Additional funding of up to £11 million is being given to the Scottish Ambulance Service to help improve capacity and resilience this winter.
Up to £10.5 million will be used to put 148 new staff in place across the country before the end of the year. It will also provide 24 extra vehicles for the service in Scotland, including 8 ambulances which will be stationed in Glasgow and Lothian – two of the busiest areas.
The funding will also help reduce the need for staff to be on stand-by in some of the more rural areas, with £500,000 being used to ensure priority stations including Aviemore, Golspie and Oban have crews available 24/7.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Our ambulance staff continue to work extremely hard under difficult circumstances which are being experienced across our healthcare services. I am extremely grateful for their dedication and commitment.
“This additional investment will allow the Scottish Ambulance Service to put additional capacity in place in two of the busiest areas in the country, as well as supporting staff in some of the more rural areas through increases in staffing and reduction of requirement for staff to work on-call shifts.
“We continue to support the service and ensure they have the right resources in place across Scotland to continue to deal with increasing demand.”
Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service Pauline Howie said: “This £11 million funding is fantastic news and will allow us to boost capacity in two of the busiest regions in Scotland through investment in new staff, new ambulances and new specialist vehicles.
“It will also allow us to support staff in some of our more rural areas though increased staffing and a reduction in on-call shift working.
“This winter is expected to see increased demand on healthcare services across the country and our top priority continues to be our patients and staff.
“These additional resources will ensure we continue to deliver the very best patient care to communities while supporting our fantastic staff who have been doing an amazing job each day in the most challenging of circumstances.
“We continue to recruit at pace across the country to strengthen our dedicated workforce – a workforce who have all been remarkable this year.”
On International Restart a Heart Day on Friday, the Save a Life for Scotland partnership celebrated five years of working together to help more people learn CPR so that should they ever need to do it, they feel more prepared.
Despite not being able to reach people face to face since March, they had managed to equip an amazing 640,790 people with CPR skills up until lockdown in March 2020.
The Save a Life for Scotland Partnership has collectively contributed to a 45% increase in 30-day survival rates for those who have had an out-of-hospital cardiac, arrest doubling to 1 in 10 since the strategy launch in 2015.
When it comes to bystander CPR, the numbers continuing to do it this year in Scotland are pretty incredible. As a nation, amongst everything that’s going on, bystander CPR rates haven’t changed. When someone needs CPR Scots are still helping, still caring and making an incredible difference. Today, the campaign wants to remind you that calling for help and starting CPR is still the right thing to do.
Every year about 3,500 people are treated for an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by ambulance crews in Scotland. The Scottish Ambulance Service have made significant improvements to our response to out of hospital cardiac arrest, including early decision making, meaning patients with immediately life-threatening conditions are now being identified earlier in the 999 call process, and treated more rapidly.
When you call 999 and a cardiac arrest is identified, our highly trained call handlers will provide clear instructions on how to perform CPR. Remember any delay in commencing CPR could decrease chances of survival drastically so we ask you to assist right away. Early bystander CPR can increase someone’s chance of survival by 2-3 times.
We understand you may be concerned about what the risks may be around CPR during COVID-19 and CPR guidance has changed slightly due to the current pandemic. Research conducted on behalf of the Resuscitation Council (UK) revealed that a third of UK adults don’t know if, during the COVID-19 pandemic, CPR should only be carried out by professionals wearing PPE.
We want to reassure you that bystander CPR should still be carried out while the ambulance service is on the way and our highly trained call handlers will support you to give essential lifesaving support, in a safe way, until help arrives.
Dr Andrew Lockey, Consultant in Emergency Medicine and co-lead for World Restart a Heart Day, Resuscitation Council UK said: “The principle message for Restart a Heart is that you can still save a life, whilst keeping yourself safe.”
The Resuscitation Council (UK) advise that if you have to administer bystander CPR place a cloth or a towel loosely over the persons face to reduce the risk of any spread.
The Save a Life for Scotland campaign have created a page where you can refresh your CPR knowledge, learn of the small changes to the guidance and perhaps learn for the first time – take a look and learn today. https://www.savealife.scot/adult-resources/learn-cpr/
To showcase how every step of the ‘chain of survival’ is so important to save lives, Robert Hogg shares his story:
A man who had a cardiac arrest on a family holiday said he would not be alive today if not for the Scottish Ambulance Service, the Coastguard and off duty medical staff who swiftly came to his aid.
Robert Hogg was at Sands Campsite, Gairloch, with his wife on August 22 when he collapsed.
He has praised the efforts of everyone involved, including the off duty GP and dive medic who performed CPR until Scottish Ambulance Service arrived, the Coastguard, who transported Robert to Raigmore Hospital, and the hospital staff.
Robert, 54, said: “I remember a few bits before it happened. I walked off to go to the rubbish bins. I dumped the rubbish and turned back around and then I collapsed.”
Robert, a climate control engineer, said he recalled “not feeling great” 10 minutes before he had the cardiac arrest. After he collapsed, an off duty GP and medic diver were nearby and rushed to the scene to give CPR. He said: “It was pure luck it happened where it did – if it had happened at the caravan I would be under the ground. It’s a huge site.
“A GP was having his dinner at a restaurant. There was also a paramedic diver, who was drying his towels, who started CPR.”
A nearby community AED placed by Scottish Charity Lucky2BHere [L2BH] was also located and the GP and diver used it until emergency responders from the Scottish Ambulance Service arrived. Robert was in hospital until the Wednesday following the incident after getting airlifted from the Coastguard SAR. Despite not recalling the incident, his wife has relayed what happened.
He said: “I would not be here if not for everyone involved. Even in such a remote area, they were still able to provide the care and attention I needed. I cannot thank everybody enough. I owe these people my life.”
The story goes further to showcase the importance of community resilience as a key step in the chain of survival because the lifesaving Big Sands L2BH defibrillator used to save Robert’s life was unveiled just last year by Gairloch local, Cherril Parry, whose own life was saved by a community L2BH defibrillator in 2018.
Despite enduring such serious illness, Cherill championed fundraising for a new defibrillator for the area. The ‘Red Phone Box’ where it is located, is well known in the community and when Robert had his cardiac arrest, his team of rescuers knew the location and retrieved the L2BH defibrillator, immediately helping save Robert’s life.
The staff involved in helping this patient were East EMD, Karen Russell, North Supervisor, Alistair Dargie, North Dispatcher Blair Gordon, SSD: Richard Fisher, Sarah Morrison, Michael McKenna, and and Alan McLean
Lisa MacInnes, Director of the Save a Life for Scotland campaign said: “Scotland as ever, continues to step up to look out for each other in their families and communities.
“COVID-19 has highlighted that Scots are ready and willing to care for those around them and when it comes to CPR they continue to be willing to get help and start CPR.
“Our message today is please keep going. Your actions continue to give people the best chance of survival. Please use and share our videos with others to keep the message going that any CPR beats no CPR.”
Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “Starting CPR immediately after the heart stops beating can double, and sometimes triple the chances of survival. The Save a Life for Scotland campaign is an excellent example of how we can all work together to improve a person’s chance of survival.
“Despite the challenges faced this year, people in Scotland continue to demonstrate a willingness to help. I would encourage everyone to learn CPR online.”
Pauline Howie, Chief Executive for Scottish Ambulance Service, said: “The Scottish Ambulance Service would like to say a massive thank you for what you have helped us, and all the strategy partners, to achieve over the last five years.
“Bystander CPR is the most crucial link in the chain of survival and because so many more of you have learnt and been willing to perform bystander CPR we have seen survival double in that time; double the number of people surviving and returning to their loved ones.
“Our message is still clear – early bystander CPR is the difference between life and death for those in cardiac arrest. So please keep attempting CPR. Our call handlers will guide you through how to do this safely, meaning you too can save a life “.
Lucky2BHere Founder, Ross Cowie said: “This amazing story of survival shows how every person in a community can and does play their part in saving a life.
“Lucky2BHere provided the defibrillator and Emergency Life Support training though, on the day it was the incredible community team effort that saved Robert’s life; passing him safely into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service.
“We couldn’t be happier for Robert, his family and the whole community.”
A MUM who gave birth only two days after she found out she was pregnant has thanked two emergency responders who helped to deliver her baby.
Wee Callum was born at 1.38am on July 11 on the M876 just after the Clackmannan Bridge in the back of an ambulance.
Mum Stacey Stevenson, of Tillicoultry, said: “I actually only found out on the Tuesday that I was even pregnant.
“I had no idea the whole way through – I didn’t gain weight, had no symptoms or anything. Safe to say it was the biggest shock of my life, I don’t think I’m over it yet and he’s 5 weeks old! He was a huge surprise but a very welcome one My waters broke at 23.15 and I was on the phone to 999 by about 2330.”
Emma Devlin and Lorraine Hardie, both of Falkirk Station, were dispatched.
Stacey, 30, added: “Emma and Lorraine were amazing from the second they arrived – they were calm and confident, even though I think it was the first baby either of them had delivered.
“We headed for the hospital but didn’t quite make it.”
Callum was born at 1.38am weighing 7lb 6 and a half oz.
Stacey said: “Both ladies are honestly a credit to the service and I couldn’t have done it without them.
“Both of them were amazing, helpful and calm.”
Emma said: “Both myself and Lorraine are very happy that the delivery went well and that we were able to offer Stacey some reassurance and put her at ease as much as possible during what must of been a terrifying experience for her as Stacey’s pregnancy had come as a surprise to her.
“We are also both very happy that both Stacey and Callum are doing so well.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service received more than 1,000 emergency calls overnight due to severe weather on Tuesday night.
Crews were mobilised to a number of flooding incidents caused by heavy rain, and fires believed to have been caused by the weather across Scotland, with the east and north of the country particularly affected.
Between 10pm on Tuesday, August 11 and 8am on Wednesday, August 12 the Service’s Operations Control room in Edinburgh received more than 500 (five hundred) 999 calls – almost 400 of which were related to flooding, while Dundee received 300 calls and Johnstone more than 200.
This included calls to a significant landslide at a caravan park in Pettycur, Fife affecting 450 caravans. Crews assisted in the rescue of 27 people and also the relocation of 218 people from the site.
A further 14 people were rescued by firefighters following significant flooding on the M8 motorway, where a number of cars were submerged between junctions 5 and 6.
Six fire appliances and more than 20 firefighters were mobilised to a fire within a kitchen showroom in Falkirk.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms which is currently in place for parts of the country until Thursday, August 13.
Ross Haggart is the Deputy Chief Officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. He said: “This was an extremely challenging night where we received an incredibly high number of calls, making this one of the busiest nights the service has seen this year so far.
“We have seen high numbers of flooding calls from the Lothian, Falkirk and Fife areas which were severely affected by serious rainfall – resulting in a significant localised response from the national service.
“Crews also attended a number of other serious incidents including road traffic collisions and fires which may have been caused by the weather.
“My thanks must go to our crews and Operations Control for their outstanding work overnight in very challenging conditions, and to our partners for their continued assistance.”
The atrocious weather conditions are thought to have been a factor in the train derailment near Stonehaven which resulted in three fatalities. Investigations are now underway.
Police ScotlandAssistant Chief Constable Judi Heaton said: “We can confirm that a joint investigation into the tragic incident near Stonehaven yesterday is being conducted.
“Officers from Police Scotland, British Transport Police and the Office of Rail and Road are working together closely as the investigation seeks to establish the full circumstances of what happened and will utilise the skills of all agencies.
“The investigation, which will be carried out under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, is in parallel to the independent safety investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).
“The multi-agency response to the incident remains ongoing and we are working with partners to support the family and friends of those involved as well as the rail family and local community.
“I also want to thank the responders who attended yesterday and were faced with a challenging scene. Our thanks must also go to the local community who rallied around the emergency services with many offers of assistance and we are grateful for your support.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with those affected at this difficult time.”
The three people who died at the derailment incident have been formally identified and can now be named as follows:
Brett McCullough (45) – Driver Donald Dinnie (58) – Conductor Christopher Stuchbury (62) – Passenger
Family tribute for Christopher Stuchbury aged 62 from Aberdeen:
“Chris was a much adored husband, son, dad, stepdad, grandad, brother and uncle and was a treasured and loved friend to many, including the Targe Towing Team where he was an integral and valued member of staff.
“He also volunteered at Roxburghe House in Aberdeen during his spare time which he thoroughly enjoyed doing.
“We are devastated by his death and we request privacy at this difficult time as we come to terms with our loss.”
Brett’s wife Stephanie has requested that Police Scotland issue the following statement on their behalf:
“Brett was a much loved husband, father, son and uncle who will be sorely missed by all.
“It is an extremely difficult time for us as a family and we would ask for privacy as we try to come to terms with our horrendous loss.”
Statement from the family of Donald Dinnie:
“As a family we are devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of Donald, a loving and proud dad, son, partner, brother, uncle and friend.
“No words could ever describe how much he will be missed by us all and there will always be a missing piece in our hearts.
“It is so heart warming to see how many people have fond memories of Donald and I am sure they have plenty of happy and funny stories to tell. He was a kind, caring and genuine person who was never found without a smile on his face. We know he will be deeply missed by all.
“Together we thank each and everyone of you for your kind words and condolences but we kindly ask at this time that we have the chance to grieve privately as a family.”
Critically ill patients across Scotland are set to benefit as a project to upgrade defibrillators used in Scottish ambulances is completed.
The new devices, which have been installed in 528 Scottish Ambulance Service Accident and Emergency response vehicles and supplied by The Ortus Group, are more reliable and enable transfer of patient data from some of the most remote parts of Scotland to a receiving hospital.
The project – which was completed under budget and by the target completion date – involved the training of 3,029 staff, where 500 training sessions were held across 75 training locations.
Consultant paramedic Dave Bywater said: “I want to thank everyone who has been involved in fitting our ambulances with these new defibrillators, putting Scotland at the cutting edge of this new technology. We are delighted patients are going to benefit from it.
“This has been a great team effort from everyone involved – the project was delivered under budget and by its completed target date. This was done through what were very challenging circumstances and involved a great team effort.
“In addition to defibrillation for out of hospital cardiac arrest patients, they also automatically record a patient’s vital signs, freeing the ambulance crew from recording this data manually and enabling them to give more focus to patients.”
The new Corpuls3devices will automatically pass clinical information and data into the Electronic Patient Record, which can then be picked up and monitored by hospital clinicians ahead of the patient arriving – paramedics and technicians will also be able to easily record which drugs they have administered.
Project Manager Roslyn Scott said: “This was a very logistically challenging migration project, ensuring the staff training programme and vehicle installation plan were well aligned and executed whilst minimising impact on our frontline services.
“There was excellent team working between the project team, wider Scottish Ambulance Service colleagues and our supplier, The Ortus Group, to complete the project under very difficult circumstances.”
The Ortus Group Managing Director Craig Hall said: “To be involved with The Scottish Ambulance Service on a project of this importance has been fantastic. The entire Emergency Services world watched its progress and I am delighted how my team here at The Ortus Group worked with the Project team at SAS.
“We had a few issues to deal with in regard to Covid and the logistics around it but everyone stepped up and delivered when it counted, finally I hope all within SAS enjoy using the Corpuls3 and that the choice in selecting this product is rewarded by a clinically enhanced outcome for the people of Scotland.”
These pictures show the incredible moment a Scottish Ambulance Service paramedic was reunited with his daughter after he chose to live separately to protect his family during the Coronavirus.
Jamie Brannan, 41, of Newburgh, Fife, said he made the decision on March 27 to keep his wife, Louise, and daughter, Jessica, aged six, safe during the peak of COVID-19.
With restrictions eased in Scotland over the last month, Jamie, based at Perth Ambulance Station, decided it was time to come home and was reunited with his daughter on June 10.
Jamie explained: “When we began attending more and more suspected Covid cases, I decided the best thing to do was separate myself from my family.
“Being reunited with my family was the most amazing feeling. My wife and I have been together for 15 years now, 14 of which we have lived together. So being separated for so long was such a shock to us both.
“But I have to say, and I don’t think my wife will mind me saying, the biggest reward of all was getting that first hug from my daughter. Being able to hold her again was amazing and emotional. It felt as though we had Been separated for years. Moving out was such a difficult decision but it was also the correct one.
“I’d also like to say I’ve heard many stories from across the service of staff making sacrifices. All with the aim of protecting their loved ones and continuing the amazing work they do every day within the service.”
Two years ago, Louise became very sick with sepsis, which resulted in her slipping into septic shock. Jamie found her unconscious, and after she was rushed to hospital, he was told she would likely die.
While she bravely recovered, she remains immunosuppressed, meaning she has a weakened immune system.
Jamie added: “Thankfully she was strong enough to fight the infection and woke up from an induced coma after 24 hours. However, she remains immunosuppressed so, when we began attending more and more suspected Covid cases, I decided the best thing to do was separate myself from my family.”
Jamie said he was in a fortunate position where he had a flat to move into, and added: “The flat is in the same village so I was able to have mostly daily visits when I wasn’t on shift.
“Keeping my distance of course and avoiding all contact. I never entered the house and sometimes, if it was raining, I would have to stand outside and talk from the other side of the window.
“This was by far the hardest aspect of it all – being separated from my family. I remember going to visit for the first time and my daughter ran over to hug me and I had to stop her.
“I can honestly say I’ll never forget the look on her face – one of confusion and sadness. Luckily she grew to understand why I was doing what I was doing and it wasn’t forever.”
A paramedic has died from Covid-19, the Scottish Ambulance Service has confirmed. The staff member has not been named.
Pauline Howie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: “It is with very great sadness to report the news that one of our dear colleagues from the Scottish Ambulance Service has tragically passed away after contracting COVID-19.
“The staff member, a Paramedic in the West Region, sadly passed away in hospital on Saturday (May 2). On behalf of everyone at SAS, I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the family. Our focus will be on supporting them during this very difficult time.
“I would also like to thank our NHS Scotland colleagues for the compassionate care they have shown our friend during their illness.
“I know there will be many people within the Service who will be affected by this very tragic news and we are working to support our staff. ”
Out of respect for the family, no further details will be provided at this stage.
The Scottish Ambulance Service is utlilising the latest medical technology to aid in the safe transfer of COVID-19 patients using air ambulance.
The ‘epishuttle’ technology allows patients to be placed in a sealed adult sized incubator for transfer by air ambulance, providing protection for both patients and staff in complex cases.
To date, eight of these shuttles have been purchased, two of which have been received and are being tested for a go-live date on 3 April. A further two will be received on 17 April and another four by Mid-May.
The investment, of more than £500,000, will allow the Service to ensure patients receive the highest possible standards of care whilst increasing capacity for complex transfers involving COVID-19 patients, such as those from remote and Island communities.
The Scottish Ambulance Service is working in partnership with Transport Scotland, Loganair and the RAF to increase the range of transport options available for COVID-19 transfers.
Pauline Howie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: “This is an unprecendented situation and our staff across the country are doing a fantastic job in caring for patients across Scotland.
“The fight against COVID-19 has required the NHS to think differently and to move at pace. By adapting our approach and using this latest available technology, we are taking swift action in the best interests of patients and our hardworking staff – whilst increasing our capacity.
“The introduction of epishuttles will increase the range of options available to us as a Service as we deal with COVID-19 cases, particularly for rural and island communities.
“I’d also like to thank our colleagues at Transport Scotland, Loganair and the RAF who have been offered fantastic assistance to us through aircraft and staff. It has been a real team effort and means we have the full range of resources available to us to enable us to react to any situation as we continue to help communities across Scotland in the months ahead.”
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “We’ve been working closely with the Scottish Ambulance Service to significantly increase capacity for airlifting patients off the islands and to ensure that any patients from our island communities with COVID-19 can be transported to receive the appropriate healthcare when they need it.
“The first batch of Epishuttles will be available from this Friday, with plans well underway to increase the number of these single patient isolation pods in the coming weeks. Epishuttles are designed to protect patients and crew from potential infection and safely transport patients on fixed wing aircraft.
“In the meantime, SAS is working with the RAF who are currently providing cover for transfers off the islands, using three puma helicopters based at Kinloss which can transfer some patients without Epishuttles.
“Our NHS is on an emergency footing and all health boards have been undertaking extensive work across Scotland to maximise the capacity available to manage expected rise in demand due to COVID-19. We can all play our part and ease pressure on services by staying at home, except for key workers, essential shopping, reasonable exercise or caring for the vulnerable.”
A mum said she owes her life to the Scottish Ambulance Service when she collapsed at the gym after being struck down with an exercise-related medical condition.
Vicky Tallentire, from Corstorphine, became unwell while on a treadmill at a city gym.
She was suffering from a rare disorder in which anaphylaxis occurs after physical activity and was unresponsive after having collapsed. She was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary by ambulance crew Mark Ferrier and Alex Vesco.
Since the incident, she has been reunited with both on separate occasions.
Vicky, a medical consultant of Acute Receiving at Western General Hospital, said: “It was a Saturday morning and I was at the gym.
“I was on a treadmill when I started to feel really unwell. I went downstairs with my husband Mike, who was with me and I collapsed in quite a confined bathroom area of the gym, with what evolved into an episode of anaphylaxis. I have had one previous episode of anaphylaxis and I sort of recognised some of the symptoms.”
She “very rapidly” started to lose consciousness and added: “My husband, who is a doctor as well, phoned 999. I don’t remember much about the intervening period between the phone call going out and me kind of regaining consciousness in the emergency department in the Royal Infirmary. I do remember a crew arriving and having a sense I was being managed really well.
“My husband, an ICU consultant, thought I was going to [cardiac] arrest. I was in a small toilet area of the gym, making logistical issues even more challenging.”
An ambulance crew was soon dispatched, staffed by Mark and Alex.
Vicky said: “The crew were everything I could have asked for – efficient, effective and kind, all at the same time. I didn’t care much about kind words; I knew I needed adrenaline and fluids and hospital.
“But whenever I was conscious I felt a sense of control by the crew; I heard specific and effective communication, I heard rapid decision-making under pressure and I knew I was in safe hands.
“I have only ever been in an ambulance transferring patients between hospitals, never as a patient myself.
“I know I owe my life to that crew – being at the front line is tough. I know, I live it. But just occasionally you do get to make a real difference to someone’s life.”
Accompanied by her son Wilson, Vicky recently met up with paramedic Alex just before Christmas. She also ran into Mark earlier this month while at work.
Wilson also thanked the crews: “Thank you for having my mum back for Christmas.”
On meeting Vicky again, Alex said: “It was a real unique experience to meet a patient after the event, it’s not something we commonly get to do, and quite often we don’t get to find out how are patients are after we take them into the Emergency Department, so this has been really good to have an informal debrief, and ask each other questions, so it was really nice to meet up.”
Vicky has since made a very full recovery and added: “I really can’t express how grateful I am to both of the crew involved, and also the amazing team at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh ED. From the bottom of my heart, I am so immensely grateful to everyone involved.”
Scottish Ambulance Service staff and volunteers from across the country were celebrated at the Service’s annual awards last week for their dedication and commitment.
