Our trainees, Callum Sutton and Fleur Mosley, completed their qualifications to become Specialist Paramedics in Critical Care
We welcomed Dr Nicky Moore, a new Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) Trainee
Two former PHEM trainees returned to GWAAC as Critical Care Doctors
Qualified as a Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care in February
Qualified as a Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care in September
Became our new Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine trainee
Returned to us from his consultation duties
Returned to us from his consultation duties
In addition
SPCC, Dan Davis, passed his Diploma in Immediate Medical Care - The Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care
Critical Care Doctor, Dr Jamie Vassallo, passed his Fellowship in Immediate Medical Care - The Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care
"We were all really honoured and excited to receive our medals which commemorated such a special and momentous occasion."
James Yates, Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care
"I am very honoured to receive this award and hope to continue to push the boundaries of paramedic practice and set up pathways for others."
Vicki Brown, Advanced Practitioner in Critical Care
We implemented new clinical techniques and equipment to improve pre-hospital critical care for patients.
We purchased four new Butterfly IQ+ ultrasound machines. The new lightweight, cutting-edge technology provides sharp images on a screen to help diagnose injuries and serious medical conditions. The crew can determine the best treatment for the patient before hospital, give targeted treatment to alleviate suffering and more closely monitor patients.
Ultrasound is an invaluable tool for us, and the technology used changes rapidly. We needed to change our old equipment to stay cutting edge. The new Butterfly machines are the leading ultrasounds and will enable us to continue to deliver the best care we can to patients.
Dr Richard Jeavons, Deputy Medical Director
We introduced blood gas testing and analysis at the scene of the emergency, to give a quick and accurate diagnosis and to help our clinicians decide the best treatment for patients.
We implemented clinically advanced infusion pumps which provide a steady, constant flow of drugs to the patient – providing a better outcome than small regular doses.
We undertook a complete review of how our crew pack and carry their growing array of specialist equipment. We developed a bespoke bag system containing a series of pouches with everything required for a task in one place. This modular approach will make it easy to use and save time on scene and during replenishment, ultimately improving the way we care for our patients.
In September, GWAAC's fourth Clinical Symposium brought together medical professionals to share knowledge in Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine.
The event took place in Aerospace Bristol’s museum, with an array of expert speakers and exhibitors, including a demonstration by the GWAAC Critical Care Team.
“Seeing the Critical Care Team in action was truly a sight to behold. They ran the case like a well-oiled machine. It was very inspirational to see!"
Dr Zain Mitha - Junior Doctor, Intensive Care Unit
In August, GWAAC and Avon Fire & Rescue Service came together for a day of training in crucial rescue techniques. They shared best practices with South Western Ambulance Service's Hazardous Area Response Team and student paramedics from the University of the West of England.
“Training with colleagues from multiple services is invaluable in ensuring that the best care can be delivered to patients in a timely manner.”
Dr Jules Blackham, Critical Care Doctor
In June, Critical Care Doctors, James Tooley, Ed Valentine and Andrew Heavyside, along with Specialist Paramedics Pete Reeve, Callum Sutton and Matt Robinson, volunteered to teach first responder care to groups of civil servants and diplomatic staff in Kyiv in Ukraine.
Around 60 people received medical training covering themes such as how to stop bleeding, using a tourniquet, giving CPR and the triage process. The crew left them with individual trauma kits and empowered them to share the training with others.
"We encouraged them to pass on their new skills to as many people as possible. We gave them the knowledge, the confidence and the medical supplies to deal with things".
Pete Reeve, Air Operations Officer and Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care
Four days after celebrating his 60th birthday, Keith suffered a cardiac arrest following his five-a-side football match. He remembers waking up in an ambulance with GWAAC’s Dr Jonathan Benger and Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care, Matt Robinson, saying, “you’re OK, you’ve had a cardiac arrest.”
Keith was lucky. He had received immediate CPR and defibrillation from bystanders before the GWAAC crew stabilised him and got him to hospital.
He is back playing football and is even making plans to climb Ben Nevis.
“To be able to sit here and carry on with life as normal… I owe a great deal to GWAAC and the people who acted quickly that day.”
Keith Wilson, former patient
Any donation helps our Critical Care Team respond to those in urgent need. By choosing to give a monthly donation, you’ll be helping us plan ahead for long-term improvements.
Once you have remembered your loved ones, you can choose to support us well into the future by leaving a gift in your will.
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