0:00:02 > 0:00:04Britain's next generation of emergency service recruits,
0:00:04 > 0:00:06chosen from a pool of thousands.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09Rookies like former soldier Mark,
0:00:09 > 0:00:11now hoping to make it as a paramedic.
0:00:11 > 0:00:16I'm proper nervous. I was all right until I pulled up this morning. Phew!
0:00:16 > 0:00:20And Police Special Amber, who dreams of becoming an officer full-time.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24You can stretch as wide and as high as you want in the career.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26It's an exciting job to have.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28Harry's following a family tradition
0:00:28 > 0:00:31of volunteering for the local lifeboats.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33Just watching what the RNLI actually do is just amazing
0:00:33 > 0:00:37and now I can help and put my time into saving lives as well.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39Contact.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41They've survived months of intensive training.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43- Come on! Let's move! - ALL: Get back!
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- There's a child in the water. Over. - They've been tested to their limits.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- Spray! Spray! - It's burning. Can't see.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52Stop panicking, don't worry.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55All to realise their dream careers.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58What we've just done could save a life.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Join them for their First Time On The Front Line.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07In today's programme,
0:01:07 > 0:01:09Mark is faced with a multiple sclerosis patient
0:01:09 > 0:01:11whose life is on the line.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14He needs to act fast.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16The drugs you've been given aren't working.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21- Underwater and under pressure. - THEY SHOUT
0:01:21 > 0:01:23- How's everybody? All right?- Yes.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Lifeboat recruit Harry undergoes his first capsize.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31Not the experience I was expecting. You think, "Oh, my God, I'm going to get trapped."
0:01:31 > 0:01:33And life as a police special.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36Amber arrests a suspect who refuses to come quietly.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39- Do you understand?- Do you understand? - Do you understand?
0:01:39 > 0:01:41If you're going to take me, take me!
0:01:41 > 0:01:44- Get hold of them cos you're going to...- BLEEP!
0:01:44 > 0:01:47- They always get louder once the door's closed.- BLEEP!
0:02:02 > 0:02:06- Good morning.- Recruitment day at West Midlands Ambulance Service.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10Over 100 applicants for 47 precious jobs.
0:02:12 > 0:02:1537-year-old Mark Edwards hopes to be successful today.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18So you put that to 120 and then charge.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20All candidates have completed two-year degrees
0:02:20 > 0:02:23in paramedic science and today, their new knowledge
0:02:23 > 0:02:27and skills are being tested, assessed and compared.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29Their clinical expertise...
0:02:29 > 0:02:32Airway, breathe in. Manage those problems on scene.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- ..physical strength...- OK, guys. Lift up as hard as you can.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37..and driving abilities.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Pull up to the small cone in front of you.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44Getting selected will be tough, but at least Mark is prepared.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46As a former member of the Parachute Regiment
0:02:46 > 0:02:48he served three years in Afghanistan,
0:02:48 > 0:02:51training as a combat medic and treating wounded comrades.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54When I was there, I dealt with everything from someone playing with a scorpion,
0:02:54 > 0:02:57which was quite interesting, to people losing limbs.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00We're there to do a job and we tried hard and we worked hard
0:03:00 > 0:03:03and, you know, a majority of us come back.
0:03:03 > 0:03:08Mark came home in 2009 but found it hard to adjust.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12I left the Army and I got an office job and it was just mind-numbing.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17It's just not me, so I applied to be a paramedic.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22That decision meant two years at university and then graduation.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24- Mark Anthony Edwards. - THEY CLAP
0:03:24 > 0:03:29But getting a job can be even harder than obtaining a degree
0:03:29 > 0:03:33and Mark's about to find out if he's been successful.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36The recruitment day is over. The results are in.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40And for the applicants, the news is mixed.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- You didn't pass your interview. - Are you serious? - Yeah. I'm really sorry.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45Congratulations, you passed everything.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49- The job's yours if you want it. - Oh, that's great.- Well done.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Now, it's Mark's turn to get the news.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55Two years of study and intense training
0:03:55 > 0:03:58have all been leading to this moment.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- Well done, Mark, that's a pass. - Oh, fantastic!
0:04:01 > 0:04:04- OK. Very good patient assessment. - Thanks a lot.- Well done again.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07Thanks a lot. Officially a paramedic, yeah.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10How about that? Ace!
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Mark can't wait to tell his family.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16I got a job, Dad. I'm no longer a student, how about that?
0:04:16 > 0:04:18Yeah, great news. Yeah. There you go, I've done it.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21I've passed it. All right, mate, bye-bye. That's my dad.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25Man of few words. "Well done, Son, knew you could do it. Good job."
0:04:25 > 0:04:27That's it! That's it.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34It's two months on and Mark's about to start his first shift
0:04:34 > 0:04:37as an official paramedic.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40He's been partnered with experienced colleague, Will Tansey.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- So how much sleep did you get last night?- Four hours.- Four hours.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45You never manage to sleep before your first day shift.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47I'm proper nervous. I was all right until
0:04:47 > 0:04:50I pulled up this morning and now I'm a bit...
0:04:50 > 0:04:53Second guessing everything but I've just got to calm down a little bit.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56Will's with me, so I should be all right.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58I'd better go. All right.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01No paramedic ever forgets their first 999 call.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04And for Mark, it arrives within minutes.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07A 75-year-woman has collapsed at her home.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09As her son's been unable to lift her,
0:05:09 > 0:05:13she's been stranded on the bedroom floor for hours.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- Hello, my love. - Did you hurt yourself?- No.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22The patient's name is Elizabeth.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24She doesn't have the strength to get up.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27If you bend your knees up and put your feet on the floor...
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- Hiya.- ..and Mark will come behind you and we'll all stand up together.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35There you go, you hold on to me.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40That's all right, we weren't doing anything.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42Elizabeth has a history of breathing difficulties
0:05:42 > 0:05:44and has collapsed before.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47The last time, she dislocated her shoulder.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52Don't be so silly.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55You can't spend the rest of the day on the floor, can you?
0:05:56 > 0:06:00This time, there are no injuries and a thorough check shows that
0:06:00 > 0:06:04her breathing, blood pressure and body temperature are all normal.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06You don't need us to do anything, no?
0:06:06 > 0:06:09You don't need us to give you any nebulisers or anything
0:06:09 > 0:06:11while we're here, no? All right, OK.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15Elizabeth declines the offer to go to hospital so the paramedics
0:06:15 > 0:06:18make her comfortable and leave her to recover at home.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22What are we going to do - a bit of paperwork, quick signature, we'll leave you to it.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25For Mark, it's a straightforward start to his paramedic career,
0:06:25 > 0:06:29but his first shift will soon present stiffer challenges.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38In Cheshire, another emergency service rookie
0:06:38 > 0:06:41is about to face a stern test of her own.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44Police Special Amber-Louise Evans has already been on a drugs raid
0:06:44 > 0:06:47where she cuffed a suspect for the first time.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50You're under arrest concerning supply of controlled drugs.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52Do you understand?
0:06:52 > 0:06:55Now she's to get a taste of the notorious Friday evening shift.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03Amber's Police Special journey began in summer 2013
0:07:03 > 0:07:05when she completed a 20-day training course.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07On the first one, just draw your baton,
0:07:07 > 0:07:10we're going to go straight into the high parry... Go!
0:07:10 > 0:07:12ALL: Get back!
0:07:12 > 0:07:14Although Police Specials are volunteers,
0:07:14 > 0:07:17they have the same powers as regular officers when on active duty.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19They also face the same risks...
0:07:19 > 0:07:21It's better to come from the side,
0:07:21 > 0:07:23so you're not going to get kicked in the face.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26..so all trainee specials are taught how to use the kit they'll need to
0:07:26 > 0:07:29defend themselves if circumstances demand it,
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- including pepper sprays... - MAN: Spray! Spray!
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- ..Velcro straps...- The tighter you put them on, the better.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38..plastic hoods...
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- This is how it goes on. - ..and, of course, hand cuffs.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44Get the second cuff on, tighten them up,
0:07:44 > 0:07:46check for tightness and double lock.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50Amber couldn't wait to complete the course and go out
0:07:50 > 0:07:51on the streets as a Special.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55I think helping people is really the driving force
0:07:55 > 0:07:57that has made me interested in joining the police.
0:07:57 > 0:08:02Her ultimate aim - becoming a full-time officer.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04There's quite a few careers that you can go into
0:08:04 > 0:08:07which will help people, but with the police being so varied
0:08:07 > 0:08:10and you can stretch as wide and as high as you want in the career,
0:08:10 > 0:08:15the diversity of it is just something which you can add to your life.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Eight weeks later and the training is behind her.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26Amber arrives at the station to prepare for duty.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30It's only her second shift and it promises to be eventful.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32It's a Friday night, anything can happen.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35It's basically... It's just going to be jobs flying at us
0:08:35 > 0:08:37and it's just going to be the complete unexpected.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39Specials are assigned constable tutors
0:08:39 > 0:08:44and Amber's mentor is PC Richard Whitehead - a seasoned officer.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46And with experience comes a sense
0:08:46 > 0:08:49of whether things will be quiet or hectic.
0:08:49 > 0:08:50This week already, leading up to today,
0:08:50 > 0:08:52has been a very busy week for Warrington.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56Lots of arrests, lots of people in custody and today already,
0:08:56 > 0:09:00you can tell by the mood on the radio, it'll be a busy evening.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03Richard and Amber's first job involves the arrest of a man
0:09:03 > 0:09:04suspected of shoplifting.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07This is a crime that recently hit a ten-year high,
0:09:07 > 0:09:13with an estimated 2.7 million offences against retailers.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16You usually find people steal meat and stuff from shops
0:09:16 > 0:09:20because it's quite easy to sell on easily, isn't it? For drug money.
0:09:20 > 0:09:26The annual cost of retail crime in the UK is now £1.6 billion.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32The officers reach his address.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35If he's at home, it will be down to Amber to make the arrest.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38Get my phone.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42Another officer goes round the back,
0:09:42 > 0:09:45just in case the suspect tries to do a runner.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Will you just stand back for us, if you don't mind.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51Amber's suffering from last-minute nerves.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53DOGS BARK
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- I don't know what to say. - It's all right.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57Tell him you need to speak to him about something
0:09:57 > 0:09:59and then just lock him up.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02She needs to get the words of the caution exactly right
0:10:02 > 0:10:04for it to be legally sound.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- Hello. Is he in?- No.- Where is he?
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- What do you want him for? - Just come to have a chat.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- What?- Can I have a quick word with you?
0:10:12 > 0:10:15What's this all about? Am I getting arrested for something?
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- Yeah.- Oh, my God!- BLEEP!
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- Don't worry about it. - You are joking. What for now?
0:10:21 > 0:10:24You're under arrest for the suspicion of theft of wine from 15th May.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26- You do not have to say anything... - 15th May? When did I go to jail?
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- You weren't in jail then, we've already checked.- 15th May!
0:10:29 > 0:10:32You do not have to say anything but it may harm your defence
0:10:32 > 0:10:35if you do not mention when questioned something you later rely on in court.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- Anything you do say may be given in evidence.- BLEEP!- Do you understand?
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- Do you understand? - Do you understand?
0:10:40 > 0:10:42- If you're going to take me, take me...- BLEEP!
0:10:42 > 0:10:44Amber's arrest and caution were word perfect.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48Despite the suspect's anger, she showed no sign of nerves.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- You won't get an Oscar for this, you know.- I don't want an Oscar.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54The suspect's probation worker was informed about his impending
0:10:54 > 0:10:56arrest earlier today.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58A fact that doesn't impress him.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00She knew we were coming for you, but she's ...
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- She could have- BLEEP - told me about it.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04She's not going to tell you about it, is she?
0:11:04 > 0:11:07Neither is he happy about the order to remove his shoes -
0:11:07 > 0:11:10but they have laces and that's a suicide risk.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- You don't need them, do you? - He's not happy with your laces.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15- I'm not happy with you having laces in the van.- Why?
0:11:15 > 0:11:18They're loose laces. Just give them here.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Don't throw them on the floor. They cost me a lot of money.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22You walk on the floor! What's the problem?
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- Don't throw them cos you're going to scuff them...- BLEEP!
0:11:25 > 0:11:28They always get louder once the door's closed.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30To the new recruit, it's already clear
0:11:30 > 0:11:34that Specials face the same hostility as full-time officers.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37So, how did she cope with the suspect's aggression?
0:11:37 > 0:11:40I'm kind of a little bit numb to it, actually.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43I think it was really like he was quite riled up at the door,
0:11:43 > 0:11:45so you've just got to try and talk him down,
0:11:45 > 0:11:47make sure he's listening to me whilst I cautioned him.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51Obviously he was quite upset but, yeah, I think it went all right.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Quite happy about it.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56Amber's shift has got off to a volatile start
0:11:56 > 0:11:58and it has several hours to go.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06West Midlands ambulance service receives around 3,000
0:12:06 > 0:12:08999 calls every day.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11In Birmingham, rookie paramedic Mark and his colleague Will
0:12:11 > 0:12:14are responding to the latest.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20It concerns a 78-year-old man who's complaining
0:12:20 > 0:12:22of severe abdominal pains.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- How's Philip on his feet recently? - He's slow.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28He's been a little bit more unsteady than normal today.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30The call has come from Philip's wife Patricia.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32Not only is he in agonizing pain,
0:12:32 > 0:12:35he's also suffering from advanced Alzheimer's.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- We're going to the ambulance now. - We're going to where?
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- We're going to the ambulance. - Are you?- You're coming with me.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- Am I?- Yeah, you are, yeah. - Does Pat know as well?
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- Yeah, she's coming with us as well. - Right.- OK.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52Alzheimer's Disease affects almost half a million people in the UK.
0:12:52 > 0:12:57One in three people over 65 will die with some form of dementia.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Philip, lie on that stretcher for me, OK?
0:13:01 > 0:13:03Swing your legs round.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06There you go, don't worry about the sheets. There you go, last one.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08Mark tries to find out the cause of the pain.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13- First he examines Philip's stomach. - It is distended.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16It feels bloated and hard to the touch.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19What did you notice about his trousers not fitting?
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- They wouldn't fasten.- Just wouldn't fasten.- No, wouldn't fasten.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27- Mark makes a disturbing discovery. - There's a blockage somewhere.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Phillip's stomach may be enlarged due to his intestine
0:13:31 > 0:13:33being blocked or twisted.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35It's definitely bigger, it feels firm.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37I mean, I can't hear much going on in there, to be honest.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39Normally you can hear quite a lot.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- When did he eat last? - At lunchtime.- At lunchtime.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45A blocked intestine is serious.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47It can lead to tissue death
0:13:47 > 0:13:51and the intestine wall rupturing, with potentially fatal consequences.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54Philip needs immediate hospital care.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00Will drives without the sirens on to avoid alarming Philip and his wife.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05Once they arrive,
0:14:05 > 0:14:07the patient's rushed in for a scan on his intestine.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10The result? Mark's diagnosis is correct.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14Philip's intestine is blocked. He'll now undergo emergency surgery.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16I'm getting confidence in my skills.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19The things I'm doing and the training I'm doing is all making sense,
0:14:19 > 0:14:22which gives me confidence to go on.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25I have got the training. I've just got to have faith in it, really.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33The training that paramedics undergo is tough but not unique.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37For lifeboat volunteers like Harry Davies,
0:14:37 > 0:14:39the regime is every bit as testing.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46RNLI HQ in Poole, Dorset,
0:14:46 > 0:14:48and a batch of new lifeboat recruits
0:14:48 > 0:14:51are receiving a week of intensive training.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58They've been taught how to extinguish fires, helm a boat...
0:14:58 > 0:15:00And once you're happy, you can pick up speed.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- ..read charts...- So let's have a look at putting that on here, then.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06..and light flares in an emergency.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- What do we use an orange smoke flare for?- Daytime distress.
0:15:10 > 0:15:1322-year-old Harry is an electrician.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15He's just joined the lifeboat service
0:15:15 > 0:15:18and has many new skills to learn.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21Put your hand straight up. Don't bother looking at it.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24You shouldn't feel any warmth in your hand at all.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28Harry's wanted to be a lifeboat man since he was a boy.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Sea rescue runs in the family.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33My dad was a tractor driver.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37I grew up living across the road so it's something, as a kid...
0:15:37 > 0:15:40Helping out, just watching what the RNLI actually do
0:15:40 > 0:15:44is just amazing and now I can help and put my time
0:15:44 > 0:15:46into saving lives as well.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50But in saving lives, lifeboat crews often risk their own.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56One of the most dangerous events at sea is a lifeboat capsizing -
0:15:56 > 0:15:58the focus of the next training session.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01As soon as you lose power, the boat ends up being off, doesn't it?
0:16:01 > 0:16:04And if we're in any breaking surf, you only need a wave
0:16:04 > 0:16:07the height of the sponson, really, to actually roll you over.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10If the engines were to fail, what do we want to get out immediately?
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- Sea anchor.- The drove or the sea anchor, absolutely.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14And it should be as the helmsman's telling you,
0:16:14 > 0:16:16you should be jumping out of your seat to put that in.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Harry's about to experience a controlled capsize
0:16:19 > 0:16:22so he knows what to do if it happens on a call out.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25There's a strict procedure to follow.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Move your left leg backwards, hands down to the handrail,
0:16:28 > 0:16:30head to your hands, all the way down, like that.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36Harry's part of the first group to be capsized.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39The trainers will keep a close eye on the rookies to check
0:16:39 > 0:16:41they follow protocols under pressure.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46You grab the A-frame there. That's it. That's good.
0:16:46 > 0:16:51Harry's been assigned position three on the starboard side of the boat.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54So just to recap, we'll go heads to deck, the boat will go over,
0:16:54 > 0:16:57I'll blow my whistle and then it's all slow time and there's plenty of
0:16:57 > 0:17:00room under the boat, we can chill out and we'll sort ourselves out.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03A wave machine will create sea-like conditions
0:17:03 > 0:17:05and a powerful crane will tilt the boat.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09OK, heads to decks, please.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14When it capsizes, the rookies must shout their numbers
0:17:14 > 0:17:16to confirm they're OK.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- Numbers!- Three!- Four!- Good stuff.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27The next stage - getting their bearings in an air pocket...
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- How is everybody? All right? - Yeah. Good.- OK, wasn't it?
0:17:31 > 0:17:35..before swimming to safety, ensuring no-one's left behind.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41Harry followed the protocol perfectly.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43Not the experience I was expecting.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46When you're in the back seat and you're down like that,
0:17:46 > 0:17:50in actual fact you think, "Oh, my God! I'm going to get trapped!"
0:17:52 > 0:17:55And then you don't, you just slide out.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59Your head doesn't even go underwater, the water can come up to about here
0:17:59 > 0:18:01and you just sort of pull yourself round after
0:18:01 > 0:18:04you've shouted out your numbers and work your way to the front.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06I'd go and do it again.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11It's a month on, and Harry's on call near his home town,
0:18:11 > 0:18:14the Welsh coastal resort, Aberdovey.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16While he waits on stand-by,
0:18:16 > 0:18:19he takes some time out with fiancee Bethany.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23Harry proposed to her on this cliff top just a few weeks ago.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25The sun was out, there were no clouds
0:18:25 > 0:18:28and it was just absolutely gorgeous
0:18:28 > 0:18:32and to be honest, I wouldn't want to do it anywhere else.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34The couple both grew up in the area.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38They know that while the sea looks calm now, that can quickly change.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41Living so close to the sea, I think it makes us understand
0:18:41 > 0:18:44a little more of how harsh a sea can actually be.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48It's very unpredictable.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50The strength and the power of it is phenomenal.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58Now Harry's about to experience that sea power close-up.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01His crew has just had a call-out.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05A group of holiday-makers are stranded on a sandbank
0:19:05 > 0:19:07on the outskirts of the estuary.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10They've been Jet Skiing and their engine has failed.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14The crew needs to reach them fast -
0:19:14 > 0:19:19the afternoon visibility may be good, but darkness is approaching.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Harry's spotted the Jet Skiers and the crew go to rescue them.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34They were pulling an inflatable when their Jet Ski broke down.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36Hi, guys. You all right?
0:19:37 > 0:19:40They're lucky the strong currents swept them onto the bank
0:19:40 > 0:19:42rather than out to sea.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45- Ten years old, it's never ever let us down.- First time?
0:19:47 > 0:19:51The inflatable needs deflating and towing back to dry land.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54The crew can't leave it here, as the heavy winds will sweep it out
0:19:54 > 0:19:58to sea and it could be mistaken for a casualty needing assistance.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01This will go in the boat with us. And we'll to tow this behind us.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- Do you want me to deflate this then? - Yeah, basically, yeah, if that's OK.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07But the inflatable's valve is jammed.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13Harry, Harry! Have you got some pliers in the tool kit?
0:20:13 > 0:20:15There you go, mate.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25That's got the plug out.
0:20:25 > 0:20:31Valve sorted, the inflatable can be placed on the lifeboat.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33Next, the Jet Skiers' turn.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- Just drag yourself in. - Go round here, mate.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43Once on board, they're returned to dry land and safety.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48The Jet Skiers took to sea without mobiles or marine radios.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51They're fortunate they were spotted and rescued before nightfall.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55We were trying to get as close as we could back to the rocks
0:20:55 > 0:20:58over the back there, just so we could try get someone's attention.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Yeah, we were waving.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03It's one of those things you don't really want to go through,
0:21:03 > 0:21:07but it's nice to know there's somebody there to rescue you when you're in need.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10Luckily enough, they were there today so it was good. Very good.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- Otherwise we'd still be over there. - Otherwise we'd still be stuck.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17Harry and his colleagues return to the station. Mission accomplished.
0:21:23 > 0:21:28Back in Warrington, Police Special Amber and her mentor Richard are out on patrol.
0:21:28 > 0:21:33Richard's spotted a familiar car - he's convinced he recently saw it
0:21:33 > 0:21:35being driven suspiciously.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37Were you going pretty quick over the bridge before?
0:21:37 > 0:21:39I reckon it was you going the opposite way from me
0:21:39 > 0:21:41by the cantilever the other day.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43Yeah, I was in a plain car, a plain little Corsa
0:21:43 > 0:21:46and a blue BMW like this was screwing up the other way.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49Amber calls control to access the police national computer.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51Can I have a vehicle check, please?
0:21:51 > 0:21:55But the car and its occupants get the all-clear.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57BMW 3 Series in blue - insurance is held,
0:21:57 > 0:22:01MOT in order. No reports.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03Done. Cheers.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05Amber's radio skills are improving.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09On her first shift, she struggled with her call sign.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13Can I have a PNC person's check. 80573.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- Details when ready.- What's that? - Just say "details when ready".
0:22:16 > 0:22:18Details when ready. I can't remember how to do it.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20But today she's communicating like a veteran
0:22:20 > 0:22:24and her observation skills are growing sharper too.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26During the stop,
0:22:26 > 0:22:29she spots a man throwing a package onto the roof of the carwash.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32Richard wants to find out more.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35He's claiming it had bread in it and he does it all the time so...
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Richard's getting the ladder out to see if he can go up
0:22:38 > 0:22:40and make sure he's telling the truth.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45Throwing bread in a sealed bag onto a roof seems a strange story.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47But the man wants to show it's not a false one.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51Stop, you're not going to do it. You're going to break your neck.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54He's determined to prove he's telling the truth.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57He's not going to put the ladder on that!
0:22:58 > 0:23:00- One second. - No, you're going to break your neck
0:23:00 > 0:23:02and I'm not going to go to hospital with you.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04We've got things to do. I'll trust you for now.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09As an old hand, Richard's used to the unpredictable world of policing.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12For Amber, it's a totally new but enjoyable experience.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15It's just so random.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18It's so hilarious but at the same time, it's also one of those things
0:23:18 > 0:23:22which balance out the seriousness of the role
0:23:22 > 0:23:24and gives a good sense of diversity to the job.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34Rookie paramedic Mark is nearing the end of his shift.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36There's time for just one more job.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39He and colleague Will are responding to a 999.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43Ambulance service.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46The case is serious and complicated.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49The patient, Julie, has advanced multiple sclerosis
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- a condition affecting the central nervous system.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54She's struggling to breathe.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Heather, her carer, is very concerned.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59- Julie developed a cold last Sunday. - OK.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02She's been on antibiotics since Tuesday.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06- She's struggling to breathe.- OK.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Cos she has progressive MS, she can't cough
0:24:08 > 0:24:10so it's basically stuck there.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12I'm going to listen to your chest, OK.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15- Sats are 89.- 89?
0:24:15 > 0:24:18The sats number relates to Julie's blood oxygen levels.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22- They're worryingly low. - I'm just going to lift your arm up.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- Does she normally have any inhalers or anything like that?- No.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27- She doesn't have any asthma on top of everything?- No.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29As expected - rattles.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33A rattling chest indicates a build-up of fluid on Julie's lungs.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37But because of her MS, she can't cough it up,
0:24:37 > 0:24:39leading to severe breathing difficulties.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41What we doing then, boss?
0:24:41 > 0:24:43The antibiotics have not cleared the infection,
0:24:43 > 0:24:46we've got rattles in the chest, so basically the only thing we can do
0:24:46 > 0:24:49is take her to hospital.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51But Julie's condition is critical.
0:24:51 > 0:24:56Unless she can be stabilised now, she might not even make it to A&E.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59I think you're not winning this particular fight today, are you?
0:24:59 > 0:25:01- SHE GROANS - OK.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04We've going to put you on some oxygen,
0:25:04 > 0:25:06just because your breathing isn't that good, OK?
0:25:06 > 0:25:11Despite her difficulty in talking, Julie's fully aware what's going on.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14Mark keeps her informed at every stage.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17You have a high temperature, you have an infection
0:25:17 > 0:25:22and the drugs you've been given aren't working, OK?
0:25:22 > 0:25:24And because your airway's blocked as well,
0:25:24 > 0:25:27we really do need to get you some IV antibiotics
0:25:27 > 0:25:29so I'm going to put a little needle in your hand
0:25:29 > 0:25:31to bring down your temperature
0:25:31 > 0:25:34and take away your pain a little bit, yeah?
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Administering paracetamol intravenously requires skill.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41A skill Mark learned during his training.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44The only side effect of it is if it's given too quickly, it can drop
0:25:44 > 0:25:47your blood pressure a little bit but we're not going to give it quickly.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49A case like this would be challenging
0:25:49 > 0:25:52for an experienced paramedic, let alone a rookie.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55- Ow!- Sorry, love. I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58It's proving hard to find a viable vein.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03It might take repeated attempts.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07OK, sharp scratch on your hand, OK.
0:26:07 > 0:26:08OK, sharp scratch.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10But Mark's hit the target first time.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13Julie can get the medicine she needs.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15Give me some IV paracetamol, please.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18The paracetamol will bring Julie's temperature down
0:26:18 > 0:26:20but it won't help her breathing.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23For that to happen, she needs urgent hospital treatment.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25There we go.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29Around 100,000 people in the UK have MS.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32Except in rare cases, the condition isn't fatal
0:26:32 > 0:26:36but complications arising from it, like pneumonia, can be.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38OK, you down?
0:26:38 > 0:26:42When they reach the ambulance, Will and Mark sit Julie upright.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45Hopefully, the fluid in her throat will drain down,
0:26:45 > 0:26:47helping her breathe.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50- Are you warm enough, Julie? - SHE GROANS
0:26:50 > 0:26:52I don't want to put a blanket on and overheat you.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54Yeah, she's too hot as it is.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56While observing Julie's vital signs,
0:26:56 > 0:26:59Mark starts to suspect she has sepsis -
0:26:59 > 0:27:04potentially fatal body inflammation caused by severe infection.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07He'll report his concerns to the hospital when they arrive.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12Will's an expert blue light driver.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15He delivers Julie to A&E within minutes.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20Sepsis claims more than 37,000 lives in the UK every year
0:27:20 > 0:27:24- more than breast cancer and bowel cancer combined.
0:27:24 > 0:27:25It's a big killer.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Sepsis leads onto something called SARS, which is an organ failure.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30If she went on to that, she has about a 10%
0:27:30 > 0:27:33chance of dying an hour
0:27:33 > 0:27:35and if we as paramedics can't spot the sepsis,
0:27:35 > 0:27:37she won't get the treatment she needs when she gets to hospital,
0:27:37 > 0:27:39which is very definitive, it's very clear.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43What we've just done could save a life.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Philip's operation on his twisted intestine was successful.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53He's now back at home with Patricia.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58The man accused of shoplifting wine from a local supermarket,
0:27:58 > 0:28:02whom Amber calmly arrested despite him losing his temper,
0:28:02 > 0:28:05wasn't charged for that offence.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09And Julie's now home after a lengthy stay at hospital.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13Following intensive treatment, her severe infection has cleared up.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19Next time, the teaching's over.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23It's time for rookie firefighter Brendan to tackle a real emergency.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25Hello, fire service.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28The clock ticks for new paramedic Sam
0:28:28 > 0:28:31and a patient needing life-saving treatment.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37We're going to raise your legs up to see if we can raise the blood pressure first.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40And the chase is on as Police Special Becky
0:28:40 > 0:28:43tracks down a gang of suspected burglars.
0:28:43 > 0:28:44See if you can get through the gap.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47I'm not too sure, I might have to jump over.