Tag: Scottish Ambulance Service

Bonfire Night: Police report a fall in number of serious incidents

FEWER INJURIES TO EMERGENCY SERVICES PERSONNEL THIS YEAR

Incidents of serious disorder during Bonfire Night have fallen this year.

In 2023, specialist resources as part of Operation Moonbeam were deployed on 26 separate occasions during the evening of 5 November. This year, 18 deployments were required during the same period.

The overall number of fireworks-related calls has remained consistent to previous years, however, the number of officers injured has reduced significantly, compared to last year.

During the Operation Moonbeam deployment for October and November 2023, a total of 62 officers sustained injuries after being targeted with fireworks and other projectiles.

To date, one officer was injured on Halloween evening after a brick was thrown through the window of her police vehicle in Edinburgh. No further injuries to officers have so far been reported. One person has been arrested and charged in relation to this assault.

During the evening of Tuesday, 5 November, officers in Edinburgh responded to various incidents of youth disorder in Niddrie, Sighthill and Moredun.

Large groups gathered in these areas before throwing fireworks, bottles and bricks at police vehicles and other cars. Two fire service appliances were also attacked during this time.

No injuries to emergency service workers or members of the public were reported.

Various parts of Glasgow also experienced pockets of disorder, with youths witnessed throwing fireworks at members of the public, vehicles and police officers. There were also four incidents of fire appliances being subjected to attacks when responding to calls. Again, however, no injuries were reported.

In Peterhead a pyrotechnic device was ignited within a skate park in Aalesund Road at around 9.20pm. Those responsible then made off in a van before striking a 33-year-old male pedestrian and fleeing the scene.

The male was treated by paramedics at the scene but did not require further medical attention. Inquiries to identify the suspects are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to come forward.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “I firstly want to recognise the outstanding courage and professionalism of all of those emergency service workers who put themselves in harm’s way to keep communities safe.

“Their actions ensured that some of the challenging scenes we witnessed this year did not escalate into mass disorder, on the scale of what we experienced last year.

“Nevertheless, the levels of violence and aggression police officers, fire service and ambulance service personnel faced in some areas was wholly unacceptable and a significant investigative response is now underway to identify each and every one of those involved and bring them to justice.

“In advance of Bonfire Night 2024, local policing teams across Scotland have worked diligently with local authority and third sector partners to make positive in-roads with communities and identify some of the root causes that lead to disorder.

“In addition, this engagement has resulted in an increase in the intelligence we have received from the public, allowing us to take preventative enforcement action before crimes could occur.

“Throughout Operation Moonbeam, we have utilised all legislation and policing powers at our disposal and we will continue our discussions with local authorities and Scottish Government to explore further opportunities for reducing fireworks offences for next year and moving forward.”

“Stones were rattling off the side of the fire appliance”

EMERGENCY SERVICES BRACED FOR GUY FAWKES NIGHT

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

An Ayrshire firefighter has recalled stones “rattling off the side” of a fire appliance as he and his colleagues came under attack ahead of Bonfire Night last year.

Crew Commander Jonny Milliken was leading a response to a spate of grass fires in Troon on 3 November 2023 when his crew were turned on by youths attempting to climb the fire appliance and throwing bricks and stones at them.

CC Milliken, an on call firefighter, said he and colleagues are “local people trying to do their best for their town” and shouldn’t face this type of behaviour.

He said: “The stones were rattling off the side of the fire appliance.

“We decided to keep all crew inside the appliance to ensure their safety. After being bombarded with stones, we had to retreat and leave the area.

“The last thing I wanted as a Crew Commander was for anyone to get injured.

“We are well aware antisocial behaviour comes from a very small minority, but we were all completely shocked.”

“As on call firefighters, we live and work in our community. All the firefighters that attended that incident were from Troon.

“We are just local guys trying to do the absolute best we can for our town. We are real people, with real lives in our local community and we deserve to be respected and allowed to do our job properly.”

5 November is typically one of the busiest nights of the year for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and last year, firefighters across Scotland came under attack nine times in eight hours.

SFRS received 892 calls on Bonfire Night in 2023, with Operations Control staff mobilising to 355 bonfires.

Crews working to protect communities across Scotland want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night and the public is being urged to attend public events wherever possible and a list is available on the SFRS website. This is by far the safest way to watch fireworks.

Statistics released by Care of Burns in Scotland (COBIS) show that 37 people accessed emergency treatment between 4 and 6 November last year for fireworks related injuries.

Deputy Chief Officer Andy Watt is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Director of Prevention, Protection and Preparedness. He said: “We want people to enjoy themselves at times of celebration, but we want them to do so safely and think of others, including our crews who are working hard to respond to emergencies. 

“Bonfires and fireworks go hand in hand at this time of year, and we advise people to go to an organised event wherever possible. This is the safest way to enjoy firework displays and bonfires.” 

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Fire crews and other emergency services workers do an outstanding job protecting communities over the Bonfire Night period and any attack on them is utterly despicable.

“Such assaults endanger 999 workers and can prevent crews from reaching those in emergency situations who desperately need help.

“Attacks on 999 crews using fireworks or pyrotechnics are aggravating factors that courts can take into account when sentencing offenders.

“We have also introduced a ban on providing fireworks to under-18s and provided local authorities with powers to designate firework control zones within their boundaries. These new powers will be used for the first time this year in areas across Edinburgh over the Bonfire Night period.”

SFRS encourages everyone to attend public events in their area. If deciding to have a display at home, is encouraged to make sure they are aware of the environment and the Fireworks Code.

It is essential to read all packet instructions on each firework, light fireworks at arm’s length and stand well back. Never return to a firework that has already been lit.

It is illegal for anyone to supply someone under the age of 18 with fireworks. Additionally, it is illegal to set off fireworks in public spaces, such as streets, roads and parks.

Fireworks are restricted in terms of use between 6pm and 11pm, and this is extended until midnight on November 5.

Additionally, for the first time, there are Firework Control Zones implemented in Balerno and in the Niddrie, Seafield and Calton Hill areas of Edinburgh. This means it is against the law to set off fireworks at any time between the 1st and the 10th of November.

SFRS also encourage anyone who may be having a bonfire at home to ensure it is kept away from buildings, vehicles and trees. Any bonfire which is unsafe, or where people are behaving irresponsibly, will be extinguished and made safe.

Police:

Our Multi-Agency Control Room in Edinburgh is in operation over the next two days for Operation Moonbeam.

Specialist resources are on hand to support local policing teams across the country in responding to fireworks-related crime taking place.

On Thursday, 31 October, a 14-year-old boy was charged in connection with fireworks offences, following reports of disorder in the Capital. A 17-year-old male was then arrested on Sunday, 3 November, following an attack on a police vehicle in the Niddrie area of the city, where an officer was injured.

He has been remanded in custody for the next seven days.

Our officers are out in communities to keep the public safe. Please help us stop fireworks offences and attacks on emergency service workers.

If you have any information about planned offences, contact us on 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Agencies unite to enhance mental health support

 A partnership between NHS 24, Police Scotland, and the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) ensures anyone who needs urgent mental health support will be directed to the most appropriate service for their needs.

Termed the ‘Mental Health Pathway,’ the collaboration between the three services means that people phoning 999 with non-emergency mental health concerns are now referred to NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub.

This is staffed by Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners and Mental Health Nurses who are highly trained to help patients in mental distress. The Mental Health Hub is designed to support people who need urgent mental health support, where emergency intervention is not required.

The Hub can also be accessed by phoning 111. As well as helping people with their immediate care needs, specialist staff can also refer people to local services. They’ll then get further assessment and treatment if needed. Although most people can be helped immediately and supported with self-care techniques.

Dr Ron Cook is NHS 24’s Medical Director. He details the aims of the Mental Health Pathway and why it became essential for NHS 24, Police Scotland, and Scottish Ambulance Service to work together to provide more effective urgent mental health support for patients: “It is imperative that anyone in mental health crisis or distress can quickly and easily connect with professionals who are experts in that field. Within office hours, patients seeking help with their mental health should contact their own GP.

“However, during the out of hours period, such as evenings and weekends, it is common for patients to be unsure of where to access mental health support. Many will often reach out for help by dialling 999, which may not be the most appropriate care route for them.  

“The Mental Health Pathway was set up to streamline the process for anyone needing urgent assistance with their mental health, and aims to make all callers feel supported, understood, and cared for.

“This project has led to a better experience for individuals experiencing mental illness or distress, but also has the added impact of reducing the deployment of frontline services in non-emergencies and easing the demand on emergency services.”

The Mental Health Pathway was developed as a response to actions from the Scottish Government’s Mental Health Strategy 2017-2027, which aims to improve mental health services and outcomes for people in Scotland by providing a comprehensive and integrated approach to mental health.

NHS 24, Police Scotland, and SAS’ partnership went live operationally in 2020, and since then, the project has undergone various evaluation phases and gradual roll-out to thoroughly test processes to ensure patient safety.

2024 has marked a significant milestone for the Mental Health Pathway as over 91% of Police Scotland staff are now trained in the transfer process, with work ongoing to train 100% of applicable staff, secure the pathway as business as usual, and ensure all Police Scotland and SAS staff have awareness of and confidence in transferring mental health callers appropriately.  

Anna is a Senior Charge Nurse in NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub, she explains the benefits to patients: “It is great that patients now come directly through to us if they need urgent assistance with their mental health, as it means that they are not waiting for lengthy periods at A&E which may not be the most suitable place for their needs at that time.

“It is so important that we are providing safe and effective care for all patients, and the development of the Mental Health Pathway means that people are getting the help they need at the right time by right person.”

The collaboration between NHS 24, Police Scotland, and SAS not only has a positive impact on patients. The Mental Health Pathway has also meant that police and ambulance staff are no longer deployed unnecessarily to calls regarding mental health unless there is an immediate threat to life.

This change has meant that staff from these services now have more time to perform their core roles.

Notably, Police Scotland data has recorded that 17,413 officer hours were saved over a ten-month period and 99% of their staff confirmed they felt confident making referrals and using the Mental Health Pathway following their training.

Chief Superintendent Matt Paden leads Police Scotland’s Mental Health Taskforce, he said: “Our work around policing’s response to mental health seeks to reset the parameters of policing’s contribution to a system wide response to ensure people get the compassion, help, and support they need and deserve from those best able to provide it.

“Our colleagues in the Mental Health Taskforce and C3 Division have worked closely with partners in NHS 24 and Scottish Ambulance Service to deliver the Mental Health Pathway over a period of years.

“Their important work demonstrates the benefits of referring those in mental health crisis to services best able to meet their needs. This can provide better outcomes for individuals and communities, better value to the public and enable officers to tackle threat, harm and risk and prevent crime.

“Further development and evaluation will continue, but I am grateful to all of those involved in the successful implementation and delivery of the Mental Health Pathway.”

Catherine Totten, Head of Service for Mental Health and Dementia at the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) said: “SAS supports people in mental health crisis and distress 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, and we are committed to improving the outcomes and experience for these service users.

“The Mental Health Pathway allows us to directly transfer non-emergency callers to mental health trained clinicians in the NHS 24 mental health hub, ensuring those in crisis receive the right care at the right time.”

Restart a Heart Live smashes GUINNESS WORLD RECORD

5,340 people tuned in to the Restart a Heart Live YouTube livestream on Thursday 10th October, smashing the previous GUINNESS WORLD RECORD – 1,500 – for the most views of a CPR Lesson on YouTube in 24 hours.

Restart a Heart Live aimed to train as many people as possible in lifesaving CPR and was pioneered by Lee Myers, a Paramedic Clinical Team Leader at the Scottish Ambulance Service and co-produced with Save a Life for Scotland and Save a Life Cymru. Lee has undertaken in-person CPR training for schools across the Borders and wanted to find a way to make this training accessible to everyone.

Lee said: “I am incredibly proud of the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD achievement, of the entire team behind this concept, but most importantly all the people that we managed to train yesterday.

“Restart a Heart Live has been a tremendous success, and we are grateful for all the support we’ve received. We hope that through this event it’s given people confidence to perform CPR if they witness an out of hospital cardiac arrest. Even if one person survives from someone attending the event, then it has been successful.”

Lee was joined on the day by his twin brother, Liam Myers, Police Scotland Constable, who helped deliver the CPR training.

Liam said: “I am overwhelmed to have been part of a team that has achieved a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD. I believe it is really important to learn CPR as there is no doubt it saves lives.

“The response from the public has been amazing in term of the numbers taking part in the training sessions. I want to thank everyone who tuned in to learn CPR, every little helps when it comes to saving a life.”

Susan Gardner, National Program Manager of the Save a Life for Scotland campaign said: “Restart a Heart has been an amazing event! Working with our local and national partners from across the UK allowed us to highlight the importance of CPR to people right into their homes, workplaces, and schools.

“We need each other to be ready to do CPR if we should ever have to do it. By starting CPR people in Scotland can double or even triple the chances of someone surviving and play an essential part in bringing someone back home to their loved ones.”

Julie Starling, Save a Life Cymru Clinical Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Programme Manager, said: “We are delighted to be a part of this GUINNESS WORLD RECORD and the Restart a Heart Live event. If one life can be saved through this collaboration – that is a mark of success for us.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside our Scottish colleges and other organisations in Wales on this event. CPR is a life skill, and no one should be frightened to give it a go.”

Police working with partners to provide virtual CPR training sessions

Police are working with the Scottish Ambulance Service and Save a Life Scotland to provide virtual training sessions on CPR.

As part of a Save a Life Scotland, Restart a Heart Live initiative, the sessions will be live streamed via the Save a Life Scotland Youtube channel on Thursday, 10 October, 2024. They will hourly from 9am.

The initiative aims to equip as many people as possible with the technique, allowing them to help if someone nearby goes into cardiac arrest.

The sessions will cover what to do in the event someone goes into cardiac arrest, how to administer CPR, and how to use a defibrillator. Participants will also be able to ask questions throughout the sessions.

Detective Constable Liam Myers said: “Working alongside partner agencies, we hope to demonstrate that anyone is capable of learning and performing CPR. It is a highly valuable skill that can ultimately save a life.

“I hope participants will come away with the confidence to assist if they see someone in cardiac arrest.”

Further information can be found on the Save a Life Scotland website.

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.”

Restart A Heart Live: Public urged to help set new CPR world record

The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) and Save a Life for Scotland (SALFS) are calling for members of the public to learn CPR and help set a Guinness World Record on Thursday 10th October.

A livestream event – Restart a Heart Live – will be hosted on YouTube and needs 1,500 people to tune into one of the sessions to set the new record. Members of the public are encouraged join one of the sessions, which are running on the hour from 9am to 8pm.

In addition to CPR training, each 25-minute session will provide education on how to use a defibrillator and what to expect when you dial 999.

The world record attempt is being led by Lee Myers, SAS Paramedic Clinical Team Leader who has trained hundreds of primary and secondary students across the Scottish Borders in CPR skills and defibrillator awareness over his career so far.

Lee said: “Currently only one in ten people in Scotland survive an out of hospital cardiac arrest and the likelihood of that person surviving drops by 10% for every minute someone does not attempt CPR.  The key to more people surviving is training in schools and with the public.  

“Through Restart a Heart Live we want to train as many people as possible in how to do hands only CPR and how to use a defibrillator. By taking part in this training, we hope that people will have the confidence to attempt CPR on someone who’s life depends on it. So, join us on Thursday 10th October to support your community and be part of a Guinness World Record attempt.”

Lisa MacInnes, Director of the Save a Life for Scotland campaign said: “Learning how to help someone in the event of a cardiac arrest is one of the ways we look out for each other.

“Everyone in Scotland should know how to do CPR and use a defibrillator. Join us on October 10th to learn how.”

Find out more about Restart a Heart Live here:  

Restart a heart live 2024 – Save a Life for Scotland

SAS staff member awarded for 15 years of volunteer lifesaving

A Scottish Ambulance Service Ambulance Care Assistant has received a long service award after 15 years volunteering for St Andrews First Aid.

Lynne Duke, who works out of Leverndale Station, started with St Andrews in 2009 after seeing an advert in a local paper.

St Andrews, which formed in 1882, promotes the teaching of first aid along with supplying first aid equipment and event cover.

Lynne, who joined the ambulance service in 2016, was recently presented with a long service award at a Civic Reception at Edinburgh City Chambers, attending with her daughter Sarah and presented with her medal and certificate by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost.

Lynne said: “It was really nice to be recognised for the volunteering that I do.”

Speaking of how she got into volunteering with St Andrews, she said after applying for a position, she completed a three-month training course with the option to volunteer after successful completion.

She added: “I made the decision to join and really enjoyed my time and have never looked back. Not only did St Andrew’s give the confidence to try new things, I’ve met friends that I can now call friends for life.”

In the past 15 years, Lynne has volunteered at six T in the Park Festivals, numerous concerts, football matches, Remembrance Day parades and local duties including performances in East Kilbride village theatre.

Her enjoyment from volunteering inspired her to change careers joining SAS as an Ambulance Care Assistant, caring for members of the public when transporting them to and from hospital.

She said: “I started working part-time in based at Paisley station before moving to Glasgow South station. I now work full time at Leverndale Station. I like that every day is different, meeting different people and the challenges that it brings.”

Paul Bennie, Ambulance Care Assistant Team Leader at Leverndale, said: “On behalf of everyone at SAS,  I would like to congratulate Lynne on a fantastic achievement.

“She is a fantastic member of staff and inspiring volunteer for St Andrews. This award is thoroughly deserved and everyone at Leverndale is thrilled she has been recognised.”

SAS to carry out simulation study as part of national drone project

The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) is set to carry out vital research with members of the public to test how drones can be used in response to cardiac arrests.

Project CAELUS, funded by Innovate UK, are a group of organisations aiming to develop the UK’s first drone enabled medical logistics network. SAS, a key partner in the project, is aiming to carry out a simulation study later in the month to better understand the feasibility of delivering an Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) via drone technology.

Every year over 8000 people in Scotland have an Out of Hospital Cardiac (OHCA) arrest. This simulation study will investigate bystander interaction with the drone and also explore the protocols required to support SAS call handlers in navigating bystanders to a drone during simulated scenarios of OHCAs.

During each simulated OHCA scenario, a group of participants will be given instructions through a telephone compared to another group of participants who will be given video assisted guidance to retrieve a nearby drone-delivered AED. This study is building on existing research domestically and internationally, to better understand how drones could be used by an ambulance service in the future.

SAS chief Executive Michael Dickson said: “The entire health service, including here at SAS, is always looking at ways to innovate and find new ways of providing life-saving care. Drone delivery of AEDs to Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrests (OHCA) is being investigated in several parts of the world, especially looking at how this could be used at remote and rural areas or areas of extreme urban congestion.

“This study will provide us with additional evidence to assess if drones could provide value to the Scottish Ambulance Service in the future. This innovative scheme has the potential to benefit communities across Scotland, including those in remote and rural areas. We look forward to working with our partners at AGS and the CAELUS project on developing it further.”

A number of live flight trials are planned across the country later this year as part of CAELUS.

Fiona Smith, Project CAELUS director said: “We have been delighted to work with SAS on this study. Project CAELUS  is looking forward to continuing the great work with a several key partners to showcase the potential to benefit communities across Scotland and provide equity of care to remote and rural areas.”

Karen Bell, National Innovation Programme Lead, CAELUS – NHS Grampian, said: “This is exciting work being delivered by SAS to explore how this technology could change the response to an emergency call to an out of hospital cardiac arrest in the future.

“Working in the NHS Innovation Space, NHS Grampian as the Lead NHS Board in the CAELUS consortia have welcomed the opportunity to work with SAS on this novel approach to delivering care.”

TRUST: Scottish Ambulance Service expands drug-related emergency initiative after successful pilot

The Scottish Ambulance Service is expanding our TRUST campaign Scotland-wide

An initiative to encourage young people to call 999 in a drug-related emergency is being expanded following a successful pilot, the Scottish Ambulance Service has announced.

The TRUST initiative – Take it Seriously, Ring 999, Use first aid skills, Stay with them, Tell us what they’ve taken – aims to educate and support young people who may avoid or delay phoning for an ambulance when they or their friends experience a drug-related emergency due to perceived fear of repercussions. It also covers what an emergency situation may look like and what to look out for.

Following the successful pilot in some Fife and Glasgow secondary schools, SAS will be expanding the campaign across Scotland where TRUST resources will be embedded into local drug education offerings, providing young people with the chance to also hear first-hand from emergency staff about their roles.

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Kira Watson, Clinical Effectiveness Lead for Drug Harm Reduction – East, said: “The TRUST initiative has been designed to show young people that the Scottish Ambulance Service is here to help them.

“As summer holidays and festival season continue, drug related incidents increase, and we want to make sure young people aren’t afraid to quickly seek help when they or their friends need it. Once they have received treatment, we can also make the appropriate referrals for on-going support, information and advice.”

Christina McKelvie, Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy, said: “I welcome the expansion of the TRUST initiative, which can save lives by supporting and educating young people involved in a drugs emergency.

“Through our £250 million National Mission on drugs, we are taking a wide range of measures to reduce harm and save lives – including supporting the opening of a Safe Drug Consumption Facility pilot, widening access to Naloxone and delivering drug-checking facilities which will enable us to respond faster to emerging drug trends.”

If you think TRUST would be of benefit to your local school or community space, email sas.drug-harm@nhs.scot for more information.

TRUST Campaign leaflet and poster are available for download here.

@HarmLeads

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