0:00:02 > 0:00:05- Ambulance Service. Tell me exactly what's happened.- It's my husband.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- I can't wake him up. - Just confirm for me, is he awake?
0:00:08 > 0:00:10He's not comatose. I'm trying to feel a pulse...
0:00:12 > 0:00:16He's on the floor. He's unresponsive.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18Cardiac arrest.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22A call to a cardiac arrest.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25The paramedics have just eight minutes to get to the scene.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31And just 12 minutes to save the patient's life.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35Do you want to do another pulse check just before we move him?
0:00:35 > 0:00:39It is a scenario that can test the most experienced paramedic.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45But what if you are a first year student
0:00:45 > 0:00:48and it is your first week on the job?
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Meet the junior paramedics.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55Does this make me look vain?
0:00:55 > 0:00:58It is quite scary and daunting. I am only 19.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01Little ticklish feet!
0:01:01 > 0:01:05When we go to a really serious job, like a cardiac arrest.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07I will have to get involved.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09You feel like you are doing something that means something,
0:01:09 > 0:01:12and it is making a difference.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Flying around with the blue lights, I think that'll be good! I'm not going to lie!
0:01:20 > 0:01:22Let's go do some shots.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24The shifts are going to be hard to get used to.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26I hate mornings, I am not a morning person at all.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31All of the paramedics I have spoken to have said there will always
0:01:31 > 0:01:33be one thing, when you get there, you don't know what,
0:01:33 > 0:01:35but it affects you really badly.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39You've got to be prepared to go in someone's house
0:01:39 > 0:01:41and not be scared of the outcome.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44I am definitely quite worried dealing with my first fatal,
0:01:44 > 0:01:47or the first body that I come to.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50Being a paramedic is definitely my dream,
0:01:50 > 0:01:52something I have always wanted.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55Studying for a degree in paramedic science is tough.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58Failure is not an option!
0:02:00 > 0:02:05Six weeks of dealing with real people in real emergencies is even tougher.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10I got up about 12 hours ago and I am yawning all the time
0:02:10 > 0:02:12and I am shattered already.
0:02:12 > 0:02:13Ready to go to bed now.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17Working gruelling shifts and being constantly assessed.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20You do struggle to speak to people, that is evident.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23They are young, they are untested...
0:02:23 > 0:02:24Oh, my God.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27..and every day is a matter of life or death.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30I was like, "Whoa-oh!" Adrenaline!
0:02:30 > 0:02:35For these student paramedics it is make or break on the emergency front-line.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37Stop!
0:02:49 > 0:02:52'Hello, can I have the fire brigade and the K13s, please?'
0:02:52 > 0:02:56'Is somebody trapped or outbreaks of a fire, please?'
0:02:56 > 0:02:59'Yes, we've got a gentleman that going to need cutting out of his car.'
0:02:59 > 0:03:02A serious crash.
0:03:02 > 0:03:03A male casualty.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10This paramedic has been on an ambulance for just a matter of weeks.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18Now people's lives are in his hands.
0:03:27 > 0:03:28- Good luck.- Yeah!
0:03:28 > 0:03:33Today, 19-year-old Bryn will leave home for the very first time.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35See you in a bit.
0:03:35 > 0:03:36And he isn't the only one.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42I'm going to cry now!
0:03:47 > 0:03:50Our nine students are flying the nest to the
0:03:50 > 0:03:52University of Northampton.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54They'll share their lives with other
0:03:54 > 0:03:57regular students by living in the halls of residence.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12As well as enjoying their new-found freedom and friends,
0:04:12 > 0:04:19they'll have to learn how to cook, clean and clear up after themselves.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29Life at university will be a completely new
0:04:29 > 0:04:32experience for all of the junior paramedics.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40University is a big challenge
0:04:40 > 0:04:43and training to be a paramedic is a big step.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54After just six weeks in a classroom learning the basics,
0:04:54 > 0:04:57the young students are about to be thrust out on placement with
0:04:57 > 0:04:59the East Midlands Ambulance Service.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04It's really quite scary to think I've been
0:05:04 > 0:05:07trained for six weeks and then people might me depending on me.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12They'll be dealing with real incidents that could mean
0:05:12 > 0:05:14the difference between life or death.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22So much to do, so much to take in.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26But I think when we start doing it on placement it will all
0:05:26 > 0:05:27cement in a little bit more.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34And for one paramedic that placement starts now.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40Corby Ambulance Station, and the youngest junior paramedic,
0:05:40 > 0:05:4318-year-old Steph, is the first start to on shift.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49She's still waiting for that first callout to come in but with
0:05:49 > 0:05:51so much at stake on these placements,
0:05:51 > 0:05:55she's already keen to impress mentor, Sam, by getting involved.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58First job, first shift. I'm excited but I'm nervous.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06Some 18-year-olds don't really know who
0:06:06 > 0:06:08they are yet, but I feel like I do.
0:06:08 > 0:06:13I always knew I would be the young one, you go to interviews and all others are like 20, 30.
0:06:20 > 0:06:25Being at home, I like it, no rent, my mum cooks my dinner,
0:06:25 > 0:06:28I've always been quite a high achiever
0:06:28 > 0:06:30I don't like to think I would go into this career
0:06:30 > 0:06:36and stay at the same level, I would like to go up quite quickly.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43She's ambitious. She knows what she wants and will get it.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47I was getting it, every year, I was like, "I absolutely will eventually."
0:06:47 > 0:06:52In school she was top of everything, you couldn't beat her.
0:06:52 > 0:06:57Even if you smile, you, like, stupid smile...
0:06:57 > 0:07:00She's really positive, hardly ever sad or down or anything.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02She keeps everyone happy.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10That person's life is in your mentor's, and partially your hands,
0:07:10 > 0:07:12you need to do it and do it well.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15Don't think there's anything going to stop you mentally then.
0:07:20 > 0:07:25Junior paramedics are not exempt from being called to the most severe jobs.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28So they have to be prepared.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31If we have a respiratory arrest or a cardiac arrest
0:07:31 > 0:07:32we'll be taking this in.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36Just have a good look through stuff and get yourself familiar with it.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39If we go to a really serious job like a cardiac arrest
0:07:39 > 0:07:42I will have to get involved.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44So the thought of the control saying it is a cardiac arrest,
0:07:44 > 0:07:47I'm instantly going to be like, "Oh, my God, here we go,
0:07:47 > 0:07:50"this is me." It's going to be quite scary.
0:07:52 > 0:07:57RADIO: 38-year-old male, cardiac arrest.
0:07:57 > 0:07:58Oh, God...
0:07:58 > 0:08:02And then the call comes in that every junior paramedic dreads.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07RADIO: 011, was that last message received? Over.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09Received, we're mobile.
0:08:13 > 0:08:19The East Midlands Ambulance service deals with more than 150 chest pain related calls every day.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Any of these could be a potential heart attack - which could
0:08:23 > 0:08:26mean a matter of life and death.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29So it's something Steph is going to have to get used to.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33My heart is absolutely racing.
0:08:33 > 0:08:34When we go in,
0:08:34 > 0:08:37we'll confirm it is a cardiac arrest cos it might not be,
0:08:37 > 0:08:41so, ABCs, if it is we'll get the pads on straightaway...
0:08:41 > 0:08:42I don't have to do that?
0:08:42 > 0:08:45I'll do that, you'll start chest compressions.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47We just have you doing chest compressions
0:08:47 > 0:08:49if you're comfortable with that.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52If you don't like it, step back,
0:08:52 > 0:08:57we'll talk about it afterwards, you can't do anything more.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59OK. Yeah.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- You'll be fine, OK? - OK. I'm scared.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11I need to do it, don't I?
0:09:11 > 0:09:14Gonna be on my own in two years, so...
0:09:16 > 0:09:20Mentor Sam can see how nervous her student is.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- Take a deep breath. - Yeah, I'm terrified.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27With eight minutes being the target response to cardiac callouts,
0:09:27 > 0:09:30time is of the essence.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32She may have been thrown in the deep end,
0:09:32 > 0:09:34but Steph needs to be on top of her game.
0:09:34 > 0:09:39- Suction.- All right.- That's it.- Yep.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47The suspect heart attack victim is in a flat on this estate.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50And it pays for paramedics to know their patch.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52Lots of drug problems around here
0:09:52 > 0:09:55so it could be an opiates overdose, so check the pupils quite quickly.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- You want me to do that? - Whoever gets the chance first.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01OK, cos I'm scared.
0:10:11 > 0:10:12How old is he?
0:10:12 > 0:10:16They quickly establish that the male patient isn't having a heart attack.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19Other paramedics arrive on scene
0:10:19 > 0:10:22and are trying work things out from the patient's family.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27PARAMEDIC:
0:10:31 > 0:10:34Under the influence of drink, and now possibly drugs,
0:10:34 > 0:10:36the man's out cold.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39So as a duty of care the paramedics have to take him
0:10:39 > 0:10:41to hospital to get checked out.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48I was like, "Whoa, whoa!"
0:10:48 > 0:10:49Adrenaline, don't think I've ever had
0:10:49 > 0:10:51an adrenaline rush like that in my life,
0:10:51 > 0:10:54can you see it in my eyes?
0:10:54 > 0:10:57As far as I knew I was going in ready to do chest compressions,
0:10:57 > 0:11:00with Sam getting ready for me to do it.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02But it didn't turn out that way.
0:11:05 > 0:11:10My first job, I remember being stood round the lady's bed
0:11:10 > 0:11:13and thinking, "Why am I here?", kinda thing.
0:11:13 > 0:11:14And just standing watching.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18I certainly didn't do as much as Steph did, straightaway on my first job.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21She's done really, really well.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30The other junior paramedics still have a few
0:11:30 > 0:11:33days before they begin their shifts on the ambulances.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38So they take the opportunity to meet their mentors -
0:11:38 > 0:11:44qualified paramedics who work across Northamptonshire and Leicestershire.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48This is where all the ambulances are most of the time.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52By going out with their mentors on shift,
0:11:52 > 0:11:56the students will be assessed by them as part of their degree course.
0:11:56 > 0:11:57- Have a seat.- Thank you.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01So their performance will impact on whether they make the grade.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05This is probably the biggest learning curve for them,
0:12:05 > 0:12:08doing everything for the first time.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11Scary and exciting at the same time.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14We'll get you involved as much as we can.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17To the extent that you're feeling comfortable.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- Good.- You will be getting stuck in,
0:12:19 > 0:12:23you will be getting dirty, covered in stuff that's not particularly yours.
0:12:23 > 0:12:28I heard from other lecturers that you were a student and came through and done it that way?
0:12:28 > 0:12:33Yeah, it's hard work. Shifts are very long.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36It's very demanding physically as well as mentally.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39Don't be scared. I know it is easy to say.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42We won't ever let anything happen that's going to be detrimental.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44Have fun. My advice is never run,
0:12:44 > 0:12:47it's better to get there than not to get there at all,
0:12:47 > 0:12:50or fall over and make a complete arse of yourself before you do get there.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Back at halls, 19-year-old Lucy is getting to grips with
0:13:04 > 0:13:06living away from home.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08Very sad that I've never been here before!
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Before going out on an ambulance she has to get her head round
0:13:11 > 0:13:14some more complicated technology.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16I don't know what to do!
0:13:16 > 0:13:20She's getting her first taste of doing her own laundry.
0:13:20 > 0:13:21What do I press then?
0:13:23 > 0:13:25What an imbecile.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27I'm too much of a mummy's girl!
0:13:32 > 0:13:35I come from a huge medical background.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39My mum used to be a nurse and my dad is a GP.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42She's keen, she's able, she's good at learning.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44She's good with people.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46I don't think there's many more stressful things than
0:13:46 > 0:13:50going to a scene of a cardiac arrest or going to the scene of someone being drunk.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54# Work hard, play hard... #
0:13:56 > 0:13:57I do like nights out.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59Let's go do some shots.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02Having no social life for six weeks whilst
0:14:02 > 0:14:04I'm on placement is fine.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07I want to do as many shifts as I can, and see as much as I can
0:14:07 > 0:14:10so if that means not having a massive social life
0:14:10 > 0:14:13that is not a problem for me.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22She is a very dependable person
0:14:22 > 0:14:25so I have no doubt she'll make a good paramedic.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27She is also really chatty, she gets on with people.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35It's hard not to love her. I'm sure she'll be brilliant.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38I think I'm a determined person when it comes to what I really
0:14:38 > 0:14:43want, in terms of the course I want to be a paramedic more than anything.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47I won't give up. I'll just keep going until I'm a paramedic.
0:14:55 > 0:15:00But even before Lucy's journey starts it could all be taken away from her.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03An accident has resulted in her damaging her wrist,
0:15:03 > 0:15:06so she's gone to see course leader Bob Willis.
0:15:06 > 0:15:11I've been to A&E and it's broken.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13Top of the radius.
0:15:13 > 0:15:18The rules are, if you're off sick for a month,
0:15:18 > 0:15:21then you're going to have to suspend for a year.
0:15:21 > 0:15:22SHE SIGHS
0:15:22 > 0:15:25It's not worth putting you at risk, sending you out on
0:15:25 > 0:15:27placement with a fractured wrist,
0:15:27 > 0:15:30cos if you had to do CPR or lift someone, who was really ill...
0:15:33 > 0:15:35What can you do?
0:15:35 > 0:15:40But Lucy's first placement isn't for a few days yet, so all is not lost.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43I wouldn't go sick until your placement's due to start.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46That gives you time to go back to fracture clinic
0:15:46 > 0:15:49and get the detail of what the fracture is
0:15:49 > 0:15:51- and how quickly it's likely to heal.- Yeah.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54But the worst case scenario is
0:15:54 > 0:15:57that's it, for a year, anyway.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02'I'll be absolutely gutted if I can't go out on placement.'
0:16:02 > 0:16:04I've wanted to get on this course.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06It's meant everything that I've got a place and
0:16:06 > 0:16:09I'll be absolutely gutted if I can't go out.
0:16:09 > 0:16:10Absolutely gutted.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17- Hiya, is it Lucy?- Yes.
0:16:17 > 0:16:18Hi, I'm Alastair.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21So, for Lucy, this may be the first
0:16:21 > 0:16:23and last time she meets mentor Alistair.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26A further X-ray will decide whether she needs to keep
0:16:26 > 0:16:29the cast on her fractured wrist.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31I'm not allowed on placement in cast.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34If it's in cast for longer than four weeks, they've said
0:16:34 > 0:16:38that I'll have to defer and restart next September.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40It's all a bit up in the air, really.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43Obviously, as soon as I know anything, I'll let you know.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Yeah, OK. Great.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49If it's bad news at her next appointment
0:16:49 > 0:16:51and the cast stays on,
0:16:51 > 0:16:53she's off the course till next year.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02As Lucy is left to contemplate her fate,
0:17:02 > 0:17:06it's a 6am start for 19-year-old Amy, on her first ever shift.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10'I'm absolutely terrified.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12'Got butterflies in my stomach.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15'I didn't sleep last night, I was that worried.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20'I'm really nervous, cos you don't know
0:17:20 > 0:17:22'what kind of calls we're going to get
0:17:22 > 0:17:25'and with only my first day, there's only so much I can do.'
0:17:25 > 0:17:28I'm just scared that I can't remember everything I've learnt
0:17:28 > 0:17:31and I can't bring the skills I've learnt into the job.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36It's quite a scary thought that
0:17:36 > 0:17:39someone's life could be in my hands today
0:17:39 > 0:17:42and I could be helping to save someone's life.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48Having moved over 200 miles from her home near Newcastle to follow
0:17:48 > 0:17:51her dream of being a paramedic,
0:17:51 > 0:17:54Amy is the junior who's the furthest away from her family.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59I'm quite a girlie girl, doing my hair and make-up.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01I hope the paramedics don't see it
0:18:01 > 0:18:04as weak or not good enough for the job.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09I do spend a lot of time with my mum and dad and talk to them
0:18:09 > 0:18:11about everything, really.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13She's always had her own mind.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16Never been a follower. She's always sort of done what she wanted to do.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18'The longest I've ever been away from home
0:18:18 > 0:18:20'has probably only been two weeks,
0:18:20 > 0:18:25'so, to be away from home for three months is a massive thing for me.'
0:18:28 > 0:18:31I think she's always been very sensitive.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33Probably cry now!
0:18:33 > 0:18:36I'm worried about keeping all those emotions inside.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39I'm quite an emotional person. I do cry at everything.
0:18:44 > 0:18:45Thank you very much.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49'Saving a life, when that first happens,
0:18:49 > 0:18:52'that's going to be a massive high.'
0:18:52 > 0:18:57That's what you do the job for, isn't it, really, to save people's lives?
0:18:57 > 0:18:59I'm looking forward to that the most.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10Today, Amy's out with her mentor, Shay.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12They've got an unusual call -
0:19:12 > 0:19:16a man who says he's been bitten by a spider.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25Received, thank you.
0:19:25 > 0:19:30- Hello? Hello. Is it yourself? - You coming in?- Hello.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33I think we'll come in and have a look at you, if that's all right?
0:19:33 > 0:19:34Yes, please.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37Hi, Ron, I'm Shay and this is Amy.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39So, Ron, what's actually happened?
0:19:39 > 0:19:40What happened was...
0:19:40 > 0:19:42Whoops...
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- I tell you what, shall we just sit there for a second?- Yeah.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48Let's just sit there for a second.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50Do you want to tell us what happened?
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- I went into... I'm sorry, I'm a bit emotional.- Don't worry.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56Ron, don't worry.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59I went in to get some oranges and I put my hand in
0:19:59 > 0:20:02and got the oranges and I felt something bite me.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05- Shall we have a little look at your hand?- It's here.- Which one is it?
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- This one?- It's that. - This is where you were bitten?
0:20:09 > 0:20:12That's where I was bitten. You can see my hand's swollen up.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16I came home, I walked into the kitchen, I don't remember anything.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19I remember going down and hitting the floor.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21My arm hit the floor hard...
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- So, Ron, you've had a fall since coming home then?- Oh, yes.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28Shall we try and sit you on the settee safely? What do you think?
0:20:28 > 0:20:31I'll get up. I'm partially blind, as well.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33All right. How much can you see?
0:20:33 > 0:20:35Ron's blackout means that this
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- callout has taken a more serious turn.- My wife died...
0:20:38 > 0:20:41It's Amy's first taste of how paramedics have to
0:20:41 > 0:20:45think on their feet and act fast to changing circumstances.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49I'll just do your blood pressure on this arm, if that's all right?
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- This is going to get tight on your arm, OK?- Yes.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- You busy? - It's not been too bad today, no.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- I feel terrible about bringing you out.- Not at all.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04We want to make sure you're all right.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06Yes, I know. Thank you so much.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09Ron may appear calm on the outside,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12but his blood pressure reading is shocking.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17I could hear it at 280 down to 110.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21Your blood pressure's sky-high, Ron.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- You've never had a stroke or anything?- Yes, I have.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- I've had three. - You've had three of them. OK.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30It's probably best you go through for a checkup. What do you think?
0:21:30 > 0:21:31You're the professional.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33But his dangerously high blood pressure
0:21:33 > 0:21:35doesn't seem to be bothering him.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39He seems more interested in having a good natter with rookie Amy.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41How much longer have you got to train for?
0:21:41 > 0:21:44I've got two years left, yes.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46Very intense two-year course, though.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49I've got very high admiration for you.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52I've always said that paramedics,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55they know as much as a doctor, in fact, more.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58It's a wonderful thing, I think.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- That's nice to hear. - I think you're wonderful.
0:22:01 > 0:22:02But Amy's got work to do.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04I'm just going to pop these on your chest.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08Ron needs an ECG, which will monitor his heart rate.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10But there's a sticking point.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14His chest hair is getting in the way of the monitor's pads.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16So, Amy needs to do some gardening.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19I really apologise for this, but we are going to have to
0:22:19 > 0:22:21shave your chest a little bit, just so these can stick on.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23Cos they're not going to stick
0:22:23 > 0:22:25and they're not going to read correctly.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28I haven't done this before.
0:22:30 > 0:22:31- Can you...?- In that motion.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- And this?- Yeah.- OK.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- It's just to get the sticky dots on. - OK.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40Probably one of the things of the job that you think you'd never
0:22:40 > 0:22:43sign up to shave somebody's hairy chest.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45Where am I going? Like...
0:22:45 > 0:22:46Can you do it?
0:22:46 > 0:22:49Sorry, I don't want to hurt you, cos I haven't done this.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52Very good. Very wise.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54'So I got Shay to do it.'
0:22:54 > 0:22:57I was bit nervous, in case I was going to cut him,
0:22:57 > 0:22:59but that was an interesting experience.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02At least I know how to deal with it next time that comes along.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04I think I'll be able to handle it better
0:23:04 > 0:23:06and maybe do it myself next time.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09I'd rather see it being done
0:23:09 > 0:23:11than try it myself for the first time, I think.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17Ron's ECG results have come back as irregular.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19How are you feeling now, Ron, do you think?
0:23:19 > 0:23:21I feel a bit woozy, I'll be fair.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24Coupled with his dizziness and earlier blackout,
0:23:24 > 0:23:27the decision is made to get him checked out at hospital.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30But, as Amy and Shay came in a fast response car,
0:23:30 > 0:23:33they've had to call an ambulance to collect him.
0:23:33 > 0:23:38As they wait, Ron starts to open up about his late wife.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40It was about 11 o'clock, we came back from the hospital.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42She died at 10:30 that night.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46Yeah. 10:30. She died.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50It's something that I'll never, never get over. Never get over.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52I'll never get over losing her.
0:23:52 > 0:23:57The shock of that, a blood vessel burst in my brain
0:23:57 > 0:23:59and that's how I lost my sight.
0:23:59 > 0:24:04But it's very strange, because, to me, she's still here.
0:24:04 > 0:24:05I can feel her.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08I know she's here. I can feel her.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11'It was hard, but really, we went in to talk to Ron and'
0:24:11 > 0:24:13when we got here, it's a bit more
0:24:13 > 0:24:17than he's just had a bite with a spider.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20He's just got to no-one to talk to at all.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23- It's hard.- Yeah.- It's hard.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27Very, very hard. I find it very hard.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30Yeah, without her. Because we were like one...
0:24:30 > 0:24:33God, it was incredible.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35We were like one.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37'I feel really stupid for getting teary about it,
0:24:37 > 0:24:41'but it's just such a sad story.'
0:24:41 > 0:24:45I don't know the man from Adam, but I think I can sort of relate.
0:24:45 > 0:24:51My nana's got dementia, and my grandad, he's now living by himself.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53He gets lonely and it just...
0:24:53 > 0:24:56It sort of brings it home, like that.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02In big part thanks to Amy listening, Ron is back on his feet
0:25:02 > 0:25:06- and a bit more chipper for his trip to hospital.- Take care, Ron.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10- I hope you get better. - Will I see you again?- I hope not.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14I hope you don't have to ring for an ambulance again any time soon.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16I hope you get better.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20- Best of luck for your future. - Thank you, thank you. Take care!
0:25:20 > 0:25:23- Thank you very much!- You're welcome. - Bye.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33- I just feel awful for people like that.- Do you know what?
0:25:33 > 0:25:35They're the ones that get to me, older people.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38I don't know why, they just do.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41Because I don't think they ring us up unless they really want us
0:25:41 > 0:25:43and when you get there,
0:25:43 > 0:25:46quite often they just pour their heart out about things.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50But he's a lonely man, isn't he, as well?
0:25:50 > 0:25:52He really wanted a good little natter.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00'Ambulance service, tell me exactly what's happened.
0:26:00 > 0:26:01'He's on the floor.'
0:26:01 > 0:26:04'We need to help him now, but he has to be on a hard surface.'
0:26:04 > 0:26:06'She's got heart problems.'
0:26:06 > 0:26:09East Midlands Ambulance Service provides emergency response
0:26:09 > 0:26:12and urgent care to almost five million people.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15'Kneel next to him and look in his mouth for food or vomit.'
0:26:15 > 0:26:18With a call coming in every 45 seconds,
0:26:18 > 0:26:20the junior paramedics might be students,
0:26:20 > 0:26:23but whilst on placement, they're being thrown in at the deep end.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26'I'm organising help for you now, stay on the line.'
0:26:26 > 0:26:28'Help's on its way to you, OK?'
0:26:28 > 0:26:29'OK, thank you.'
0:26:31 > 0:26:35The next junior paramedic to go out on placement is 19-year-old Max.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39- All right, Max? - Who will be with his mentor, Chris.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42This is your first placement, Max, so, when we go in,
0:26:42 > 0:26:45if there's anything you can't handle,
0:26:45 > 0:26:49- I'll go in and sort it out and deal with things.- Yeah.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53So, if you'd like to check the green bag.
0:26:53 > 0:26:58As well as being marked on their abilities to perform tasks,
0:26:58 > 0:27:00the placement scheme is there to allow students to gain
0:27:00 > 0:27:03confidence in performing paramedic duties.
0:27:03 > 0:27:08This is one characteristic that cocksure Max isn't lacking.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14I live in Lincoln. Just outside, in a little village.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18I live with my mum and dad and little sister and my little brother.
0:27:18 > 0:27:23And my dog, who I love loads. She's called Tilly.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28Max really is a laid-back, charming character.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30The ladies do love him.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34- All right, Lucy?- All right, sexy?
0:27:34 > 0:27:37Pretty boy like you, Max, the ladies love you.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39- I'm not touching your groin area.- Why?
0:27:39 > 0:27:42People might get the wrong idea.
0:27:46 > 0:27:47I play rugby.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49It's quite fast-paced, which I like.
0:27:53 > 0:27:54'We have a game on Wednesday,
0:27:54 > 0:27:58'so Wednesday nights, rugby lads social.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01'If we've won, then everyone is really happy.'
0:28:01 > 0:28:04Three, two, one, go!
0:28:04 > 0:28:06SHOUTING AND LAUGHTER
0:28:07 > 0:28:10Oh, man! Man!
0:28:10 > 0:28:12It's quite exciting.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15Probably most looking forward to just getting out there and being
0:28:15 > 0:28:18first on the scene and dealing with all the different aspects.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21And all the different skills that you have to learn to be a paramedic.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23It's all really interesting.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30Max is being kept busy on his shift with ladies of a certain age
0:28:30 > 0:28:34and his easy manner is proving a hit with the older generation.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38- Max just do your blood pressure? Is that OK?- Yeah.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41- Got a nice fat lip there, haven't you, Doreen?- I know.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44- So, just been doing a bit of shopping, then?- Yeah.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48You can tell everyone the other person came off worse, can't you?
0:28:48 > 0:28:51Shall we get Max to escort you to the toilet?
0:28:51 > 0:28:55- Have a feel of your hips, Doreen. Just tell me if it...- That's nice.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02So, Max has cracked it with the older patients.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06But now, he faces a new challenge. A baby.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08His next callout of the day is just five months old
0:29:08 > 0:29:11and has suspected bronchitis.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13It's a bit nippy, actually.
0:29:13 > 0:29:14Hi, it's ambulance?
0:29:20 > 0:29:22Been vomiting since last Friday
0:29:22 > 0:29:24and then last night, proper projectile.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27Everything just came out and he wouldn't feed at all.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30When he coughs, as well, it chokes him.
0:29:30 > 0:29:31BABY COUGHS
0:29:31 > 0:29:34You're having a bit of a rough time, ain't you, mate?
0:29:34 > 0:29:37It's the youngest patient that Max has ever been called to,
0:29:37 > 0:29:39so it's a testing situation.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42- How old is he?- 22 weeks.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45So, is he being treated for anything at the minute?
0:29:45 > 0:29:47- Bronchitis.- Bronchitis?
0:29:47 > 0:29:51But that won't stop Chris getting this rookie involved.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54Throughout the placement scheme, the mentors will assess
0:29:54 > 0:29:56the junior paramedics as they deal
0:29:56 > 0:29:58with patients of all ages.
0:29:58 > 0:29:59He was seven weeks premature
0:29:59 > 0:30:03so that's why I was a bit worried, with his lungs and that.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05Oh, dear!
0:30:05 > 0:30:06Will I pop that back in?
0:30:07 > 0:30:08Yeah?
0:30:10 > 0:30:11Hello!
0:30:13 > 0:30:16Max is going to do a pulse check in a second.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19Hey, little man.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22Just stick 'em on at the top of his chest...
0:30:22 > 0:30:23briefly.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26Don't stay 'em on for long cos they're quite sensitive.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32- Yeah, will do. Hello!- Have you got a little smile?- Are you smiling?
0:30:35 > 0:30:37Are you a good boy?
0:30:38 > 0:30:40Shall I take these nasty stickers off now?
0:30:40 > 0:30:43Yeah. Yeah.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46Max is going to take some blood out of your little heel, mate.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48It might make you all upset.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50Blood sugar readings, or BMs,
0:30:50 > 0:30:53are taken by pricking the heel of a baby,
0:30:53 > 0:30:54rather than the finger.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59Not on a baby, the digits are too small.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02Are you ticklish? Hey?
0:31:02 > 0:31:04Have you got little ticklish feet?
0:31:04 > 0:31:06Is he tickling your feet?!
0:31:06 > 0:31:08Just on the heel.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14Good boy!
0:31:14 > 0:31:15Good boy!
0:31:18 > 0:31:20HE CRIES All right, mate.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24Taking blood from a moving target
0:31:24 > 0:31:27isn't something they teach at the university.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29Sorry, little man.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40BEEPING That's it. Good boy.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44Right, if you get him dressed them, Mum,
0:31:44 > 0:31:46we'll pop him into A&E.
0:31:46 > 0:31:47- OK.- OK.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49All right, little buddy.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52You're brave. You did well, didn't you?
0:31:54 > 0:31:56With the tricky procedures out of the way,
0:31:56 > 0:32:00Max can make sure this young patient gets a comfortable trip to hospital.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02You're moving your hat all around.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05It's going over your eyes. Where have you gone?!
0:32:06 > 0:32:08Hey? You're in an ambulance, mate.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11- Mum'll remind you of this when you're older.- Oh, I will do.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23We're only going to be about five, six minutes.
0:32:23 > 0:32:24It's quite different
0:32:24 > 0:32:28to obviously having an older patient that can talk and respond.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32But he's cute, so it makes it OK.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39Yeah, so, how do you think that job went, then?
0:32:39 > 0:32:41Yeah, I think it was all right.
0:32:41 > 0:32:42Babies are really difficult to assess.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44He was pretty good really.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46He was quite happy and chirpy.
0:32:46 > 0:32:47BMs are quite tricky to do
0:32:47 > 0:32:51and obviously they get upset when you do it.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53But it needs to be done.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55Yeah, obviously I would usually take from the finger
0:32:55 > 0:32:57- but is it always on there?- It is.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59Because obviously the digits are so tiny.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02Cos I think you did find it a bit tricky, didn't you?
0:33:02 > 0:33:05Yeah, he was moving his foot around quite a bit.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07It's all part of the learning curve.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10I think Sam needs to wash the pots.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12I was the last one to do it and that was...yesterday.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15I can't wash up cos I'm injured. I've got a good excuse.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18Stuck in her halls of residence, one junior paramedic
0:33:18 > 0:33:21who still hasn't managed to go out on placement
0:33:21 > 0:33:23is Lucy Mellor.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26Days ago she received the devastating news
0:33:26 > 0:33:30that her fractured wrist could mean her dream of becoming a paramedic
0:33:30 > 0:33:32would need to be postponed for a year.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34Worst-case scenario is...
0:33:34 > 0:33:36that's it.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39But Lucy's had some news
0:33:39 > 0:33:44and she's dying to share that with fellow junior paramedic Bryn.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46So how's your wrist now?
0:33:46 > 0:33:48- Fine.- Yeah?- Better.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51- Yeah, it's in support but it's better.- Not in a cast, which is good.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54So I can start placement, which is absolutely, like...
0:33:54 > 0:33:57- over the moon.- So you're buzzing?! Yay!
0:33:57 > 0:34:00- Thanks, Bryn.- It's all right!
0:34:00 > 0:34:03Coming so close to not be able to go on placement,
0:34:03 > 0:34:05I'm going to make absolutely the most of it.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07And it's made me even more determined
0:34:07 > 0:34:09cos I've seen how gutted I was.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13'I'm determined to become a paramedic no matter what.'
0:34:13 > 0:34:16Whether, you know...I won't give up.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21All she needs to do now is pass her vital placement.
0:34:21 > 0:34:26But as she gets ready for her first ever shift, there's a new problem.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30My hair's so long and you can't have it on your collar.
0:34:30 > 0:34:35It's got to be up above the collar so it's not, sort of, in the way.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38So I've got to put it up in a bun.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41But then when you have it in a bun, your helmet won't fit on.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49She's a fully-trained beautician but today,
0:34:49 > 0:34:51hair dilemmas are the least of her worries.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57The shoes are so clumpy.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00The bottom of them is like wearing heels.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07This is absolutely huge on me!
0:35:08 > 0:35:10Oh, my God.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14This is so weird.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18I feel like it's kind of all real.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20Seeing...actually wearing the uniform,
0:35:20 > 0:35:22I stick out like a sore thumb but...
0:35:23 > 0:35:25It's actually...
0:35:25 > 0:35:26actually happening.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38But Lucy will have to put her nerves behind her
0:35:38 > 0:35:39if she wants a good grade.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43And the person who'll be assessing her
0:35:43 > 0:35:44is mentor Alistair.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46You've got the laryngoscope.
0:35:46 > 0:35:48So we'll just check that works.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51Then obviously you just make sure we've got every size of syringe,
0:35:51 > 0:35:5310ml, 5ml, 2ml.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57Then obviously the sodium chloride...
0:35:57 > 0:35:59Lucy's first task -
0:35:59 > 0:36:02getting to grips with the array of complicated equipment.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07So many different things to remember.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11It's a far cry from the classroom.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14Completely different when you're actually
0:36:14 > 0:36:16in the ambulance, on the road,
0:36:16 > 0:36:19cos it's real life and it's got everything in it.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23So, yeah, it does feel different. Definitely more real.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29But if Lucy wants to pass the placement
0:36:29 > 0:36:31and make it as a paramedic
0:36:31 > 0:36:34she's going to have to deal with all that is thrown at her.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54Yeah, yeah, received.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56Like I say, we'll have a look then
0:36:56 > 0:36:58and see what we can make out.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00SIREN
0:37:02 > 0:37:03So, again, what they're saying
0:37:03 > 0:37:05is obviously if we think it's dodgy or whatever,
0:37:05 > 0:37:08then we need to get the police.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22Oh, puddle!
0:37:22 > 0:37:26Paramedics often have to step into the unknown.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31How do I turn these on?
0:37:31 > 0:37:34But Lucy is still coming to terms with her equipment.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36I don't know how to turn this torch on!
0:37:36 > 0:37:39- How do you turn this on?- Hello.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43- Hello.- Hiya.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47She was found about 25 minutes ago.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50She's been sick. She's had an argument with a friend,
0:37:50 > 0:37:54- come out and this is how she's been found.- Why is there a camera?
0:37:54 > 0:37:56So what's happened then?
0:38:16 > 0:38:18- No, but no pain, no?- No.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21Are you all right to sit up then, do you think?
0:38:21 > 0:38:23I can try.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25No signs of spinal injury.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28But there's concern about the girl's bang to the head.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31So she needs to be checked out in the ambulance.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34Lucy's just going to take your temperature
0:38:34 > 0:38:37and check your blood sugar. Is that OK?
0:38:37 > 0:38:40- It's like a little pinprick in your finger.- OK.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47Yeah, if you sort of shove it in.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55- All right for me to just pop this in your ear?- Yeah.- Is it this one?
0:38:55 > 0:38:57No, that one. Yeah, that's it.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01- That's it on?- Is it on?
0:39:01 > 0:39:06That's it. Now, once it's in, press that once and release it.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08- Then let it beep. - BEEPING
0:39:08 > 0:39:09There you go.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11Look, 35. OK.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15LUCY WHISPERS
0:39:15 > 0:39:20- I've never seen these before.- Oh, you just press that against the...
0:39:20 > 0:39:23- Just press it against...? - The finger, yeah. Prick it.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25Watch out.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Offer them a bit of warning(!)
0:39:34 > 0:39:36- BEEPING - Seven.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40- You all right for a minute if I just nip out?- Yeah.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42When Alistair goes to speak to the person
0:39:42 > 0:39:44who found the girl by the swings,
0:39:44 > 0:39:48Lucy's bedside manner is put to the test.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51(I'll definitely need a wash after this.)
0:39:51 > 0:39:53- Pardon?- I'll definitely need a wash after this.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01Awkward silence.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12Alistair's soon back to break the ice.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15And he's decided the patient needs to go to hospital.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20Lucy's been put on the spot once and struggled.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24So Alistair decides to push her further into the spotlight.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48So when we take the patient into A&E,
0:40:48 > 0:40:51we hand over to A&E staff
0:40:51 > 0:40:53and have to tell them everything that's happened.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56and see what observations you've taken,
0:40:56 > 0:40:58how a patient is, basically,
0:40:58 > 0:40:59and what's wrong with the patient.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03So then they can treat accordingly.
0:41:17 > 0:41:22On a busy shift, a paramedic can make up to ten handovers.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24It may be a daunting prospect for Lucy now
0:41:24 > 0:41:27but it's something all juniors have to get used to.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32Just take your time on it, really.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54In order for the patient to receive the best treatment possible,
0:41:54 > 0:41:58it's crucial it's done clearly and concisely.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01So this inexperienced student can't afford to freeze up again.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08OK. What's the problem?
0:42:08 > 0:42:12So she was found by a bystander in a park.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15They said she'd been unresponsive.
0:42:17 > 0:42:22- What else?- She stated that she'd fallen off the swing.- Yeah.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24She thinks she's bumped her head.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26OK. Any observations please.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28Yeah, I've got a pulse at 90.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30'It didn't go too badly.
0:42:30 > 0:42:31'I went a little bit blank.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34'You're always going to be a little bit nervous but Alistair was there'
0:42:34 > 0:42:38and he backed me up when I added in the extra details.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40Yeah, it's all good practice
0:42:40 > 0:42:43so I didn't feel too bad.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45It'll get better every time I do it, I think.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48- Thank you very much.- All right. Brilliant.- Bye.- Thank you.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50- Take care.- Yeah, bye!
0:42:54 > 0:42:57'Obviously it's early days.'
0:42:57 > 0:42:59So she's doing really well.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02And the first handover went quite well, really.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05I think she did most things. She seemed quite confident with it.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08Got most of the points across.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12Yeah, a couple of bits that obviously needed to be picked up on
0:43:12 > 0:43:16but that's, you know, she did brilliantly for the first time.
0:43:16 > 0:43:17Yeah.
0:43:25 > 0:43:2719-year-old Bryn
0:43:27 > 0:43:29and 24-year-old Nick
0:43:29 > 0:43:33are two junior paramedics starting their first placements.
0:43:35 > 0:43:39- Have I brought too much stuff? - No, no, you're fine.
0:43:39 > 0:43:41Welcome!
0:43:41 > 0:43:43- Ow, I just hit my head on...! - That's not a good start.
0:43:43 > 0:43:46He just knocked himself out on the carry chair!
0:43:46 > 0:43:49- There you go.- Thank you.- Good luck. Start of your career!
0:43:49 > 0:43:52Oh, dear.
0:43:52 > 0:43:53Right.
0:43:53 > 0:43:56'I think, on the placement, I am going to be most looking forward'
0:43:56 > 0:43:58to flying around with the blue lights on.
0:43:58 > 0:44:00That'll be good, I'm not going to lie!
0:44:07 > 0:44:08So I want to be a paramedic
0:44:08 > 0:44:11because it means I'll be the first person on the scene
0:44:11 > 0:44:13and I can provide the best kind of care
0:44:13 > 0:44:17that I've been trained to do... to save somebody's life.
0:44:19 > 0:44:21These two very different students
0:44:21 > 0:44:23are about to have two very different shifts.
0:44:29 > 0:44:31Nick's got his blue lights
0:44:31 > 0:44:34when faced with a man with serious breathing difficulties.
0:44:36 > 0:44:38All I want you to do is concentrate on your breathing.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41If there's any panicking to do, let us do it. Yeah?
0:44:41 > 0:44:42And we're not...
0:44:42 > 0:44:44So stay nice and calm.
0:44:47 > 0:44:50Bryn's turns into routine procedure...
0:44:50 > 0:44:53Is it OK if I put this in your ear? It's going to take your temperature.
0:44:53 > 0:44:55..followed by routine procedure.
0:44:57 > 0:44:59So, right now, what would you score the pain?
0:44:59 > 0:45:00- Two.- Two.
0:45:00 > 0:45:02I'm just going to test your blood sugar,
0:45:02 > 0:45:05so you'll feel tiny prick on side of finger, OK?
0:45:05 > 0:45:07So it'll just be a sharp scratch, OK?
0:45:08 > 0:45:10SHE GASPS
0:45:13 > 0:45:16Meanwhile, for Nick, things are a bit more hectic
0:45:16 > 0:45:20as he now has to deal with a drunken patient who's fitting violently.
0:45:25 > 0:45:29Right. I'd sit down if I were you, cos we're going on lights.
0:45:29 > 0:45:31SIREN WAILS
0:45:35 > 0:45:40Back on Bryn's shift, it might be more routine procedures,
0:45:40 > 0:45:44but it's all part of the job for a junior paramedic.
0:45:44 > 0:45:46Really big breath for me.
0:45:48 > 0:45:50SHE WHEEZES
0:45:56 > 0:45:59Keep still. Sharp scratch coming up in your arm.
0:46:01 > 0:46:04Nick's patient has had a cannula fitted,
0:46:04 > 0:46:06so he can receive crucial medication.
0:46:08 > 0:46:12And Nick gets the chance to do his first saline flush...
0:46:13 > 0:46:18..in an ambulance racing along at 70mph.
0:46:21 > 0:46:23How we doing?
0:46:23 > 0:46:25Was that a thumbs up?
0:46:25 > 0:46:28Can you remember what's happened tonight?
0:46:33 > 0:46:35Thanks to Nick and his mentor Jonny,
0:46:35 > 0:46:38the patient got to hospital for vital treatment.
0:46:39 > 0:46:43It was a distressing kind of job to see, I was a bit...
0:46:43 > 0:46:44actually a bit shaky.
0:46:50 > 0:46:51I said, on my first shift...
0:46:51 > 0:46:54With their first shifts under their belts,
0:46:54 > 0:46:57Amy and Steph meet up with junior paramedics Nick and Bryn
0:46:57 > 0:46:58to swap notes.
0:46:58 > 0:47:00I think when you get the call through,
0:47:00 > 0:47:03they're... They're not made out to be worse than they actually are,
0:47:03 > 0:47:06but because you get such a small amount of information,
0:47:06 > 0:47:09- you imagine the worst. - You assume the worst.- Yeah.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12And it's like, "Oh, no, they're going into respiratory arrest."
0:47:12 > 0:47:13You do panic a bit, don't you?
0:47:13 > 0:47:16It's the anticipation of getting the job, isn't it?
0:47:16 > 0:47:18Like, my heart always sinks,
0:47:18 > 0:47:21I'm like, "God, what is it going to be?"
0:47:23 > 0:47:27We'd just finished our meal break on the first shift at about 11,
0:47:27 > 0:47:30and then... it came through on radio, because you're on meal break,
0:47:30 > 0:47:33it was like, "Red 1, red 1, cardiac arrest in Corby,"
0:47:33 > 0:47:35and I have never been so frightened in my life!
0:47:35 > 0:47:38I was like this in the back... Like, panicking.
0:47:43 > 0:47:45Corby ambulance station,
0:47:45 > 0:47:47and after responding to a cardiac arrest
0:47:47 > 0:47:50that turned out to be a false alarm on her first shift,
0:47:50 > 0:47:53the youngest junior paramedic, Steph,
0:47:53 > 0:47:56feels like she's still untested.
0:47:57 > 0:48:00Since my first day, when we thought it was a cardiac arrest,
0:48:00 > 0:48:02everything that comes through I'm just like, "Hm."
0:48:02 > 0:48:04Cos in my brain it's like, "Oh, we're going to get there
0:48:04 > 0:48:06"and they're going to be OK."
0:48:06 > 0:48:09So it'll be a big shock when they're not so OK.
0:48:13 > 0:48:17But today Steph's going to feel what it's like to be a real paramedic.
0:48:34 > 0:48:36SIREN WAILS
0:48:38 > 0:48:41So, the car's on its roof and there's people in it.
0:48:43 > 0:48:45I'm a little bit scared for this one, now.
0:49:02 > 0:49:05With other emergency services having already arrived,
0:49:05 > 0:49:07the scene is carnage.
0:49:07 > 0:49:11It looks quite nasty so grab a couple of collars.
0:49:11 > 0:49:12Adult collars?
0:49:12 > 0:49:15Adult collars, yeah, and a response bag.
0:49:15 > 0:49:20Mentor Sam needs to quickly work out how many casualties there are.
0:49:20 > 0:49:21How many patients is there?
0:49:21 > 0:49:24We've three casualties for you, all with serious head injuries.
0:49:24 > 0:49:27- OK.- One down the ditch we can lift her out no problem.
0:49:27 > 0:49:29- Was she thrown from the car to this position?- Yes.
0:49:29 > 0:49:33Just come round, and this is where she was found.
0:49:33 > 0:49:34In the collision, the woman in the ditch
0:49:34 > 0:49:37was thrown a staggering 10m from the vehicle.
0:49:37 > 0:49:41That one over there is very subdued.
0:49:41 > 0:49:44That one there has been talkative throughout.
0:49:44 > 0:49:47Right, Rachel, please can you go and see to that one?
0:49:49 > 0:49:50Steph, stay with me.
0:49:50 > 0:49:54The priority is the woman in the ditch.
0:49:57 > 0:50:00Steph can you go grab the monitor and ops bag?
0:50:00 > 0:50:02Where am I taking the monitor - to you?
0:50:02 > 0:50:04- Bring the monitor here.- Yeah.
0:50:07 > 0:50:11It might be chaos all around her, but Steph needs to keep her head.
0:50:11 > 0:50:14Get a 100% oxygen mask.
0:50:19 > 0:50:21Right, Steph, try and get down here if you can,
0:50:21 > 0:50:23bring the oxygen with you.
0:50:24 > 0:50:26Every second counts.
0:50:29 > 0:50:32Honestly, it's just at the top of this ditch...
0:50:35 > 0:50:37Sam, make sure everything's there.
0:50:37 > 0:50:39Can you hear me?
0:50:42 > 0:50:44The sheer scale of the incident
0:50:44 > 0:50:47means the air ambulance has been called in.
0:50:47 > 0:50:49She's been thrown from car into this position.
0:50:49 > 0:50:51- We haven't moved her at all.- Yeah.
0:50:51 > 0:50:55The woman in the ditch needs to get to hospital as soon as possible.
0:50:55 > 0:50:57- WOMAN MOANS - Ready to lift.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00Ready, brace, lift.
0:51:06 > 0:51:08With a risk of spinal injuries,
0:51:08 > 0:51:11the patient needs to be secured to a rigid stretcher.
0:51:13 > 0:51:15Right, down.
0:51:17 > 0:51:19You're OK.
0:51:19 > 0:51:21Oxygen on.
0:51:21 > 0:51:23SHE MOANS
0:51:23 > 0:51:25- Pardon? WOMAN:- What happened?
0:51:25 > 0:51:27- You've had a car accident.- Ohh...
0:51:27 > 0:51:30But you're all right.
0:51:30 > 0:51:33The paramedic who holds the head of the patient
0:51:33 > 0:51:36is in charge in incidents attended by the emergency services.
0:51:36 > 0:51:39Right now, that's Steph.
0:51:39 > 0:51:41Ready, brace. Lower.
0:51:45 > 0:51:47As the air paramedics take over,
0:51:47 > 0:51:51Steph and Sam turn their attention to a male casualty.
0:51:51 > 0:51:53Steph is given a massive responsibility.
0:51:53 > 0:51:56If you stay with the patient, get a handover from the fire.
0:51:56 > 0:51:59- Can I have a handover, please? - Yeah, of course.
0:52:00 > 0:52:02It's an essential process,
0:52:02 > 0:52:05where patient care is passed from one emergency service to another.
0:52:05 > 0:52:10He's complaining of pain there, also down his right-hand side and ribs.
0:52:10 > 0:52:12His right eye's a bit blurry,
0:52:12 > 0:52:14we think that's cos he's got a bit of blood in his eyelash.
0:52:14 > 0:52:18- Yeah.- He was driver, he says roughly he was going at 70mph.
0:52:18 > 0:52:21- OK.- Other than that he's not mentioned any pain to us.
0:52:21 > 0:52:24- We had a look round, had a feel. - So just the right side for the ribs.
0:52:24 > 0:52:26- Just the right side for the ribs, yeah.- All right.
0:52:26 > 0:52:27- Thank you very much.- All right.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31- You haven't got any allergies at all? - No.- No.
0:52:32 > 0:52:34When the time comes to move the patient,
0:52:34 > 0:52:38Steph once again finds herself in control of his neck.
0:52:38 > 0:52:42- Just relax. DOCTOR:- Just relax, we can take the weight.
0:52:42 > 0:52:45It's a testing time for this rookie.
0:52:45 > 0:52:47Well done.
0:52:47 > 0:52:50- I can't lift my head up... - You can't lift your head up?
0:52:50 > 0:52:52I've got it for you.
0:52:53 > 0:52:56- You're in control.- Yeah.
0:52:56 > 0:52:59Ready, brace, turn.
0:53:01 > 0:53:03Now secure on a rigid stretcher,
0:53:03 > 0:53:06the man can be taken to hospital for vital treatment...
0:53:19 > 0:53:23..and Steph can take a lot away from her first big incident.
0:53:25 > 0:53:26We were the first ones there -
0:53:26 > 0:53:28I was really glad we were the first ones there.
0:53:28 > 0:53:30Sometimes the learning is not about what YOU do,
0:53:30 > 0:53:31but you get to see Sam go in
0:53:31 > 0:53:34and decide who is the first priority patient,
0:53:34 > 0:53:36who's going to deal with what.
0:53:36 > 0:53:38You can see the paramedic is the number one person,
0:53:38 > 0:53:41because they're in charge of the lives here.
0:53:44 > 0:53:47She did really really well. I'm really, really pleased with her.
0:53:47 > 0:53:50She got involved from the very first job.
0:54:00 > 0:54:03The junior paramedics have made it to the end of their first week
0:54:03 > 0:54:05of intensive 12-hour shifts.
0:54:09 > 0:54:12I feel like I've done loads already,
0:54:12 > 0:54:15I can't imagine how much I'll get to do over a six week period,
0:54:15 > 0:54:18so it's really exciting.
0:54:21 > 0:54:25It is good to finish - especially now I can get some sleep.
0:54:27 > 0:54:32I really loved it, but I feel relieved for...
0:54:32 > 0:54:33mainly getting sleep.
0:54:35 > 0:54:38STEPH: I wanted to be thrown in the deep end, really,
0:54:38 > 0:54:40it suits me best that way.
0:54:40 > 0:54:41It's a bit like a buzz,
0:54:41 > 0:54:45because you think, "Oh, my God, someone else's life is in my hands."
0:54:45 > 0:54:48It's a frightening thought.
0:54:50 > 0:54:53The big thing that I wanted to get from today, I wanted to be able to -
0:54:53 > 0:54:57basically just to go out and talk to a patient was my biggest thing.
0:54:57 > 0:55:00I was shaky and I was flustered, I was all over the place,
0:55:00 > 0:55:02but I was quite surprised at myself,
0:55:02 > 0:55:04how much my confidence grew throughout the day.
0:55:07 > 0:55:09It's been a long journey to get here,
0:55:09 > 0:55:11there's so many times I thought,
0:55:11 > 0:55:14"I'm not going to make this. I'm not going to make this."
0:55:14 > 0:55:16And I've had to try and try and try.
0:55:16 > 0:55:19But no, just really glad to be here.
0:55:20 > 0:55:22It feels really great to be a junior paramedic.
0:55:23 > 0:55:26It was great, I just absolutely loved it.
0:55:26 > 0:55:28Just the best job in the world, so far,
0:55:28 > 0:55:31and I can't wait to start a career in it.
0:55:33 > 0:55:34Next time...
0:55:34 > 0:55:36Relax, it's OK.
0:55:36 > 0:55:40The junior paramedics deal with their most testing cases yet.
0:55:40 > 0:55:41- Gwen?- Gwen?
0:55:41 > 0:55:44From a woman having a heart attack...
0:55:44 > 0:55:47We need to get the defibrillator pads on, cos she could go.
0:55:47 > 0:55:50So, um, yeah - whew! Adrenaline.
0:55:52 > 0:55:54..to getting to grips with a dislocated ankle
0:55:54 > 0:55:57in sub-zero temperatures.
0:55:57 > 0:56:00Ready, brace, lift.
0:56:00 > 0:56:02And one student comes face to face
0:56:02 > 0:56:05with every junior paramedic's worst fear.
0:56:05 > 0:56:08No, he's not got a pulse. That's gone VT, hasn't it?
0:56:08 > 0:56:10I've got a heavy heart now, so...