0:00:02 > 0:00:04Britain's next generation of emergency-service recruits
0:00:04 > 0:00:07chosen from a pool of thousands.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09Rookies like 20-year-old Ben,
0:00:09 > 0:00:11starting out in his dream career as a paramedic.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13It's been really good to be able to do some good
0:00:13 > 0:00:16and it makes the job worthwhile.
0:00:16 > 0:00:21And Police Special Martin, about to go out on his first night shift.
0:00:21 > 0:00:22I feel nervous. First time I've done it
0:00:22 > 0:00:24and I just want to make sure I get it right.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27Outdoor enthusiast Chris loves adventure,
0:00:27 > 0:00:31but has he got what it takes to save lives as part of Mountain Rescue?
0:00:31 > 0:00:35You feel really satisfied and happy that you've been able to help.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38They've survived months of intensive training.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40- Come on, let's move!- Get back!
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- I've made contact.- They've been tested to their limits.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48- Spray, spray!- It's burning! - Stop panicking, don't worry.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52All to realise their dream careers.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55It is such a really good feeling, a massive sense of achievement.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59Join them for their First Time On The Front Line.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05In today's programme, rookie paramedic Ben
0:01:05 > 0:01:08races to a man wounded by a chainsaw.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10You want to get there quickly,
0:01:10 > 0:01:12because the patient could be losing a lot of blood.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14Mountain Rescue rookie Chris
0:01:14 > 0:01:17is scrambled to a fisherman with a broken leg.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21Can you just put that arm around the back of Chris' shoulder?
0:01:21 > 0:01:25And new recruit Martin spots a car driving suspiciously.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27It becomes his first high-speed pursuit.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31He missed the breathalyzer and hit his head off the front seat.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39In the West Midlands, rookie paramedic Ben
0:01:39 > 0:01:43has already been saving lives.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46On his first shift, he attended a road traffic accident
0:01:46 > 0:01:48and treated a sick baby.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50So far today he's had 10 fits.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52Now more challenges await.
0:01:57 > 0:01:59Ben's wanted to be a paramedic
0:01:59 > 0:02:02since he joined St John Ambulance at an early age.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04Doing that as a voluntary role
0:02:04 > 0:02:10made me then realise that maybe a job in pre-hospital medicine is for me.
0:02:10 > 0:02:11After school he went to uni
0:02:11 > 0:02:15and graduated with a degree in Paramedic Science.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17Then he got a job with West Midlands Ambulance Service.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19Congratulations, you passed everything.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- Well done, the job's yours. - Grand. Thank you.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25It's been two years in the making, a lot of hard work at university.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28It is such a really good feeling, a massive sense of achievement.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33Before going on duty, Ben completed a six-week training programme,
0:02:33 > 0:02:36culminating in an intensive driving course.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38This is your responsibility,
0:02:38 > 0:02:40and if you're driving on emergency conditions,
0:02:40 > 0:02:43you don't want anything to go wrong.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46He was apprehensive about the prospect
0:02:46 > 0:02:49of racing to casualties for real.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51It's quite a daunting experience
0:02:51 > 0:02:53driving a three-and-a-half-ton big van
0:02:53 > 0:02:56through tight roads and busy, congested streets.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58We're risking our lives
0:02:58 > 0:03:02and other people's lives on the road as well.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05Under the watchful eye of instructor Steve Jeffreys,
0:03:05 > 0:03:08Ben faced typical road hazards,
0:03:08 > 0:03:11from wet weather conditions to heavy traffic.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14You could actually have stayed in second a little bit longer there.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16Be careful of drifting.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20The problem is, you looked right and your vehicle was drifting left.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23Despite initial nerves, Ben soon started to impress.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25OK, that's perfect,
0:03:25 > 0:03:28that's what you want, good use of acceleration.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30Very confident, very safe.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Two weeks later and Ben's driving skills
0:03:35 > 0:03:37are being put to the test for real.
0:03:37 > 0:03:42He's on shift with ambulance technician Noel Philpott.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45We have a female at the railway station, fallen.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48Fractured, dislocated shoulder.
0:03:48 > 0:03:49A fall that serious
0:03:49 > 0:03:53means there could also be spinal or head injuries.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55Ben needs to get to the patient fast,
0:03:55 > 0:03:58but it's the middle of rush hour.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00SIREN WAILS
0:04:04 > 0:04:08Because they have little information about the casualty,
0:04:08 > 0:04:12Ben and Noel empty the ambulance of all the kit they might need.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14I've got the morphine with me.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19How are you doing, all right?
0:04:21 > 0:04:22Oh, we'll sort that. We're experts in that.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24When they get to 69-year-old Carol
0:04:24 > 0:04:26the pair need to work together
0:04:26 > 0:04:29to establish the extent of her injuries.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31I lost my balance. I was running for a train.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33- Did you lose consciousness?- No.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- You remember everything that happened?- Yes.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40- If you keep looking forwards for me. - Just assessing the patient's spine,
0:04:40 > 0:04:42because she's had a fall, she's bumped her head.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45What we don't want to do is stand her up and get her onto the bed
0:04:45 > 0:04:47and we notice that she's got some pain in her spine.
0:04:47 > 0:04:48Carol's a keen walker
0:04:48 > 0:04:51and was heading out on a daytrip with her friend Rita
0:04:51 > 0:04:53when the accident happened.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56We go walking on Mondays, five of us,
0:04:56 > 0:05:00and Carol... We were running for the train and Carol fell.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02We need to have a good look at it
0:05:02 > 0:05:06and stripping you off in the middle of the platform is not really good.
0:05:06 > 0:05:07- It's not dignified, is it?- No.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09Carol's putting on a brave face,
0:05:09 > 0:05:13but Ben senses her injury is extremely painful.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- How bad's your pain at the moment? - I feel sick and cold.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- Would you like anything for the pain?- Yes.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20Doing everything by the book,
0:05:20 > 0:05:22Ben needs to check Carol's blood pressure,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25before he gives her strong painkillers.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- Don't let me see it, because I hate needles.- Ah, we won't.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30Well, you can look at me while Noel does it.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32You can look at my ugly mush instead.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35It's quite handsome, really!
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- Sweetpea, you OK?- Yeah, look at me.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40Carol's fear of needles means the pressure is on
0:05:40 > 0:05:43to hit the vein first time.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45And that's exactly what happens.
0:05:45 > 0:05:50This is now the morphine, so this will be the pain relief.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53So, we'll give it nice and slowly to start with.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Carol soon feels the benefit.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58Let me clear up my mess and then we'll get you on to the bed.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01One, two, three. There we go.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03Now Carol's pain is under control,
0:06:03 > 0:06:07she can be moved to the ambulance for a full assessment.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15We'll have a look at your arm now and we'll see what we can find.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18The next challenge is to examine Carol's shoulder injury
0:06:18 > 0:06:23- without causing further damage. - We'll do all the movements.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26There we go.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31- Pain along there?- No.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33- Ow!- There?- Yeah. Sorry.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35OK, no problem.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38We'll leave you be, because we don't want to cause you any more pain.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42Carol's shoulder could be badly dislocated.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45En route, Ben administers further pain relief.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49And he's learnt reassuring words are just as important
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- to anxious patients. - I'm feeling quite light-headed.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54Hopefully, it's just dislocated.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56They'll X-ray you when we get to hospital.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59I'm just wondering what they're going to do to put it back in?
0:06:59 > 0:07:02If they do have to put it back in place, don't worry about it,
0:07:02 > 0:07:05they give you quite strong painkillers.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- Do you often do the walks? - Every Monday.- OK.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11Last week, we walked... Where was that? I've forgotten.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14It's the trouble with memory these days!
0:07:14 > 0:07:17Blame the morphine! THEY LAUGH
0:07:17 > 0:07:20Ben's done a great job taking Carol's mind off the pain.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24Her next destination - the hospital X-ray department.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28The first shout of the shift has gone well.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31Ben's really good to work with, knowledgeable, really knowledgeable,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34and he's got a good rapport with the patients.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36We join the job to make a difference
0:07:36 > 0:07:38and, you know, when we have made a difference
0:07:38 > 0:07:43you'll go home feeling worthwhile and you've done some good.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48100 miles away in Cheshire,
0:07:48 > 0:07:51another emergency-service rookie wants to make a difference.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57Police Special Martin Toner has one shift under his belt
0:07:57 > 0:07:59and has already made his first arrest.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03I'm arresting you on suspicion of two counts of Section 39 Assault.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06His next challenge -
0:08:06 > 0:08:10cracking down on illegal drugs and antisocial behaviour.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20Martin's journey as a volunteer Police Special
0:08:20 > 0:08:22began in Summer 2013.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24Along with his colleagues,
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Martin sacrificed 20 days of his time
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- learning how to arrest criminals... - Down, down, down, down!
0:08:29 > 0:08:33..defend himself on duty
0:08:33 > 0:08:36and follow police procedures by the book.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40Everything that we have taught you is approved by the Home Office.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44When he completed his training, Martin attended a ceremony
0:08:44 > 0:08:46to be given his warrant card,
0:08:46 > 0:08:48so he could go out on duty for real.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50I'm slightly nervous.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52It's a case of we're going to swear an oath
0:08:52 > 0:08:55and we're being attested so we're going to be in front of a magistrate
0:08:55 > 0:08:57and it's when we get our warrant cards.
0:08:57 > 0:08:58So, yeah, nervous.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00Martin Toner.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02There to see her son become a Special
0:09:02 > 0:09:04was supportive mum Eileen.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Immensely proud of Martin,
0:09:07 > 0:09:11he's worked so hard to get where he's got in his life, really.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14He puts all the hours in, all the effort,
0:09:14 > 0:09:18and it's paid off to see him tonight, it really has.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31A few weeks on, and it's Martin's first night shift.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33This isn't a training exercise,
0:09:33 > 0:09:37he's on duty alongside regular officers.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40It's Saturday and the sergeant wants them to carry out
0:09:40 > 0:09:43a late-night drug sweep in the Macclesfield area.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45We'll be focusing on some of the pubs
0:09:45 > 0:09:47on the outskirts of Macclesfield
0:09:47 > 0:09:49and then working our way into the centre later on
0:09:49 > 0:09:50as the night gets busier.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53Martin's day job is teaching Information Technology
0:09:53 > 0:09:55in a local comprehensive.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58He's hoping his experience with teenagers
0:09:58 > 0:10:00will help prepare him for the night ahead.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04I'm in a classroom and sometimes you do face difficult situations.
0:10:04 > 0:10:09I'm looking from you to be engaging, professional and knowledgeable.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12Obviously, when alcohol and drugs come into play
0:10:12 > 0:10:13people become unpredictable.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16I've had some good training and, yeah, I think I'm prepared for it.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20By identifying bars frequented by drug users,
0:10:20 > 0:10:23the police can crack down on antisocial behaviour
0:10:23 > 0:10:25and criminal activity.
0:10:26 > 0:10:27OK, everybody happy?
0:10:27 > 0:10:29- Yes.- Brilliant.
0:10:29 > 0:10:30Officers will search pub toilets
0:10:30 > 0:10:35using swabs that change colour if they come into contact with cocaine.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38I'm nervous, first time I've done it,
0:10:38 > 0:10:41and I just want to make sure I get it right.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46I think what the key message here is - "get in, get out".
0:10:46 > 0:10:49That's what the sergeant said, so that's the plan.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Can you escort me to the female toilet please?
0:10:56 > 0:10:59That was an offer the barmaid couldn't refuse.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- No-one's in. Can you just stand at the door while I go in, is that OK?- What are you doing?
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- I'm just checking for any evidence of drug use, that's all. - All right.- OK, thank you.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10A chemical on the swab will immediately react
0:11:10 > 0:11:11if there's a trace of cocaine.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14This wipe obviously is pink at this stage,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17which, obviously, I've just taken out of the packet.
0:11:17 > 0:11:22So just essentially rubbing it over with a swipe. OK, it seems clean.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26Rubbing here as well. Yeah, just a bit of grime there.
0:11:26 > 0:11:27Any flat surface, really.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30But then Martin's swab does turn blue,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33so these loos have been used for drug-taking.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36He reports his findings to the pub landlady.
0:11:36 > 0:11:41The blue dots indicate evidence of some cocaine use at some point here.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43She's asked to keep an eye out for further drug use
0:11:43 > 0:11:47and report any suspicious activity immediately.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50But Martin's pub-loo check is far from over.
0:11:53 > 0:11:54Yeah, some evidence here.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58In 2012, cocaine was the most commonly seized
0:11:58 > 0:12:00class A drug in the UK.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03I certainly wouldn't be sniffing any substances full stop -
0:12:03 > 0:12:05but particularly off a toilet seat.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08Not the most hygienic, is it, really?
0:12:09 > 0:12:12Martin has one more pub to check
0:12:12 > 0:12:15and he gets a surprise as soon as he walks through the door.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19I've never seen a toilet with carpet before.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21It doesn't take long for Martin
0:12:21 > 0:12:23to find evidence of significant cocaine use.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26You can actually see it. You can see the blue.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30Actually smearing it again with this - look at that.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34Yeah, it's a bit more prevalent in here, I think.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Yeah.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38Definitely.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43Tonight's operation has been a useful intelligence-gathering exercise -
0:12:43 > 0:12:47intriguingly the toilets with the most evidence of drug use
0:12:47 > 0:12:49were the ladies loos in family pubs.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55Those pubs will be closely monitored in the future.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57Yeah, there's definitely been some cocaine use.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Martin's mentor, Special Inspector Pete Luscombe,
0:13:00 > 0:13:03is impressed with his protege's efforts.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06Martin's certainly spot-on tonight. He's picking things up rather well.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09He's confident, he's clear, he's concise in what he's doing,
0:13:09 > 0:13:11who he's speaking to, and what he's saying.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15You know, hopefully, I did OK. Obviously, I'm constantly learning
0:13:15 > 0:13:16and developing, and that's the idea,
0:13:16 > 0:13:20and put on the forefront, really.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22Out of my comfort zone,
0:13:22 > 0:13:25dealing with the situations,
0:13:25 > 0:13:29taking the lead, which is something I'm getting to do more and more.
0:13:34 > 0:13:35It isn't just Police Specials
0:13:35 > 0:13:39who give up their free time to serve the community,
0:13:39 > 0:13:40so do Mountain Rescue volunteers,
0:13:40 > 0:13:44like primary school teacher Chris Steele.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48The Lake District National Park
0:13:48 > 0:13:51attracts over 14 million visitors every year.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57But sometimes those holiday-makers get into trouble -
0:13:57 > 0:14:01and that's where Cockermouth Mountain Rescue comes in.
0:14:01 > 0:14:02Slow on main and safety.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10The 40 members live locally
0:14:10 > 0:14:13and work as dentists, engineers, carpenters,
0:14:13 > 0:14:15and there's even a museum curator.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17Slow, slow on main and safety.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20The team takes its training very seriously -
0:14:20 > 0:14:23not surprising when lives are at stake.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25In this session team leader Mike Park
0:14:25 > 0:14:28will stretch rookie Chris to the limit.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32The challenges really are just for Chris to keep calm,
0:14:32 > 0:14:33just follow the training,
0:14:33 > 0:14:35it's just about spot the major problems,
0:14:35 > 0:14:37get it sorted, get him on a stretcher
0:14:37 > 0:14:38and get them out of here.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43For this exercise, Chris has to find an unconscious casualty
0:14:43 > 0:14:45and quickly assess the situation.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48Hello, hello, can you hear me?
0:14:48 > 0:14:50Provide first aid if necessary.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59Then decide how to get the casualty to safety.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01Can someone call for a helicopter, please?
0:15:01 > 0:15:02We need evacuation.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05Ready, brace, lift.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10Chris has made an impressive start,
0:15:10 > 0:15:14but the most challenging part of the training is yet to come.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25Mountain Rescue often has to get seriously ill casualties
0:15:25 > 0:15:27to medical help fast.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Can Chris give 100 chest compressions a minute
0:15:31 > 0:15:34while on a stretcher travelling at speed?
0:15:34 > 0:15:37It could mean the difference between life and death.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42He achieved it with ease.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47It was fun, yeah. It just proved though that we can move quite quickly
0:15:47 > 0:15:49and still maintain the chest compressions.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52Mike's pleased with how the new recruit's shaping up.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54He just kept it all under control.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57He got the team controlled, they were passing him the gear,
0:15:57 > 0:15:59they were prompting him where he needed to be.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03So, yeah, he was pretty calm and pretty professional, really.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09A month earlier Chris and his colleagues
0:16:09 > 0:16:12got the chance to put their training into action.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16The team was called to rescue a fisherman who'd broken his leg.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Very quickly we were in the Land Rovers
0:16:19 > 0:16:22and down to the local fishing spot on the river.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24A third of Cockermouth Mountain Rescue call-outs
0:16:24 > 0:16:26are for lower-limb injuries.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29A local ambulance crew managed to get to the scene
0:16:29 > 0:16:31but needed the Mountain Rescue team's expertise
0:16:31 > 0:16:36to move the casualty - 69-year-old George Paterski.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39I was so relieved seeing so many men attending to me
0:16:39 > 0:16:44and straightaway one had a feeling that they knew what they were doing.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46Time was of the essence, really,
0:16:46 > 0:16:48because it's difficult to hang on to a river bank.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52Rookie Chris wore a camera for the purpose of his training.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55'When you get a minute, can you give us an update, please? Over.'
0:16:55 > 0:17:00Also attending was experienced team member Martin Pickavance.
0:17:00 > 0:17:01The river was in close proximity,
0:17:01 > 0:17:03it was a potential hazard.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06Our priority, really, was to make sure that as soon as we arrived
0:17:06 > 0:17:10that everybody was safe, so the casualty and rescuers alike.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13George's boots and trousers had to be cut off
0:17:13 > 0:17:15so the team could splint his broken leg.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17Are you feeling warm enough?
0:17:17 > 0:17:19- Yes.- Good.
0:17:19 > 0:17:20Chris was right at the front
0:17:20 > 0:17:22doing that job of assisting with the splinting of the leg.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26Chris, can you just give George some support at the back there?
0:17:26 > 0:17:28Can you just put that arm around the back of Chris's shoulder?
0:17:28 > 0:17:30That's good.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32We just got hands on, I think Mike got in the river
0:17:32 > 0:17:34and made him feel more comfortable.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37OK, George, we're just going to put a little bit of padding here
0:17:37 > 0:17:40just to make it a little bit more comfortable.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44'Dealing with left lower-leg injuries.'
0:17:44 > 0:17:48The presence was so reassuring and so uplifting,
0:17:48 > 0:17:52that even in quite a shock I felt quite secure.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54Did you catch anything?
0:17:54 > 0:17:56What, today? No.
0:17:56 > 0:17:57I had some luck yesterday.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59I dread to think what would've happened
0:17:59 > 0:18:01if he'd gone back into the river.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04One, two, three - well done.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08Once George was wrapped in a warm casualty bag
0:18:08 > 0:18:12and strapped to a stretcher, he was delivered to the ambulance.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15Then within ten minutes my wife arrived
0:18:15 > 0:18:17with my daughter and two grandchildren.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21George's loved ones were grateful that the Mountain Rescue team
0:18:21 > 0:18:23had carried him to safety.
0:18:23 > 0:18:24Ready, brace, lift.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27I think they were just relieved more than anything,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30so that's what you get quite regularly,
0:18:30 > 0:18:32and that's what's quite nice to see.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37You feel really satisfied and kind of happy that you've been able to help.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45West Midlands Ambulance Service
0:18:45 > 0:18:47covers an area of 5,000 square miles -
0:18:47 > 0:18:50it's the third busiest in the country,
0:18:50 > 0:18:52with over a million incidents a year.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55And rookie paramedic Ben and his partner Mark
0:18:55 > 0:18:57are responding to another 999.
0:18:59 > 0:19:00We're going to a 37-year-old man
0:19:00 > 0:19:03who has cut his hand with or on a chain saw.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07There could be quite some significant damage, you want to get there quickly
0:19:07 > 0:19:10because the patient could be losing a lot of blood.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14The call has come from a hardware store.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17All right, mate.
0:19:17 > 0:19:18What we looking at?
0:19:18 > 0:19:22A rapid-response paramedic is already at the scene,
0:19:22 > 0:19:26but even though Ben's a new recruit, he's expected to take charge.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28Hiya, mate, what's your name?
0:19:28 > 0:19:30- Habib.- Habib, all right.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33Ben needs to be briefed by his colleague.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41Low blood pressure, or "hypotension",
0:19:41 > 0:19:43can restrict the amount of blood
0:19:43 > 0:19:45flowing to a casualty's brain and vital organs.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48It could be caused by shock or serious blood loss.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51Do you feel light-headed at all?
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- A bit faint.- A bit faint.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56Ben wants to find out how the accident happened
0:19:56 > 0:19:58before he examines the wound.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01Did you cut it in here, did you?
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- No, I was in my garden.- OK.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05I was chopping some trees.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08Habib tried to make his own way to A&E,
0:20:08 > 0:20:12but the 999 operator told his dad to stop the car immediately
0:20:12 > 0:20:15and wait for paramedics to arrive.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19They just happened to pull over at the local hardware store.
0:20:19 > 0:20:24Ben's learning never to take any incident at face value.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26Can you wiggle them?
0:20:26 > 0:20:28Any numbness or anything?
0:20:28 > 0:20:31Ben needs to get Habib up and into the back of the ambulance
0:20:31 > 0:20:35so he can remove the bandage and assess the severity of the wound.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38But Habib's hypotension could cause him to collapse
0:20:38 > 0:20:40as soon as he stands up.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43Ben must be extremely careful when moving him.
0:20:44 > 0:20:45Can we get you to slowly sit up
0:20:45 > 0:20:48and if you start to feel dizzy or like you're about to pass out,
0:20:48 > 0:20:51let me know, and we'll have a bit of a change of plan.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55Oh, OK. How are you feeling?
0:20:55 > 0:20:57All right so far.
0:20:57 > 0:20:58All right so far, yeah?
0:20:58 > 0:21:02OK, we'll get you to stand up then, mate.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04We've got the bed right here.
0:21:04 > 0:21:05Have a bit of a walk.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10Sit down there, mate, pop your legs up.
0:21:10 > 0:21:11Will I take my shoes off?
0:21:11 > 0:21:13No, keep them on. We don't do the washing.
0:21:15 > 0:21:16Habib seems to be stable.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19As soon as he's safely onto the ambulance
0:21:19 > 0:21:20Ben will remove the bandage
0:21:20 > 0:21:23and, with the injury inflicted by a chain saw,
0:21:23 > 0:21:25he's expecting the worst.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31We'll have to have a look at it, mate, if that's all right,
0:21:31 > 0:21:34to see how bad it is, then we'll decide where's the best place to send you to.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38The extent of the injury will dictate the next course of action.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Close your eyes if you want to, mate.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45It's a six-centimetre-deep gash.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47Habib's lucky not to have lost his thumb,
0:21:47 > 0:21:51but there's still a significant risk of nerve or tendon damage.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56We'll get some wet dressings and just pack it.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00Does it feel numb or anything like that?
0:22:00 > 0:22:01- No.- Can you feel me touching?
0:22:01 > 0:22:03Yeah.
0:22:03 > 0:22:04Ben has a tough decision to make.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07He could either take Habib to the nearest A&E
0:22:07 > 0:22:08or give him pain relief
0:22:08 > 0:22:11and travel further to The Queen Elizabeth Hospital,
0:22:11 > 0:22:15one of the region's three major trauma centres.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17Normally we go to the closest hospital,
0:22:17 > 0:22:19which in this case would be Heartlands,
0:22:19 > 0:22:21but if he requires specialist treatment
0:22:21 > 0:22:23we might as well go straight to the QE.
0:22:26 > 0:22:27With the decision made
0:22:27 > 0:22:30to take the longer journey to the specialist unit,
0:22:30 > 0:22:33Ben now has to reduce Habib's pain
0:22:33 > 0:22:36whilst keeping a close eye on his blood pressure.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40I've just gave Habib a small amount of morphine to start with,
0:22:40 > 0:22:43because his blood pressure was quite low at first.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47I don't want to give him too much, because morphine can drop your blood pressure significantly.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Hopefully by the time we get to A&E, Habib will be pain-free.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52How are you feeling at the moment?
0:22:52 > 0:22:55Bet you didn't expect this today, did you?
0:22:55 > 0:22:58Ben's patient clearly feels he's in safe hands.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05You know, you were on the case straightaway.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09Less than 30 minutes after leaving the hardware store,
0:23:09 > 0:23:12they arrive at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16Habib will now receive specialist care from the trauma team.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19Hopefully the prospects are looking quite good.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22Obviously you've got plastic surgeons, orthopaedic doctors,
0:23:22 > 0:23:24that can have a look at it and sort the injury out.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28He's relatively lucky to only have sort of a minor injury.
0:23:28 > 0:23:29It could have been a lot worse.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31It was a job well done.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37In Macclesfield, Rookie cop Martin and his mentor Pete
0:23:37 > 0:23:41are responding to complaints about a group of drunk men
0:23:41 > 0:23:43threatening people in their homes.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45RADIO CHATTER
0:23:48 > 0:23:50While Martin takes their details,
0:23:50 > 0:23:52Pete tells them to dispose of their alcohol.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02It becomes apparent this isn't the first time
0:24:02 > 0:24:04these lads have been on the wrong side of the law.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Any of you chaps known to the police at all?
0:24:07 > 0:24:08I've had a few run-ins in the past.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10Have you? When was that?
0:24:12 > 0:24:14What was that for?
0:24:18 > 0:24:20Right, OK.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24Martin follows his training and calls in the lad's name.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27The Police National Computer reveals the truth.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36He had an unfortunate run-in about three years ago.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41Martin feels he has sufficient grounds to search him for drugs.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43But to avoid escalating the situation,
0:24:43 > 0:24:45he adopts a friendly approach.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48Might be a few sweat patches there, so, at your own risk.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51That's why I'm putting the gloves on!
0:24:51 > 0:24:54You've got nothing sharp on you, have you? OK.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57There are over 20,000 Specials volunteering in the UK.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00They play a central role in community policing,
0:25:00 > 0:25:03dealing with issues like antisocial behaviour -
0:25:03 > 0:25:04as these youths now know.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08Today the lad is clean and free to go.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11- Thank you very much.- All right. - Have a good night, people.
0:25:11 > 0:25:12No worries.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15With the lads moved on, and their alcohol removed,
0:25:15 > 0:25:18the neighbourhood should be able to rest easier.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20Martin's stop-and-search was impeccable,
0:25:20 > 0:25:23but he's aware he still has much to learn.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26That's the bit that makes me most nervous, is the radio.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28To be fair I think that comes with time.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31- Yeah.- You just get used to it.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33I've said some daft things in the past.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36- You forget sometimes.- Yeah. - It happens to everyone.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40New recruits are encouraged to remain vigilant at all times
0:25:40 > 0:25:42and Martin has spotted a car mounting the curb.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47He suspects drink-driving. Pete calls it in.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51We've got a vehicle all over the road, town-centre Macclesfield.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53Could the other patrol stop it please,
0:25:53 > 0:25:55it's heading up towards Mill Street.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59Martin's radio skills are about to be put to the test.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02He needs to direct another patrol car
0:26:02 > 0:26:04so it can intercept the suspect up ahead.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08This is Echo Delta 80570. He's just driving at the minute.
0:26:08 > 0:26:09We're just at the bottom of Mill Street
0:26:09 > 0:26:13and he's turning left on to Sunderland road.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15Martin's guidance was spot-on.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18The vehicle's been stopped in the town centre.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20It's time to find out if he was right
0:26:20 > 0:26:22about the driver being over the limit.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32There's little doubt - the driver could hardly stand.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36You can just tell he's definitely driving under the influence,
0:26:36 > 0:26:39even to the point where he missed the breathalyzer completely
0:26:39 > 0:26:41and hit his head off the front seat.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45Drunk driving accounts for 10,000 reported road casualties
0:26:45 > 0:26:47in Britain every year.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51This drunk driver was an accident waiting to happen.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55Martin's diligence has secured a result and might have saved lives.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59We were just driving down the road, and he just seemed to speed off.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01He was driving erratically,
0:27:01 > 0:27:03he was mounting the curb.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07On his first shift Martin arrested a man accused of assault.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11Now he's taken a dangerous drunk driver off the road.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15It's an impressive start as a Special Constable.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17You know, a varied evening,
0:27:17 > 0:27:21and I think a nice little spot to top it off.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23Shift over - job done.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30X-rays confirmed Carol had fractured her shoulder.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32She received treatment
0:27:32 > 0:27:35and hopes to be out walking with her friends again soon.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38George's broken leg is healing well.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42He's planning to be back fishing within the next six months.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46The drink-driver Martin spotted pleaded guilty
0:27:46 > 0:27:49and was disqualified for two years.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53And Habib had surgery on his cut hand.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55He's since made a good recovery,
0:27:55 > 0:27:57but has decided to ask a tree surgeon
0:27:57 > 0:27:59to finish the work in his garden.
0:28:02 > 0:28:03Next time...
0:28:04 > 0:28:07New paramedic Mark is faced with a multiple-sclerosis patient
0:28:07 > 0:28:09whose life is on the line.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13The drugs you've been given aren't working.
0:28:14 > 0:28:19Underwater and under pressure.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22How are you doing, mate? You all right?
0:28:22 > 0:28:24Lifeboat volunteer Harry undergoes his first capsize.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26Not the experience I was expecting.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28You think, "My God, I'm going to get trapped."
0:28:28 > 0:28:30And life as a Police Special.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34Amber arrests a suspect who refuses to come quietly.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36- All right?- Do you understand?
0:28:36 > 0:28:39- Do you understand?- If you're going to take me, take this...
0:28:39 > 0:28:41- If you're going to- BLEEP.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43They always get louder once the door's closed.