0:00:02 > 0:00:04Britain's next generation of emergency service recruits,
0:00:04 > 0:00:06chosen from a pool of thousands.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10Rookies like Brendan who quit his job in marketing.
0:00:10 > 0:00:11Can he make it as a firefighter?
0:00:11 > 0:00:13It's a nervous time really,
0:00:13 > 0:00:16to know whether I've made the right decision.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19And university graduate Sam, after years of training,
0:00:19 > 0:00:21finally embarking on his dream career.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24I feel proud to call myself a paramedic.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27I really feel I've earned the tabs on my shoulders.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30Beccy's desperate to be a police special,
0:00:30 > 0:00:33but will tough tests and nerves stand in her way?
0:00:33 > 0:00:36I think we're all feeling very nervous
0:00:36 > 0:00:39because we all want to get out there to start our policing careers.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42They've survived months of intensive training...
0:00:42 > 0:00:44- ALL: Get back! - I've made contact.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46..they've been tested to their limits...
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- Spray! Spray!- It's burning.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Stop panicking, don't worry.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53..all to realise their dream careers.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58I can feel actually, yeah, I've made a difference in someone's life today.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02Join them for their First Time On The Front Line.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08In today's programme, the teaching's over.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12It's time for rookie firefighter Brendan to tackle a real emergency.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14Hello! Fire Service!
0:01:15 > 0:01:17The clock ticks for new paramedic Sam
0:01:17 > 0:01:20and a patient needing life-saving treatment.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26We're going to raise your legs to see if we can raise your blood pressure.
0:01:26 > 0:01:31And the chase is on as police special Beccy tracks down a gang of suspected burglars.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33See if you can get through the gap.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36I'm not too sure, I might have to jump over.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43In Birmingham, a new shift and a new career
0:01:43 > 0:01:45for one 30-year-old.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52How did that feel? Different?
0:01:52 > 0:01:56Brendan Houston spent six years in a well-paid marketing job
0:01:56 > 0:02:01but then he decided to swap his suit for a firefighter uniform.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04I felt that I could do something that was a little bit more rewarding
0:02:04 > 0:02:07for myself and give something back.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09Making the change wasn't easy.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13There were over 5,000 applicants for jobs with the West Midlands Service.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17Come on, move it along. Number one!
0:02:17 > 0:02:19Brendan was one of only 50 selected.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21It's something I've wanted to do for a long time.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24I think every young boy grows up wanting to be a fireman,
0:02:24 > 0:02:27a hero...heroic side of things.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31Then there was intensive training to get through.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35When you're moving around, you do it like this. Like when you were a kid.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37During the eight-week programme,
0:02:37 > 0:02:41Brendan and his fellow trainees had to master rescue equipment...
0:02:41 > 0:02:45You're trying to get it to tear down the wheel arch.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48..learn how to use breathing apparatus...
0:02:48 > 0:02:51The temperature downstairs rose very, very rapidly, didn't it?
0:02:51 > 0:02:53..and fight fires.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55The actual recruitment process and the training here
0:02:55 > 0:02:58is tough because our lives are going to be in danger
0:02:58 > 0:03:01and you have to be able to take on board information and act upon it.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11But lessons don't end when firefighters leave the academy.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15Today, Brendan's shift begins with a firefighting exercise.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18First, a briefing from his instructor.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20They'll do a door entry, they'll make safe progress through,
0:03:20 > 0:03:22find the fire compartment...
0:03:22 > 0:03:26Brendan's seniors will observe the new recruit closely today.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30He's on 12 months' probation and needs to impress.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33Take control of the fire, make a vent.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36That's where the fans are. That's your positive pressure.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40He's about to work in 600 degree heat -
0:03:40 > 0:03:44scorching temperatures in low visibility conditions.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47A thorough check of all the kit is essential.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50Brendan and the crew will face real flames and real smoke.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07The crew follow their training to the letter.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10Failure to test a hose before entering a building
0:04:10 > 0:04:13can mean the difference between life and death.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18Once inside, Brendan must drag the heavy hose up three flights
0:04:18 > 0:04:22of stairs while already weighed down with breathing apparatus.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29He must control his breathing in order to preserve his air supply.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35When he finds the blaze, Brendan directs a jet of water at the base.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42Soon he brings the fire under control.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47But combating the flames is only one challenge -
0:04:47 > 0:04:49in house fires, more people are killed by smoke.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55Just two breaths of toxic fumes can render you unconscious
0:04:55 > 0:04:59so Brendan and his crew mates use powerful ventilation fans
0:04:59 > 0:05:02to blow the smoke out of the building as quickly as possible.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13The exercise is over. The rookie's risen to the challenge.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16Brendan had the difficult job of dragging all that hose reel up.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19We got to the fire room and I told Brendan as soon as we got control,
0:05:19 > 0:05:22get that vent open. It was quite a good performance.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26Brendan's yet to respond to his first real fire.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29Training likes this ensures he's ready.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31You don't know how you'll react in that situation
0:05:31 > 0:05:37but I'm confident in myself that once the real thing comes, I'll be able to react to it and hopefully
0:05:37 > 0:05:40do some good in someone's life if they should need it.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45One raw recruit who has dealt with genuine emergencies -
0:05:45 > 0:05:48paramedic Sam du Plessis Grimson.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52He's already treated a baby with a paracetamol overdose
0:05:52 > 0:05:55and a boy suffering a severe allergic reaction.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00Today he's on shift with his supervising mentor
0:06:00 > 0:06:02for the first time.
0:06:06 > 0:06:12It's just weeks since Sam graduated with a degree in paramedic science
0:06:12 > 0:06:15and passed the tough selection process
0:06:15 > 0:06:18to join the West Midlands Ambulance Service.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- Congratulations. - Ah, brilliant, thank you so much.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24And active duty is also a real education.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27Every day is a school day in this job.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29I feel like I've got the skills
0:06:29 > 0:06:32and the knowledge to be able to deal with
0:06:32 > 0:06:34almost any situation which is put in front of me.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Sam's first shifts have been full of challenges.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41But with each emergency, his confidence has been growing.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43I feel like I've earned these tabs on my shoulders
0:06:43 > 0:06:47and I feel proud to call myself a paramedic.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56Today, Sam's partnered with supervisor Mark Mearns.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00They'll work as colleagues but Mark will monitor his every move.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04New recruits are on probation for six months.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06They're normally more experienced paramedics
0:07:06 > 0:07:09who've done a mentoring course and they come out with us
0:07:09 > 0:07:11from time to time to see how we're doing,
0:07:11 > 0:07:14to see if we're providing the right care for the patient.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20The shift's only minutes old when the crew is called into action.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23It's a red two call.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27A red call signals an immediate threat to life.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30They need to get to the patient fast.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35So we've got a female of 64 years who's having a stroke.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38That's all the information we've got at the moment.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40It came through four minutes ago.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45One in five strokes is fatal.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48The longer the delay in treatment, the greater the likelihood of death.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51It's that block of flats directly in front of us there
0:07:51 > 0:07:53is where we're going.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56Sam's skilled driving means they arrive just seconds
0:07:56 > 0:07:58after a rapid response paramedic.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01The patient is 64-year-old Catherine.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04She's recently experienced a number of mini-strokes
0:08:04 > 0:08:08and this morning her husband Maurice thinks she's suffering another.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14Yeah, I can see, sweetheart.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18Let me do some tests. We'll see what we're looking at.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20Catherine's slurred speech
0:08:20 > 0:08:24and the droop on one side of her face do indicate the worst.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28The rapid responder, who's attended to her previously, takes the lead.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30I've seen this lady a couple of times.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32Sam assists by running tests.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37And they confirm everyone's fears.
0:08:37 > 0:08:38Cath, sweetheart,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41it looks like you've had another little stroke, OK?
0:08:41 > 0:08:44It might be a mini one but we need to see the doctor first to get it all sorted.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46There's no way around that.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51The stroke means Catherine's brain isn't receiving sufficient blood.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54She has got a history of what they call transient ischaemic attacks
0:08:54 > 0:08:57or mini-strokes, where you have a bit of facial or arm weakness
0:08:57 > 0:09:00and then you recover, but as she hasn't recovered at this point,
0:09:00 > 0:09:03we're going to treat her for the worst, as always,
0:09:03 > 0:09:06and alert her into Heartlands as a stroke patient.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10However, despite her condition, she suddenly recognises Sam.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15Four years ago, he treated her while he was a student.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17Have you, my love?
0:09:17 > 0:09:19It's a hopeful sign.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21It suggests Catherine's memory
0:09:21 > 0:09:23hasn't been impaired and her latest stroke isn't severe.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26Was it here? I recognise the dolphins
0:09:26 > 0:09:30cos my sister's actually got a tattoo that looks like that clock.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34However, even mini-strokes are serious.
0:09:34 > 0:09:385% rapidly lead to more severe life-threatening strokes.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42The crew need to get Catherine to hospital quickly.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44Right, do a little dance.
0:09:47 > 0:09:52As a student, Sam worked hard to build up a warm relationship with his patients.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56It's clear he made a lasting impression on Catherine.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59When I first met Sam,
0:09:59 > 0:10:01he was a student
0:10:01 > 0:10:05and I said to him from that day he'd pass his paramedics.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08It's good to see you. Thank you, my love, thank you.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10You're welcome, son.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13I like seeing patients when I was a student and sort of saying,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16"Look! I made it!" So that's always nice.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20- He's turned out a good-looking lad. - Thank you, my love.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24Putting patients at ease is an essential skill for paramedics.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27It comes easily to Sam.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33Soon they reach A&E, where Catherine can rapidly get treatment,
0:10:33 > 0:10:37improving her chances of a positive outcome.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42Mark is impressed with Sam's start to his fledgling career.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44Sam certainly seems to be one of our stronger
0:10:44 > 0:10:47new paramedics and certainly the way he has performed
0:10:47 > 0:10:50so far today shows a lot of promise.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55Helping people like Catherine is one of the reasons Sam
0:10:55 > 0:10:57wanted to become a paramedic.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00It's nice seeing people as a... it's kind of a full circle
0:11:00 > 0:11:02when you see them as a student and as a paramedic.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05She was lovely, invited me around for tea and everything,
0:11:05 > 0:11:07so it's always nice to get people who want to see you.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09Yeah, great part of the job.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17Last year over 20,000 people gave up their free time
0:11:17 > 0:11:20to volunteer as special police officers.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22Get down, get down, get down!
0:11:22 > 0:11:24They have the same powers as regular police,
0:11:24 > 0:11:27are highly trained and well-equipped to fight crime.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30ALL: Get back!
0:11:30 > 0:11:33They each sacrifice at least 200 hours a year to help
0:11:33 > 0:11:36keep their communities safe
0:11:36 > 0:11:39and Beccy Purcell hopes to join them.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50The Cheshire police specials training programme
0:11:50 > 0:11:52has reached its climax.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56These potential new recruits must pass today's role plays
0:11:56 > 0:11:58before being cleared to go on duty.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01Assessment day today.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04You can smile, enjoy your day.
0:12:04 > 0:12:0729-year-old Beccy is a government contract manager.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11She's dreamed of becoming a volunteer police officer for years.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13I've done a lot of voluntary work
0:12:13 > 0:12:17and charity work in the past and it seemed like a great thing to be involved in.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20The public look to us as a sign of safety
0:12:20 > 0:12:22and you know we're going to protect them
0:12:22 > 0:12:25so I guess that whole level of authority is quite appealing.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28If Beccy passes today, she'll be on duty within a week.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31I think we're all feeling very nervous.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33It's one of those...I couldn't eat breakfast this morning
0:12:33 > 0:12:36It's all worth it because we all want to get out there,
0:12:36 > 0:12:40we want to be operational and we want to be able to start our policing careers.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45Beccy's role play's about to start and her nerves are frayed.
0:12:45 > 0:12:50She's shaking so badly, she can't do up her jacket.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Can you give me a hand with my zip? I can't see anything.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00SHE GIGGLES Small technical hitch.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03As she struggles with her kit,
0:13:03 > 0:13:06the other applicants start their assessments,
0:13:06 > 0:13:09with fellow rookies acting as suspects.
0:13:10 > 0:13:15- Do you have anything on you at all that could harm me or yourself?- No.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19If they don't impress today, 20 days of training could go to waste.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23Sometimes you have to act quickly in taking somebody's liberty.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26After her false start, Beccy's now good to go.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30She's been told a man is acting suspiciously in a car park.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Sorry, can I just stop you for a second?
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Would you step away from the car to over here?
0:13:35 > 0:13:38Beccy and partner Naomi must do everything by the book.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41They separate, making it hard for a violent individual
0:13:41 > 0:13:43to attack them both at the same time.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Can I just ask what you're doing today in the car park?
0:13:45 > 0:13:48- Yeah, I'm looking for my dog. - You're looking for your dog?
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- Yes.- So how long has your dog been missing?- Ten minutes or so.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53Because the man was acting suspiciously,
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Beccy has the legal power to stop and search him.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59But she must follow the correct procedure.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02We are going to do a stop and search and that's just to make sure
0:14:02 > 0:14:05you aren't carrying anything that might incriminate you.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07How can you search me when I'm looking for my dog?
0:14:07 > 0:14:11Searching suspects is dangerous and must be done with care.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14They could be carrying syringes or, as in this case,
0:14:14 > 0:14:16a knife hidden in the suspect's sock.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Possession of a three inch folding blade is legal.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30The rookies' knowledge of the law is about to be tested.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- Is it three-inch?- No, it does lock. - It locks in place?
0:14:34 > 0:14:38Because this knife blade locks, it is against the law to carry it.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41Unfortunately, sir, that is a bladed weapon that you're not
0:14:41 > 0:14:43allowed to carry in public. It is an offence to do so.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46For that reason I am now going to place you under arrest.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Again, correct procedure is all-important.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52Failure to get the wording of the arrest exactly right
0:14:52 > 0:14:55means a prosecution could be jeopardised.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58OK, I'm placing you under arrest for possession of a bladed weapon in a public place.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01The...erm...you do not have to say anything
0:15:01 > 0:15:03but it may harm your defence if you do not mention
0:15:03 > 0:15:05when questioned something which you later rely on in court.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- Anything you do say may be given in evidence. Do you understand?- Yes.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11The role play is over.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14After all her hours training and studying,
0:15:14 > 0:15:17Beccy's about to find out if she's passed
0:15:17 > 0:15:19and can wear a police uniform for real.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22I liked how quite assertive you were.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25Real good verbals - "I'm arresting you for this."
0:15:25 > 0:15:27Cautioned, cuffed. Brilliant, job done.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30When the pressure was on, Beccy's nerves vanished.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34She proved today she has what it takes.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36I'm quite excited about this now -
0:15:36 > 0:15:39this is where it's all been leading to, so let's go out and do it.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46A week on and Beccy gets the opportunity she's been craving.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49She's on an induction shift, where a batch of new specials
0:15:49 > 0:15:52go on patrol with a special inspector.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54Tonight it's Mark Weeks.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57Within minutes, they receive an emergency call.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59We've just had a report that there's a disturbance at a pub.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02Police have been called but no information passed,
0:16:02 > 0:16:04so we don't know what's going on.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09On arrival, they're told there's been a fight between a man and a woman.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13As a colleague interviews the man, Beccy takes a witness away from the scene for questioning.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Come and stand round here.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18If you're round the corner, you'll be fine.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21What's your name, love? OK. Where are you shoes?
0:16:21 > 0:16:23It gives people chance to do a bit of detective work
0:16:23 > 0:16:26and establish the actual cause of what's happened.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28Also gives them a chance to do PNC person checks on the radio,
0:16:28 > 0:16:30so gets the confidence up there
0:16:30 > 0:16:32and gets them used to dealing with people
0:16:32 > 0:16:33who may have had a little too much to drink.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36The victim decides not to press charges,
0:16:36 > 0:16:37so the witness is free to go.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39Thanks, Annie. Enjoy the rest of the night.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41Go and get your shoes on.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44A potentially volatile situation has been diffused
0:16:44 > 0:16:47and Beccy's police adventure is under way.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49It's all good learning experience,
0:16:49 > 0:16:51getting used to the sort of responses you might get
0:16:51 > 0:16:54when you're out in public, which are vastly different from those
0:16:54 > 0:16:56when you're in the safe environment of the training centres.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00Beccy's first proper shift is just days away
0:17:00 > 0:17:03and, once again, her nerves will be tested to the limit.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14West Midlands Fire Service attends over 14,000 emergencies
0:17:14 > 0:17:19a year and rookie firefighter Brendan is about to get busy.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23His crew is responding to a 999 from a resident reporting
0:17:23 > 0:17:26smoke fumes from a neighbour's flat.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35Crew commander James Brereton will keep a close eye on
0:17:35 > 0:17:37Brendan during this call out.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47At the scene, the smell of smoke is obvious.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49The crew must act fast.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53Even a small fire can rapidly become an inferno.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01There are two ground floor flats.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03Brendan has to pick a door to lever open.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06The chances of being right are 50-50.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09Hello, it's the Fire Service!
0:18:09 > 0:18:11It was the wrong one.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14And the other flat's door is extremely secure.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18You've got two locks to break here.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22Looks like that's probably the stronger one, so go in there first.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25Brendan needs to open it as quickly as possible.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27People could be inside.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30He doesn't find any occupants.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Hello, Fire Service!
0:18:32 > 0:18:35But Brendan does find the source of the fire.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38Here we are - it's an electric blanket in here.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40It's what we class as a late fire.
0:18:40 > 0:18:41Occupiers had a fire
0:18:41 > 0:18:43with an electric blanket.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46They've obviously extinguished it themselves, unplugged it
0:18:46 > 0:18:48and gone off to work without telling anybody.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52Household electrics are a common reason for blazes,
0:18:52 > 0:18:56causing 20,000 fires every year in the UK.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58It could have been a serious incident there.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01You can see with all the bedding and clothing around, that could
0:19:01 > 0:19:03have spread and affected the other residents.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08All the bedding must be removed.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11Residual heat could cause the fabric to burst into flames again.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16Yeah, yeah.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22It may not have been Brendan's first fire,
0:19:22 > 0:19:24but it's all valuable experience.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26The air now is still pretty smoky
0:19:26 > 0:19:29and there's quite an acrid smell of the bed that was quite badly
0:19:29 > 0:19:32scorched from the electric blanket, as well.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36For all the danger, call outs like this convince Brendan
0:19:36 > 0:19:39he was right to give up his secure and safe office job.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42I was at a crossroads in my life where I could have
0:19:42 > 0:19:44stuck with the role that I had or twisted
0:19:44 > 0:19:45and tried something new
0:19:45 > 0:19:47and, for me, it's a nervous time, really,
0:19:47 > 0:19:50to know whether I've made the right decision -
0:19:50 > 0:19:51so far, I think I have.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53Everything seems to be hard work but
0:19:53 > 0:19:56good fun when you get home and think about it.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03Another new recruit enjoying hard work with
0:20:03 > 0:20:06the emergency services is paramedic Sam.
0:20:06 > 0:20:11On this shift, he's with experienced crew member Martin Cummins.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14A GP has asked them to take an ill patient to hospital -
0:20:14 > 0:20:17a seemingly routine call.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20We've got a 73-year-old male.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22It's come through as breathing difficulties.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25GP is querying bronchitis or querying pneumonia.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27We've just arrived at the property now,
0:20:27 > 0:20:30so we'll go in and make our assessment.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33But the paramedics soon discover
0:20:33 > 0:20:36the case is much more serious than expected.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38The patient, 73-year-old Michael,
0:20:38 > 0:20:42has become critically ill since the GP saw him.
0:20:42 > 0:20:43Morning. How are we doing today?
0:20:43 > 0:20:46He has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease -
0:20:46 > 0:20:52a condition that kills over 25,000 people in the UK every year.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55OK, just to start to do a few bits and pieces on you,
0:20:55 > 0:20:57like your blood pressure and everything like that, all right?
0:20:57 > 0:21:00Sam needs to get a full medical history,
0:21:00 > 0:21:03but his patient's too ill to talk,
0:21:03 > 0:21:06so he looks to get information from Michael's wife, Caroline.
0:21:06 > 0:21:11I noticed he was having a hard time getting out of bed this morning.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14He was decorating all day yesterday.
0:21:14 > 0:21:15What, here?
0:21:15 > 0:21:17Yes, painting all the doors and everything.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19Oh, he's been doing the sanding and stuff.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Oh, might have irritated his lungs a bit, as well.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- You can tell from his eyes he's not quite...- Yeah.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27He has got a very high temperature.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30Michael's condition continues to deteriorate.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Do you know what year it is?
0:21:35 > 0:21:37No, I'm very confused.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39All right, not to worry.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44He clearly needs urgent hospital care.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Once inside the ambulance,
0:21:51 > 0:21:52Michael's condition worsens again.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55His blood pressure has plummeted
0:21:55 > 0:21:57and his heart rate is too fast.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02He also has a high temperature.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04That could be a sign of sepsis -
0:22:04 > 0:22:07a life-threatening condition
0:22:07 > 0:22:09where the body overreacts to an infection.
0:22:09 > 0:22:10Going to raise your legs up,
0:22:10 > 0:22:13just to see if we can raise blood pressure first, OK?
0:22:13 > 0:22:15And then we'll get on the move then, all right?
0:22:15 > 0:22:18Sam's training stressed the importance of staying calm
0:22:18 > 0:22:21even in the most critical situation.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25Seems... What would appear to be a fairly severe chest infection.
0:22:25 > 0:22:26He's definitely dehydrated.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28Martin's popped a line in,
0:22:28 > 0:22:30which means he'll have some fluids, make him feel a bit
0:22:30 > 0:22:33better and raise his blood pressure and let the hospital know.
0:22:33 > 0:22:34Working in tandem,
0:22:34 > 0:22:38the paramedics try to stabilise Michael's condition.
0:22:38 > 0:22:39I'm going to give you some fluids,
0:22:39 > 0:22:41get your blood pressure up a bit.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Then it's blue lights on and off to hospital.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53Just a few weeks ago, Sam learnt how to drive
0:22:53 > 0:22:54under blue light conditions.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57That training could make all the difference
0:22:57 > 0:22:59to this patient's outcome.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03We're not far now, about two, three minutes away from the hospital.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Now they've reached A&E,
0:23:06 > 0:23:09doctors will administer the life-saving treatment Michael needs.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15Another shift is over.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17Sam's now been a paramedic for a month
0:23:17 > 0:23:20and thinks he's finding his feet.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22I was quite terrified when I first started
0:23:22 > 0:23:25and that's sort of gone away and now I'm able to use
0:23:25 > 0:23:28my skills, everything I've learned.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30I'm getting into the job and settling into it.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44In Warrington, it's another big moment for Rookie Special Beccy -
0:23:44 > 0:23:48the start of her 18-month probation period.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51Pleased to be here now and doing a day shift and being out there,
0:23:51 > 0:23:53you know, creating a police presence during the day
0:23:53 > 0:23:55but now I'm trying to remember all my learnings,
0:23:55 > 0:23:59everything that I've had over the last few months, my training.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02New Specials are observed by constable tutors
0:24:02 > 0:24:05and today Beccy's mentor is PC Richard Whitehead.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11Once on patrol, he's keen to teach her about the local patch
0:24:11 > 0:24:12and the local criminals.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26He got caught and admitted to doing a shed burglary.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33Beccy's guided tour comes to a sudden halt.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36She's about to experience her first blue light shout.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47It's not often police officers get the chance
0:24:47 > 0:24:50to catch thieves red-handed.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52But today they could be in luck.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06See if you can get through the gap. I'm not too sure.
0:25:06 > 0:25:07I might have to jump over.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14The suspects are spotted in the distance.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18Oi! Here, now!
0:25:18 > 0:25:20Because the officers were nearby when the call came in,
0:25:20 > 0:25:23they haven't had time to escape.
0:25:23 > 0:25:24What's your name, mate?
0:25:24 > 0:25:28Beccy now gets the chance to make her first arrest.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30She needs to get the wording exactly right.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33But will the nerves
0:25:33 > 0:25:37she experienced during her training strike once more?
0:25:37 > 0:25:39What we are going to do is arrest you on suspicion of burglary.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42You don't have to say anything but anything you do say may be
0:25:42 > 0:25:46taken as evidence and used against you...
0:25:46 > 0:25:48sorry, may harm your defence if you don't mention
0:25:48 > 0:25:51when questioned something you later rely on in court.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54Anything you do say may be taken down as evidence and used against you.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56We're going to arrest you on suspicion,
0:25:56 > 0:25:59that's just the necessity...the necessity for that is to make sure
0:25:59 > 0:26:03we can protect any property that's around here and we can get some
0:26:03 > 0:26:06statements from you and understand exactly what's happened.
0:26:06 > 0:26:07Do you all understand?
0:26:07 > 0:26:11Beccy may have stumbled in parts but she managed to correct herself.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14The arrest was legally sound.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19Before they're taken into custody, Beccy needs to perform
0:26:19 > 0:26:20a thorough search.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23This time it's no role play.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26You've not got anything on you that's sharp that may hurt you or me?
0:26:28 > 0:26:30- What's in your pockets, mate?- A hat. - A hat.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34Beccy conducts the search like a seasoned veteran and isn't
0:26:34 > 0:26:37intimidated by the suspects not wanting to come quietly.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40Seriously, just calm down, we'll get you in the car.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43I don't want to go. Why are you taking me?
0:26:43 > 0:26:46We've explained why we're taking you so save it for interview.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49- I've not done anything wrong. - In. Watch your head.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Most Specials have to wait months before their first arrest.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56For Beccy, it's a different story.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59First arrest, first search. I think it's...a bit of a rush!
0:27:02 > 0:27:06The officers head off to book the suspects into custody.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10Richard's impressed with how his protege performed under pressure.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12It's a massive thing, your first arrest.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15Once that's under your belt, it's plain sailing from there on.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18I felt confident in her being there, I felt confident
0:27:18 > 0:27:21in the fact that she knew what she was doing and obviously at the scene
0:27:21 > 0:27:22maybe had a bit of a wobble with the caution
0:27:22 > 0:27:25but she soon pulled that back from there.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27It was really important to go back and correct myself
0:27:27 > 0:27:30but I will be reciting it again in my sleep tonight
0:27:30 > 0:27:32to make sure I definitely know it inside and out!
0:27:39 > 0:27:41Sam's patient, Michael, was treated for pneumonia
0:27:41 > 0:27:44and spent four days in hospital before returning home.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49The burglary suspects Beccy arrested at the school have
0:27:49 > 0:27:51been given formal police cautions.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56Catherine received treatment and was prescribed
0:27:56 > 0:28:00blood-thinning medication to reduce the risk of future strokes.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04All being well, she won't be seeing Sam again any time soon.
0:28:07 > 0:28:08Next time...
0:28:08 > 0:28:11- I'm having a go because- BLEEP... - Stop swearing now.
0:28:11 > 0:28:12..a party...
0:28:12 > 0:28:14Sorry, I'm from Yorkshire.
0:28:14 > 0:28:15..a fight...
0:28:15 > 0:28:17I've got a bruise here.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19..and a guest who's outstayed his welcome...
0:28:19 > 0:28:22- I'm going.- BLEEP. - You're under arrest, sunshine.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24- What for?- Drunk and disorderly.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26..danger on the hard-shoulder -
0:28:26 > 0:28:30Maya braves motorway traffic to find the cause of a driver's illness...
0:28:30 > 0:28:34That scar there. What's that from? What is that from?
0:28:34 > 0:28:36..and emergency at altitude...
0:28:36 > 0:28:38I can see somebody just 200 metres.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41..Tom joins the rescue operation as an elderly walker
0:28:41 > 0:28:43is injured on the mountainside.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45Ready, brace, lift.