KIDS gives CosyTherm the thumbs up

We are delighted to see that our CosyTherm system, designed to keep babies warm during transportation, has been given a ringing endorsement by Birmingham Children’s Hospital Foundation Trust.
The hospital’s Kids Intensive Care and Decision Support (KIDS) has included our CosyTherm in their competition entry for a Paediatric Intensive Care event at the RCS.
KIDS coordinates the transport of very sick children between intensive-care units in children's hospitals all over the Midlands.
KIDS recently conducted a trial of the CosyTherm with our BabyPod our safe, lightweight way solution for transporting babies up to 9kg to hospital or between departments.
It found that the CosyTherm delivers huge cost savings and is safe and effective for transfer of babies weighing more than 2kg. It’s key findings included:

• Babies weighing more than 2kg maintained or slightly increased their core temperature during transport compared with other systems.
• CosyTherm is affective for babies more than 2kg in weight
• Use of the CosyTherm reduces clinical waste
• CosyTherm is easy to clean after use
• CosyTherm offers massive cost savinfs
• CosyTherm means reduced need for storage.

Ferno managing director Jon Ellis: “We are delighted with KIDS’s research regarding the CosyTherm and the fact that Birmingham Children’s Hospital Foundation Trust can actually make savings using this important paediatric transport solution.”
The CosyTherm provides a simple, effective and affordable solution for this clinical environment that does not impede access to the baby and provides warmth quickly and effectively. The CosyTherm mattress can be easily fitted in a radiant warmer to give added warming in challenging cases. Prevention of hypothermia in neonates is very important in order to allow optimum development of the baby. In many infants thermoregulation is impaired in the early days of life and early active warming can prevent problems arising later.

Come and visit us at the Emergency Services Show

We will be unveiling a range of new equipment to hundreds of emergency services professionals tomorrow at the Emergency Services Show 2013.
The show, over the next two days at the NEC, Birmingham, is the largest of its kind in the UK and brings together a wide range of emergency service professionals including paramedics, police, fire personal, mountain rescue and clinicians.
We will be showcasing our new EasyFix Vacuum Mattress, the Scoop 65 EXL and the New Combi-Head Immobiliser and ACETECH, our fully-integrated vehicle performance monitoring and control system for emergency response vehicles as well as its wide range of evacuation equipment.
Situated in Hall 18 on stands N15, 19 and 23, we will be demonstrating our lifting and patient transport solutions for rescue and evacuation teams, our advances in ambulance equipment and ACETECH our fully-integrated vehicle performance monitoring and control system for ambulances.
On the Red Stand 15 Ferno will be showcasing a wide range of rescue and evacuation equipment including its NATO-approved Paraguard stretcher, in confined spaces; the Easifix Vacuum Mattress; the Scoop EXL stretcher which provides superior comfort and safety to patients who need spinal immobilisation and the Ferno Combi Head Immobiliser specially designed for optimum fitting on Scoop stretchers and Spineboards.
On the White Stand 19 we will be exhibiting a wide range of ambulance equipment including the specialist bariatric Harrier LT LBS trolley. Other equipment on show will be the Compact 2 Track, a lightweight, carry chair which can be used on stairs, and the ABPR mattress which can fit any make of trolley on the market. It has unique antimicrobial properties, reducing the risk of infection, and pressure-relieving features making it the best immobilisation solution on the market.  You can also pick up FREE samples of Microflex disposable gloves.
On the Black Stand 23 we will feature ACETECH, a fully integrated vehicle performance monitoring and control system for ambulances and other vehicles which provides on-board intelligence to improve vehicle efficiency and safety, whilst reducing operating and fuel costs.
Ferno managing director Jon Ellis said: “The ESS is a great opportunity for us to meet clients old and new but what excites the team most is that it gives us an opportunity to show some new innovative developments which demonstrate how Ferno is inspired by safety innovation.”

Ferno makes a donation to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service

Here’s a picture of our managing director Jon Ellis, centre, with Ian Lawrence and Nikki Bullamore who represented North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service at the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation competition with our innovative Scoop EXL stretcher which we have gifted to them after they used it to secure a win in the competition.
The firefighters have taken delivery of a Scoop EXL stretcher and Combi Head Immobiliser from Ferno after they competed in the UKRO Challenge 2013, organised by the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation.
The competition is made up of a series of regional challenges involving fire and rescue services from around the country taking place over several months, culminating in the final UK Championships. Tasks included a water rescue, rope rescue, vehicle extrication, a trauma challenge and an urban search and rescue exercise.
Trauma team members Ian and Nikki represented North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and triumphed in the trauma challenge, claiming third place and earning them a spot in next year’s World Rescue Challenge where they will compete against Fire and Rescue personnel from around the world.
Ian, Crew Manager, Lofthouse Fire Sation, and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: “The Scoop stretcher is now considered as the most appropriate immobilisation device for trauma and was used by all the teams throughout the event. There was no sign of a spinal board in the trauma challenge this year, which signals a real change in protocol in a relatively short space of time.
“We are very grateful to Ferno for their donation of the stretcher and Combi-Head Immobiliser. It was great to be able to borrow it for the competition but to now be able to include this equipment in our own kit is fantastic. It will be used to train and familiarise our fire crews throughout North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service as the Yorkshire Ambulance Service routinely use the scoop stretcher when treating and transporting trauma patients.”
Ferno’s innovative Scoop EXL stretcher splits vertically into two parts, with shaped ‘blades’ towards the centre which can be brought together underneath the patient. The two parts are placed either side of the patient and then brought together until securing clips at the top and bottom both engage.
Traditional spinal longboards are usually placed alongside the patient who is then “logrolled” on to the stretcher in a procedure which could make any injury worse. Scoop stretchers reduce the chance of undesirable movement of injured areas during transfer of a trauma patient, as they maintain the patient in a supine alignment during transfer to a stretcher.
Ferno has also donated their new Combi Head Immobiliser which can be used on all versions of Spineboard and Scoop stretchers.
The immobiliser is infection-control compliant, using both antimicrobial Velcro and PU molded head-blocks which contain antibacterial additives. Additionally, to further reduce the chances of serious injury to patients, it can be used in X-ray and MRI scanners so doctors can be clear about the extent of any injury before the immobiliser is removed.
Jon tell us: “It is very pleasing to see that our products are becoming the equipment of choice for the UK’s emergency services. Our aim is to develop products which address the needs of today’s crews, making their jobs easier and safer while at the same time enhancing the patient ‘experience’ in terms of comfort and protection. When used together, the Scoop EXL stretcher and Combi-Head Immobiliser give optimum maneuverability, enabling a patient to be moved easily and safely by paramedics.”

It’s a scoop for West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service!

Here is Ian Charlesworth, Community Fire Safety Officer at West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service with one of Ferno’s specialist scoop stretchers which was presented to the fire fighters by our very own Chris King.
We donated a Scoop 65 EXL to West Yorkshire’s firefighters to help them develop their training programme and to ensure they are using the most-advanced rescue and recovery equipment to save lives.
Ferno’s Scoop 65 EXL is a new and innovative alternative to the traditional spinal boards and significantly reduces the risk of spinal injuries when transferring patients from the scene of an accident.
The scoop stretcher can be split vertically into two parts, with shaped 'blades' towards the centre which can be brought together underneath a patient. The two halves are placed separately, either side of the patient, and then brought together until securing clips at the top and bottom both engage.
Traditional spinal boards are usually placed alongside the patient who is then “logrolled” on to the stretcher in a procedure which could make a spinal injury worse.
Ian Charlesworth, Community Fire Safety Officer at West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service says:  “We’re very grateful to Ferno for the donation of their innovative Scoop which will help to improve the on-going training of our fire crews, ensuring that they can confidently operate equipment used by their colleagues in the Ambulance Service counterparts who they often work alongside.”
The West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service serve a population of more than two million people over almost 800 square miles of terrain varying from urban cities to rural areas.
Chris King, Ferno Business Development Manager, said:  “Ferno works alongside many of the UK emergency services and we are more than happy to support firefighters on our home patch with the donation of our Scoop 65 EXL which will significantly reduce the risk of spinal injuries when West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service carry out their duties.”
The Ferno scoop is ideal for use in the many different situations firefighters find themselves working in, especially as it is easily manoeuvrable in enclosed spaces.
Jon Ellis, managing director at Ferno, said: “We are really pleased to have been able to help the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service. The Scoop 65 EXL stretcher is an essential piece of equipment in order to carry out rescue and recovery missions. Our stretchers are ideally suited to demanding search and rescue environments and made from strong, durable materials which offer greater safety and comfort to both patient and rescuer.”

Congratulations to Park Avenue Junior Football Club Under-10s

Congratulations to Park Avenue Junior Football Club’s Under-10s team who are currently top of their league following a convincing 9-0 win over Wibsey this week.
Ferno is proud to sponsor this team of young footballers who have proven to be real enthusiasts for the beautiful game.
Our managing director Jon Ellis said: “Ferno are always happy to help in the local community to ensure that youngsters get the opportunity to play the sport of their choice with the equipment required. You never know, one of these kids may one day become the next Gareth Bale. I wonder if they’ll remember Ferno when they are playing for Real Madrid?”

TEK takes time to showcase Ferno Litter Arm and APE Stretcher litter

Here is a picture of the TEK stand at the DSEI Show (see earlier story below).  TEK, which specialises in military vehicle seats has been a partner with Ferno for some time now.
TEK was formed to support military customers worldwide with cost effective tried and tested military products which offer improved functionality, ergonomics and serviceability and unrivalled through-life support.
It’s no surprise then, to spot the Ferno Litter Arm and APE Stretcher litter on display as part of their stand since we are working on a number of projects in the Military market with TEK.
As well as adopting Ferno’s innovative military range of products, TEK has recently launched the Blast Protector™ - a blast attenuating seat range designed to meet the demands of frontline light skinned and armoured vehicles, ultimately increasing survivability rates and saving lives.
Make sure you check out their stand. Meanwhile, you can find the Ferno team at Stand N8-283.

Remembering 9/11 and the Three Thousand

Today, alongside our US colleagues at Ferno EMS, we remember the victims of the 9/11 attacks and those first responders from the fire, police and ambulance service and all the Good Samaritans who came to the victim’s aide.
The 11 September 2001 attacks killed almost 3,000 people in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.
In New York today, families of the victims read the names of each person who died at the World Trade Center on that day.
A separate memorial was held outside Shanksville, Pennsylvania, honouring the passengers and crew of United Flight 93, who struggled with the hijackers of the plane, preventing it from hitting its intended target, believed to be the White House or the US Capitol building.
All 33 passengers and seven crew members on the flight were killed after the plane crashed into a field about 75 miles (120 km) south-east of Pittsburgh.
The memorials come as builders put the finishing touches to the new World Trade Center tower and a museum describing and remembering the attacks.

Ferno on show at Institute of Remote Healthcare Conference

As well as attending  the DSEI 2013, see below, Ferno is also showing off its products and services at the Institute of Remote Healthcare Conference in Scotland.
This year the conference will focus on Redesigning Remote Healthcare Delivery and Clinical Support: An International Perspective and Scott Campbell, our man North of the Border, will be attending for the next two days at the Suttie Centre for Teaching & Learning in Healthcare, University of Aberdeen.
The Institute of Remote Healthcare (IRH) is the leading international professional education and membership body for "remote healthcare” practitioners.
Established as a not-for-profit organisation, the Institute aims to promote improved standards in the practice and provision of remote health care. IRHC aims are to support practitioners and companies responsible for the delivery of remote healthcare to enhance the quality of practical clinical skills and therefore the service provided by those engaged in the area of remote health care practice.
The picture shows our stand where you can find Scott to discuss recent innovations in product development by Ferno.

Come and see us at DSEI 2013

Pictured above, left to right, is Alan Clark, Operations Director, and Mark Richards, Business Development Manager, at the DSEI 2013, the leading defence and security exhibition in London.
DSEI 2013 brings together the entire defence and security industry to source the latest equipment and systems, develop international relationships, and generate new business opportunities.
As the must-attend event of 2013 more than 1,500 international exhibitors will be showing off their products and services.
You can find the Ferno team at DSEI 2013 until Friday at Stand N8-283 so pop over to say hello to Alan and Mark to find out what services we offer to the military.

All ready for Ambulance Service Patient Safety Conference

As you can see from the picture Michael Thornton, Product Manager at Ferno, has been a busy boy today getting ready for tomorrow’s National Ambulance Service Patient Safety Conference 2013.
The event is being held at the Villa Park Conference Centre, Birmingham with the West Midlands Ambulance Service and the College of Paramedics – if you’re going be sure to meet up with Michael and Grant Lewis our Business Development  Manager.

South Western Ambulance Service praises new Compact 2 Track

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust has seen significant benefits in patient handling since it took delivery of more than 160 of our specialist patient transport chairs.
Over the past six months South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) has been phasing in our specialist Compact 2 Track – a carry and tracked chair in one - which enhances patient security and reduces the burden of manual handling for users.
SWASFT provides emergency and urgent care, patient transport services and out of hours services across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire and the former Avon.
The trust employs more than 4,000 staff across 120 operational sites including 96 ambulance stations and six air bases. It serves a resident population of more than 5.3 million people.
The chair has an attachable track for moving patients downstairs meaning SWASFT paramedics no longer need to have two different chairs (carry chair and track chair), helping to reduce equipment costs and the overall weight of their vehicle whilst increasing storage space. Lower gross vehicle weight contributes saving fuel costs.
The track feature enables patients to be transported downstairs safely, eliminating the risk of manual handling injuries to the user. In addition, the chair’s height-adjustable rear handle has been designed with users’ health and safety in mind - it reduces stooping and improves posture and ease of moving the chair up and down vehicle ramps.
Ferno Managing Director Jon Ellis said: “The new Compact 2 Track chair has proved popular with medical and emergency professionals and the feedback has been very positive with regards to its ergonomic attributes.”
Adrian South, Deputy Clinical Director at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The response from front-line staff who have deployed the Compact 2 Track has been very positive and they report that it is much easier to use than previous chairs. They also tell us that they feel safer when deploying Ferno’s equipment as they always have concerns about strains and sprains when handling larger patients.
“At SWASFT we have a duty of care to ensure that all our colleagues work in as risk free an environment as possible given the situations they are dealing with and the new chairs mitigate against many of the possible injuries they might be prone to.”
Meanwhile, patients also benefit from improved comfort. A foot bar on the Compact 2 Track allows patients to sit in a comfortable position during transfer and the one-piece seat and back panel provides support to the lower back. Made in wipe clean, vinyl-coated, flame-retardant nylon, including anti-bacterial properties the panel may be removed for cleaning or replacement.
Standard features include:

• Height-adjustable rear handle – to accommodate operators of different stature
• Reduces stooping, thereby reducing risk of manual handling injuries
• Improves transportation over rough ground
• Improves posture and ease of moving chair up and down vehicle ramps
• Simple attachment of track – transforms chair into a tracked chair for downstairs transfers
• Attachable track – minimises weight of equipment that needs to be carried
• Single chair fulfilling multiple uses, no longer require a carry chair and track chair

Backing the BUMBLEance: The ambulance for children

The back of an ambulance is a scary place for a patient – especially if you’re a youngster. In Ireland they are making an effort to make the journey for younger patients more enjoyable with the BUMBLEance, Ireland's - and maybe the world' - first and only ambulance designed for children to be comfortable and interactive during their scary journey to the hospital.
Ferno and Acetech, which is based in Ireland, are delighted to have been involved in this initiative and have donated equipment for this good cause.

On The Spot: Zac Teasdale

On The Spot gives us an opportunity to get to know something about our colleagues and will feature irregularly over the next couple of month. Today it is telesales executive Zach Teasdale

1. What was your first job?
Cleaning road sweeper’s with a jet wash on Saturday morning’s.

2. In less than 200 words describe your job at Ferno
My job at Ferno is a telesales executive. I call existing customers, dormant accounts and campaign follow ups. I sell mainly funeral equipment and some rescue / evacuation equipment.  I take incoming calls for information requests and people wanting to place orders. Once an order is placed I check the stock and then input the order on SB client. When taking payment I either put it on their credit account (open an account if necessary) or let them pay by visa over the phone. I book demonstrations for the sales reps and book out the appropriate equipment they need for that demonstration.

3. What would be your ideal day out of the office?
In Headingley on the beer with all the lads

4. Name one person you would like to have dinner with and why?
Messi, ask him why he’s so good at football.

5. What was your best subject at school?
Business.

6. What would you do if you won the national lottery?
Buy a Bentley Continental, a villa abroad and invest in property.

7. What is your favourite garment and why?
Replay cardigan, it's smart.

8. What was your worst mistake and why?
Letting my mate shave a nike tick in the back of my head in zante, it didn’t go down too well at work or with the girlfriend.

9. What is your favourite time of day and why?
5pm, home time.

10. Top five favourite songs of all time?
To be honest I don’t really have any favourite songs.

Ferno grows service team with new appointments

Left to right: Nicolae, Trevor, Victoria and Zac

We have strengthened our service team with five new appointments to ensure we continue to deliver the best service in the sector.
The move underscores our commitment to after-sales care, where we offer complete technical and service support, and our ongoing sales service with new and existing customers.
The new recruits are Nicolae Pirlea and Trevor Smith, service technicians; Victoria Bray, commercial coordinator; Zac Teasdale, telesales executive and Angela Pearson Ferno receptionist and first point of customer contact.
Romanian Nicolae Pirlea, who lives near Bath and Trevor Smith, located near Crawley join Ferno as service technicians and are responsible for servicing products in the field across the UK. He will also undertake customer training to enable them to qualify to service products internally.
As commercial coordinator, Victoria Bray, 25, who lives in Huddersfield, is responsible for managing all internal sales processes to ensure that the company delivers the highest standard of sales experience for its customers. Victoria has recently graduated from the University of Huddersfield.
Zach Teasdale, 24, who lives in Bradford, will deliver a proactive sales service and account management to customers as telesales executive. He will liaise with the external sales team to ensure they work together effectively and efficiently.
Finally, Angela Pearons joins Ferno on the front desk as receptionist and the first point of customer contact.
Our managing director Jon Ellis said: “These recent appointments underscore our commitment to the highest standards of customer care both in terms of sales support and also ensuring that our equipment is maintained to the best operational levels.”