1.24pm and sent two ambulances, two paramedic officers and a critical care paramedic to the scene.

“On arrival, crews found a man who was treated for a medical incident and conveyed to hospital. A woman was also treated for potentially serious injuries and was also conveyed to hospital.”

Fire Service responsing to blaze at Tangmere Drive bungalows / Images supplied by local residents

A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service added: “Shortly after 1.20pm on Thursday (13 August), we responded to Bond Drive, Castle Vale, Birmingham.

“Five fire engines and two brigade response vehicles attended, arriving to find a house fire in a single-storey terraced bungalow. The fire had spread to two neighbouring properties.

“Two casualties were treated by paramedics at the scene. Police colleagues attend to assist with traffic management.

“Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire and at present, one fire engine remains in attendance damping down hotspots.”

Damaged roof at one of the bungalows on Tangmere Drive / Photograph supplied by local resident

Occurring on one of the hottest days on record, the fire at the residential properties came only a few weeks before a suspected arson attack saw a large part of Castle Vale Meadows destroyed – with police believing the dried out nature reserve was deliberately set alight.

The cause of the fire at the Tangmere Drive properties has yet to be confirmed.

Castel Vale landlords, The Pioneer Group, further asked for “people to avoid speculation” whilst the incident is investigated by the responsible authorities

Fire destroys bungalows on Tangmere Drive, Castle Vale – footage supplied by local residents

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NEWS: Police appeal for witnesses as woman suffers “life threatening injuries” after being hit by car on Marsh Lane

Police tape cordoning off road whilst officers conduct an enquiry / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Ed King

West Midlands Police (WMP) have appealed for witnesses after a woman suffered “life threatening injuries” following a road traffic collision on Marsh Lane, on Tuesday 23 September.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 5:15pm yesterday evening, after reports that a car had struck a pedestrian.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) reached the scene minutes after being called, sending an ambulance crew – with a paramedic officer – and a MERIT trauma doctor with a critical care paramedic.

Close up of MERIT badge on emergency response vehicle / Photograph supplied by WMAS

According to WMAS woman was found with “serious injuries” and emergency crews administered “specialist trauma care” at the scene before moving her to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman told: “On arrival, crews found the pedestrian, a woman, had suffered serious injuries.

“She received specialist trauma care from ambulance staff before being taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital with MERIT travelling on board to continue treatment.

They added: “There were no other patients.”

Rear view of ambulence in transit / Photograph supplied by Adobe Stock Images

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and has been helping police with their enquiries, who are now calling on any members of the public for further information.

Specially trained officers have also been supporting the woman’s family.

A statement issued from WMP confirmed: “We’re appealing for the public’s help after a serious collision that has left a victim with life-threatening injuries.

“We were called to Marsh Lane, Erdington, at 5.25pm, yesterday (23 Sept), after a collision between a car and a pedestrian. The pedestrian, a woman in her 20s, was taken to hospital and remains in a serious condition.”

They added: “Our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are currently working to establish exactly what’s happened and are appealing for anyone with any doorbell footage, or anyone who may have witnessed the incident to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101, quoting incident number 4152 of 23 August.

Alternatively, anonymous reports can also be made through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

 

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NEWS: Birmingham City Council “investigating” after man dies trapped under forklift at yard on Station Road

Words by Ed King / Pics from Google Maps

Birmingham City Council (BCC) are “investigating” after a man tragically died at a yard on Station Road in the morning of Tuesday 17 September.

Reports from the scene state the man, believed to be in his 50s, was crushed to death underneath a forklift truck.

A statement from West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed: “We were called to an industrial incident on Station Road at 10.11am [17 Sept], two ambulances and a paramedic officer attended the scene.

“On arrival we discovered one patient, a man. Sadly, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police added: “We were called to reports of a man trapped under a forklift truck at a premises on Station Road, Erdington at around 10.14am this morning (17 Sept).

“A man believed to be his 50s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“Enquiries to establish exactly what happened are ongoing and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.”

Following initial media reports, it was claimed the yard – on the corner of Station Road and Summer Road – was regulated by Birmingham City Council (BCC) and any assessment of the site should come from Council officers.

After West Midlands Police referred the tragic incident to BCC, Erdington Local reached out to the Council for confirmation.

A spokesperson from BCC told: “West Midlands Police have informed us about the incident.

“Health and safety inspectors from the council’s environmental health team are on site and are investigating.”

Erdington Local has requested any updates from Birmingham City Council as the investigation continues.

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NEWS: Police appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage after non-fatal stabbing on Coton Lane

Words by Ed King / Pics taken from Erdington Local archives

Police are appealing for help from the public after a man was stabbed on Coton Lane yesterday afternoon (10 September).

Responding to the incident, emergency services found the victim in a “serious condition” at the scene, but after rushing him to hospital it was confirmed his injuries were not fatal or “life changing”.

Now the force is calling for any information that may help them “trace who is responsible” for the attack that took place in broad daylight, just off the busy Erdington High Street.

Officers investigating are also looking for any eyewitnesses to the incident, or dashcam footage from any vehicle parked on Coton Lane or on the surrounding parts of Erdington High Street.

Following the attack, forensic teams cordoned off the quiet side street to search for clues – with officers also seeking CCTV footage that may help with their enquiries.

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police told: “We’re appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage as investigations continue after a man was stabbed in Coton [Lane], Erdington yesterday afternoon [Tuesday 10 September].

“The man in his 30s was taken for hospital treatment after the incident at around 3.15pm.

“Thankfully he is not believed to have suffered life-changing injuries and remains in a stable condition today [Wednesday 11 September].”

They added: “CCTV from around the area is being retrieved and reviewed as we work to establish what happened and trace who is responsible.

“Investigators have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and would urge anyone we’ve not yet spoken with, but who believes they can help, to come forward.

“We’d also ask that anyone who has any dashcam footage from around the time of the incident to get in contact with us. If you can help, call us on 101 or message us via Live Chat on our website, quoting crime reference number 20/832261/24.”

Members of the public who wish to pass on information anonymously have further been asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Attending the scene on Tuesday afternoon, West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed: “We were called to reports of a stabbing on Coton Lane in Birmingham just before 3.15pm.

“An ambulance, paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and two critical care paramedics were sent to the scene where, on arrival, crews found a man in a serious condition.

They added: “Medics provided advanced trauma care before he was conveyed under emergency conditions to hospital with MERIT travelling on board to provide continued treatment.”

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NEWS: Erdington High Street cordoned off as police investigate man found with “life threatening injuries”

Words by Erdington Local editorial team / Pics taken from archive

Parts of Erdington High Street have been cordoned off today after police discovered a man with “life threatening injuries” yesterday evening.

A police investigation has been launched to find out what happened to the man, who is now in hospital, after patrolling officers found him at 7:30pm on Thursday 6 June.

At the time of writing there is no confirmation on how the man suffered his injuries, and police have not stated if it was or was not a result of any violent attack.

Several outlets around the Halifax Building Society and Craft Bakery, opposite the top of Harrison Road, have been sealed off with blue and white police tape whilst officers conduct their inquiries.

Shops have shut down to allow the investigation, with many workers sent home this morning.

A statement from West Midlands Police confirmed: “An investigation has been launched after a man was found with serious injuries in Erdington High Street.

“Officers patrolling the area found a man with serious injuries in Erdington High Street, at around 7.30pm on Thursday 6th June.

“He was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he remains.

“A scene is currently being held to establish the circumstances as to how the man was injured.”

Police are further asking for anyone to contact them with information that may assist their inquiries, whilst assuring concerned members of the public there will be “a police presence” on the High Street whilst they conduct their investigation.

A spokesperson for the force added: “If you saw anything or can help with the investigation, you can contact us via Live Chat on our website, or by calling 101 quoting log 4572 of 6 June.

“Officers will continues to patrol the area and a police presence will remain to reassure the community.”

A spokesperson form West Midlands Ambulance Service added: “We were called at 7.31pm to an incident on High Street, Erdington. One ambulance attended the scene.

“Upon arrival we found a man in a serious condition.

“He received treatment from ambulance staff at the scene before being conveyed to hospital for further treatment.”

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NEWS: “I’m ready to celebrate Christmas,” tells cardiac arrest car crash victim to life saving off duty Erdington paramedics

Words by Ed King / Photographs supplied by WMAS (group photo, left to right: Abi Conlin, Roy Taylor, Colin Cady, Bea Cady, Grace Harris, Maria Johnson)

On the run up to Christmas, two off duty Erdington paramedics have been reunited with a man whose life they saved after he suffered a potentially fatal cardiac arrest.

In October, Colin Cady was driving through Sutton Coldfield when his heart stopped pumping – forcing him to lose control of his vehicle and crash into a tree.

Luckily, off-duty Erdington paramedics Maria Johnson and Roy Taylor were passing at the time of the accident and immediately rushed to Colin’s aid – administering essential cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and roadside assistance until an ambulance arrived.

Now just days away from 25 December, Mr Cady was reunited with the lifesaving duo – wanting to thank them for helping him survive the ordeal and giving him the chance to celebrate another Christmas with his family.

Mr Cady told: “There really are no words to say thank you to those who saved my life that day. I count myself incredibly lucky that multiple off-duty emergency service staff were there at that moment, and that they came over to help me.

“Thanks to their actions, I’ve been able to celebrate my 53rd birthday recently and I’m ready to celebrate Christmas this year, one that I wouldn’t have seen if it weren’t for the fantastic work of the emergency services staff and staff caring for me in hospital.”

As defined by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), a cardiac arrest is when the ‘heart stops pumping blood’ and the ‘brain is starved of oxygen’ – causing the victim ‘to fall unconscious and stop breathing.’

Early CPR can be pivotal in keeping someone in cardiac arrest alive, with the BHF further stating: ‘In the UK there are over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) a year… just 1 in 10 people survive. Early CPR and defibrillation can double the chances of surviving an OHCA.’

After witnessing the car crash, Maria Johnson and Roy Taylor rushed to Mr Cady’s aid – using both their medical training and a nearby Public Access Defibrillator to keep him alive whilst waiting for an ambulance to arrive.

Maria Johnson said: “It’s lovely to see Colin under such positive circumstances. It’s also such an important moment to appreciate just how fantastic bystander CPR and AEDs are.

“In this case we were able to assist with saving a patient’s life, not as ambulance staff but as bystanders, which is something that anyone with good CPR knowledge could do.”

Roy Taylor added: “While passing by and witnessing the incident, it was natural to go over and see if I could help at all, then seeing Maria there too was an incredible stroke of luck.

“Maria and I know each other well and have years of experience behind us so we both went into autopilot and tried to help Colin to the best of our ability while an ambulance was being called.”

On Wednesday 21 December, thousands of ambulance staff across the UK were involved in industrial action over rates of pay and working conditions – with the government refusing to engage in negotiations.

Despite the mass strikes, according to West Midlands Ambulance Servive ‘staff were left working to respond to respond to the most urgent calls such as cardiac arrests and other very serious cases such as heart attacks, strokes, difficulty in breathing and maternity cases.’

Some healthcare trusts and unions have scheduled further strike for 28 December and January 2023.

What is cardiac arrest? – British Heart Foundation

To learn more about cardiac arrest and CPR from the British Heart Foundation visit: www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/cardiac-arrest   

For more from West Midlands Ambulance Service visit: www.wmas.nhs.uk

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NEWS: 18 year old in ‘critical condition’ after being attacked in Pype Hayes Park, two teenagers arrested on suspicion of robbery

Words by Ed King

An 18 year old man is in “critical condition” after being stabbed in the chest and back in Pype Hayes Park on Monday 4 July.

Ambulance and police were called to the scene just before 6pm yesterday, after the man had been attacked by a group of ten teenagers whilst walking through the park – seriously wounding him and stealing two phones and his car keys.

A spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed: “We were called to reports of a stabbing at Pype Hayes Park on Chester Road at 5.49pm.

“One ambulance, a paramedic officer and a MERIT trauma doctor attended the scene. On arrival we discovered a teenage male who was treated for potentially serious injuries before being taken to hospital.”

After police arrived at the scene, they deployed drones to scour the area for the man’s attackers – with the National Police Air Service helping officers on the ground.

Two teenagers, aged 14 and 15, were found hiding in “dense shrubs” and arrested on suspicion of robbery. Both have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

West Midlands Police confirmed: “Officers have arrested two teenage boys after chasing them through undergrowth in Erdington following a stabbing in a park yesterday (4 July).

“An 18-year-old man was attacked by a group of around 10 youths at around 5.30pm in Pype Hayes Park. They stabbed him in the chest and back with a knife before stealing two phones from him and his car keys. He remains in hospital in a critical condition.

“We deployed our drone and the National Police Air Service assisted officers on the ground in locating the youths, who ran off in different directions.

“Two of the youths tried hiding in undergrowth in the park, but officers chased them, careering into the dense shrubs to arrest the pair – boys aged 14 and 15 – on suspicion of robbery. They have been released on police bail as our enquiries continue.”

A well used area by families, dog walkers, and people exercising, Pype Hayes Park is an important open-air facility for thousands who live in neighbouring Erdington and Sutton Coldfield. It also houses a popular golf course and gym, used by many local residents.

West Midlands Police have sent extra officers to patrol the park, looking for further evidence and hoping to restore public confidence.

They added: “We understand this incident is worrying, and we have officers patrolling the park and surrounding areas working to identify those involved.

“If you have any information about the incident – including CCTV or mobile phone footage taken in or around Pype Hayes Park, Erdington at the time – please drop us a message via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk and quote investigation number 20/613404/22.”

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NEWS: Fire engine robbed whilst tackling Dulwich Road house explosion

By Erdington Local editorial team

Heartless thieves stole lifesaving equipment from a fire engine as its crew battled the blaze caused by the recent gas explosion in Kingstanding.

Grandmother Doreen Rees-Bibb died during the blast at the house on Dulwich Road, Kingstanding, on Sunday, 26 June, which left another man fighting for his life in hospital and destroyed or damaged six houses.

West Midlands Police revealed today whilst heroic residents and fire crews tried to save lives, someone prised open a cabinet on a fire engine at the scene and helped themselves to vital safety equipment.

A pump, cutters, a hose, and bolt croppers were taken from the fire engine and detectives are combing through footage from the area to identify the offenders.

Chief Inspector Kelly Monaghan said: “This is a despicable act during a serious incident when other members of the public were acting so heroically and selflessly.

“The items stolen are essential for firefighters to act quickly and save lives when it matters most, just like we saw in Kingstanding on Sunday.”

She added: “A side shutter was prised open and a pump, cutters, a hose and bolt croppers were taken. We’re already looking at footage from the area to identify the offenders.

“If anyone has any information please contact us via Live Chat on our website quoting 20/591089/22 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

The outpouring of support for families affected by the blaze was praised by the police, fire service, and Birmingham City Council.

Kind-hearted residents swamped the Kingstanding Inn, Second City Suite, and The Beggars Bush with donations of clothing, essentials and food for the families made homeless due to the blast, which was “most likely” caused by faulty pipework in the property.

A GoFundMe campaign was also set up by Kingstanding resident Sam Wellings, who lives on Birdbrook Road. At the time of writing over £2,500 had been raised in donations.

A vigil was also help one week after the fatal explosion, to remember Doreen Rees-Bibb and show support for those affected.

If you have any information regarding the theft from the fire engine, please contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat at: www.west-midlands.police.uk/contact-us/live-chat quoting 20/591089/22

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

For more on the GoFundMe ‘Kingstanding house explosion’ campaign visit: www.gofundme.com/f/kingstanding-house-explosion

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NEWS: Dulwich Road house explosion “most likely” caused by faulty pipework

By Erdington Local editorial team

The gas explosion which destroyed a house in Kingstanding and damaged six other properties, leaving a grandmother dead and a man fighting for his life in hospital, was “most likely” caused by faulty pipework West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) have stated.

West Midlands Fire Service came to the conclusion after four days investigating the cause of the devastating explosion on Dulwich Road on Sunday 26 June.

A WMFS spokesman said: “We would like to take this opportunity to again extend our sympathies to everyone affected by Sunday night’s events in which, tragically, a woman lost her life.

“The man who was rescued remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital.”

The spokesman added: “Extensive investigations at the scene of the explosion are now complete.

“Demolition work on Tuesday enabled investigators to safely access and test sections of the property’s internal gas piping.

“They have concluded that the explosion was most likely caused by the accidental and inadvertent ignition of a large escape of gas from a joint in the pipework.”

West Midlands Police officers are also gathering evidence for HM Coroner and family liaison officers continue to support those most directly affected.

The Health and Safety Executive will continue to make enquiries as to whether any work-related activities contributed towards the incident.

The WMFS spokesman added: “We are extremely grateful to the families involved, and to the local community, for their understanding and patience throughout the initial emergency response and the subsequent investigation.

“The community has been fantastic in the aftermath of this tragedy, offering support and shelter to those affected, and we would like to thank everyone involved in that effort.”

The Kingstanding Inn has stopped accepting donations of items for those affected by the blast after being deluged by people bringing clothes and food.

Kingstanding Councillor Rick Payne said: “On behalf of those who have done a stellar job of collecting items for the Dulwich Road relief I just want to make everybody aware they there has been an overwhelming response.

“Thank you everyone that has donated for your generosity, The Kingstanding Inn has been absolutely inundated and has asked me to inform residents that they are no longer taking any donations.

“There was a massive surplus and as a result, following a meeting of the charities who have been working within the community over the past few days, a decision has been made to donate the surplus items to local schools and charities.”

A GoFundMe campaign was also set up by Kingstanding resident Sam Wellings, who lives on Birdbrook Road. At the time of writing £2,365 had been raised in donations.

For more on the GoFundMe ‘Kingstanding house explosion’ campaign visit: www.gofundme.com/f/kingstanding-house-explosion

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NEWS: Community vigil to be held one week after Dulwich Road house explosion

By Erdington Local editorial team

A vigil is being held on Dulwich Road on Sunday 3 July, marking a week after the tragic gas explosion.

At 7pm the community will come together to mark the moment the blast ripped through the Kingstanding home, killing Doreen Rees-Bibb and seriously injuring a man who remains in hospital.

Several people were made also homeless from the incident, and the Kingstanding community rallied round this week by raising money, giving donations, and offering support.

Sunday’s 7pm vigil will be to remember Doreen, age 79, who was killed in the blast, and to show solidarity for the man still fighting for his life. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Kingstanding resident Cassie Harker said:  “Everyone is going at 7pm we are all lighting the candles at the time the explosion happened.

“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone represent our community and come together as one.”

There has been a massive outpouring of grief for “fun-loving grandmother” Doreen, who died at the scene.

Her daughter Karen led the tributes to her mother saying: “We are so devastated that me and my sister have loss our mother Doreen in a fire, it’s the most terrible way to die. We miss her so much.”

Doreen was a popular figure around Erdington and Kingstanding and friends who remember her enjoying nights in The Acorn and the former HQ, now the Pheasant Plucker, on High Street, flooded social media with fond memories.

Former karaoke DJ at HQ Gary Neale said: “She was my friend, and a lovely lady.”

Several people who she had helped in the past by giving sage advice and support also mourned her loss.

Maureen Harwood said: “I’m so sorry, she was such a good friend to me, and helped me.”

Alex Stanley said: “I can’t believe it is true, Doreen was such an angel, I am absolutely heartbroken. She was always asking about me, telling me to get out of Birmingham saying “Alex you are better than this place”. RIP and party hard up there.”

Eight families were forced out of their damaged houses and there have been several fundraising drives to help them, with the Kingstanding Inn, Second City Bar and Lounge, and the Beggars Bush all accepting donations.

Kingstanding resident Sam Wellings, Birdbrook Road, also set up a Go Fund Me which has so far received over £2000 in donations.

Rachael Pike-Franklin said last night (Tuesday):  “We are working alongside some of the families in our community at the Kingstanding Inn the clothes donations have been phenomenal and we are truly grateful for everyone who has been a part of collecting and donating .

“For now we have been asked to not accept anymore clothes donations but are looking for fresh food products to help feed the families in our community at this tragic time.”

Investigations into the cause of the explosion are still ongoing. However, gas suppliers Cadent have confirmed their role in the investigation is over.

Elliott Nelson, Cadent network director for the West Midlands said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those impacted and everyone in this close-knit community.

“Since the incident, our engineers have been on site working with the emergency services.

“Following a thorough investigation, we can confirm that the gas mains and service pipes in the area are sound and were not the cause of the incident in Kingstanding. The matter now lies with other agencies for further investigation.”

A for sale advert for the house posted two months ago included information about the boiler, which “needed replacing”.

West Midlands Fire Service investigators remain at the scene trying to find the exact cause of the explosion.

In a recent public update, WMFS told: “Wed 29 June, it is likely that demolition work will be needed at the scene, following which the next stage of investigations can be planned.”

For more on the GoFundMe ‘Kingstanding house explosion’ campaign visit: www.gofundme.com/f/kingstanding-house-explosion