Tag: emergency services

Brave@Heart Awards: First Minister celebrates acts of courage

Brave@Heart Awards given to emergency service workers and members of the public

Brave@Heart Awards have been presented to 12 emergency service workers and six members of the public by First Minister John Swinney.

Among those recognised for acts of courage were two police officers who rescued a woman from a burning flat and an officer who dragged a woman to safety after she had been in the sea for more than an hour. Three other officers were recognised for swimming out to help someone trapped in a submerged vehicle 15 metres offshore.

Other winners included a six-year-old girl who alerted her father to the fact her younger brother was having a seizure and then kept watch for the ambulance arriving. Five members of the public received awards for helping people in burning buildings before firefighters arrived.

Constable James Henderson, Constable Steven Prentice and Winch Paramedic Norman MacLeod from the Stornoway Rescue Team were additionally awarded the St Andrew’s Award for acts of exceptional bravery.

Constables Henderson and Prentice entered an unsafe roof space and revived a man who had attempted to take his own life. Norman McLeod was lowered from a helicopter to a Spanish ship were he tended to and then evacuated two crew members who had sustained life-threatening injuries. 

Since 2010, the Brave@Heart Awards have recognised acts of bravery by staff of the blue-light services, voluntary sector rescue organisations and members of the public. The recipients each year are chosen by an independent validation panel.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Celebrating heroism and remarkable deeds that save lives is one of the greatest honours I have as First Minister.

“The Brave@Heart Awards recognise courage and demonstrate that it can be shown at any age and in different circumstances.

“Every one of this year’s winners chose to act with bravery when it mattered most. That was clear from what the validation panel shared with me, and it was clear from speaking to these inspiring members of the public and representatives of Scotland’s emergency services.”

Brave@Heart Validation Panel Chair David Garbutt said: “It has been an honour to hear of so many inspiring acts of courage and selflessness undertaken by citizens in Scotland and by members of the emergency services. 

“I am grateful to the First Minister for continuing to sponsor these awards and congratulate all of the award recipients for their achievement and for demonstrating the public spirited actions which help keep our society safe. Finally, I thank the members of the emergency services who worked with me as members of the validation panel.”

Faith and belief leaders light candles for peace

First Minister supports Scotland’s diverse communities

First Minister John Swinney joined faith and belief leaders at the Candle for Peace ceremony to encourage dialogue, reflection and remembrance among Scotland’s diverse communities.

At the annual ceremony, he was invited to light a candle with the Chief Imam from the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society, Dr Sayed Razawi, and the Welfare Convenor of the Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation, Edward Green.

It was the first time senior Muslim and Jewish leaders have come together in this way at the ceremony, a gesture reflecting their shared commitment to peaceful coexistence and community cohesion.

Representatives of NHS Scotland and Police Scotland also took part to honour sacrifices made by health workers and police officers.

The First Minister said: “Strengthening the connections between our diverse communities is so important, especially at a time when we see so much conflict across the world.

“I was honoured to attend this profound and symbolic peace ceremony alongside so many of Scotland’s faith leaders. We are united in our shared commitment to eliminating barriers and increasing understanding.

“Scotland is a diverse, multi-cultural society and this diversity strengthens us as a nation. We continue to work cooperatively with partners to tackle all forms of hatred and prejudice, so people of all faiths, and none, can be supported to follow their way of life without fear of discrimination.” 

The Candle for Peace ceremony took place at Edinburgh City Chambers. The annual event is organised by the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society, which represents Shia Muslims.

NHS Lothian offers new support to Scottish Prison Staff

NHS Lothian’s Lifelines Scotland project, a dedicated service to promote resilience and wellbeing for emergency responders, has today (25 September) expanded its reach. The service will now also be available to all Scottish Prison Service staff, recognising the challenges and particular stresses that these individuals face through their work.

The Lifelines Scotland project was established in 2016 by NHS Lothian’s specialist trauma service, the Rivers Centre, to provide support to voluntary emergency responders.

In 2020, the project was extended to Scotland’s blue light services and has been working with ambulance, fire and police to embed an understanding of responder resilience and wellbeing at the heart of these organisations.

Gill Moreton, Lifelines Scotland, Project Lead explained: “The NHS Lothian Rivers Centre team has a wealth of experience working with blue light colleagues and we are delighted that we can use this knowledge and expertise to help support other sectors where similarly challenging working environments are experienced.”

In doing their jobs, prison staff face uncertainty, risk, and challenge on a daily basis. Tensions can build in an instant, and it is their professionalism and dedication which is often the tempering factor. It is therefore vital that resources such as Lifelines are available, to help them care for their mental health.

Gill added: “Prison staff can face a range of challenges because of the environment they work in. Their roles can be physically, emotionally and psychologically demanding.

“Ensuring these individuals have the tools available to support their own wellbeing, as well as information should they become unwell is vital to boosting resilience amongst this workforce. I am delighted that Lifelines Scotland will now be available for Scottish Prison Service staff.”

Prison staff are welcomed to the project on national Hidden Heroes Day; an awareness day launched by the Butler Trust to recognise and thank prison, probation, and other Justice sector staff who deliver a critical public service.

The dedicated resource will provide additional support for all prison staff, who work in complex and demanding environments. They are responsible for the care of a largely vulnerable population, who are known to have high rates of trauma and mental ill-health.

Lifelines Scotland is unique in providing a single point of access for all of Scotland’s emergency responders, whether they’re employed, volunteer or have retired, and for their family, friends and other supporters. This access will now be expanded to all staff working within the Scottish Prison Service, with dedicated content available to them.

Adam Jobson, Director of Organisational Development for the Scottish Prison Service said, “We are delighted to be working alongside NHS Lothian to extend Lifelines Scotland resources to all our staff.

“Our staff go above and beyond every day, supporting and caring for some of the most vulnerable people in society, and doing their bit in keeping Scotland’s communities safe.

“We recognise the importance of providing wellbeing services appropriate to their specific needs. This resource will provide a valuable tool for supporting their self-care, resilience, and recovery, while also signposting to other wellbeing services that are available to them.”

The Lifelines Scotland project works upstream, taking a preventative, early intervention approach. It provides valuable information to ensure that people have access to support if they become unwell, but its principal focus is on helping people to stay well in the first place.

The Lifelines website is based on the Lifelines 10 Essentials, which recognise that emergency service staff, volunteers and prison service staff are at risk of psychological injury because of their roles, but that injury isn’t inevitable and that there are lots of things that can help to keep people well.

Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Scottish Government said, “The everyday stresses and strains of a job can have an impact on staff.

“Lifelines is exactly that – a lifeline providing resources and tools to help people manage their mental health and resilience when it comes to the physical, emotional and psychological demands of their job.

“I welcome this initiative being made available to all staff in the Scottish Prison Service. It is vital that we keep the people safe, who are keeping our communities safe.”

The Lifelines Scotland website can be accessed at https://www.lifelines.scot/

Teenagers complete life skills and youth violence reduction pilot scheme

A pilot scheme aimed at giving young people in the East End of Glasgow life skills and reducing youth violence in the area has been hailed a success by those taking part.

Teenagers, aged between 13 and 16 years have been involved in a ‘10 week Create Your Own PAFS’ (Police, Ambulance, Fire Service) programme since July to build their confidence and develop the skills to make the best possible choices.

The event was co-ordinated by Constable Laura MacDonald who was inspired by a youth programme whilst serving in the fire service prior to joining Police Scotland. She also enlisted the help of colleagues from the Scottish Ambulance Service and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to make it as informative as possible.

Working together, the services developed mock scenarios of real-life emergency situations, such as road traffic collisions, search and rescue, trauma, first aid and the use of defibrillators, and young people were invited to take on the various roles of blue light personnel to learn more about how each service responds.

The young people also completed elements of the three services fitness tests familiarising them with the fitness entry requirements.

Also included in the programme were inputs surrounding valuing diversity and inclusion, drug awareness, road safety, water safety, online safety and group discussions on relevant up to date topics.

Constable MacDonald said: “Our main aim was to break down the barriers between the teenagers and emergency services as often the only contact people have with us is in moments of crisis or when something has gone wrong.

“The pilot scheme was designed as a Tri-Service programme and shows what each service does and encourages the young people to take part in various time critical challenges which helps them understand how important it is to remain calm in a crisis whilst building their communication skills.

“The feedback from the young people taking part and their parents or guardians has been so encouraging and positive. They’ve said they all enjoyed the experience and felt it was successful in testing their social skills in unfamiliar environments. Participants have really had a confidence boost and some have made plans to join other similar volunteer groups.”

Those who took part received a certificate acknowledging their hard work and commitment to the programme and also a further certificate for CPR, which was one of the focal points during the 10-week programme.

Constable MacDonald concluded: “This has been a tremendous experience for me and my emergency service colleagues and I am grateful for the support of management within Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“I am so proud of everyone who took part and hope to be able to replicate this in the division again in the near future.”

Roads closed as explosive device uncovered in Comely Bank

POLICE were made aware of a potential item of ordnance at Comely Bank Road in Edinburgh around 3.15pm yesterday (Tuesday, 2 July). Road closures were put in place as a precaution and people were urged to avoid the area while emergency services worked in the area.

Roads remained closed for around three hours while the item – described as ‘historic ordnance’ and thought to be a hand grenade – was examined, made safe and removed from the scene for disposal.

No-one was injured during the incident.

Scottish Ambulance Service to provide emergency provision at Taylor Swift concerts this weekend

The Scottish Ambulance Service will provide emergency provision for one of the biggest concerts to be held in the country – Taylor Swift’s three nights at Murrayfield.

Pop star Swift will perform on June 7, 8 and 9 with all three shows sold out. Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to descend on the Capital.

SAS will be present at all three events during the duration of the concerts and on hand to respond to medical incidents and emergencies.

This includes several clinicians on site and Paramedic E Bikes covering the surrounding areas.

SAS CEO Michael Dickson said: ““We want everyone to have a good time and enjoy the event.

“However, we’d also like to remind concert goers to keep well hydrated, you’ll need it with all the dancing, think about what you are wearing you will be standing for a long time, be ready for the Scottish weather and bring any medication you normally take.

“If you do feel a bit overwhelmed by it all take a moment, focus on your breathing and if things don’t improve seek help from a member of our staff if required.”

Visit 100+ National Trust for Scotland sights with Boundless Plus

Public servants in Edinburgh can now enjoy free unlimited access to more than 100 National Trust for Scotland places and more, thanks to a new membership package from Boundless – opening the door to £599* in total annual savings.  

The new Boundless Plus membership package offers four new benefits for public sector and civil service workers and retirees, including days out at some of the UK’s top historic sites and attractions.   

Among these benefits, Boundless Plus members get access to more than 100 National Trust for Scotland locations. This includes complimentary entry for up to two adults and up to six children at museums, gardens, historic houses and more, from the dramatic natural beauty of Glencoe National Nature Reserve in the Highlands to the fairytale Fyvie Castle near Aberdeen. 

For those looking to immerse themselves in history, entry is included to sites cared for by the independent charity Historic Royal Palaces, with admission for one additional adult and up to two children per visit. This includes one of the UK’s most popular tourist attractions, the Tower of London – plus Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens near Belfast. 

Adventurers will find no shortage of activities either, as Boundless Plus members can join the Ramblers community, with unlimited access to more than 50,000 guided group walks and a wealth of walking routes available to try out, including in Scotland.

Basic breakdown cover worth £33 with Roadside Assist by LV= Britannia Rescue tops off the offer, which includes free roadside assistance and local breakdown recovery.  

Darren Milton at Boundless said: “We’re excited to expand our benefits package with a range of new opportunities for our members to enjoy some fantastic free days out in Scotland and across the UK.  

“We hope Boundless Plus members will love exploring these top attractions with friends and family, whilst making great savings along the way.”  

Ali MacLeod, head of fundraising at National Trust for Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Boundless and look forward to welcoming their members to experience and enjoy nature, beauty and heritage at National Trust for Scotland places.” 

Boundless Plus members can access all the new benefits for an annual fee of £68, which builds upon the club’s impressive roster of deals already available with its £40 membership.  

These perks include unlimited complimentary access to Kew Gardens in London, Wakehurst in West Sussex and all nine Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) centres across the UK, as well as discounts for days out through Kids Pass, featuring kids-go-free deals and savings at nationwide attractions, such as Edinburgh Zoo and Go Ape forest adventure park.   

Members get free access to tastecard including Coffee Club – the UK’s biggest dining club, which provides discounts every day of the week at thousands of restaurants nationwide. Boundless members also save up to 37 per cent on cinema tickets through the Cinema Society, including at Vue, Odeon, Cineworld and Showcase cinemas across the UK.   

In addition, the Boundless community can enjoy a range of exclusive events throughout the year – from discounted member days out at some of the UK’s top attractions to online talks and masterclasses, plus a variety of local events organised by Boundless members, including lunches, quizzes, museum visits and more.   

Boundless membership is available to all civil service and public sector workers, working or retired, along with relatives of existing members. This includes teachers, civil servants, local-government workers and members of the armed forces, fire service, NHS, police and more.  

For more information on Boundless membership and to join, please visit: www.boundless.co.uk/plus. 

* The value of Boundless Plus instant benefits is calculated by combining comparable membership deals at RBG Kew, National Trust for Scotland, Kids Pass, tastecard including Coffee Club and the Ramblers, as well as equivalent admission offers at WWT Slimbridge and the Tower of London (HRP). Additionally, it includes annual Roadside Assist by LV= Britannia Rescue. Terms and conditions apply. 

Specialist SAS service celebrates 10 years of life-saving work

The Scottish Ambulance Service’s specialist transport and retrieval service (ScotSTAR) is celebrating ten years of providing life-saving care to some of Scotland’s most vulnerable patients.

ScotSTAR is a multi-disciplinary team of paramedics, nurses, advanced practitioners, and doctors supported by pilots working together to provide specialist care to seriously ill babies, children and adults across Scotland using specialist helicopters and planes.

In 2022/23 ScotSTAR provided specialist care for 3158 seriously ill children and adults with the air ambulance crews attending 4527 incidents – an increase of 10% from the year before.

Mum Amie Taylor, of Ellon, Aberdeenshire, said ScotSTAR provided an invaluable service to her very sick son, Jackson, who was born four weeks prematurely in 2022.

Jackson was placed in a ventilator and had to be transported from Aberdeen to Edinburgh with the help of ScotSTAR staff, Dr Mark Worrall, Paediatric Consultant, and Ashley Daye, Paediatric Retrieval Nurse.

School teacher Amie said: “The retrieval team take the skills of the paediatric intensive care unit on the road and knowing that these specialists were incredibly skilled gave us so much peace knowing that Jackson was being well looked after. I just want to say a massive thank you for how they made me feel on the day. We felt incredibly well supported and cared for.”

 “I am pleased to say he is a very happy and charismatic cheeky wee boy. He has been through more in his little life that some people encounter in a lifetime. He is strong, resilient and a fighter we are beyond proud of.”

Michael Dickson, Scottish Ambulance Service Chief Executive said: “ScotSTAR is an integral part of Scottish Ambulance Service and is critical to our ability to reach every part of Scotland.

“I’m delighted to be marking its 10th anniversary and I’d like to stay a big thank you to our staff who deliver this vital service for critically ill patients across Scotland, often in very challenging circumstances.

“They are all a credit to the Scottish Ambulance Service.”

Emergency services tackle high rise fire in Bonnington

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Around 70 firefighters, 12 fire appliances and additional specialist resources are currently in attendance at a well-developed fire involving a high rise building in the Breadalbane area of Bonnington.

“We received the call at 4.10am following reports of a fire within a flat.

“The building has been evacuated and firefighting operations remain ongoing.

“There are no reported casualties at this time involving members of the public.

“One firefighter has sustained minor injuries and has received treatment from Scottish Ambulance Service at the scene.”

POLICE are in attendance at a fire at the block of flats in Breadalbane Road.. Approximately 100 local residents have been evacuated and a police cordon is in place.

UPDATE at 10am:

“Around 70 firefighters, 12 fire appliances and additional specialist resources are currently in attendance at a well-developed fire involving a high rise building in the Breadalbane area of Bonnington, City of Edinburgh.”

The Persimmon Homes building is understood to house 111 flats. Some are believed to have been destroyed in the blaze.

PICTURE: Local resident HARRY WILLIAMS

SAS’ Integrated Clinical Hub continues to save 1000s of ambulance journeys

Over 23,000 ambulance journeys have been avoided in the past five months thanks to the Scottish Ambulance Service’s Integrated Clinical Hub (ICH).

The ICH, launched in December 2022, is co-located with the SAS ambulance control centres in the west, north and east of Scotland and is made up of a multidisciplinary team of clinical advisors, advanced practitioners and GPs.

It provides assessments for all patients who are initially triaged as non-immediately life threatening and may benefit from a further virtual consultation and referral to other services in the community, rather than unnecessary trips to A&E.

Latest data shows that around 71,000 patients have been assessed by the ICH since August 2023.

Michael Dickson, Chief Executive of Scottish Ambulance Service said: “For those patients that require an ambulance, such as immediately life-threatening conditions, we will always dispatch the most appropriate resource.

“However, our data shows that nearly 50% of our patients don’t require transfer to A&E and can be better treated in other ways, such as in the home, in the community or through specialist services.

“The ICH plays a vital part in carrying out advanced assessment of these patients to identify their clinical needs to ensure they receive the best possible response for their condition.

“The hub is a vital tool in helping us free up vital capacity to attend our sickest patients whilst also reducing the demand at the A&E front door by utilising regional and national pathway alternatives.

“To help our staff we also would like to remind people that if you need urgent care, but it’s not life-threatening, you can call NHS 24 on 111, day or night, or your GP during opening hours.”