The Welsh Ambulance Service has introduced new technology to better support victims of domestic violence.
Ambulance crews have been supporting patients to access Live Fear Free for help and advice on domestic violence since its creation using a bespoke telephone number.
Now crews now have the ability to assist patients via an app on their Trust-issue iPad to speed up and streamline the process
Live Fear Free is a 24/7 helpline for women, children and men experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence or other forms of violence against women
It is a main point of contact in Wales to access support, information, safety-planning, advocacy, refuge and counselling services.
Nikki Harvey, the Welsh Ambulance Service’s Head of Safeguarding, said: “The Live Fear Free helpline is a free, confidential 24/7 specialist resource that anyone can access, at any time.
“Welsh Ambulance Service crews have been using it for some years to signpost patients to help and support, using the good old fashioned telephone — until now.’
“Having the technology to refer patients digitally using iPads is not only more efficient for crews, but it means that vulnerable patients get the support they need more quickly.’
“We all deserve to live without fear and in an environment which is safe, and modernising this referral pathway brings us a step closer to that.”
Live Fear Free helpline manager, Ann Williams, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside the Welsh Ambulance Service, making our joint support of those most in need across Wales even more efficient.’
“For staff at the helpline and the ambulance service alike, time is critical.’
“Using updated technology means that we can strengthen vital, time-saving communication methods, which will directly benefit the women, men and children getting in touch, for whom support can often be life changing or even life-saving.”
https://ambulancetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AT-Logo-2-1-300x68.jpg00Joe Heneghanhttps://ambulancetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AT-Logo-2-1-300x68.jpgJoe Heneghan2021-12-02 00:56:392021-12-02 00:56:40New Technology To Better Support Victims Of Domestic Violence
Dr John Chatterjee, a Consultant with London’s Air Ambulance Charity, attended and spoke at an Emergency Services Mental Health Symposium hosted by The Royal Foundation earlier this week.
At the event HRH The Duke of Cambridge, Patron of London’s Air Ambulance Charity, gave a keynote speech about the importance of prioritising mental health in the emergency services, drawing on his own experiences as an air ambulance pilot.
Dr John Chatterjee took part in a live panel discussion about mental health, discussing his own personal experiences as a first responder, having been part of the teams attending the Grenfell Tower Fire and London Bridge terror attack in 2017.
John has worked for London’s Air Ambulance Charity since 2013, and says that his experiences trying to care for patients and families in the ‘ordinary’ and ‘extraordinary’ circumstances in and around London have informed and humbled him.
Speaking at the event this morning, John said: “You put this uniform on, and mine is particularly bright! And it feels like a suit of armour.’
Dr John Chatterly of London’s Air Ambulance speaks at the Royal Foundation
“There are things I do in this uniform I would never do in my jeans. The most important thing is opening this suit of armour and people seeing that we’re all human beings and we all suffer.”
Speaking on the panel alongside Dr Chatterjee were Martin Blunden from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service; Roger Watson from East Midlands Ambulance Service; Una Jennings from Cheshire Constabulary, and the discussion was facilitated by Nick Knowles.
Each panellist spoke about their lived experiences working on the frontline and how they deal with mental health challenges in their roles.
The symposium brought together emergency service leaders, frontline workers, policy makers and academics to discuss the mental health of our emergency services, and was hosted in partnership with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, National Fire Chiefs Council, Association of Ambulance Chief Executives and United Kingdom Search and Rescue.
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the emergency services community is an important priority for The Duke of Cambridge and The Royal Foundation and London’s Air Ambulance supports the vital work being done in this space.
https://ambulancetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AT-Logo-2-1-300x68.jpg00Joe Heneghanhttps://ambulancetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AT-Logo-2-1-300x68.jpgJoe Heneghan2021-12-02 00:38:292021-12-02 00:38:30Consultant From London’s Air Ambulance Charity Discusses Mental Health At Landmark Royal Foundation Event
MDA recently held a blood drive for people and dogs was in Kiryat Anavim.
Due to a shortage of blood units in MDA’s blood services centre and veterinary blood units at the veterinary medical centre ‘Vet-patients’ who joined hands and forces to raise as many blood units s as possible.
The special operation that took place together with the Pre Army program — Mechina Kol Ami Jewish Peoplehood Leadership Academy intended to raise the awareness and the importance of blood donation to people and pets.
Picture Credit: Moran-Baranes-Daroma
During the blood drive, while dog owners and dozens of civilians donated 31 blood units in the MDA bloodmobile vehicle, blood donations were taken from the dogs at the Veterinary Medical Centre “Vet-patients”.
Since each blood donation of a dog lasts about an hour, only four dogs donated yesterday, but thanks to the publication, dozens more future blood donations of dogs and cats were registered to the Blood Bank of Vet-Patients.
According to Ophir Niv, Director of the Veterinary Medical Centre ‘Vet-hospital patients’: “The cooperation between the two bodies, MDA and Vet-Hospital patients, is important not only for raising awareness but also for saving humans and animals through blood donations.’
“On both sides there was hope that this was the beginning of a blessed partnership. A special thank you is sent to all the Mechina Kol Ami Jewish peoplehood leadership academy who were the spirit behind this blood donation operation.”
Yaakov Mohadav, Jerusalem Blood Drive Coordinator, said: “This is a unique event, as we saw the importance of blood donation to save human lives and also to save dogs — their best friends.’
“We thank Mechina Kol Ami Jewish peoplehood leadership academy for this exciting initiative that enabled Magen David Adom to take part in such an important blood drive.’
“Thanks also to the Veterinary Medical Centre ‘Vet-patient Hospital’ for allowing us to have the blood drive on their premises.’
“We believe that this collaboration will generate more blood donations in the future and will allow us to help dogs and humans alike.”
https://ambulancetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AT-Logo-2-1-300x68.jpg00Joe Heneghanhttps://ambulancetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AT-Logo-2-1-300x68.jpgJoe Heneghan2021-12-02 00:13:482021-12-02 00:13:48A Special Blood Donation For Every Household
On Tuesday November 30, 2021 an emergency exercise was held at the Ben Gurion Airport. The drill, titled “Eagle” simulated the crash of passenger plane with 250 people onboard.
The drill was a joint effort between the Israeli Airports Authority, Magen David Adom, Israel Police, Israel Fire and Rescue and other emergency organizations.
The goals of the drill were to evaluate the emergency protocols and response, the collaboration between all participating organizations, including the Airport Authority, the Israeli Police, Israel Fire and Rescue, the IDF and the Home Front Command.
The focus of the drill was on a rapid coordinated response including, rapid arrival to the scene, MDA employees and volunteers’ response to the crash site, managing the immediate medical care and evacuation, and more.
The Eagle Emergency Exercise at Ben Gurion Airport
The drill simulated the emergency alert message from the control tower, received at MDA’s National Command and Control Center for a passenger airliner malfunction with 250 passengers on board.
What followed was the airplane crash at the airport runway upon landing. MDA medical teams provided medical treatment, assisting 250 simulated passengers.
During the drill MDA teams took patients to the MDA helicopter that landed at the airport and airlifted them to the hospital, and simulated the triage and evacuation of tens of other simulated victims.
MDA deployed 8 MICUs, 20 Ambulances, 5 MCRVs (Multiple Casualty Response Vehicle), 2 Paramedic Supervisor vehicles, Medi-Cycles, 2 Regional Command and Control Vehicles, the National Command and Control Truck and hundreds of MDA Paramedics & EMTs.
Ziv Klainbart MDA Ayalon Region Deputy Director and acting MDA drill commander commented: “Today we’ve simulated the response to a large scale event. 250 simulated casualties were triaged, given medical treatment and evacuation, all while managing the complex scene.’
“It is a complicated drill that prepares us and our teams to be able to provide proper medic care and be ready for for a real event”.
Eli Bin, MDA Director General said: “This is a complex and important exercise held once in two years.’
“It gives us the opportunity to practice the capabilities of Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical and blood services organization, by simulating an aviation disaster at our largest international airport, reinforcing the critical collaboration between the emergency responding organization and the airports authority.’
“It is my hope that we will never be called to a live scenario and need to put our knowledge to use. If, G-d forbid, we will need to do so, MDA is capable of responding within minutes, with more than 100 emergency vehicles, including ambulances, MICUs, Medi-Cycles, command and control vehicles, and at the same time to continue to provide the response to routine medical emergencies and maintain the preparedness for additional emergency incidents.’
“No doubt that this exercise is maintaining the professional skills of our team members”.
https://ambulancetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AT-Logo-2-1-300x68.jpg00Joe Heneghanhttps://ambulancetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AT-Logo-2-1-300x68.jpgJoe Heneghan2021-12-02 00:05:482021-12-02 00:08:46"Eagle" Emergency Exercise Sees 250 People Take Part in Mass Casualty Simulation
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) has launched a brand-new range of gift cards, to help support the charity’s life-saving work over the Christmas period.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance responds to the most seriously ill and injured patients by air and by road for 19 hours every single day.
Each life-saving mission costs approximately £3,000 and the team can only continue their vital work, with thanks to the generosity of the public.
The charity’s new range of gift cards were launched on Giving Tuesday (30th November); a day where everyone, everywhere is encouraged to do something to support the good causes that mean so much to them.
There are four different gift card designs which can be purchased for either £10, £25, £50 and £100.
The Four Different DSAA Gift Cards
Each card has been designed with the charity’s critical care team’s work in mind and focusses on the different types of equipment and supplies that help them care for seriously ill or injured patients.
Whether that be the simplest oxygen mask, or the more complex items, these all contribute towards the vital care that is delivered to patients in need.
‘The Little Things’ gift card costs £10 and could help towards the cost of essential supplies used by our critical care team, when treating seriously ill or injured patients.
The ‘Mine’s A Pint’ gift card costs £25 and could make all the difference, by helping towards the cost of a much-needed pint of blood for a critically ill or unwell patient.
Each year, approximately 50 patients attended by DSAA need vital blood products to help them reach hospital alive.
Having these blood products immediately at hand, means the clinicians have an amazing resource to resuscitate patients who are suffering from severe trauma, or other conditions where large quantities of blood have been lost.
The ‘Let’s Snuggle Up’ gift card costs £50 and could help towards the cost of a Blizzard blanket to provide vital warmth and make a patient feel safe in their time of need.
DSAA Aircraft at Night
When a patient is critically unwell, reducing their exposure to the cold and preventing further heat loss, plays an important part of their pre-hospital care.
The DSAA critical care team use these Blizzard blankets to provide active warming and improve a patient’s medical condition on admission to hospital.
They are 400% warmer than synthetic blankets and 150% warmer than down insulated garments and bags. Finally, the ‘See The Stars’ gift card, costs £100 and could help towards a pair of Night Vision Goggles, to help light the way for the crew when they are working in the dark.
When DSAA is tasked to incidents on the aircraft at night, the crew use special night vision goggles which work by amplifying light and projecting pictures onto two small screens inside the goggles.
The combination of using the night vision goggles, the night optimised cockpit displays in the helicopter and the skills of the flight crew, means the team can continue to be there for patients during the hours of darkness.
100% of the proceeds raised from the sale of the gift cards, will go towards the charity’s operational costs to support their life-saving work.
Some of the crew from Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Service
The cards can be sent direct to the person purchasing them to be personalised, or alternatively, supporters can arrange for the card to be sent direct to the recipient after the purchase has been made.
The UK’s Air Ambulance Charities do not receive direct funding from the Government or the National Lottery and rely on the generosity of the public for support.
The operational costs for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance are over £5 million a year and the approximate cost per mission is £3,000.
https://ambulancetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AT-Logo-2-1-300x68.jpg00Joe Heneghanhttps://ambulancetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AT-Logo-2-1-300x68.jpgJoe Heneghan2021-12-01 23:53:532021-12-01 23:57:20Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Launches New Gift Cards
The Welsh Ambulance Service has appointed its first Director of Paramedicine.
Following a competitive recruitment process open externally to suitably qualified and experienced applicants, we are delighted to announce that Andy Swinburn QAM FCPara has been appointed to the role of Director of Paramedicine.
Andy joined #TeamWAST in 2017 as Assistant Director of Paramedicine, later securing promotion to Associate Director in January 2020.
During this period, he has been at the forefront of developments in clinical practice, including as a leading proponent of advanced and extended paramedic practice.
Andy Swinburn QAM FCPara, Director of Paramedicine, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust
Andy has more recently championed key elements of our future strategy.
Chief Executive Jason Killens said the appointment to the role was a significant moment in the Trust’s clinical journey and for the UK ambulance sector more widely.
He said: “The Director of Paramedicine role is a first for the Welsh Ambulance Service and one which signals our commitment to the development of paramedicine as a profession in our organisation.’
“Andy will be a member of the Executive Team and Trust Board and will assume full responsibility for what has historically been the Medical Directorate from 01 January 2022.’
“In Andy we have found a passionate and innovative advocate for the profession who has already made a huge contribution to the organisation.’
“Having Andy in this role gives our paramedics and the profession more broadly their rightful seat at the Board table as we continue to evolve and develop as a provider of a range of clinically-based services.’
Andy added: “I am truly elated to have been appointed to the role of Director of Paramedicine.’
“This has been a challenging selection process in which I am pleased to have been successful.’
“However, I am most excited about taking a lead role within our future strategic direction and play my part in shaping our service to deliver even better care to the people of Wales.’
“I’d like to take this opportunity to offer my thanks to the numerous members of #TeamWAST that have supported me since my arrival in 2017 and more latterly through the selection process.’
“We have great people here in Wales and I know that together we can take things forward in a progressive and positive manner — thank you.”
https://ambulancetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AT-Logo-2-1-300x68.jpg00Joe Heneghanhttps://ambulancetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AT-Logo-2-1-300x68.jpgJoe Heneghan2021-12-01 23:09:382021-12-01 23:09:39Andy Swinburn Appointed Trust’s First Director of Paramedicine
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted in not one, not two, but five categories at this year’s Air Ambulances UK Awards of Excellence.
The prestigious awards, which are sponsored by BMW Group, recognise the professionalism, excellence and dedication of the air ambulance community across the UK.
The Independent Judging Panel, including trauma specialist Professor Karim Brohi, Debra Alcock-Tyler (CEO, Directory of Social Change) and Steve Irving (Executive Officer of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives), agreed the award nominations were of an exceptionally high standard and they were faced with some very difficult decisions when deciding on the shortlist.
DSAA’s Patient and Family Liaison Nurses, Jo Petheram and Kirsty Caswell have been shortlisted in the Practitioner of the Year category for exceptional clinical and professional duty.
Both are critical care practitioners, who together have created, developed and deliver DSAA’s Patient and Family Liaison service. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, their work has not stopped.
In fact, development of their service has continued at pace and they now reach more than 500 patients per year. Jo and Kirsty are two incredibly inspiring women, who have both made an enormous contribution to improving patient pathways during the last 18 months.
Dr Phil Hyde is the Medical Lead for DSAA and has been shortlisted in the Doctor of the Year category. Dr Hyde demonstrates, daily, his incredible skills as a physician, his dedication to every aspect of patient care, and his absolute commitment to nurturing and developing skills in others.
What makes Dr Hyde exceptional is what he has achieved for patients regionally and indeed nationally; well beyond the parochial boundaries of Dorset and Somerset. He is a remarkable clinician and amongst the very best in his field, but he is much more than that.
Dr Phil Hyde, Medical Lead for DSAA, has been shortlisted for Doctor of the Year
His passion for humanity makes him a leader and visionary who has had an extraordinary year, even by his own exceptional standards.
A collaboration between DSAA, the Wales and West Acute Transport for Children Service (WATCh), Bristol Children’s Hospital Trauma Team Leaders (BCHTTL) and the Southampton Oxford Retrieval Team (SORT), has been shortlisted in the Innovation of the Year category.
The collaboration has led to an expansion in advocacy for children, enabling Helicopter Emergency Medical Service teams to formally support time-critical paediatric inter-hospital transport in the South West region.
The project is the first of its kind in the UK and demonstrates that the air ambulance community, hospital community and regional networks can achieve substantial collaborative improvements in networked patient care under NHS governance.
This new capability has taken five years to develop and mature and is a testament to the determination of the stakeholders to collaboratively deliver on a vision of clinical excellence. The incident which sees DSAA become a finalist in the Special Incident of the Year category took place in May last year, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It involved members of DSAA’s critical care team; Dr Stewart McMorran, Jo Hernandez and Pete Appleby (Specialist Practitioners in Critical Care), and pilot Captain Max Hoskins. The incident demonstrated an astonishing chain of care in order to achieve a wonderful outcome for a patient who suffered a cardiac arrest whilst cycling along a disused railway line (trailway).
Dr Stewart McMorran, Jo Hernandez, Pete Appleby and Capt. Max Hoskins, members of DSAA’s critical care team, have been shortlisted in the Special Incident Award category
It also demonstrated excellent multi-agency working and collaboration between the police, fire, ambulance service and DSAA. Finally, the whole charity team at DSAA have been shortlisted in the Charity Team of the Year category.
With a small team of staff, every single member has come together over the past 18 months with immense dedication, commitment and diversity, to ensure that the engine of the charity has kept going. This was a critical part of supporting the heroic efforts of the charity’s clinical and operational crews, enabling them to maintain their 19-hour-per-day critical care HEMS service.
To increase their activity significantly during this period, by adding a special rota to support national COVID-19 inter-regional critical care transfers, as the NHS fought to spread the intensive care load across hospital trusts.
This sustained period of exemplary work has given a crystal-clear demonstration of the team’s core belief; to ensure that DSAA delivers a life-saving service today, tomorrow and into the future.
Bill Sivewright, CEO of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance said: “Everyone at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is immensely proud of the work we do to continually improve patient outcomes through great teamwork, collaboration and innovation.’
“We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted in five categories this year and recognise the amazing company we are in amongst the shortlistees.’
“This is not only testament to the broad scope and high standard of what we do, but more importantly, to the incredible motivation and professionalism of our people.”
Simmy Akhtar, CEO of Air Ambulances UK, said: “The professionalism, excellence and dedication of all those who work and volunteer within the air ambulance community is extraordinary.’
“We are incredibly proud that these awards recognise their vital contribution to providing advanced pre-hospital critical care to people who suddenly become critically injured or ill, saving lives and improving patient outcomes every day across the UK.’
“I would like to thank everyone who made a nomination this year; each one was hugely inspiring. Our judging panel had to make some very difficult decisions and so the individuals and team at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has every reason to be proud of their incredible lifesaving work and to have reached the shortlist for the Air Ambulances UK Awards of Excellence.’
“We very much look forward to announcing the winners at our virtual ceremony next month.” The Air Ambulances UK Awards of Excellence will take place virtually on Friday 3rd December 2021.
More information about Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, can be found by visiting: www.dsairambulance.org.uk
The UK’s Air Ambulance Charities do not receive direct funding from the Government or the National Lottery and rely on the generosity of the public for support.
The operational costs for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance are over £5 million a year and the approximate cost per mission is £3,000.
https://ambulancetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AT-Logo-2-1-300x68.jpg00Joe Heneghanhttps://ambulancetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AT-Logo-2-1-300x68.jpgJoe Heneghan2021-12-01 22:56:342021-12-01 23:54:01Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Shortlisted for Five Prestigious Awards of Excellence
An amateur boxer has landed a knockout new job at the Welsh Ambulance Service.
Jamie Jones, of Tal-y-Bont, Bangor, is learning the ropes as an Ambulance Care Assistant for the Trust’s Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service.
It is a family affair for the 23-year-old heavyweight whose uncle works for the service and whose late grandfather also had more than 15 years under his belt.
Jamie taking a break on the ropes
Jamie, who until recently worked at his father’s joinery business, started at the Trust in August after searching for a job that would allow him to fulfil his gruelling training schedule.
He said: “I’ve been boxing since I was 16 — it was just a hobby in the beginning, but it quickly turned into a serious pursuit.’
“Boxing teaches you discipline, but it also gives you confidence and keeps you well physically and mentally.’
“I’d love to progress into pro boxing, but in the meantime I fancied something a bit different to joinery and my ambition was to pursue a career in the ambulance service.’
“My uncle Mark is an Emergency Medical Technician and my grandfather John worked for the service for 15 years, so I suppose you could say I’m following in their footsteps.’
“I typically train 3-4 times a week, and this role gives me the flexibility to do my job but also pursue my passion, and the Trust have been really supportive in that way.”
Ambulance Care Assistants in the Trust’s Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service are trained to take patients to and from their routine hospital appointments.
Jamie Jones, Ambulance Care Assistant, WAST, and amateur heavyweight boxer
No formal qualifications are required for the role, but candidates are expected to demonstrate a reasonable standard of education.
They must have the physical strength to fulfil the manual handling element of the role and can also expect long periods of driving.
More importantly, recruits must have experience of delivering excellent customer care.
The Trust is recruiting an additional 20 Ambulance Care Assistants in North Wales.
Jamie, who is based at Colwyn Bay Ambulance Station, is encouraging others to apply.
He said: “What I enjoy most about the role is that you’re meeting new people every day, and I’ve been made to feel so welcome.’
“You could enjoy a lifelong career in the non-emergency service, but it’s also a great foundation role — especially for young people — not only to start you off in your career but also in life.’
“Personally, I’d like to progress into an Emergency Medical Technician role so that I’m delivering clinical care to patients, and this is a great springboard for that.”
Click here for more information and to apply for the Ambulance Care Assistant role.
The closing date is 17 November 2021.
https://ambulancetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AT-Logo-2-1-300x68.jpg00Joe Heneghanhttps://ambulancetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AT-Logo-2-1-300x68.jpgJoe Heneghan2021-11-12 12:36:292021-11-18 20:19:38Amateur Boxer Lands Knockout Job At Ambulance Service
A week-long campaign has shone a welcome spotlight on the unsung heroes of emergency services control rooms to highlight their vital, life-saving work.
Organised by NEC Software Solutions, International Control Room Week ran from 18-24 October and saw control room staff and colleagues celebrate across the UK and Ireland and as far afield as Australia and New Zealand.
The week is the highlight of the emergency services calendar and this year’s campaign involved almost 100 emergency services organisations worldwide, reaching 23.6 million people across the globe and generating 41,800 interactions on social media.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service Watch Manager, Liz Massarealla
Teams marked the week in many ways, from writing poems about the work of control room heroes and organising baking competitions, to designing their own t-shirts, issuing long service awards to staff, and recognising the best-dressed control rooms.
Actor Graham Cole OBE, who played PC Tony Stamp in long-running ITV police drama The Bill, shared a video on Twitter praising control room staff for their work, which was retweeted by Sergeant Mike Templeman of Lincolnshire Police.
Speaking in his video, Graham said: “Wishing you a great week of celebrations. Thank you, each and every one of you, for what you do.’
“It’s a thankless task, and it’s so psychologically demanding. I have been in many control rooms over the years and met many staff, and you’re under such stress.’
“Thank you for your calm, clear advice that you give us on the end of the phone. You are very precious people. Enjoy your week, you control room heroes.”
Challenges around the number of non-emergency calls made to control room call handlers were also highlighted during the week.
Avon and Somerset Police tweeted that control room staff received 1,103 non-emergency calls compared to 324 emergency incident reports in just one nine-hour shift, including a call from a member of the public reporting a cat meowing too loudly!
Avon & Somerset Police 101 Operators
The force’s control room teams and colleagues also raised funds for charity, recognised individual staff who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and held bake sales to mark the week.
Chloe Hope, Senior Leadership Team Comms Manager at Avon and Somerset Police, said: “We’ve really enjoyed taking part in International Control Room Week and celebrating all of the different ways we serve our communities.’
“As a communications family, it’s a great opportunity to reflect and be proud of the effort we put in and thank our staff for the work they do.’
“Our job is unique and we’re lucky to have the people we have. We’re often the first person people speak to at the worst times in their lives and it’s so important to get that right.’
“We want our communities to trust the non-emergency channels to contact us and rely on us where needed. As well as the 101 service being 24 hours, there are alternative ways to contact us using our website and online services when your call is not related to an emergency or urgent matter, but sometimes other agencies and services are best placed to help. People shouldn’t be afraid to reach out to them too.”
New South Wales Ambulance in Australia also used Twitter to praise their control centre staff who work closely with paramedic colleagues to provide the best care for their communities.
Staff at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service completed a cycling, running, walking and swimming challenge with colleagues last year and this year saw them design their own t-shirts, hold a raffle, and invite colleagues into the control room for tea, coffee and cake to find out more about their work.
Ash Spriggs, Crew Manager for Fire Control at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This is the best week of the year for us and we took to social media to celebrate it.’
“We held a raffle for a blood cancer charity after a colleague lost her brother to leukaemia and we’ve had a lot of interest from across the fire and rescue service community, as well as from local media and members of the public.”
Crew Manager Imran Lambat and Watch Manager Tom Augusztinyi of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
“It’s nice to have the spotlight thrown on us for a change. The public think of fire engines rushing out to burning buildings, but there is so much support behind that. We work extremely closely with our operational crews, but we’re often unseen.”
NEC sent celebration boxes filled with items to help celebrate the week to participating control room teams, including notecards, bunting, posters and balloons to dress up their workspaces.
The company is also donating £1 to the Marie Curie and End Youth Homelessness charities for every social media post carrying the hashtag #ControlRoomHeroes shared during the week. £2,380 will be split between the two causes, continuing the positive legacy of the annual campaign.
Steve Ainsworth, NEC Software Solutions’ Executive Director of Public Safety, said: “Control room staff go above and beyond in their roles every day and we want them to know their critical work doesn’t go unnoticed.’
“They are the beating heart of emergency services organisations and International Control Room Week is dedicated to recognising the fact that they are there for those most in need 24/7, 365 days a year.’
“They make immediate, often life-saving decisions to keep members of the public and communities safe and we truly value their outstanding work. We hope everyone had a fantastic week.”
https://ambulancetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AT-Logo-2-1-300x68.jpg00Joe Heneghanhttps://ambulancetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AT-Logo-2-1-300x68.jpgJoe Heneghan2021-11-04 00:41:432021-11-04 02:40:49Control Room Heroes Celebrated In International Campaign
A flight attendant who was made redundant during the COVID-19 pandemic has landed a new job at the Welsh Ambulance Service.
Sarah Goulding, of Connah’s Quay, Flintshire, has joined the Trust as an Ambulance Care Assistant after an illustrious 32-year career with British Airways.
The mother-of-two was one of 10,000 British Airways workers to have lost their jobs at the height of the pandemic.
Sarah Goulding is now an ECA with Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Sarah, 54, was inspired to re-train for the ambulance service having given life-saving first aid to dozens of passengers over the years.
She said: “I had an amazing career with British Airways and was fortunate to have travelled all over the world.’
“Every year we had to study aviation medicine as part of our training, because you can’t call an ambulance at 38,000 feet.’
“I saw it all — childbirth, fitting, heart attacks and even sudden deaths – and I’d always really enjoyed giving first aid in an emergency.’
“When I was offered voluntary redundancy, I thought about what other professions I’d enjoy and which would allow me to transfer my skills.’
“The ambulance service appealed to me because firstly, I liked the idea of helping people, and secondly, I liked the idea of being out and about in the community.’
“The nature of the airline industry means you’re never in one place for very long, and I wanted to keep hold of that element.”
Ambulance Care Assistants are trained to treat and transport low acuity patients to hospital.
They provide basic life support and carry out urgent planned transfers from a patient’s home to hospital, as well as inter-hospital transfers.
The Welsh Ambulance Service is recruiting Ambulance Care Assistants in South Wales.
Sarah Goulding as an Air Stewardess with British Airways
Applicants must have a minimum of five GCSEs at Grade C or above including Maths, English/Welsh and Science, or other equivalent educational qualifications.
Training includes four weeks of patient care training and one week of driver training.
Sarah said: “I’ve been in the role for 12 months now and I’m really enjoying it.’
“Every day you learn something new, and helping people in their hour of need is such a rewarding feeling.’
“I think about my parents and grandparents and how I’d want them to be treated — that’s how I treat my patients.’
“For me, it’s about giving patients the respect and dignity they deserve and making them as comfortable as possible.”
Wrexham-based Sarah is encouraging others to apply for the role.
She said: “If you like working in a public-facing role and as part of team, then you should definitely think about becoming an Ambulance Care Assistant.
“I think the other important prerequisites for the job are patience, empathy and a good sense of humour.
“We sometimes find ourselves in pretty dark situations, so it’s important to be able to find some light relief and humour with your colleagues.
“Most importantly, you’ve got to enjoy helping people — I certainly do.”
Click here for more information and to apply before the 11 November 2021 closing date.
https://ambulancetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AT-Logo-2-1-300x68.jpg00Joe Heneghanhttps://ambulancetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AT-Logo-2-1-300x68.jpgJoe Heneghan2021-11-03 01:10:062021-11-03 01:10:09Flight Attendant Lands Job In Ambulance Service
We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
Essential Website Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, you cannot refuse them without impacting how our site functions. You can block or delete them by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website.
Google Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.
If you do not want that we track your visist to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:
Other external services
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
