0:00:02 > 0:00:04Ambulance Service. Is the patient breathing?
0:00:04 > 0:00:06This programme contains some strong language
0:00:06 > 0:00:09and scenes which some viewers may find upsetting.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Every year in Britain,
0:00:11 > 0:00:1512 million people dial 999 for an emergency ambulance,
0:00:15 > 0:00:17more than 3,000 a day in the West Midlands.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20Right, stop screaming and listen to me.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22Listen. Don't be afraid to push too hard.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24One and two and three.
0:00:24 > 0:00:25CPR in progress.
0:00:28 > 0:00:29Everyone clear.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33Each call tells the story of a person in desperate need...
0:00:33 > 0:00:34Can you upgrade it to a red, please?
0:00:34 > 0:00:36He's been badly beaten.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38Do you know what it was you were stabbed with, Dom?
0:00:38 > 0:00:42..and with call numbers doubling in the last decade...
0:00:42 > 0:00:44The head's here. The head's here, nearly. Yep.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- I can't.- You can.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48..for our public services,
0:00:48 > 0:00:50a situation that is now critical.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52They've got to find somewhere for him.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54They can't just say there's no beds.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Is this literally what you've got, what you're standing up in?
0:00:56 > 0:00:58You've got nothing else?
0:00:58 > 0:01:00OK.
0:01:00 > 0:01:01The failure of the system.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Oh, God.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- Oh, my God. - What was he doing?
0:01:08 > 0:01:10All right. Just one minute.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Cameras follow cases as they unfold, minute by minute.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15Two ambulances, please, if possible.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17OK, yeah, as long as you're all right,
0:01:17 > 0:01:19I'll get everybody to you as quick as I can.
0:01:19 > 0:01:20In the control room...
0:01:20 > 0:01:22Confirmed life extinct.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24Oh, man.
0:01:24 > 0:01:25..and on the ground...
0:01:25 > 0:01:27Sorry for your loss.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31..as the West Midlands Ambulance Service race to save lives.
0:01:31 > 0:01:32They are coming to you.
0:01:32 > 0:01:37Blue lights and sirens, as fast as they possibly can.
0:01:37 > 0:01:38Is he breathing?
0:01:38 > 0:01:40Can you see the helicopter?
0:01:40 > 0:01:41You're no trouble, honestly.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43Everybody needs help sometimes, don't they?
0:01:43 > 0:01:46This is the story behind the sirens.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49- Nee-naw, nee-naw.- Nee-naw, nee-naw.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51Get out the way. I'm driving.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53SIREN SOUNDS
0:02:05 > 0:02:07Ambulance Service. Is the patient breathing?
0:02:11 > 0:02:13Right, so black fluid is coming out of her mouth.
0:02:16 > 0:02:17So she's not conscious, then?
0:02:18 > 0:02:20It's very important...
0:02:21 > 0:02:23Listen...
0:02:23 > 0:02:24BLEEP
0:02:24 > 0:02:27OK, this isn't going to help if you carry on like this.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39One hour into the Friday late shift,
0:02:39 > 0:02:41and the control room is taking its first cardiac arrest call
0:02:41 > 0:02:43of the night.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49Do you want any...?
0:02:49 > 0:02:52Put yourself vertically above her and make sure your hands
0:02:52 > 0:02:54are in the centre of the chest.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56Keep your arms nice and straight.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58Press down at least five or six centimetres, OK?
0:02:58 > 0:03:00Don't be afraid to push too hard.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02Do it at the rate of one and two and three.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04One and two and three.
0:03:05 > 0:03:06Faster.
0:03:08 > 0:03:09That's it.
0:03:09 > 0:03:10Till we get there.
0:03:14 > 0:03:15Press harder, OK?
0:03:17 > 0:03:19Can you still hear me?
0:03:19 > 0:03:20Hello?
0:03:22 > 0:03:23Hello, operator.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27The call has ended abruptly.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30An ambulance is two minutes away, but until they arrive,
0:03:30 > 0:03:34the control room must continue giving medical assistance over the phone.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36It's engaged.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39It's engaged.
0:03:39 > 0:03:40Has he come back through to us?
0:03:45 > 0:03:47Ambulance Service. Is the patient breathing?
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Listen, try and stay calm for me.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54The help is already arranged on the first call.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58Listen, we need to try and help her.
0:04:01 > 0:04:02Right...
0:04:04 > 0:04:05Just go straight to CPR.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Listen to me. Is she on the floor?
0:04:08 > 0:04:10Is she on the floor?
0:04:10 > 0:04:14Right, go to her now. Can you take the phone to her?
0:04:16 > 0:04:21All right, so what I want you to do, kneel right next to her.
0:04:21 > 0:04:22Right, you're not.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24You're talking to me.
0:04:24 > 0:04:25So go to her.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34We're in. All clear.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41The thing was we were giving him CPR advice but he just wasn't
0:04:41 > 0:04:42having any of it.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45You can completely understand in that situation
0:04:45 > 0:04:47because it's his wife.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50Sometimes it just doesn't work.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54Rich, stay safe. 2393.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56Can you put a call out?
0:04:56 > 0:04:582393.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00The crew have gone out to a patient that's fitting.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04They have got there within 30 seconds of pressing her emergency button.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08Controller Richard is despatching ambulances in Birmingham tonight.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12As an outsider, if you walked into that room, the emotion in there,
0:05:12 > 0:05:14you can feel it.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Because you check back on the case
0:05:16 > 0:05:20and the crew confirm when they get there the patient is deceased...
0:05:21 > 0:05:24..and you do think about it, but you've got to stay detached.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28It is tough because some of them do get to you.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30And it's hard to just erase that emotion.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34Is he still breathing?
0:05:36 > 0:05:40You've got that shooting, but patient deceased.
0:05:40 > 0:05:41Just looking after the wife.
0:05:41 > 0:05:444055 are covered in faeces.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46They are going back to get changed.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- OK.- Friday night in Birmingham South means busy.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53A lot of trauma, possibly stabbings, got strokes,
0:05:53 > 0:05:55people that have been unconscious.
0:05:55 > 0:05:56So there's a good mixture so far.
0:05:56 > 0:05:57With a couple of RTCs.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59The weather's not so good out there
0:05:59 > 0:06:02so there's been a couple of crashes today.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06Birmingham and the Black Country covers 100 square miles,
0:06:06 > 0:06:09with a population of 2.2 million.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12Tonight, there are 113 ambulances,
0:06:12 > 0:06:16five rapid response vehicles and a specialist trauma team all on duty.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21Ambulance Service. Is the patient breathing?
0:06:26 > 0:06:28What's the address of the emergency?
0:06:28 > 0:06:31Ambulance Service. Do you need an ambulance?
0:06:34 > 0:06:38Just stay where you are so we can find you when we get there.
0:06:42 > 0:06:43No, it won't be Disney World.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50In Cradley Heath, an elderly patient has alerted his emergency care service,
0:06:50 > 0:06:53who are calling 999 on his behalf.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02We'll be there for him as soon as we can.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06Ambulance crew Natalie and Nat have just arrived on scene.
0:07:09 > 0:07:10Hello.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15Hello?
0:07:20 > 0:07:21Hello, John.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26We'll just find out what happened.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28Have you just gone to the toilet and you can't get up?
0:07:28 > 0:07:30Get me off here, will you?
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- John.- John, honey. I need to know what's happened.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35Can you get me off here?
0:07:35 > 0:07:37It's hurting me.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39OK. John, you haven't fallen, have you?
0:07:39 > 0:07:41No.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44No. So you've just gone to the toilet and you can't get up?
0:07:45 > 0:07:46John, listen.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48John, we're not going to take you to hospital.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50- OK?- Please, get me up.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53Can you push up off your chair?
0:07:53 > 0:07:55You push up off this chair.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- There you are.- Oh, thank God.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- Keep going, keep going. - Legs nice and straight.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04I've got you, John. Hold my hand. That's it.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10- OK.- Which chair are you going to, John?
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Your blue one? Is this how you normally walk, John?
0:08:15 > 0:08:17I can't hear, see.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19LOUDER: Is this how you normally walk?
0:08:24 > 0:08:25Oh, John.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- Thank you for coming. - You're welcome.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32That's OK.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34I'm deaf and all.
0:08:34 > 0:08:35I've got wax in me ears.
0:08:37 > 0:08:38How's that?
0:08:40 > 0:08:42Going down, look.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46How are you feeling now, John?
0:08:46 > 0:08:48- How are you feeling now? - All right now.- All right now?
0:08:48 > 0:08:49- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56You want me to make you a cup of tea?
0:08:56 > 0:08:58OK.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01Whilst we put the kettle on, can I just check your blood pressure?
0:09:01 > 0:09:02- OK.- OK.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05So you live here on your own?
0:09:05 > 0:09:07- Yeah.- Any family?
0:09:12 > 0:09:13Diabetes?
0:09:14 > 0:09:15- Did she?- Yeah.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18I'm sorry. And you've lived on your own ever since?
0:09:18 > 0:09:1940 years ago, that was.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21- 40?- Yeah.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23You've been on your own for 40 years?
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- Yeah.- How old was she?
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- I think when she died, she was about 46, I was about 50.- Oh!
0:09:34 > 0:09:36Your blood pressure is all right, John.
0:09:37 > 0:09:38We fixed you.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43That's that, then.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47Can you get me some, what do you call it, spaghetti?
0:09:47 > 0:09:48Now?
0:09:48 > 0:09:51It's in that cupboard round the corner. Round the corner.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01That's a nice cup of tea, love.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06Nice bit of supper and a cup of tea.
0:10:09 > 0:10:10That's all right.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14How's that? Check it's not too hot.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18He's tucking right in there.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22John has been prescribed blood-thinning tablets
0:10:22 > 0:10:24after a recent stay in hospital.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28Natalie and Nat are struggling to find his medication.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30We're worried you've got no tablets.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34You've got no tablets, John.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36There is some somewhere.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38They've all gone.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40Is there some on the side over there?
0:10:40 > 0:10:42No.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44There is an empty box.
0:10:44 > 0:10:45There's an empty box.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49Nobody has been and got you any more warfarin.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52I'll let my doctor know tomorrow.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54It's Saturday tomorrow, it's closed.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57So that worries me.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00There is risks to you not having your medication.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03Yeah. Well, call again tomorrow.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05Where from?
0:11:06 > 0:11:08I don't know.
0:11:10 > 0:11:15I'm going to phone 111 to see if they can do an emergency prescription.
0:11:16 > 0:11:17OK.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22Yeah, I'm a paramedic with West Midlands Ambulance Service.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26John was discharged out of hospital on warfarin.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28He had his last one on Wednesday.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31At the moment he has got no warfarin whatsoever.
0:11:31 > 0:11:36Our concern is that obviously, by the time he gets in touch with somebody
0:11:36 > 0:11:38on Monday,
0:11:38 > 0:11:42it's going to be Tuesday or Wednesday and that's a week without warfarin.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44Thanks very much. That's great.
0:11:44 > 0:11:45Thank you.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50They're going to see if they can sort your prescription out.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55Nat must now join the Friday night queue for a call-back
0:11:55 > 0:11:57from an out-of-hours doctor.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06Over the past hour, there have been 126 emergency calls
0:12:06 > 0:12:08to the control room.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11There is currently just one ambulance available across
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Birmingham and the Black Country.
0:12:14 > 0:12:15Is the patient breathing?
0:12:18 > 0:12:20Do you know him?
0:12:24 > 0:12:26How much blood do you think he might have lost?
0:12:31 > 0:12:33OK.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37Darren and Mel are the closest available
0:12:37 > 0:12:39ambulance to the stabbing.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43OK, Darren, 28-year-old male, stabbing, bleeding wounds.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47Five stab wounds, two in back of head,
0:12:47 > 0:12:50two in back and one in groin.
0:12:50 > 0:12:51Five stab wounds.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53Straight over at the roundabout, dude.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00Darren and Mel are seven minutes away from the stabbing.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05The control room have also dispatched the Merit car,
0:13:05 > 0:13:10a specialist trauma unit with two doctors and a critical care paramedic on board.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15A paramedic officer is also on his way to coordinate the scene.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22Listen, is the blood spraying or spurting out anywhere?
0:13:25 > 0:13:27OK. Have you got the wounds covered by anything
0:13:27 > 0:13:29at the moment?
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- Right, we're coming as quick as we can for you, OK?- OK.
0:13:34 > 0:13:374449 on channel eight.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42VOICEOVER: If it's a Friday or Saturday night
0:13:42 > 0:13:44and everyone has been out on the pop,
0:13:44 > 0:13:46a lot of people have a red mist.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50And if you ask someone what happened during a fight they won't remember.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53I think the stabbings are getting a lot worse.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55A lot worse.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57Hiya.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- Hello. What's his name?- Dominic.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02OK. I'm going to have a good look at him.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Keep the pressure on his head.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- Right, hang on. - How are you feeling, mate?
0:14:09 > 0:14:10- Tired.- Yeah?
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- What's your vision like? - I can't see.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16You can't see. What I want you to do, mate, is keep talking to us, OK?
0:14:16 > 0:14:17This needs to come round him.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- Got it?- Yeah.- Right round there.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25I heard screaming and it was her screaming my name
0:14:25 > 0:14:30so I've come to the door and he's just there covered in blood like this.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32Is he normally fit and well?
0:14:32 > 0:14:33- Yeah.- No medical problems?
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- No.- Dom, can you talk to us?
0:14:35 > 0:14:37- Yeah.- Good man.- Dom,
0:14:37 > 0:14:39do you know if you've been stabbed on your legs at all?
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- No, I don't think so. - You don't think so.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45We're trying to help you.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53The Merit car and the paramedic officer are now on scene.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01He's really...
0:15:01 > 0:15:04He's been stabbed. He's got stab wounds twice to his head here.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07He's also been stabbed middle back and at the bottom to the right-hand
0:15:07 > 0:15:09side, sort of renal area.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13Can I have a drink of water, please?
0:15:13 > 0:15:14Let them get you in the ambulance.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17Do us a favour, mate. Just chuck it on the back of the ambulance.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19Let's get you out of here, mate.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21- We'll get you some water in a bit.- One, two, three.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23Stand up for us.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26VOICEOVER: I used to be in the RAF when I was about 20.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28We always had the golden hour. Stem the bleeding if you can,
0:15:28 > 0:15:29get some fluids into them.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Just get them gone.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35Being out in Afghanistan, you were in a high-pressure environment.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37You never knew what you were going to,
0:15:37 > 0:15:39you never knew what you were going to step on,
0:15:39 > 0:15:42where you were going to tread. I guess when you come to a job like this
0:15:42 > 0:15:45you've got to thrive off that kind of situation.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48If you can't, then obviously you're not in the right job.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53Once the patient is in the ambulance,
0:15:53 > 0:15:55the team must check he has no further injuries.
0:15:55 > 0:16:00Dom, I'm going to be cutting your trousers off now, mate, all right?
0:16:00 > 0:16:01Dom, they are torn anyway, mate.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05- They are torn anyway.- So he has two stab wounds middle of his back and
0:16:05 > 0:16:07down here to the right-hand side by his kidney region.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09I put this on to try and put pressure.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12It's not working. It's not great but it's stopping the bleeding.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15You will do, mate.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17You happy to go?
0:16:23 > 0:16:25Dom, they're just having to pack your wounds.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27I'm giving you some pain relief now, mate.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34Do you know what it was you were stabbed with, Dom?
0:16:34 > 0:16:36No. All right, mate.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39At least you got your fancy pants on for it.
0:16:39 > 0:16:40Nice. It's not Thursday, though, mate.
0:16:42 > 0:16:43It's not Thursday.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47Well, that's good to hear.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49And what's this scar from here, mate?
0:16:56 > 0:17:01The patient, Dom, has been brought to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04He's the fourth stab victim the Ambulance Service has treated tonight.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Sorry about your shirt.
0:17:18 > 0:17:2111 miles west in Cradley Heath,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Natalie and Nat have been waiting to hear from the on-call doctor
0:17:24 > 0:17:26for more than 30 minutes.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30PHONE RINGS
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Yay!
0:17:33 > 0:17:34Hello.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39Yes, hello, it's Natalie, yeah.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41Hiya. Hello.
0:17:42 > 0:17:43So I'm just a bit concerned, really,
0:17:43 > 0:17:46because this gentleman has got no warfarin.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48There's nobody that can go and get any for him.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50He hasn't had any for two days.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55So I just wondered could there be an emergency prescription done and
0:17:55 > 0:17:57possibly delivered to this gentleman?
0:17:58 > 0:18:00OK. All right.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02Thanks very much. Thank you.
0:18:02 > 0:18:03Bye-bye.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08John? I've just spoken to the doctor.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11They are going to come within the next six hours
0:18:11 > 0:18:13to get you a prescription.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16They are going to let themselves in with the key code.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20They are going to let themselves in.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22Do they know the key code?
0:18:22 > 0:18:23Yeah, I've told them. OK?
0:18:23 > 0:18:25OK.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28So don't be alarmed if somebody comes walking in, OK?
0:18:28 > 0:18:30Yeah. Thanks for looking after me.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32You're welcome. You're welcome.
0:18:35 > 0:18:36OK.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- Bye, John.- Bye-bye, John.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40Turn the light out. See if that fire is on.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42It's on, the fire's on, John.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44OK. Night-night.
0:18:46 > 0:18:47Yeah.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51Yeah. Night-night, John.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53- Out, love.- OK.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Bless him!
0:19:01 > 0:19:03Click.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09It's cold.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- It's a shame for John, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17It's horrible he's got no family.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21Who else has that gentleman got but us?
0:19:23 > 0:19:25I like people like John.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27I like John.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36Ambulance Service. How can I help?
0:19:39 > 0:19:40RTC.
0:19:42 > 0:19:43What's the location?
0:19:46 > 0:19:48Could that come under Olton as well?
0:19:54 > 0:19:55Receiving.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59Yeah. Straight on a job in Solihull, please.
0:19:59 > 0:20:00RTC.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03One male trapped and bleeding heavily.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08A car is reported to have overturned in Solihull,
0:20:08 > 0:20:10nine miles east of Birmingham city centre.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15The control room immediately dispatch a paramedic officer
0:20:15 > 0:20:17and the specialist trauma team.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22Darren and Mel have just become available.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29RTC entrapment, guys. There is one male bleeding from the mouth.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32The vehicle is on the roof and the male is trapped inside bleeding
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- heavily.- Oh, my God.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37Yeah, all received. Thank you.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40Olton. I hope I don't know him.
0:20:40 > 0:20:41All my friends live round there.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48Paramedic officer James is sent to major trauma incidents to manage
0:20:48 > 0:20:50the multiple crews on scene.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54He's just behind Darren and Mel.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Cars are moving.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05Old Warwick Road.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07Darren and Mel have arrived at the reported address,
0:21:07 > 0:21:10but there is no sign of the overturned car.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12Old Warwick Road.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14We're on the Warwick Road now.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18Let me put it in my phone.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20We can't locate this at the moment.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24We can just see the fire and police turning up so we will turn round and
0:21:24 > 0:21:26try and follow them. Over.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Treble 4-9. That's all received by Control.
0:21:29 > 0:21:30Echo November 5-5.
0:21:30 > 0:21:31Received, over.
0:21:33 > 0:21:345-5, that's all received.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37We probably need to ask for a better location in
0:21:37 > 0:21:41regards to where we are for this call.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43No sign at present.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45Yeah, we're on convoy now between fire,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48ASO and police. So hopefully we'll be able to locate this, over.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50Treble 4-9, that is all received.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54Thank you. Just keep us updated on the location if and when found.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56Received, over.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59Because the patient is reported to be trapped in his vehicle,
0:21:59 > 0:22:01the Fire Service has been called.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03But they're also struggling to locate the incident.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05Morning. How are you?
0:22:05 > 0:22:07RTC reported.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09Yeah. Trapped. Old Warwick Road, Olton.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11I'm just going to get them to re-plot it to make sure
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- we're right.- Yeah, well, this is Old Warwick Road.
0:22:14 > 0:22:15- Yeah, yeah.- The only other thing is,
0:22:15 > 0:22:17you've got Old Warwick Road which carries on on the other side as well.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19It's only a small little cul-de-sac, isn't it?
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- Yeah, it is.- Let's pull up so they can...
0:22:23 > 0:22:24Is it in there?
0:22:25 > 0:22:27Echo November 5-5 Whisky Romeo.
0:22:29 > 0:22:30Go ahead, over.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34Thanks. Warwick Road, Old Warwick Road have all been checked.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38There is no sign. We are currently standing by as per Old Warwick Road
0:22:38 > 0:22:41with fire and my crew.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43Call back and see if we can get some further info
0:22:43 > 0:22:45or confirm the location, please.
0:22:45 > 0:22:475-5, yes, of course.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50The initial call has come to us via police.
0:22:50 > 0:22:51I do have the caller's telephone number.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53Leave it with me, over.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58You've come from Solihull, haven't you?
0:22:58 > 0:23:01They are just trying to verify the call as well because we've got
0:23:01 > 0:23:02Old Warwick Road, Olton,
0:23:02 > 0:23:04and there is Old Warwick Road, Lapworth as well.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06We'll verify the call for us anyway and then I'll let you know.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08It has come from police to us.
0:23:10 > 0:23:11Shall we flip around?
0:23:11 > 0:23:13No, get out at the end.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15PHONE RINGS
0:23:15 > 0:23:17Hello, it's the Ambulance Service here.
0:23:17 > 0:23:22Did you contact police regarding a traffic accident on the Old Warwick Road in Olton?
0:23:23 > 0:23:25OK, our crews are with police
0:23:25 > 0:23:28and fire on scene and there is no sign of anything
0:23:28 > 0:23:30at all. Are you still there?
0:23:35 > 0:23:38McLaren and Rolls-Royce garage.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47It's the road between Lapworth and Hockley Heath.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49Near the McLaren garage.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53Yeah, roger that.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55That's a little bit of a run from here.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58But you may find them near a crew.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01We'll get it re-plotted and just have a look,
0:24:01 > 0:24:03see if there is anybody closer.
0:24:03 > 0:24:04Do you know where you're going?
0:24:10 > 0:24:11Motorway driving.
0:24:11 > 0:24:12SIREN WAILS
0:24:16 > 0:24:19It's 13 minutes since Darren and Mel
0:24:19 > 0:24:20were dispatched to this job
0:24:20 > 0:24:23and they're still eight miles away.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27Besides the three vehicles currently assigned,
0:24:27 > 0:24:31the control room has now dispatched a volunteer doctor in a car.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36But controller Richard has spotted an ambulance that is closer
0:24:36 > 0:24:37to the incident.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41Sorry to bother you, I think you might come across an RTC now
0:24:41 > 0:24:43on the Old Warwick Road.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47I literally think you are going to drive through Hockley Heath
0:24:47 > 0:24:49and see it. So there's vehicles on the way.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51I believe car to be overturned.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53Male trapped inside bleeding heavily.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00We are losing minutes now. If he is losing blood and he's trapped in the
0:25:00 > 0:25:02vehicle, we need to get there ASAP.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Hang on. Careful, careful.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12How good is that? Look at that!
0:25:12 > 0:25:13Go on, Darren. Tank it.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19You do get a bit stressed with it because you are thinking, "God,
0:25:19 > 0:25:22"where are they?" They could be potentially dying or someone could be lying
0:25:22 > 0:25:24in a ditch and you can't find them.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26Everything is just running through your head by the time you get there
0:25:26 > 0:25:29because you don't know what that scene's going to be like.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Echo November 5-5, in attendance.
0:25:40 > 0:25:4525 minutes after the 999 call came in, James arrives at the incident.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47So it's single occupant, guys, we believe?
0:25:48 > 0:25:50Is he talking to us?
0:25:50 > 0:25:52Hello, mate, you all right?
0:25:52 > 0:25:54Normally fit and well?
0:25:54 > 0:25:56- Yeah.- Good man.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58Just keep your head nice and still for us.
0:25:58 > 0:25:59- No worries.- Probably...
0:26:00 > 0:26:03..open the door, just get the stretcher in.
0:26:03 > 0:26:04And then pop him out, yeah.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07Happy with that? Is that all right?
0:26:07 > 0:26:09- Yeah, go for that.- OK, brilliant.
0:26:09 > 0:26:1230 seconds later, Darren and Mel arrive.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15They are the fourth vehicle on scene.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17- Hi. All right, Carl.- Hiya.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19Oh, it's not on its roof.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22Can one of you guys put a helmet on and take over from the police officer?
0:26:22 > 0:26:24Please, thank you.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27As soon as he is out, we'll just help him out onto the stretcher,
0:26:27 > 0:26:29let's go over to where the light is.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31Then we can sort him out from there.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33Keep your head still.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35BANG
0:26:40 > 0:26:43We need feet first, thank you very much.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46I think that needs to go at a bit more of an angle, mate.
0:26:46 > 0:26:47Keep him as still as we can.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51On ready, steady, move, OK?
0:26:51 > 0:26:52Ready, steady, move.
0:26:52 > 0:26:53Let's get him over.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55- We in the right position?- Yeah.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57Yeah. OK, on your say, Carl.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59I'm going to lower him down. On move.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01Ready, steady, move.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03There you go.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05Thanks. Just some notes for the log.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07The patient is now extricated from the vehicle.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09Still remains stable.
0:27:16 > 0:27:17How much have you had to drink, my darling?
0:27:20 > 0:27:21You've had quite a bit to drink.
0:27:21 > 0:27:22OK.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24What is the last thing you remember?
0:27:25 > 0:27:27You don't know. Do you know who we are?
0:27:29 > 0:27:32Yeah. So you've had a bit of a crash in your car, we think.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36The emergency doctor on scene must check the patient for injuries that
0:27:36 > 0:27:39require immediate attention before the crew can make their way
0:27:39 > 0:27:41to hospital.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43And you. Thank you.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45He finds nothing of concern.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48- You happy?- Yes.
0:27:53 > 0:27:54Don't move your head.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57Keep it nice and still.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00Have you ever been in an ambulance before?
0:28:03 > 0:28:04What was that for?
0:28:08 > 0:28:11A little bit ironic, really, at the moment.
0:28:11 > 0:28:12Yeah.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17You thought it would be a good idea to take your dad's car out?
0:28:17 > 0:28:18Did you crash it?
0:28:20 > 0:28:21Did you lose your licence?
0:28:23 > 0:28:24How long for?
0:28:28 > 0:28:30How long have you had your licence back for?
0:28:33 > 0:28:35Didn't learn from that experience?
0:28:38 > 0:28:41So when you crashed your dad's car before, drink-driving,
0:28:41 > 0:28:43I bet your dad was fuming.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53We're here now.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00The 24-year-old patient will be scanned
0:29:00 > 0:29:03to check for broken bones and internal injuries.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12You know that RTC that the crew went
0:29:12 > 0:29:15- on, the roll-over?- Yeah, yeah.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17So he was drink-driving.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20- Was he?- Yeah. The roof was absolutely caved in.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23In the crew's words,
0:29:23 > 0:29:26the only injury he's had was his pride was dented.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29- And his car was dented, not just his pride.- Yeah.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32But he could have killed himself or somebody else.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36I don't know what planet they're living on, really.
0:29:38 > 0:29:39At Heartlands Hospital,
0:29:39 > 0:29:43the drunk driver has refused medical treatment and, 24 minutes after
0:29:43 > 0:29:47arriving, he's been spotted leaving the building with his father.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51His dad has just walked in and they've removed him.
0:29:51 > 0:29:52Where have they gone?
0:29:53 > 0:29:55They must have gone down this way.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01We've advised him he needs to stay.
0:30:01 > 0:30:02Can you see them?
0:30:04 > 0:30:06We have said that you might arrest him.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10They're there.
0:30:10 > 0:30:11He's there.
0:30:13 > 0:30:14Here.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23- No.- If you walk out of hospital you're fine to do a breath test.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32- Come with me. Thank you very much. - No problem.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37If he stays in hospital he can get checked.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45I was always the kid that no-one thought I was going to amount to anything
0:30:45 > 0:30:47or do something with my life.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50I just got up one morning and decided to join the RAF.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53I think it'd be good for loads of people to go and join the military
0:30:53 > 0:30:57and just get a bit of experience and get a bit of authority in their life,
0:30:57 > 0:30:59because it kicked me up the arse.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19It's Wednesday morning and Team Three is back in for the day shift.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22- Good morning!- Is it her first baby?
0:31:25 > 0:31:26Second baby.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29And you think she's taken an overdose.
0:31:33 > 0:31:34OK.
0:31:34 > 0:31:35She's got the sirens on full blast.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38Listen out for the sirens. Can you hear them?
0:31:38 > 0:31:41At this time in the morning, we do get a lot of falls.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44You've got carers going into addresses early hours, six,
0:31:44 > 0:31:45seven o'clock in the morning.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48You normally get a pattern on calls.
0:31:48 > 0:31:49- INTERVIEWER:- How many ambulances have you got?
0:31:49 > 0:31:52Currently we've got...20.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54Is that a good number?
0:31:54 > 0:31:56It's a good number for the moment.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59Whether that's a good number later on today I'm not sure.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01We'll soon find out when...
0:32:01 > 0:32:03..everybody starts calling treble nine.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08Ambulance Service. Is the patient breathing?
0:32:10 > 0:32:11What is the reason for the call?
0:32:18 > 0:32:21A young family in distress is the first call of the day
0:32:21 > 0:32:25for Darren and his partner today, John.
0:32:25 > 0:32:2626 weeks preggers.
0:32:28 > 0:32:29Husband is with patient now.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32ON PHONE: From there, then, where would we go to find you?
0:32:39 > 0:32:40You're on the canal path?
0:32:49 > 0:32:52- Which way do you want to go? - I'll ask control.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54They must know which way they are,
0:32:54 > 0:32:57because there's no point us walking the whole way down that way.
0:32:57 > 0:32:58Shall we go that way?
0:33:01 > 0:33:03Maybe we can borrow the barge.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05Can you take us up, please?
0:33:05 > 0:33:07Hi, Alison.
0:33:07 > 0:33:08What's gone on, then?
0:33:08 > 0:33:10- There we are.- Oh, right.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12Is it all round here?
0:33:14 > 0:33:16Yeah, it's a bit swollen there, isn't it?
0:33:16 > 0:33:19- Can you move your foot? - I can wiggle my toes.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22You can wiggle your toes. That's a good thing.
0:33:22 > 0:33:27Looking good. We'll get you to pop your coat back on as well.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30Just try and keep you warm. I think stretcher is going to be the best bet.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33How are you going to get a stretcher here, mate?
0:33:33 > 0:33:36Alison may have fractured her ankle
0:33:36 > 0:33:38and with the ambulance a quarter of a mile up the towpath,
0:33:38 > 0:33:41the crew face the challenge of transporting her.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47Here we are. We've got this, it's going to be very bumpy.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49They've offered that we could use the barge.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51- Have they?- Chair onto there.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54Yeah, and then lift on.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58- Yeah.- Right, we'll guide you towards the edge.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01I was going to say, we will warn Darren where the...
0:34:01 > 0:34:04Where the puddles are. One, two, three.
0:34:04 > 0:34:05There we are.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07Smashing.
0:34:07 > 0:34:08Darren, you still all right?
0:34:08 > 0:34:09Right, wheels are on.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13- There we are.- That's the hard bit done.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18- See you later, John.- See you.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25John will take the ambulance and meet Darren
0:34:25 > 0:34:28at a road bridge further up the canal.
0:34:28 > 0:34:34Shall we do the sound effects? Nee-naw, nee-naw, nee-naw...!
0:34:34 > 0:34:38- Thank you very much.- Take a plate.- Bacon sandwich!
0:34:41 > 0:34:45I have had a bacon sandwich and everything.
0:34:45 > 0:34:46I've had a great morning.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52Alison can now be transported to hospital for X-rays.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57Nine miles east of the canal in Bartley Green,
0:34:57 > 0:35:00a new 999 call is in progress.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03ON PHONE: Ambulance Service. Is the patient breathing?
0:35:04 > 0:35:06Is the patient conscious?
0:35:09 > 0:35:11OK, what's the reason for the call?
0:35:22 > 0:35:24So what has he had for the last four weeks?
0:35:26 > 0:35:285-1, thank you. Confirming update for case, please.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32ON RADIO: I've got a 42-year-old male, alcoholic, intoxicated, has had a fall.
0:35:32 > 0:35:37He's got a chest injury, a shoulder injury, elbow and rib injury.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39Thank you. We'll give you an early update.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43That's all received. Thank you. Standing by.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46He's lovely, he is.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49- Is he?- Yeah. - SIRENS BLARE
0:35:49 > 0:35:52Paramedics Maya and Lawrence are the closest crew to the job.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56It's category four, so it's not deemed as...
0:35:57 > 0:35:59- Life-threatening.- No.
0:35:59 > 0:36:00Trauma.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06Category four jobs are the lowest priority,
0:36:06 > 0:36:10and the Ambulance Service has a target of 90 minutes to respond.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14But because there are currently crews to spare in Birmingham South,
0:36:14 > 0:36:16this patient gets immediate attention.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21Morning. You all right?
0:36:21 > 0:36:22- You're his partner?- Yeah.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25- What's actually happened today?- I've come back from dropping the kids at
0:36:25 > 0:36:27school this morning and found him at the bottom of my stairs
0:36:27 > 0:36:30- with the vacuum, knocked off the stairs into the hallway.- Yeah.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32- He's been up most of the night falling over.- Yeah.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37Yeah? How many cans have you had, say, today?
0:36:40 > 0:36:42- About six?- All night.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44OK. Would you normally have six a day, though?
0:36:44 > 0:36:46Because for some people, six is not a lot for them.
0:36:46 > 0:36:47So is that...?
0:36:47 > 0:36:49- About 20.- Oh, so that is less.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51There's a good chance that's why you're fitting.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54If he normally has about 20.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56Do you drink from the second you wake up every morning?
0:36:56 > 0:36:58Yeah? Right up until you go to bed?
0:36:58 > 0:36:59Yeah.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03You fell over the other day.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05Is there any pain anywhere at the minute, Mark?
0:37:08 > 0:37:09Your ribs that are hurting.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11Mark, can you sit up for me?
0:37:11 > 0:37:12Can I have a little feel of your neck and your back?
0:37:12 > 0:37:15And then we'll take it from there.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17Let me know if there is any pain.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19Any pain? No.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21- Any pain?- No.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24Any problems with ulcers, as far as you know?
0:37:26 > 0:37:28Yeah, we can get that looked at.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30What kind of fits does he have?
0:37:30 > 0:37:32- They're called absence.- Oh, OK.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35He loses his speech and he can't move his legs.
0:37:35 > 0:37:36Becomes quite vacant.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38- Yeah.- Do you know how many he's been having a day?
0:37:38 > 0:37:40About three or four.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42- About three or four.- That's why I phoned the ambulance last time,
0:37:42 > 0:37:46- because he was fitting.- Three or four a day at the minute?- Yeah.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48BEEPING
0:37:52 > 0:37:57So far, your physical observations are OK, but that's not what we're
0:37:57 > 0:37:58concerned about, really.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02We're concerned about your drinking, Mark.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05And we're concerned about the fact that you're having fits every day.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08Because it only takes one fit...
0:38:08 > 0:38:11to go on for a bit too long and that's it then, you've had it.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13So what I'd probably recommend
0:38:13 > 0:38:16is if you come up to the hospital with us...
0:38:18 > 0:38:20But you don't look well.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23You don't. You're covered in bruises and scratches.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25You're going to end up hurting yourself.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27What's going to happen if you have a fit for too long
0:38:27 > 0:38:29and you stop breathing?
0:38:29 > 0:38:31How are we going to overcome this together?
0:38:36 > 0:38:39Let them give you a quick MOT. A full MOT.
0:38:41 > 0:38:42OK.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49Maya and Lawrence have been on scene with Mark for 20 minutes.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53In that time, a further 82 999 calls have been made.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56Ambulance Service. Is the patient breathing?
0:39:05 > 0:39:06Is the patient breathing?
0:39:08 > 0:39:11OK, is that the reason for your call? Is it the breathing?
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Have you brought up any blood?
0:39:15 > 0:39:17You've been sick?
0:39:17 > 0:39:21Ambulance Service. Is the patient breathing?
0:39:23 > 0:39:26You're the patient? Do you suffer with any breathing conditions?
0:39:27 > 0:39:28Asthma.
0:39:28 > 0:39:33In Kings Norton, a 54-year-old man is having breathing difficulties.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36Have you ever been diagnosed with a heart attack before?
0:39:38 > 0:39:40A month ago you had one?
0:39:40 > 0:39:41OK.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44Ambulance crew Bex and Donna have been dispatched.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52Getting out of puff. And how long have you felt like that for?
0:39:52 > 0:39:53Two days?
0:39:53 > 0:39:57Don't talk for a minute, Phillip. I'm just listening to your chest.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03OK. So you've felt short of breath for two days.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06Do you normally have difficulty breathing?
0:40:06 > 0:40:08No. Do you have problems with your lungs at all?
0:40:08 > 0:40:11What do you suffer with normally?
0:40:11 > 0:40:13Asthma. So you do have a problem with your lungs.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17OK. Have you used your inhaler today?
0:40:18 > 0:40:20OK. Does it hurt to breathe?
0:40:20 > 0:40:23Where does it hurt? In your chest.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25So you've got chest pain.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27Nice and still.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31MACHINE BEEPS
0:40:32 > 0:40:34That looks fine. OK.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37Everything we've checked is OK, at the moment, but obviously something
0:40:37 > 0:40:42is causing you this discomfort in your chest, so we will pop you up to A&E.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44When did you last go into hospital?
0:40:46 > 0:40:47What was that for?
0:40:49 > 0:40:50You took an overdose? Of what?
0:40:52 > 0:40:54And when was the last time before that?
0:40:57 > 0:40:59You've been in twice?
0:40:59 > 0:41:01Both for overdoses?
0:41:01 > 0:41:03OK. Have you taken an overdose today?
0:41:05 > 0:41:06OK.
0:41:07 > 0:41:08Go steady.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15You're going to that person at their lowest point.
0:41:15 > 0:41:16Get yourself on there.
0:41:17 > 0:41:22And often people phone with one thing, but actually they want help with something else.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24You sometimes have to do a bit of digging to find out
0:41:24 > 0:41:25exactly what they need help with.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29You put your medication in that bag, didn't you?
0:41:29 > 0:41:31Yeah?
0:41:31 > 0:41:33What's the main problem now?
0:41:39 > 0:41:41Are you worried?
0:41:41 > 0:41:43Yeah. What are you worried about?
0:41:46 > 0:41:48You're worried about having another heart attack.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51All right. Everything we've checked was OK, all right?
0:41:53 > 0:41:55OK? And if you were having another heart attack,
0:41:55 > 0:41:58we're going to look after you. OK? So don't worry.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00Because worrying's going to make it worse, isn't it?
0:42:00 > 0:42:05Yeah? I need you to stay nice and calm and relaxed for me, OK?
0:42:06 > 0:42:07Yeah?
0:42:10 > 0:42:12I know.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14- We'll look after you, I promise.- OK. - OK?
0:42:18 > 0:42:22So you've definitely not taken an overdose this morning.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25And you took one on Saturday and one on Sunday?
0:42:26 > 0:42:30Sunday and Monday. What did you take on Sunday?
0:42:31 > 0:42:32What did they do with you in the hospital?
0:42:33 > 0:42:35Nothing? Did you go to hospital?
0:42:35 > 0:42:41You did. And then on Monday, you took an overdose of antibiotics?
0:42:41 > 0:42:43What made you take the overdoses?
0:42:45 > 0:42:46Why?
0:42:51 > 0:42:52You don't see your family.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54Where are they?
0:42:55 > 0:42:56Why not?
0:42:58 > 0:42:59You don't know.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03When did you last speak to your family?
0:43:04 > 0:43:05Six months ago.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07Did something happen six months ago?
0:43:10 > 0:43:11What for?
0:43:13 > 0:43:16Oh. What did you do?
0:43:18 > 0:43:21Your wife? You hit your wife?
0:43:21 > 0:43:22Is she all right?
0:43:25 > 0:43:27OK. So you got arrested for assault.
0:43:28 > 0:43:30And now none of your family will speak to you?
0:43:32 > 0:43:34No? Have you got children?
0:43:35 > 0:43:37And do you not see any of them?
0:43:37 > 0:43:39Because of this assault?
0:43:39 > 0:43:40On their mum. Was that their mum?
0:43:45 > 0:43:46Right.
0:43:53 > 0:43:54Have you ever taken an overdose
0:43:54 > 0:43:56before the two you took this weekend?
0:43:58 > 0:44:00You have? How many times?
0:44:01 > 0:44:02Pardon?
0:44:04 > 0:44:05- 16 times?- Yeah.
0:44:05 > 0:44:07Over what period?
0:44:07 > 0:44:09What time period?
0:44:13 > 0:44:15And you've not had any help with those?
0:44:17 > 0:44:21Is it to take an overdose to end your life or to get some help?
0:44:22 > 0:44:23OK.
0:44:45 > 0:44:50This is Phillip's ninth call to the Ambulance Service in the past month.
0:44:59 > 0:45:02In Bartley Green, Maya and Lawrence's patient, Mark,
0:45:02 > 0:45:05is more reluctant to go to hospital.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08Ambulance crews aim to be on the move after 20 minutes,
0:45:08 > 0:45:11but they've now been on scene for 60.
0:45:11 > 0:45:13Are you going to just come with us, please?
0:45:13 > 0:45:15Can you get me a can, all right?
0:45:15 > 0:45:18We do need to take you up to hospital to see someone.
0:45:18 > 0:45:20Please. Just go and get checked over.
0:45:23 > 0:45:25I think your partner would rather...
0:45:25 > 0:45:27Yeah, we've got two young kids as well.
0:45:27 > 0:45:30- Four- and six-year-old.- So your kids need you, don't they?
0:45:30 > 0:45:32They don't want to see you like this.
0:45:32 > 0:45:34And a 16 and a 17 and a 19.
0:45:34 > 0:45:38- Has he got five kids? - Five girls.- Five girls.
0:45:38 > 0:45:41What about when the kids come back home from school?
0:45:41 > 0:45:42And you still can't walk or stand?
0:45:47 > 0:45:48It's not fair on the kids.
0:45:48 > 0:45:49No, it's not, Mark.
0:45:53 > 0:45:57VOICEOVER: Addiction, in general, I think it makes people incredibly selfish.
0:45:58 > 0:46:03I think people in the grip of addiction aren't able to realise the effect it
0:46:03 > 0:46:05has on the rest of their family.
0:46:09 > 0:46:12My birth mother had issues with drugs.
0:46:13 > 0:46:16So I've been on the receiving end of that.
0:46:20 > 0:46:22Careful, Mark. Mark.
0:46:23 > 0:46:24Wait, Mark.
0:46:26 > 0:46:28No, Mark. Mark, no.
0:46:28 > 0:46:29No alcohol, Mark.
0:46:29 > 0:46:31Mark. No.
0:46:31 > 0:46:33Mark...
0:46:33 > 0:46:36I know, but, Mark, you can't drink.
0:46:36 > 0:46:37Mark.
0:46:38 > 0:46:40- You can't.- You can't have a can.
0:46:42 > 0:46:45VOICEOVER: I grew up thinking it was normal to be called a slut and a slag.
0:46:46 > 0:46:48And to be told that I was hated.
0:46:48 > 0:46:49That was normal.
0:46:50 > 0:46:54We lived in numerous hostels, we lived in safe houses.
0:46:54 > 0:46:57I've lost count of how many schools that we went to.
0:46:59 > 0:47:03Growing up around addiction quite often felt like there was no hope.
0:47:05 > 0:47:06It is so close to home.
0:47:06 > 0:47:09It's like walking into my childhood quite often.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12And it's really difficult, really difficult to deal with.
0:47:14 > 0:47:17Mark, Sarah doesn't want you here, so you can't stay here anyway.
0:47:17 > 0:47:18So you're going to have to leave.
0:47:18 > 0:47:21So why don't you just come with us before...?
0:47:21 > 0:47:23I want you to go to the hospital and go and get checked out.
0:47:23 > 0:47:27- You're not right.- Would you want to get the police?
0:47:27 > 0:47:31Thank you very much. Could we get police to us on this job, please?
0:47:31 > 0:47:35Patient lacks capacity and is refusing to be conveyed to hospital,
0:47:35 > 0:47:39so we need their assistance, please. Received.
0:47:39 > 0:47:43ON RADIO: That's fine, thank you. I'll give them a shout, get them away for you.
0:47:46 > 0:47:47- PHONE RINGING - 001. Thank you.
0:47:47 > 0:47:49We've got a case in Bartley Green.
0:47:49 > 0:47:52We've got a 42-year-old male that lacks capacity.
0:47:52 > 0:47:55The Ambulance Service has a specialist mental health car
0:47:55 > 0:47:58which is ten minutes from Mark's location.
0:47:58 > 0:48:01It has medical staff and a police officer on board,
0:48:01 > 0:48:04who Richard hopes might persuade Mark to go to hospital.
0:48:13 > 0:48:15All received. Thank you very much.
0:48:15 > 0:48:18So the triage team there, they can't assist at the current time.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21They are now going on a separate case for the police.
0:48:22 > 0:48:24So they can't assist at the moment.
0:48:26 > 0:48:28So currently we're at a stalemate.
0:48:30 > 0:48:32With the clock ticking,
0:48:32 > 0:48:35Richard decides to call the police direct for assistance.
0:48:37 > 0:48:39He's an alcoholic. He had a fall,
0:48:39 > 0:48:42he had a chest injury, so we need to take him to hospital.
0:48:42 > 0:48:45He's got no capacity, but obviously we can't get him out,
0:48:45 > 0:48:47but he needs to go.
0:48:49 > 0:48:51No, no, because we can't force him out, you see?
0:48:51 > 0:48:53We haven't got the power.
0:49:01 > 0:49:03All right. Thanks a lot. Bye-bye.
0:49:08 > 0:49:12- 4451.- ON RADIO: So I've spoke to the triage car.
0:49:12 > 0:49:14They're currently busy on a further case in Northfield.
0:49:14 > 0:49:17They're happy to assist but at the current time, they're dealing with a
0:49:17 > 0:49:19case that they've just got to scene on.
0:49:19 > 0:49:21So they're going to be some time.
0:49:21 > 0:49:25I've also spoke to the police directly and they're saying they
0:49:25 > 0:49:27can't force anybody out of the property. They can only ask.
0:49:27 > 0:49:30If we could get some assistance soon that would be great.
0:49:30 > 0:49:31I know it's not your fault.
0:49:31 > 0:49:33But currently...
0:49:33 > 0:49:35..they're not sending anyone.
0:49:42 > 0:49:45I know we've been here hours and I wish I could say the police
0:49:45 > 0:49:47were on their way, but they're still not on their way just yet.
0:49:47 > 0:49:50Unfortunately there's not a quick solution at the minute,
0:49:50 > 0:49:54but hopefully the police will be coming soon. Hopefully.
0:49:57 > 0:49:59VOICEOVER: We do have to rely on other agencies.
0:49:59 > 0:50:03And it can be difficult, because I think we feel as if maybe the police
0:50:03 > 0:50:05don't want to attend.
0:50:05 > 0:50:08However, it's not that they don't want to, they can't.
0:50:08 > 0:50:11There's not enough funding, there's not enough staff,
0:50:11 > 0:50:14but the service demand is increasing more and more.
0:50:15 > 0:50:18That's all received, thank you. If you can return, please, over.
0:50:18 > 0:50:22I just need you to keep checking his breathing regularly for me until the
0:50:22 > 0:50:24ambulance crew arrives, OK?
0:50:24 > 0:50:27- INTERVIEWER:- How is it looking on your patch?- Very busy.
0:50:27 > 0:50:28Extremely busy.
0:50:28 > 0:50:32No crews and we've got nine outstanding jobs at the moment.
0:50:36 > 0:50:39Get in the chair. You can take your can with you.
0:50:41 > 0:50:45Maya and Lawrence have been on scene for over 2.5 hours.
0:50:47 > 0:50:48Mark's partner, Sarah,
0:50:48 > 0:50:53has called in his mum and sister to try and persuade him to go to hospital.
0:50:53 > 0:50:55Mark, sit on here. Have your fag on here, then.
0:50:56 > 0:50:57Come on.
0:50:59 > 0:51:01- Please.- Mark, come on, son.
0:51:01 > 0:51:03Don't be so bloody stubborn.
0:51:03 > 0:51:06- I'm not being stubborn.- Go and get checked over. Get checked over.
0:51:06 > 0:51:10- Come on, please. In the chair, there.- Can you give me that? - In the chair.
0:51:10 > 0:51:13- In the chair, then, please, come on. Come and get into the chair. - Give me it.
0:51:13 > 0:51:15I can't. Come and get into the chair.
0:51:15 > 0:51:17You can have it. Come on, bab, please.
0:51:20 > 0:51:24- I'm not.- You are. You can have your can once you get in there.
0:51:24 > 0:51:27- Move out me way, man!- No!
0:51:28 > 0:51:31Come on, babs. I've got to go and get the kids in a bit.
0:51:31 > 0:51:33It's not fair on the kids.
0:51:33 > 0:51:35They was up all night listening to you falling over.
0:51:35 > 0:51:37It's not fair on them.
0:51:38 > 0:51:40Where are you going? Where are you going?
0:51:40 > 0:51:41Come and sit in this chair.
0:51:41 > 0:51:43- I can't...- This is what happened last time.
0:51:45 > 0:51:46We need the police.
0:51:51 > 0:51:52ON RADIO: Go ahead, over.
0:51:53 > 0:51:57Hi, I just wondered, do you have an ETA for the police?
0:51:57 > 0:51:58We're just still waiting.
0:52:01 > 0:52:04- Roger. Over.- Thanks.
0:52:04 > 0:52:06We shouldn't be in this position.
0:52:06 > 0:52:07- No, we shouldn't.- Three hours later,
0:52:07 > 0:52:10with relatives having to turn up and call the police,
0:52:10 > 0:52:11so they can get some support.
0:52:16 > 0:52:21VOICEOVER: I am able to separate the selfish behaviour from the actual person,
0:52:21 > 0:52:23because I do believe addiction is an illness.
0:52:25 > 0:52:28If someone had cancer you wouldn't discriminate against them, would you?
0:52:28 > 0:52:30You wouldn't say, "Oh, well,
0:52:30 > 0:52:32"I'm not going to help you because you're a horrible person."
0:52:32 > 0:52:34You'd still try.
0:52:37 > 0:52:41Mark. Mark. Please go to hospital.
0:52:43 > 0:52:46- Please.- Please, Mark, for your mum.
0:52:46 > 0:52:47She's in tears there.
0:52:49 > 0:52:51Come on, son. I can't lose you.
0:52:56 > 0:52:59I think unless you've been through an experience,
0:52:59 > 0:53:02I don't think you can ever truly relate to it.
0:53:03 > 0:53:06So you can read as many books as you want,
0:53:06 > 0:53:11however, until you've been there and been let down that many times...
0:53:13 > 0:53:15..I don't think you'll ever truly understand.
0:53:20 > 0:53:26The only person who can ever beat the addiction is the person themselves,
0:53:26 > 0:53:29but they can only beat it when they're ready.
0:53:30 > 0:53:32Look how much your mum is hurting, Mark.
0:53:34 > 0:53:37Your mum has just told you that she's scared you're going to die.
0:53:37 > 0:53:39She's just said she doesn't want to lose you
0:53:39 > 0:53:40like she's lost her husband.
0:53:40 > 0:53:43- Yes, you are going to die.- Listen to what your mum is saying, Mark.
0:53:44 > 0:53:47You will eventually, yes.
0:53:47 > 0:53:49Yes, you will, eventually.
0:53:49 > 0:53:51Yeah, it could be next week.
0:53:54 > 0:53:55Don't be so sarcastic, son.
0:53:55 > 0:53:59You need to go to the hospital, you need to sort yourself out.
0:54:04 > 0:54:074451, what she's saying is...
0:54:07 > 0:54:10..they've called police, we've called police, they won't go.
0:54:10 > 0:54:14And they've been sat there nearly three-and-a-half hours waiting for police.
0:54:14 > 0:54:18I'll get Alison to ring the police direct from her side as well, then.
0:54:18 > 0:54:20Alison is the team manager
0:54:20 > 0:54:25and Rich hopes a call from her to the police can unlock the situation.
0:54:25 > 0:54:27The police are saying they've got no-one to attend now.
0:54:27 > 0:54:31- He's going to have to go, I think, isn't he?- Yeah, yeah.
0:54:31 > 0:54:35Because the crew and the patient's partner has phoned the police
0:54:35 > 0:54:37themselves as well. Yeah, yeah.
0:54:38 > 0:54:40Because they want him removed. All right?
0:54:45 > 0:54:48Within a few minutes, two officers arrive on scene.
0:54:48 > 0:54:49Thank you.
0:54:52 > 0:54:57These folk, they don't feel that leaving you here is an option, OK?
0:54:57 > 0:54:59So what we need to do is we need to get your shoes on,
0:54:59 > 0:55:01we need to get you on the back of the ambo.
0:55:01 > 0:55:03The quicker we get up there, the quicker you can get back.
0:55:03 > 0:55:06OK, well, at the moment, mate, that's not an option. OK?
0:55:06 > 0:55:08No more, Mark. Mark.
0:55:11 > 0:55:13You can have it when you get back.
0:55:13 > 0:55:16- I understand that, but at the moment...- You've had some.
0:55:18 > 0:55:21Nearly four hours after the ambulance arrived,
0:55:21 > 0:55:23Mark is finally on his way to hospital.
0:55:28 > 0:55:31Do you want to get sober, Mark?
0:55:31 > 0:55:36You do. I really want you to start thinking... What's stopping you?
0:55:37 > 0:55:39You don't know.
0:55:41 > 0:55:43You know that feeling at the minute that you've got?
0:55:45 > 0:55:46Nightmare. It probably is, to be fair.
0:55:58 > 0:56:03# Lights are shining all round this world
0:56:03 > 0:56:07# You'd want them all But what you want is this girl
0:56:07 > 0:56:13# So you can stick those rules They're just second-best
0:56:13 > 0:56:16# They'll give you so much But you'll end up with less... #
0:56:18 > 0:56:21I felt very angry towards my mother for a very long time.
0:56:22 > 0:56:24I don't any more, because I'm able to accept
0:56:24 > 0:56:26there must have been a reason.
0:56:30 > 0:56:31People say it, don't they?
0:56:31 > 0:56:34Hurt people hurt people.
0:56:36 > 0:56:39If certain people hadn't stopped to help me and gone that extra mile for
0:56:39 > 0:56:41me, I wouldn't be where I am.
0:56:43 > 0:56:46So that's why, you know, I think I have to give back.
0:56:46 > 0:56:47I have to.
0:56:47 > 0:56:49# ..Bruised black and blue
0:56:52 > 0:56:55# Too many words are hard but true
0:56:55 > 0:57:00# And we'll all wise up like we... we knew we'd do
0:57:01 > 0:57:04# Bruised black and blue. #
0:57:20 > 0:57:21Next on Ambulance...
0:57:21 > 0:57:23I've got the baby in my hands.
0:57:23 > 0:57:25- Is he breathing?- No! I don't know!
0:57:25 > 0:57:29You need to put your mouth completely over the baby's mouth and nose.
0:57:29 > 0:57:31- Do it now.- I am!