0:00:02 > 0:00:05Britain's next generation of emergency service recruits
0:00:05 > 0:00:06chosen from a pool of thousands.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09Rookies like 20-year-old Amber.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12Does she have what it takes to become a police officer?
0:00:12 > 0:00:13I'm so nervous.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Sam has dreamt of becoming a paramedic all his life,
0:00:16 > 0:00:19but how will he cope on his very first shift?
0:00:19 > 0:00:21I am absolutely petrified.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24And Scottish recruit Ian's hopes of becoming a firefighter
0:00:24 > 0:00:27have become a reality, but is he up to the job?
0:00:27 > 0:00:29Now the real learning begins.
0:00:29 > 0:00:30Roger that.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33They've survived months of intensive training.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36- Come on, let's move!- Get back! - We've made contact.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38They've been tested to their limits.
0:00:38 > 0:00:39Spray, spray!
0:00:39 > 0:00:41It's burning.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43Stop panicking, don't worry.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46All to realise their dream careers.
0:00:46 > 0:00:47I love this job.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51Join them for their first time on the front line.
0:00:53 > 0:00:58In today's programme, on her first shift, police special Amber
0:00:58 > 0:01:01is sent on a drugs raid, but will she remember her lines?
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06- Concerned...?- Concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08Concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12Smoke and zero visibility tests rookie firefighter Ian to the limit.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14If I can deal with this, then I'm going to be able
0:01:14 > 0:01:18to deal with it in a real-life situation.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20And on his very first day as a paramedic,
0:01:20 > 0:01:23Sam has to respond to every parent's worst nightmare.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25He's taken an overdose of Calpol
0:01:25 > 0:01:29- and it appears he has drunk the entire bottle.- Let's go!
0:01:44 > 0:01:4520-year-old Amber-Louise Evans
0:01:45 > 0:01:48is determined to become a police officer.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50She's about to start a degree in police studies
0:01:50 > 0:01:53and has volunteered as a special constable.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56I've wanted to join the police for as long as I can remember.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58I've got quite a lot of family who are in the services.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00They are in the army and the navy,
0:02:00 > 0:02:05so they've always been trying to encourage us to join somewhere.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07And the police has just been great.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11Each year, around 20,000 police officers are attacked in Britain
0:02:11 > 0:02:15in the line of duty, so specials' training prioritises self-defence.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18We're going to do five shin strikes, so bringing it round.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21ALL: Get back! Get back! Get back!
0:02:22 > 0:02:24And it opens from down there.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28In the baton work, I've been finding it hard to get aggressive enough.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30I can't imagine myself hitting someone.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32It made be feel a little bit faint, actually,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35thinking I could be hitting someone with this.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37So I hope I don't have to use that,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40but in the moment, I think that's something that will come to you.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44The adrenaline and the rush of the moment will get you ready for it.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46Amber believes volunteering as a special
0:02:46 > 0:02:49will help her achieve her dream police career.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53I'd just turned 18 when I applied. I'm 20 now and I'm training.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55Becoming a special offers potential full-time recruits
0:02:55 > 0:02:58a taste of front-line duties.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02These volunteers make up around 25% of each force's strength.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05I feel a lot more independent going places.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07Walking up to people and speaking to them.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09It's made me feel really involved.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12And it's made me feel proud.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15After 20 days of training covering personal safety,
0:03:15 > 0:03:20arrest protocols and how to use specialist police equipment...
0:03:20 > 0:03:21Spray, spray!
0:03:21 > 0:03:26..Amber passed the final exam and was sworn in by a magistrate.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30- That's the money. - LAUGHTER
0:03:30 > 0:03:33Receiving her warrant card was a proud moment for Amber
0:03:33 > 0:03:35and her fiance, Eddie.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39I'm really proud of her. She's gone through the whole process.
0:03:39 > 0:03:40She's worked very hard.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43I think everyone that knows her has known that.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46It's what she's always wanted to do for years.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48I'm quite nervous.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51People are going to be actual criminals, not actors.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54It's just going to be... I'm really looking forward to it.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09Two months later, and Amber is on her very first shift as a special.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11I'm really nervous. Sweating a little bit.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14I'm just going to try and be prepared for anything, really.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17That's the scary part. You don't know what's going to come up.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19This isn't going to be a soft start.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23Her life on the front line begins with a drugs raid.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27I'd just like to thank everybody for coming today to this Operation Kirksville.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29This is in relation to an investigation
0:04:29 > 0:04:33into the supply of a Class B controlled drug, namely cannabis.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37Drug-related crime cost the UK £13.3 billion last year,
0:04:37 > 0:04:39and today's operation in Warrington
0:04:39 > 0:04:42is a response to significant intelligence
0:04:42 > 0:04:45about a spate of drug-linked burglaries in the town.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49These kids are taking cannabis on tick, on tab.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53They're drilling up a tab and having to go out and commit crimes
0:04:53 > 0:04:56to pay back what they owe to the dealers.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00A drugs raid gives a whole new meaning to first-shift nerves.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02Specials are assigned constable tutors.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05Amber's mentor today is PC Richard Whitehead.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08He'll be with her every step of the way.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11When we arrive at the address, we've got an entry officer
0:05:11 > 0:05:15who will be obviously trying the door first to see if it's unlocked.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17If not, entry will be forced.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21As we go straight in, we'll then secure him and arrest him
0:05:21 > 0:05:23and we'll then commence a search at the address.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25Amber's training will be vital today.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27I've been told it was going to be an operation,
0:05:27 > 0:05:29but that's all I've been told.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31I wasn't sure what else it was going to be.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34This, compared to any other day, is going to be...
0:05:34 > 0:05:36Well, they're all going to be exciting,
0:05:36 > 0:05:39but this one is really exciting purely because it's my first one.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43And it's quite an intense day to do, as well.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Everyone here, they all know the job, they're all really confident,
0:05:46 > 0:05:49but they were all new once and I'm sure
0:05:49 > 0:05:51no-one's going to be bothered if I'm a bit nervous today
0:05:51 > 0:05:54because that's what they're going to expect from me.
0:05:54 > 0:05:59It's about supporting Amber, making sure that she feels comfortable,
0:05:59 > 0:06:01feels confident in the people she's with
0:06:01 > 0:06:05and relies on what she's been taught in the training to be a special.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07There's just enough time for one last rehearsal.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09Put your arms out in front of you, please.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13Show me the backs of your hands and the fronts of your hands. Thank you.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Can you take your left hand and put it under your right elbow.
0:06:16 > 0:06:17That's brilliant. Thank you.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- Double locked. OK. - Brilliant. Perfect.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24The drugs raid is minutes away.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27Its kind of hit me now, what it's going to be about,
0:06:27 > 0:06:29and it's just... I'm so nervous!
0:06:29 > 0:06:31Amber's right to be worried.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33This is what she joined up for.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35But has she got what it takes?
0:06:39 > 0:06:4378 miles away in the Midlands, another emergency service rookie
0:06:43 > 0:06:45is enduring some nerves of his own.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47166 over 73.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00West Midlands Ambulance Service is holding a recruitment day
0:07:00 > 0:07:03for recent paramedic graduates.
0:07:03 > 0:07:0522-year-old Sam du Plessis Grimson
0:07:05 > 0:07:09is being put through his paces along with 106 other applicants
0:07:09 > 0:07:12who've completed two-year degrees in paramedic sciences.
0:07:13 > 0:07:14We've got quite a long day ahead.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17Appreciate you're nervous and anxious. Good luck with today.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20When he was 16, Sam was in the air cadets
0:07:20 > 0:07:23and he helped a fellow cadet who collapsed during an exercise.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26The experience changed his life.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29The kid got quite ill and there was no-one else around
0:07:29 > 0:07:31and I'd just had a bit of first aid training and went,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34"We should get him on his side and talk to him."
0:07:34 > 0:07:38And people came and sorted him out and he went to hospital.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40Then he came up to me about three days later and said,
0:07:40 > 0:07:42"Were you the guy talking to me?"
0:07:42 > 0:07:45And I said, "Yeah, that was me." And he said, "Oh, thank you."
0:07:45 > 0:07:48And I was just, like, that was such a nice sort of...
0:07:48 > 0:07:49When he said, "Thank you for that."
0:07:49 > 0:07:53That's really sort of what got me into wanting to do this.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56Less than half of these candidates will be offered jobs.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- Their medical knowledge...- It's not rocket science, it's three knots.
0:08:00 > 0:08:01..CPR skills...
0:08:01 > 0:08:03Insert the blade to the right.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- ..physical condition... - Lift up, not backwards.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- ..and driving...- You're going to do a driving assessment.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11..all put to the test.
0:08:11 > 0:08:12Well done.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16It's easy to say it's fairly straightforward because it's what we do.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19But clearly, these guys are under assessment conditions.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21It's probably no more or no less stressful
0:08:21 > 0:08:25than managing a cardiac arrest with anxious relatives at the side.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27White one to the top right shoulder,
0:08:27 > 0:08:30red one to the left side of the mannequin's chest.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34I'm more nervous now about finding out whether or not we get a job today.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36It puts the pressure on a little bit.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39As the recruitment day draws to a close,
0:08:39 > 0:08:43it's time to find out who's made it and who hasn't.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48For Sam, the big moment has arrived.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52- Will I tell you your results? - Yeah.- Congratulations.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55Oh, brilliant! Thank you so much!
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- Oh, fantastic!- Well done!
0:08:57 > 0:08:59Oh, my God! Thank you so much.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01Brilliant! Thank you.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04It's just everything I've wanted for the last two years
0:09:04 > 0:09:05and now it's all come true.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11Soon after securing his job,
0:09:11 > 0:09:14Sam attended his Coventry University graduation ceremony
0:09:14 > 0:09:17in front of his proud parents.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19Samuel Hugo du Plessis Grimson.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21APPLAUSE
0:09:21 > 0:09:24I'm amazingly proud of what he's achieved.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- I'm, I'm...- Definitely. - Our hearts are bursting.- Yeah.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Just couldn't be more proud as parents.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34But even after being selected and graduating from uni,
0:09:34 > 0:09:37there's still six weeks' additional training to get through.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39Keep your hands on there for us.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49And now it's time for everything Sam's learned to be put to the test
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- as he arrives for his first shift. - Really looking forward to it,
0:09:52 > 0:09:54but I'm not going to lie, I am absolutely petrified.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57But we'll see how it goes.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59They say you never forget your first 999 call,
0:09:59 > 0:10:01I'm definitely not going to forget mine today.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04I'll probably remember the entire day for the rest of my life.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07Sam's mentor is experienced paramedic, Kat Moore.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10Somebody once said to me, I think this is how it should be,
0:10:10 > 0:10:13to treat every patient as if they're family and you can't go wrong.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17- BLEEPING - We've got a job.- Off we go.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19Just minutes into the shift
0:10:19 > 0:10:22and Sam's responding to his first 999 call.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26A neighbour is worried about an elderly resident in the flat above.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28They heard a loud bang and they can't get any response
0:10:28 > 0:10:30from the patient through the letter box.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34This is the first time Sam's driven under real blue light conditions.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36He isn't hanging around.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46The patient is called John, but until they make contact,
0:10:46 > 0:10:48they have no idea what they're dealing with.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51Good communication skills are vital.
0:10:51 > 0:10:52Do you know him quite well?
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- Yes. He's been living here 14 years. - Oh, right, OK.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00John? Can you open the door for us?
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- Hello, John.- Hi, John.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11John reveals he has fallen and hit his head on a door.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13Big bang on my head.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15How long ago was that, then, John?
0:11:15 > 0:11:17About half an hour ago, I believe.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20OK. Any pain down the back?
0:11:20 > 0:11:21Keep your head still for me.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23Oh, yeah, I can feel the pain there.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- There?- Yeah. Ooh!
0:11:26 > 0:11:28Remembering his training, Sam is quickly on the case.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- Do you live alone, John?- Yes, I do. - Yeah?
0:11:32 > 0:11:35That's why I'm surprised. They must be very kind to...
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- Yeah, your neighbour. - The bang must have been very...
0:11:38 > 0:11:40Your neighbour from downstairs was very concerned.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- You have very good neighbours, definitely.- Oh, yes.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45When someone has had a fall and possible head injury,
0:11:45 > 0:11:47you want to check your blood pressure and things like that
0:11:47 > 0:11:50because that can indicate something more sinister is going on.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52How old are you, John?
0:11:52 > 0:11:54How old do you think I am?
0:11:54 > 0:11:56I would say 45.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59I wish I was. I am 78 years old.
0:11:59 > 0:12:0378! Wow, you're looking well for that, aren't you?
0:12:03 > 0:12:06As a younger man, John was a middleweight boxer.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09He's got all these photos of himself.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12It's amazing, some of the people you meet, the stories they have.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15The tests reveal some concerns.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19Your blood pressure is a little bit on the high side.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23So it would indicate your heart's working a little bit harder.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26It's always something that we prefer to get checked.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28We'd like to take you to hospital.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- Kat is impressed with Sam already. - Brilliant.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38The first barrier is communication, so there's no problem there.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41John wants to walk to the ambulance unaided.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43This is the young lady who called for you.
0:12:43 > 0:12:44The next you want to wake me up,
0:12:44 > 0:12:46just stamp your feet, don't fall off the bed.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- As long as you're OK, sweetheart. - Thank you very much. Thanks.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58Within minutes, John is delivered safe and sound to hospital.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00I'm just going to do your initial assessment.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03His heart concerns and his head injury
0:13:03 > 0:13:05will be thoroughly checked out by specialists.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- Thank you, folks.- OK.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10Meeting and helping people like John
0:13:10 > 0:13:13is why Sam wanted to be a paramedic.
0:13:13 > 0:13:14It's such a great job.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19Yeah, so much fun. Nice first patient.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21Let's hope the rest are like that.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27Back in Warrington, police special Amber is worried.
0:13:27 > 0:13:32Richard, am I going in and just full-on arresting this guy, then?
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- Yeah.- For, like, what, concerned about the supply of...
0:13:34 > 0:13:36Concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- Concern of...?- Concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42Concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- Not on drugs?- Don't worry about it. You'll remember that.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47She's less than three hours into her first day
0:13:47 > 0:13:50and is about to take part in a major drugs raid.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55Police dogs, forced-entry officers
0:13:55 > 0:13:58and backup are all waiting for the go sign.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02It's taken 162 hours of training to get to this point.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05Amber doesn't want to mess up.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07RADIO: "Strike, strike, strike!"
0:14:16 > 0:14:20When the suspect is located, Amber is straight in the middle of it.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24She's facing her first arrest. Will the training pay off?
0:14:24 > 0:14:26Press down underneath your right arm. Thank you.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29You're under arrest for concern of the supply of controlled drugs.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32You don't have to say anything, but it may harm your defence
0:14:32 > 0:14:36if you do not mention when questioned something that you later rely on in court. Do you understand?
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- Do you understand?- Yeah.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42This arrest is necessary for effective, prompt investigation.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45Amber may have been nervous, but her arrest was word perfect.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47It's a good start, but this isn't over yet.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51An effective search is essential for the arrest to stick.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55Basically, we're on the lookout for phones, diaries, obviously drugs.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57I'm just hoping I don't miss anything.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02Amber's adrenaline is still flowing from her first arrest.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04It's so scary.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07I was worried I sounded new when I arrested him, as well,
0:15:07 > 0:15:10but I think I did all right.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13I got everything, I said everything I was supposed to say.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15Oh, Harry Potter.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17Her search reveals no drugs.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20The next stage is bringing in a sniffer dog.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24Amber is still getting used to her new role.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26I always tidy up my boyfriend's bedroom,
0:15:26 > 0:15:30so I kind of just get into it. Look, I'm shuffling these!
0:15:30 > 0:15:34She knows if the sniffer dog finds something she has missed,
0:15:34 > 0:15:37it will be a serious blow on her first day.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45She needn't have worried. The dog doesn't find anything either.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47That is a relief.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51If I'd missed anything out and the dog had found it instead of me,
0:15:51 > 0:15:53I'd have felt well disappointed if that had happened.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55And because no evidence was found,
0:15:55 > 0:15:57investigating officer Richard
0:15:57 > 0:16:00advises Amber to de-arrest the suspect.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03You're no longer under arrest.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06This could happen again next week if you continue mucking about,
0:16:06 > 0:16:09so switch on, yeah? All right.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12Amber's happy to come out of her first drugs raid in one piece.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14It's kind of a relief now.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16I guess you never know what's going to happen.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19You never know what could be behind the door, who could be in the house.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21You've just got to be ready for anything.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25Later, Amber and her mentor help out when another house is raided.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29And an intriguing package takes them both by surprise.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37To survive life as a firefighter on the front line,
0:16:37 > 0:16:39you need to be prepared.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42And that requires training, lots of it.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52Come on, let's move!
0:16:52 > 0:16:55Rookie firefighter Ian Kennedy has just completed
0:16:55 > 0:16:57an intensive 14-week training programme
0:16:57 > 0:17:01at Scottish Fire and Rescue's training centre.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04He learned how to respond to major incidents...
0:17:04 > 0:17:05OK. Up the hill.
0:17:05 > 0:17:10..extract people from car crashes,
0:17:10 > 0:17:12evacuate casualties from burning buildings...
0:17:12 > 0:17:15You're going in firefighting with a jack.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19..and how to put out a 500-degree blaze, hot enough to melt metal.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Ian's dreamed of being a firefighter for as long as he can remember.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26I wanted to help people.
0:17:26 > 0:17:31All my family are nurses but I didn't see myself as doing that.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34So I really liked it when these jobs came up and I'm just
0:17:34 > 0:17:36so pleased I've managed to get in.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38Roger that, over.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43When Ian graduated from the academy and showed off his skills to
0:17:43 > 0:17:46a large audience, his whole family was there to see him.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50I think any father would be glad to have a son like Ian.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52He's fulfilled everything.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54I'm extremely proud of Ian
0:17:54 > 0:17:56and have been for many years because he's my son.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59Fall...out!
0:18:03 > 0:18:06It really hit home when I stood out there and everyone's clapping.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10It felt like they were clapping for ages and it just sinks in
0:18:10 > 0:18:13and you feel like "Yeah, this is it, I've done it,
0:18:13 > 0:18:14"I've achieved what I set out to do."
0:18:20 > 0:18:22After graduation,
0:18:22 > 0:18:25Ian was posted to Cowcaddens Fire Station in Glasgow city centre.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29The city's fire stations serve nearly 600,000 people.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34They're the busiest in Scotland, attending over 1,000 fires every year.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38At Cowcaddens, Ian has to serve a probationary three-year term
0:18:38 > 0:18:41before becoming a fully-fledged firefighter.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47He's just come on day shift and it's straight into a training exercise.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49Crew commander Karla Stevenson is going to put him
0:18:49 > 0:18:52through his paces on a breathing apparatus drill,
0:18:52 > 0:18:54watching him on infrared camera to make sure
0:18:54 > 0:18:56he doesn't put a foot wrong.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00We've got one casualty in this bedroom here.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04There's another bedroom in here...
0:19:06 > 0:19:09..and we've got a further two casualties in here.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12But to get to the casualties, Ian will have to work his way
0:19:12 > 0:19:14through an unknown building, working blind.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19It will be in darkness and we'll be using artificial smoke as well.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22Smoke generated, lights out,
0:19:22 > 0:19:26the recruits prepare to head into a simulated house fire.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30Casualty evacuation requires solid teamwork and Ian's
0:19:30 > 0:19:35about to do it with colleagues he's only just getting to know.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38I want you to commence a left-hand search from the first door
0:19:38 > 0:19:41on the left-hand route into the second apartment.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44When he gets inside, Ian will have to use a specialist technique to
0:19:44 > 0:19:47navigate in zero visibility.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50It's very tactile. You're using your mind
0:19:50 > 0:19:54and, you know, the backs of your hands to build up a picture of where you are.
0:19:55 > 0:20:00One of the toughest challenges firefighters face is locating casualties
0:20:00 > 0:20:04in smoke-filled buildings before their air supply is exhausted.
0:20:06 > 0:20:11Since 1978, over 80 firefighters have died on duty in Britain.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14Can you give me a location update? Over.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16By pressing his hand against the wall,
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Ian's able to inch his way around the room.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21He uses the back of his hand
0:20:21 > 0:20:24so if it gets cut on something sharp, he'd still be able to use it.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28He moves his hands above his head
0:20:28 > 0:20:32to ensure there are no obstacles like hanging cables or beams.
0:20:32 > 0:20:33When you're in a room
0:20:33 > 0:20:37that you can't see, the room is as big as your imagination.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41That is the honest truth. It can be quite claustrophobic.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44It's strange because you could be in quite an open area
0:20:44 > 0:20:46and it's claustrophobic because you can't see.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51In Britain, over 44,000 houses go up in flames each year.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55The main cause of death is smoke inhalation rather than burns.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58It's not scary. It's just different.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01At first you're not quite sure how to deal with it
0:21:01 > 0:21:05but as you go on, you become a bit more familiar, a bit more comfortable.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10Ian and his partner succeed in finding
0:21:10 > 0:21:13and rescuing the casualties in good time.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15Karla is impressed.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19They were good. Yeah. Adhered to the proper drill procedures.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Communication was great. Found the casualties no problem.
0:21:22 > 0:21:23Kept in touch with the back-ups.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25No problem.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29For Ian, getting it right in training is essential to his future.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32He'll be continually assessed for the next three years
0:21:32 > 0:21:36and needs to impress if he's to pass his probationary period.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39It's a sense of achievement.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42You feel like, "If I can deal with this,
0:21:42 > 0:21:46"I'm going to be able to deal with it in a real-life situation."
0:21:46 > 0:21:50You come out of it just feeling amazing, like you've learned
0:21:50 > 0:21:53something valuable for the rest of your life.
0:21:53 > 0:21:54End of the shift - game over.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03Back in Birmingham, rookie paramedic Sam
0:22:03 > 0:22:06and his mentor Kat are on another call-out.
0:22:06 > 0:22:07A baby has drunk a bottle
0:22:07 > 0:22:11of child pain medicine containing paracetamol.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14It's what's called a red back-up call, and for the first time,
0:22:14 > 0:22:18Sam's in charge. He will take the lead clinical role.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21Red back-up is a fairly poorly patient
0:22:21 > 0:22:24and they need to be extricated immediately.
0:22:24 > 0:22:30So it's my first attending job, so I hope it goes well.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37On arrival, Sam's briefed by a rapid response paramedic.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39Mum nipped out to do the breakfast.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41He took the whole lot of the Calpol.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44I think there might have been one dose out of it, that's all.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- I've put "worst case scenario, he's had the bottle."- Yes.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50No wonder it was an urgent call - Dylan may look fine,
0:22:50 > 0:22:55but a paracetamol overdose can cause permanent liver damage or even death
0:22:55 > 0:22:57if not treated within 60 minutes.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59It's quite a large dose.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02It's still within an hour, so we're going to rush him
0:23:02 > 0:23:04up to the hospital and get him sorted.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09Dylan isn't Sam's only concern. Mum is worried.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13She fears the paracetamol will already be harming her baby.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16It would have already started working,
0:23:16 > 0:23:18but there's quite a large timescale.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21It's going to be fine, it's still within an hour.
0:23:21 > 0:23:26Dylan's blood needs to be checked to ensure his blood sugar levels are normal.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28If they are and he becomes drowsy,
0:23:28 > 0:23:32it will be down to the paracetamol, not low blood sugars.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36Here we go. Good boy.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40The blood sugar levels are normal.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45And Dylan's mum thinks he's looking sleepy.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49He's starting to get a bit drowsy.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51He's not drowsy, OK - he's fine.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55Dylan may be alert now, but his condition could deteriorate rapidly.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00Because Dylan's brother had to come along,
0:24:00 > 0:24:03Sam's calling on his training to help keep the kids calm.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05Surgical gloves have many uses!
0:24:07 > 0:24:11As soon as Dylan reaches A&E, he'll be given charcoal solution
0:24:11 > 0:24:14to combat the paracetamol in his bloodstream.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18The earlier you can get it into the system, the more likely it is to work better.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21So, yeah, that's basically charcoal, that's the one-hour window,
0:24:21 > 0:24:24you want to try and get it in within that hour.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26Every second counts.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39Hello.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Dylan's delivered to the specialists within the golden hour,
0:24:42 > 0:24:45giving him every chance of a good outcome.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48And Sam successfully kept Dylan's mother calm en route.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52The mum was really upset and she sort of felt herself to blame because
0:24:52 > 0:24:54she wasn't in charge of her child, but accidents happen.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56That's what we're here for.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59When those accidents happen, we can help those people.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02So, yeah, she did the right thing by calling us as soon as she did
0:25:02 > 0:25:05because she realised the seriousness of the situation.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08Sam's pleased with how that call went.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10It is a fairly high dose of paracetamol
0:25:10 > 0:25:13so that's why we had to get him here.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16But he has little doubt what's been his highlight so far -
0:25:16 > 0:25:19putting all his driver training into action
0:25:19 > 0:25:21and getting to his first call fast.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24Your first day and someone says, "Can you blue light?"
0:25:24 > 0:25:27you do tend to go a bit mad but, yeah, I absolutely loved it.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34Back in Warrington, rookie Special Amber and her mentor Richard are
0:25:34 > 0:25:39helping colleagues at another house raided as part of today's operation.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42Amber's taken one suspect's details
0:25:42 > 0:25:45and needs to check him out on the police national computer.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49But first she must master the radio, not easy on your first day.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53Can I have a PNC persons check? That's 80573.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55- Details and ready.- What's that?
0:25:55 > 0:25:57- Just say "Details and ready". - Details and ready.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00- I can't remember how to do it. - Don't worry. Just take your time.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02Amber's told there are no active
0:26:02 > 0:26:04warrants for the suspect's arrest
0:26:04 > 0:26:07and a search of the house reveals no drugs.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11But outside, an intriguing tin has been placed under a tarpaulin.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19It's obviously porridge and a Jaffa Cake.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21It doesn't take long for Richard
0:26:21 > 0:26:23to get to the bottom of his unexpected discovery.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27The guy kept his personal weed in the back garden in that tin.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30Someone who knew where it was has jumped the fence, took it,
0:26:30 > 0:26:35and put this in as a joke to those people to say, "I know who you are."
0:26:35 > 0:26:38Obviously, a little bag of porridge.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40You could smell it. It's syrup flavour.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43There's a little note, "Don't think I don't know who you are.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46"Sly people," that took his drugs.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49It wasn't the find they'd been expecting but Richard still
0:26:49 > 0:26:52believes it's been a productive morning in the fight against
0:26:52 > 0:26:54local drug dealers.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56Impact-wise,
0:26:56 > 0:26:58it's going to make them think twice about continuing what
0:26:58 > 0:27:01they are doing or put them in such a position that they can't
0:27:01 > 0:27:03operate from these addresses any more.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06Amber's first shift had a huge impact on her confidence.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10It's the first thing I've done at all, like, as a police officer.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13It's just going to be one of those images that will be stuck
0:27:13 > 0:27:16in my head for ever, but it was such a fun day
0:27:16 > 0:27:19and I'm glad that was my first shift.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21It was such a great experience.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27Former boxer John's high blood pressure
0:27:27 > 0:27:29returned to normal in hospital.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32He's now back home and fighting fit.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35The drugs raids clearly did send a message to local dealers
0:27:35 > 0:27:38encouraging youngsters to commit crime to pay their bills.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42Following the execution of the search warrants, thefts
0:27:42 > 0:27:45and burglaries in Warrington reduced by almost 50%.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48And baby Dylan's overdose treatment worked.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51There was no damage to his internal organs
0:27:51 > 0:27:54and he was discharged seven hours later.
0:27:54 > 0:27:55Next time -
0:27:55 > 0:27:58rookie police special Martin tracks down a man
0:27:58 > 0:28:02accused of assault, but will he get to make his first arrest?
0:28:04 > 0:28:07RNLI recruit Dave is scrambled to a mayday from a sinking boat.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11And new paramedic Kelly has to deal with
0:28:11 > 0:28:15two road traffic collisions - an elderly lady injured in a car crash
0:28:15 > 0:28:18and a motorcyclist who may have broken his neck.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23He needs moving before his fuel ignites.