0:00:02 > 0:00:04Ambulance service. Tell me exactly what's happened.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06It's my husband, I can't wake him up.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08Just confirm for me, is he awake?
0:00:08 > 0:00:11He's comatose. I'm trying to feel a pulse but I can't.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14He's on the floor, he's unresponsive.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18ANNOUNCEMENT: Cardiac arrest...
0:00:19 > 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 > 0:00:31..and just 12 minutes to save the patient's life.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35- Do you want to do another pulse check, just before we move him?- Yeah.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39It's a scenario that can test the most experienced paramedic.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45But what if you're a first year student
0:00:45 > 0:00:47and you're new on the job?
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Six weeks ago, nine junior paramedics
0:00:51 > 0:00:54took on the biggest challenge of their lives -
0:00:54 > 0:00:59their first placement with the East Midlands Ambulance Service.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01It is a shock the first time you actually go out
0:01:01 > 0:01:03and see the first patient.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05It's a job where no day is the same.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08- No, no, I don't think Lucy wants you to stroke her.- No!
0:01:08 > 0:01:10The experience has been an eye opener.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13We're with you, we're with you.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18It's been a crazy roller coaster and my emotions have been everywhere.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20These young and untested students
0:01:20 > 0:01:23have dealt with real people in real pain.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25I want to help more people
0:01:25 > 0:01:27and do everything that I can for anybody that I can.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30I felt really privileged caring for people in the community
0:01:30 > 0:01:31and just helping people out.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34They've coped with carnage and chaos...
0:01:35 > 0:01:39There's some jobs that you go into and every pair of hands counts.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41I don't think anybody knows themself well enough
0:01:41 > 0:01:43to know how they'll deal with that.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47..and they've even confronted death...
0:01:47 > 0:01:51No-one taught me at uni how to not be frightened in that situation.
0:01:51 > 0:01:52..but now, it's crunch time.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58They've got one shift left to impress...
0:01:58 > 0:02:01What did I want to do? I wanted to kill myself.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04..before their mentors mark their performance.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06I'm really, really dreading it.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09So every move could be make or break...
0:02:09 > 0:02:12A D minus, that's the bottom grade you can get before you fail.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14..for their future as a junior paramedic.
0:02:28 > 0:02:3018 more months of university study
0:02:30 > 0:02:33and five more gruelling ambulance placements
0:02:33 > 0:02:36now stand in the way of these nine students
0:02:36 > 0:02:38becoming fully-fledged paramedics.
0:02:42 > 0:02:43But before that,
0:02:43 > 0:02:47they need to pass their first six week placement on the job.
0:02:47 > 0:02:48We get graded on each placement
0:02:48 > 0:02:51by the mentor that we've had for that placement.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55We get graded today and I'm really, really dreading it.
0:02:55 > 0:03:00A good grade means a good start for their professional reputation.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02You want to look good for your mentor
0:03:02 > 0:03:04to make sure they're going to give you a good grade.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07I really want to push myself even further than I already have done.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10If they fail, it could harm their future career.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13I think at the moment I'm on track.
0:03:13 > 0:03:14I'm hoping.
0:03:14 > 0:03:15I do feel a little bit nervous
0:03:15 > 0:03:18because I've worked really, really hard on this placement
0:03:18 > 0:03:21and I do hope that my grade can reflect that.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23Can I have backup green response, please?
0:03:28 > 0:03:30Tonight is 18-year-old Steph's penultimate shift
0:03:30 > 0:03:32on this placement
0:03:32 > 0:03:35but she's not with her usual mentor, Sam.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37Instead, she's with paramedic Chris.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41Before you know it, you'll be sitting in this seat on your own
0:03:41 > 0:03:45and you'll be the boss, you'll be the one making the decisions.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47- Is that a scary prospect?- Yeah.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52Chris's feedback will form part of Steph's overall grade.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55But tonight, he's setting his own challenge
0:03:55 > 0:03:58to give her a chance to prove just how much she's learnt.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01A good way of seeing at what stage you are
0:04:01 > 0:04:04is for you to do a job from start to finish.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06So deciding on a treatment plan,
0:04:06 > 0:04:08deciding if they need to go to hospital.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10And if they need to go to hospital,
0:04:10 > 0:04:13deciding on an appropriate backup - green, amber or red response.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16And handing over to the crew.
0:04:16 > 0:04:17OK.
0:04:17 > 0:04:18- Sound like a plan?- Yeah.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26High achiever Steph's six week placement
0:04:26 > 0:04:28on the ambulance in Northampton
0:04:28 > 0:04:30has been full-on since day one.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32Take a deep breath.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36She was visibly frightened on her first ever call out,
0:04:36 > 0:04:41a 999 emergency to a possible cardiac arrest.
0:04:41 > 0:04:42I was like, "Aah, adrenaline!"
0:04:42 > 0:04:45I don't think I've ever had an adrenaline rush like that in my life.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50Just a few days later, Steph's nerves were tested again
0:04:50 > 0:04:54as she played a vital role attending a serious road traffic collision.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57When I went, I was expecting to turn up and it be like,
0:04:57 > 0:04:58"Oh, they've had a bump."
0:04:58 > 0:04:59And obviously we turned up
0:04:59 > 0:05:02and there was four patients spread across the road,
0:05:02 > 0:05:05the car looked like someone had jumped on it a million times
0:05:05 > 0:05:06and crushed it to pieces.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11And if that wasn't enough for an inexperienced student to cope with,
0:05:11 > 0:05:13the ante was upped even more
0:05:13 > 0:05:16when Steph was called to an armed siege.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19Three police cars, a fire engine. This is a big job.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23- We've got a gentleman still in that house.- Oh, OK.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25He's got three lacerations that I've seen.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28At the scene, Steph treated a patient in handcuffs
0:05:28 > 0:05:30under police custody.
0:05:30 > 0:05:31I was just terrified.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33I was like, there is no way anyone is putting me
0:05:33 > 0:05:37in a small, confined space with someone who's just been arrested.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40Steph fought her instinct to run, kept her cool
0:05:40 > 0:05:43and handed the case over to the hospital staff.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47He's got self harm cuts on his left side of his neck.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50On his wrist, they're quite deep.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52But I think I've learnt that I'm more calm in a bad situation
0:05:52 > 0:05:54than I thought I was going to be.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56Your brain goes into, "It's got nothing to do with you now,
0:05:56 > 0:05:59"you just need to focus on the other people that are involved."
0:06:03 > 0:06:05But how will Steph handle the pressure
0:06:05 > 0:06:08of taking charge of a job from start to finish?
0:06:09 > 0:06:11632.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20Yeah, that's all received, thank you.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32Once you open that door and you go into the door of that house, chill.
0:06:32 > 0:06:33You're not going to give much reassurance
0:06:33 > 0:06:36to the family or to the patient if you're flapping.
0:06:43 > 0:06:44It's the ambulance service.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50Hiya, I'm Stephanie. What's your name?
0:06:50 > 0:06:52Michael, where's your pain, what's wrong?
0:06:57 > 0:07:00Were you smacked in the nose with anything or was it...?
0:07:00 > 0:07:02His fist, yeah.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05Yeah, have you got any other pain or anything?
0:07:05 > 0:07:06Do you feel sick at all?
0:07:09 > 0:07:11And you've got a headache now, have you?
0:07:11 > 0:07:13Whereabouts is your headache?
0:07:13 > 0:07:15Across the front.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17Steph's history taking is confident
0:07:17 > 0:07:20but she's missed out one vital question.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22Did you lose consciousness at all?
0:07:26 > 0:07:28'It's a little bit nerve-racking'
0:07:28 > 0:07:30and I probably forgot the most important thing,
0:07:30 > 0:07:32of whether he'd lost his consciousness.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36It's always worse, isn't it, when the pressure is on?
0:07:36 > 0:07:38I'm just going to take your blood pressure first of all.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40Just pop that jacket off for me, if you can.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Now Steph has all the information she needs,
0:07:42 > 0:07:44she can physically examine the patient.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48132/100.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51And as Steph and Chris came in the fast response vehicle,
0:07:51 > 0:07:54it's her responsibility to prioritise the case
0:07:54 > 0:07:56so an ambulance can be called
0:07:56 > 0:07:59if the patient needs to be taken to hospital.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01Given the history that we've got so far...
0:08:01 > 0:08:03So we know we've had a male who's been assaulted,
0:08:03 > 0:08:05he's had a loss of consciousness and he's vomited.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- So they're two red flags for us with head injuries.- Yeah.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10- Do you think hospital is a...?- Yes.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14What response do you think would be adequate for a crew?
0:08:14 > 0:08:16- Amber.- Amber. Why Amber?
0:08:16 > 0:08:18Cos he's quite stable but we don't know
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- if anything's going to change. - There's potential, absolutely.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22So I'll do that while you do that.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24And how bad is the pain out of ten,
0:08:24 > 0:08:26would you say? INTERCOM BUZZES
0:08:26 > 0:08:31The patient is still being examined so Chris answers the intercom.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33Is that your friend, is it, coming to check you're all right?
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- You don't know who it is? - It's not, no, who is this?
0:08:37 > 0:08:39Yes, he's here with us.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41He is. Who are you?
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Not a very polite young man, though.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48Is that the chap that's assaulted you, is it?
0:08:48 > 0:08:50He knows where you live, does he?
0:08:56 > 0:08:58632.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00- SOMEBODY ANSWERS RADIO CALL - Yeah, thank you.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02LI don't know if you could inform the K13s
0:09:02 > 0:09:04but the chap that's assaulted this patient
0:09:04 > 0:09:09is now trying to get into the flats where we are.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11That's all received, can you stay for the moment?
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- INTERCOM BUZZES - I'll get someone out as a priority.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16Awesome. Cheers, mate.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19Carry on assessing him, don't let that faze you.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25As an 18-year-old junior paramedic,
0:09:25 > 0:09:28this is an unusual and potentially alarming situation
0:09:28 > 0:09:29to find yourself in.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32What did you say the pain in your head was, out of ten?
0:09:32 > 0:09:34But Steph keeps her cool
0:09:34 > 0:09:37and focuses all her energy on the patient's needs.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39- That's it.- Ten.
0:09:39 > 0:09:40'I've learned that I can'
0:09:40 > 0:09:44walk into a situation which I'm absolutely terrified of
0:09:44 > 0:09:45and appear quite calm.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48You know pretty quickly whether you're going to be able to cope.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51And I think that I will be able to cope.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54Ten minutes later, the police arrive
0:09:54 > 0:09:56but the alleged attacker has gone.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59Literally about two minutes before you came here, he was still there.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- So I did answer the bell to him. - Was he outside the door or outside?
0:10:02 > 0:10:03No, outside outside.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- He was pressing on the bell here. - I've had a look round and I can't see him.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09The ambulance has also arrived.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12It's up to Steph to hand the case over to their crew,
0:10:12 > 0:10:14who will take the patient to hospital.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16This is Michael, he's 22.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19He's been assaulted about ten minutes before we got here.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23He's feeling dizzy and he's clearly got a bump on his head.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25His...left side of his jaw
0:10:25 > 0:10:27is painful for him.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30Period of loss of consciousness.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32THE OTHERS TALK IN BACKGROUND
0:10:32 > 0:10:34OK. Good, brilliant. OK.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40'I think Steph is a good all-rounder, really.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43'I don't think there's anything she's going to struggle with.'
0:10:43 > 0:10:46I'm sure she'll pass all her exams with flying colours
0:10:46 > 0:10:47and pass all of her placements.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50The six-week placement as a student paramedic
0:10:50 > 0:10:54instantly makes you realise that this is what I want to do.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58You get to enter someone's life
0:10:58 > 0:11:02at the time that they're most vulnerable and need someone
0:11:02 > 0:11:04and you get to make a difference.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07Whether it's a really big difference or a really little difference,
0:11:07 > 0:11:08you make some difference.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Steph will find out how mentor Sam has graded
0:11:11 > 0:11:13her performance throughout the six weeks
0:11:13 > 0:11:15at the end of their last shift together.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26From one junior paramedic who hit the ground running
0:11:26 > 0:11:28to someone still waiting for his moment.
0:11:31 > 0:11:3419-year-old Bryn's placement in Northampton
0:11:34 > 0:11:36hasn't quite had the drama
0:11:36 > 0:11:38some of his fellow students have experienced.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40Is it OK if I just put this in your ear?
0:11:40 > 0:11:42It's just going to take your temperature.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45Bryn's first cases on the job were low key.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Can you say baby hitta...hippopotamus?
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- Baby hippopotamus.- Good, you can do it better than I can.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53But as his placement with mentor Charlotte progressed,
0:11:53 > 0:11:56he dealt with a severe ankle dislocation...
0:11:56 > 0:11:59Sorry, buddy, you are going to have to get some new shoes.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02..and he conquered his fear of treating babies.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05You have a play with that.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Look at those flashy lights.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10It's a matter of trying to find a way to keep them distracted
0:12:10 > 0:12:11so you can do what you need to do.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13You're trying to escape already, aren't you?
0:12:13 > 0:12:17But Bryn's never had to face a serious trauma case.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19The fact that I haven't been to any traumatic calls
0:12:19 > 0:12:21is purely luck of the draw.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23Personally I feel I'd perform well under pressure
0:12:23 > 0:12:26and I'm looking forward to when I get a real emergency patient
0:12:26 > 0:12:27that I arrive there
0:12:27 > 0:12:30and I'm able to be put under that pressure straightaway
0:12:30 > 0:12:33to see how far I can be pushed and be tested.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Tonight is Bryn's final shift
0:12:41 > 0:12:44and he's about to get the challenge he's been waiting for.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55I think very much because it's my first road traffic collision,
0:12:55 > 0:12:57I'll be observing quite a lot of it
0:12:57 > 0:12:59and just basically seeing how the whole process works.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02You know, I'm excited for my first trauma case
0:13:02 > 0:13:05but obviously horrible for the person whoever it's happened to.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11Looks like a rear-end shunt.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22Bryn's mentor Charlotte immediately assigns him a vital role.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25Bryn, do you want to come and sit in the back of the car and pop your helmet on?
0:13:25 > 0:13:27What I need you to do is sit in there
0:13:27 > 0:13:29and hold the head of this gentleman
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Put your hands either side of his head
0:13:31 > 0:13:33and keep his head nice and still. OK?
0:13:34 > 0:13:37Right, sir, I'm going to hold your head. OK?
0:13:37 > 0:13:40Hello, can I have the fire brigade and the K13s please?
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Is somebody trapped...?
0:13:43 > 0:13:46Yeah, we've got a gentleman who's going to need cut out of his car.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49The man driving the car has dislocated his knee
0:13:49 > 0:13:52and may have sustained a spinal or neck injury.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55Your chest feels all right and everything?
0:13:55 > 0:13:57Bryn has been given the massive responsibility
0:13:57 > 0:13:59of holding the patient's head
0:13:59 > 0:14:03to keep the man from aggravating it further.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05You've got to keep somebody in a straight line
0:14:05 > 0:14:07so as central as they can be.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09So I was sitting there in the back, holding his head,
0:14:09 > 0:14:11making sure he didn't move it.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13Make sure you don't shake your head.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15You keep your head as still as possible.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17You're doing fantastic, Will.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21The junior paramedics
0:14:21 > 0:14:24are being constantly assessed by their mentors.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26All right, Will, you're doing great.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29The way they cope with unusual situations they're thrown into
0:14:29 > 0:14:31and how they relate to the patients
0:14:31 > 0:14:32affects their placement grade.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- Bryn, are you all right?- Yeah, sure. - What's going to happen
0:14:37 > 0:14:39is there's going to be loads of things going on.
0:14:39 > 0:14:40You're going to be sat here
0:14:40 > 0:14:42and they're going to cover you with lots of stuff, OK?
0:14:42 > 0:14:44And you're going to experience being cut out of a car.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50Will, I know there's a lot of noise going on at the moment.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52They're just securing the car, OK?
0:14:52 > 0:14:54They're going to cut you out of the car.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57They're going to take the roof off.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59The atmosphere was quite tense there.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01He was quite distressed by the whole situation.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Obviously just trying to talk to him and reassure him a little bit,
0:15:04 > 0:15:05let him know what's going on.
0:15:08 > 0:15:13- We're going to start making some noise at the back now, OK?- Right.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15It's all right, Will, you don't worry about it, all right?
0:15:15 > 0:15:18You're fine, Will. They're just cutting the car.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Right, Will, this one's going to be a bit loud
0:15:29 > 0:15:32cos they're taking the one off next to you. All right?
0:15:32 > 0:15:33'It was really, really noisy
0:15:33 > 0:15:36'cos they were basically snapping the bolts off.'
0:15:41 > 0:15:44And then they cut the rest of the car off, which is...
0:15:44 > 0:15:47When it's about here to your head, it's quite nerve-racking.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52The roof is off but it's still vital
0:15:52 > 0:15:56the paramedics keep the patient's spine completely still.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02So they slide him onto a spinal board.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04Ready? One, two, three, go.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09You just rest your arm there, Will.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11'First trauma job.'
0:16:11 > 0:16:15It's definitely different to all of the medical patients that we've had.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Seeing how the fire brigade and basically all the services
0:16:19 > 0:16:21work together, as well, was really good.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23I felt quite in the action.
0:16:23 > 0:16:24Yeah, it's pretty cool.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35I'm just going to move your hand, going to listen to your tummy.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38You've still got your stuff. I'll put it back in a minute.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44Bryn's proved he's got what it takes in a high pressured situation.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48Is that the first time you've been cut out of a car, Will?
0:16:54 > 0:16:57The patient is expected to make a full recovery
0:16:57 > 0:16:59so it's a job well done for Bryn.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05But the junior paramedics are being graded
0:17:05 > 0:17:09on their performance across the whole of their six-week placement.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12So as Bryn's final shift comes to an end,
0:17:12 > 0:17:13it's time for him to find out
0:17:13 > 0:17:16how mentor Charlotte feels he's performed.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21I definitely feel, over the weeks,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24I've been able to prove myself to Charlotte.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26There's still more that I'm going to learn
0:17:26 > 0:17:29but I want to push myself even further than I already have.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33This first grade is key for the juniors
0:17:33 > 0:17:38as it establishes their reputation within the profession.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40A D minus or above is a pass
0:17:40 > 0:17:43but students should be aiming much higher.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46How do you think your placement has gone?
0:17:46 > 0:17:47From my point of view,
0:17:47 > 0:17:49I think it's gone really, really well.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52I've learned loads since coming out with you
0:17:52 > 0:17:55and seeing what you do over the whole time.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57But I don't, personally,
0:17:57 > 0:18:00I don't feel like I've done as well as I should have done.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04If you could have graded yourself, what would you have given yourself?
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Well, I would give myself a...
0:18:06 > 0:18:08- D minus?- Yes, I would give myself a D minus.
0:18:08 > 0:18:09Yeah, I knew that was coming.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12A D minus is the bottom grade you can get before you fail
0:18:12 > 0:18:14and you're much further ahead of that.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16As well as the practical work,
0:18:16 > 0:18:18the students have been filling out a portfolio
0:18:18 > 0:18:22that charts all their cases and the procedures they've performed.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25Their mentors add detailed comment about their progress
0:18:25 > 0:18:28and this forms part of their assessment.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30I've put on here that you've developed in confidence.
0:18:32 > 0:18:33You fit well into the team.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36I know that you'll continue to improve throughout your training
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- and I've given you a C plus. - Oh, thanks, man.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41It's all right, pal. Done.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43Right now, at this moment in time,
0:18:43 > 0:18:45you need to stop being so hard on yourself
0:18:45 > 0:18:48and actually accept the fact that you've done really well.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51It was really, really nice to kind of have that feed back
0:18:51 > 0:18:54and what she's written has been really positive.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56I was amazed. I was completely, you know, shocked
0:18:56 > 0:19:00and I was really, really happy that Charlotte gave me a C plus, really.
0:19:00 > 0:19:01I wasn't expecting it.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07Bryn's grade has exceeded his expectations
0:19:07 > 0:19:11and before he leaves, he bumps into fellow student Ashley.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- How have you been?- Yeah, I've been really, really good. I enjoyed it.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18I was buzzing from day one.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- Has she graded you for your practice?- Yeah.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- What did she give you?- She gave me a C plus, which is pretty cool.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26- Oh, cool. Aw-w!- I was really pleased. - Yeah.
0:19:28 > 0:19:3227-year-old perfectionist Ashley is still waiting for her grade.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34And she's got a lot at stake.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41Ashley gave up an administration job in the Ambulance Service
0:19:41 > 0:19:42to become a paramedic.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47But on her first call out
0:19:47 > 0:19:49to a homeless patient with mentor Simon,
0:19:49 > 0:19:50it suddenly hit home
0:19:50 > 0:19:53that it wasn't all excitement and flashing blue lights.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- Have you had anything to eat today?- No.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58Are you hungry or thirsty?
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- I'm very hungry. - You're very hungry?- Yeah.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03It's kind of been really shocking.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06They don't have anything and they probably never will
0:20:06 > 0:20:08and there's nothing to support them.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11Witnessing such social deprivation
0:20:11 > 0:20:13made Ashley open up to mentor Simon
0:20:13 > 0:20:17about whether chasing a new career had been a mistake.
0:20:17 > 0:20:18Why am I doing this?
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Out in the cold at two o'clock in the morning.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24This is potentially my life.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26Suddenly I missed everything I'd left and you think,
0:20:26 > 0:20:28"Oh, do I really want to be going to somebody
0:20:28 > 0:20:30"who doesn't have anyone and they have nothing?
0:20:30 > 0:20:33"Do I want to see this?"
0:20:33 > 0:20:34Don't you worry.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40Ashley turned to her nan, a former hospital ward clerk.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43It's a very emotional job at times.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45You will see awful things
0:20:45 > 0:20:49but you're there to help because without you,
0:20:49 > 0:20:50what would they have done?
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Then on an emergency call out,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57she made a vital diagnosis that helped her remember
0:20:57 > 0:20:59why she had chosen the paramedic path.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01I spotted that she was having an MI,
0:21:01 > 0:21:03which is a myocardial infarction, it looked like a heart attack.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06I was really chuffed that I was able to interpret that
0:21:06 > 0:21:08and be really confident in interpreting that.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11And that was like a real turning point for me.
0:21:11 > 0:21:12That was a real positive.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16And when Ashley was called to a house fire,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19it fully reignited her passion for the job.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23You step out and it's like blue lights, you know,
0:21:23 > 0:21:26from us, police, fire.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28You're nervous because you have a jacket on
0:21:28 > 0:21:30that doesn't indicate that you're a student.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34But in a really strange way, you're really excited to be there.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36What's wrong?
0:21:36 > 0:21:38What's wrong? What's wrong?
0:21:39 > 0:21:42Are you all right, Chris? What's wrong?
0:21:42 > 0:21:44Talk to us, Chris. Talk to us.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46'That's, I think, your fight or flight moment
0:21:46 > 0:21:49'on how do you as a person suddenly cope with that.'
0:21:49 > 0:21:52And that really, for me, was, "Yeah, you can do this."
0:21:57 > 0:21:59Ashley's had a bumpy road.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02But will it have affected her first placement grade?
0:22:02 > 0:22:05So today is my final day and we get graded today
0:22:05 > 0:22:09and I'm really, really dreading it.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11I'm really anxious about being graded by Simon.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14And mentor Simon's a little nervous too.
0:22:14 > 0:22:15She's been good to work with
0:22:15 > 0:22:18but I think the grade that I'm going to give
0:22:18 > 0:22:21reflects on where she should be at this stage of her career.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24Well, Ashley, it's the end of the placement.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26How do you think you've got on?
0:22:26 > 0:22:29I've enjoyed the whole experience and I've tried to be honest.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31So although one of my areas for marking is motivation,
0:22:31 > 0:22:34when I've had a down day, I've tried not to lie about it.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37What sort of grade do you think you're going to get?
0:22:37 > 0:22:39I would hope for an average grade.
0:22:41 > 0:22:42I don't think an A or a B
0:22:42 > 0:22:47is where you should be for your first placement
0:22:47 > 0:22:50cos you need things to improve on.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52So I'll grade you as a C plus.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55Super, I'm very pleased with a C plus.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57- Thank you very much. - You're welcome.
0:22:57 > 0:22:58You've worked really hard.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01You've shown me that even after a little wobble
0:23:01 > 0:23:03that you are determined
0:23:03 > 0:23:06and have the initiative to put that behind you and move on.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12I'm definitely the sort of person who is never happy.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14I always want that bit more.
0:23:14 > 0:23:15I always want the A.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19But I'm OK with this one because I think a C is really fair,
0:23:19 > 0:23:22actually a really good grade.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25So Bryn and Ashley have both achieved a C plus,
0:23:25 > 0:23:27a solid grade for their first placement
0:23:27 > 0:23:31and one that will stand them in good stead for the future.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40At Gorse Hill in Leicester,
0:23:40 > 0:23:44it's the start of Lucy Wright's last shift with mentor Nathalie.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48We've got one Narcan and one Amiodarone. Is that...?
0:23:48 > 0:23:50Yeah. That's fine, yeah.
0:23:52 > 0:23:53When Lucy's placement began,
0:23:53 > 0:23:58the 19-year-old found it difficult to relate to the patients.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01The only thing I struggle with being a student paramedic
0:24:01 > 0:24:03is the interaction with people.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06If it's an elderly person, I'm really, like, withdrawn
0:24:06 > 0:24:08because I don't want to offend this person.
0:24:08 > 0:24:09And then if it's the same age as me,
0:24:09 > 0:24:12you can't always assume that they're going to relate
0:24:12 > 0:24:13in the way you want them to.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19But she's watched and learnt from her mentor.
0:24:19 > 0:24:20We're going to get her on the ambulance
0:24:20 > 0:24:23- and I'll let you know what hospital we're going to.- Thank you.
0:24:23 > 0:24:24- Are you going to be all right?- Yeah.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27My mentor's always said that I need to chat to people more.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31You need a lot of pushing to approach the patient.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34She criticised me in a way that wasn't harsh
0:24:34 > 0:24:35but she kind of pushed me.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37So it made me better talking to people,
0:24:37 > 0:24:39even when I didn't want to.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48With Lucy's grading just days away,
0:24:48 > 0:24:51she's about to get a chance to prove to Nathalie how far she's come.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55Yeah, that's all received. Thank you.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01So it's an unknown aged male,
0:25:01 > 0:25:05said to be not fully alert, with a head injury.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Fallen over, bleeding,
0:25:08 > 0:25:11intoxicated, feeling cold.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13It's 9:05 in the morning.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16That's interesting that he's intoxicated.
0:25:28 > 0:25:29Carl, take a seat.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31You need to tell us what we can do for you this morning,
0:25:31 > 0:25:33how we can help you.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35Cos you're a bit unsteady, aren't you?
0:25:35 > 0:25:38Look, what I want to do is...
0:25:41 > 0:25:45- ..I want to kill myself. - Oh, dear. Why is that?
0:25:45 > 0:25:49It's because I've got so many problems.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52What do I do?
0:25:52 > 0:25:54Are you all right if we just check you out?
0:25:54 > 0:25:58We'll do your blood pressure and blood sugars and things.
0:25:58 > 0:25:59No, no, no.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03- I want to end life.- Well, are you going to let us check you out?
0:26:03 > 0:26:05- No, no, no.- If you're refusing...
0:26:05 > 0:26:09- Oh, well, bring the fucking... - Keep your voice down.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11Come on, don't raise your voice to us.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13I'm sorry.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15- I apologise.- It's OK.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Are you going to let us check you over then?
0:26:18 > 0:26:20- Yes.- Lucy's going to do it.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23I'm going to do your temperature, just in your ear.
0:26:23 > 0:26:24Yeah!
0:26:24 > 0:26:28Can you get it in the whole way?!
0:26:29 > 0:26:3134.7.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34As the patient has told the paramedics that he wants to
0:26:34 > 0:26:37end his life, they have a duty of care to either take him
0:26:37 > 0:26:40to hospital or call his local GP.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Leaving him alone is not an option.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46Carl, do you want to come to hospital, or not?
0:26:46 > 0:26:49I do want to go to hospital.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52Let's get going before you change your mind.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55The paramedics have already contacted a member of the patient's
0:26:55 > 0:26:57family, who will meet them at the hospital.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01Can you pop your legs up for us on the stretcher?
0:27:01 > 0:27:03Swing your legs up, Carl.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05Pop your legs up.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08- I've got my slippers on. - It doesn't matter.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11In the ambulance, mentor Nathalie holds back
0:27:11 > 0:27:14and gives Lucy a chance to prove how much she's learnt.
0:27:14 > 0:27:19I do not want to be...hospital.
0:27:22 > 0:27:23I want to go home.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25I know but we've got to sort you out.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29You said you wanted to come to hospital with us.
0:27:29 > 0:27:30We're going to take you.
0:27:30 > 0:27:31It won't take that long.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37It takes many, many hours.
0:27:37 > 0:27:38It's not that bad now.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41If you do have to wait hours, it's to sort you out
0:27:41 > 0:27:43and to make you better.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47It's worth waiting, even if it is a long time, isn't it?
0:27:47 > 0:27:48For us it is.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51You might not think so, but we need to get you sorted out.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54It's quite good to see Lucy with a patient like this cos now
0:27:54 > 0:27:57I can see how much she's improved.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59She was chatting to him, she was involving him,
0:27:59 > 0:28:03she was just listening to him and she was very respectful
0:28:03 > 0:28:07and did everything that he asked.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11Right, what would you like to know?
0:28:11 > 0:28:14If you want to tell me anything, you can.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16It's up to you, Carl.
0:28:16 > 0:28:22I'm impressed that she's managed to turn it so quickly around.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24When you do get criticised, it sticks in your mind.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27You do think about it and it does make you a better paramedic.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29Where am I going to?
0:28:29 > 0:28:31The Leicester Royal.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33And...where?
0:28:33 > 0:28:35In A&E.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38- And why? - Because you need looking after.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40OK.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51A few days later, it's time for Lucy to find out just how far
0:28:51 > 0:28:55mentor Nathalie feels she's come over the last six weeks.
0:28:55 > 0:29:00Right, end of placement now. Last shift's been completed.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02How did you think it went? How did you feel?
0:29:02 > 0:29:04It went well, yeah.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06I think I could have been more confident.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08At the very start of the placement,
0:29:08 > 0:29:11I found that you took a step back,
0:29:11 > 0:29:15you were a bit more of an observer than being as part of the team.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17But now it's the end of the placement,
0:29:17 > 0:29:19I'm really happy how you've progressed.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23Particularly with that drunk male we went to,
0:29:23 > 0:29:25who refused to go anywhere.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27I didn't really have to do a lot, you did,
0:29:27 > 0:29:32and you did all the communicating, and that was really great to see.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34I've been really happy with you, actually.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38I've done your grading and I can say you've passed.
0:29:38 > 0:29:39I've given you a C minus.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42A C minus is well into a pass.
0:29:42 > 0:29:43It's really good.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47Obviously, in your next placement, if you start getting high Cs,
0:29:47 > 0:29:50into Bs, you can see yourself that you've progressed.
0:29:50 > 0:29:55Did you have an idea what you might have got, or where you were?
0:29:55 > 0:29:59Pretty much what I thought. I was expecting a C, so...
0:29:59 > 0:30:02A C would be good for me, so, yeah, thank you.
0:30:02 > 0:30:03OK.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06Really happy with the feedback she gave me
0:30:06 > 0:30:08cos she did evaluate me really fairly as well.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12It's helping me to build upon myself and it is good.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15I'll be sad to lose her as a mentor as well.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18Lucy Wright's hard work to improve her relationship with
0:30:18 > 0:30:20the patients has really paid off.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27And it's also crunch time for Lucy Mellor.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31It's her last shift and by the end of the night she'll know what grade
0:30:31 > 0:30:35mentor Alistair has awarded her performance across the placement.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39I'm hoping just to get around a C, really.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42It sounds like that's just settling for middle, but for me, getting
0:30:42 > 0:30:46a C would recognise that I've built in confidence over the six weeks.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53When 18-year-old Lucy started her Junior Paramedic
0:30:53 > 0:30:55journey in Leicester,
0:30:55 > 0:30:58her bedside manner left a lot to be desired.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02Awkward silence?
0:31:02 > 0:31:05And even her basic medical knowledge was questionable...
0:31:05 > 0:31:06- Is it this one?- No, that one.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08Is it on?
0:31:11 > 0:31:13Not seen these before.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15The first few shifts,
0:31:15 > 0:31:18you do feel like a bit of spare part at times, cos you're still
0:31:18 > 0:31:21learning where everything is and how everything works.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24So you do feel a bit stupid - you're constantly asking, "Where's this?
0:31:24 > 0:31:25"Where's that?"
0:31:25 > 0:31:29But the trust she's built up with mentor Alistair has allowed
0:31:29 > 0:31:31her basic medical skills to blossom.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35When I'm doing things that I'll be a bit nervous about or not used
0:31:35 > 0:31:37to doing, I don't feel like on edge.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40Alistair puts me at ease.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43I just need to take a tiny little drop of blood from your finger.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45It's going to be a little sharp scratch.
0:31:45 > 0:31:49- Ah!- One second. That's it - all done.
0:31:49 > 0:31:54She's been doing observations and she's got really confident
0:31:54 > 0:31:58with that now, so she can do it without me having to guide her.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01Relax your arm down. Just keep it really still
0:32:01 > 0:32:03and straight for me, yeah?
0:32:03 > 0:32:05It won't be tight for long, don't worry.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10And when she was called to a cardiac arrest, Lucy stepped up
0:32:10 > 0:32:14and took on the huge responsibility of applying chest compressions.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18When we got there, started CPR
0:32:18 > 0:32:22while Alistair got the bag and mask
0:32:22 > 0:32:24and started doing the airways.
0:32:28 > 0:32:29When it gets to 20/30 minutes,
0:32:29 > 0:32:33and there's no change in the rhythm, which there wasn't, everyone
0:32:33 > 0:32:38has to make a call and agree, and unfortunately, he passed away.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45Lucy's come on leaps and bounds
0:32:45 > 0:32:49and tonight she's got one more shift left to shine.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55But it's one of the quietest she's experienced so far.
0:33:05 > 0:33:06POP MUSIC
0:33:08 > 0:33:11Look at that - the mood just picks up instantly.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15THEY LAUGH
0:33:15 > 0:33:19MUSIC: "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke featuring TI and Pharrell Williams
0:33:39 > 0:33:40SIREN WAILS
0:33:42 > 0:33:45So Lucy's last shift has been a bit of a disappointment,
0:33:45 > 0:33:48but now it's over, it's up to mentor Alistair to reveal how
0:33:48 > 0:33:52he thinks she's progressed over the last six weeks.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55At the end of the placement, you've got all your elements done
0:33:55 > 0:33:58and signed off. You meet all the criteria.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00You've achieved everything you've needed to.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03Everything that I wanted to achieve, I've definitely achieved.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06That's what I, kind of, wanted to get.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09- I've decided to award you a grade C. - Oh!
0:34:09 > 0:34:10I'm pleased with that.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13That's what I was wanting.
0:34:13 > 0:34:14I wasn't sure if I would get that.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17You've achieved everything quite comfortably as well,
0:34:17 > 0:34:21so I think you get a C quite easily.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23- Thank you.- It's all right.
0:34:23 > 0:34:24She's done fantastic.
0:34:24 > 0:34:29If she carries on at this level and just builds on everything,
0:34:29 > 0:34:33she'll do really well and make a good paramedic.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37Just can't wait for the two years to be done and to be out there.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40When I do know everything that I need to know, I can't
0:34:40 > 0:34:43wait to say that I am a paramedic.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52The junior paramedics' assessments will help them
0:34:52 > 0:34:56identify their strengths and what they need to work on for the future.
0:34:59 > 0:35:0419-year-old Max hasn't always been the most diligent of students.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07He's the only junior paramedic to arrive late to a shift...
0:35:07 > 0:35:09Fell back to sleep after my alarm went off.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12..so mentor Chris laid down the law.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14You're two and half hours late.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19You're going to have to come in Sunday to make your hours up.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22And when Max was called out to a patient with hygiene issues,
0:35:22 > 0:35:26he didn't exactly show a rookie's enthusiasm for the job.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30If I get fleas, I'll be severely unhappy.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35But once again, his mentor kept him in check.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37Can't pick and choose who you treat.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39- You can't go to the nice pink fluffy ones.- No.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44However, from day one on the job, Max's biggest
0:35:44 > 0:35:47strength has been his confidence with the patients.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49You got ticklish feet?!
0:35:49 > 0:35:52From treating babies with bronchiolitis...
0:35:52 > 0:35:53You're in an ambulance, mate!
0:35:53 > 0:35:56Mum will remind you of this when you're older.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58..to elderly ladies who've had a fall...
0:35:58 > 0:36:01- Have a feel of your hips, Doreen? - Ooh, that's nice.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04..Max's manner has put the patients at ease
0:36:04 > 0:36:08and a smile on their faces in an otherwise alarming situation.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11- Can Max just do your blood pressure? Is that OK?- Yeah.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14And when Max was given a vital role at a road traffic accident,
0:36:14 > 0:36:18his easy charm kept the patient calm.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20Have you got any tape just to strap his head on?
0:36:20 > 0:36:22I didn't realise it was that bad.
0:36:22 > 0:36:27I found being a little bit cheeky is quite good.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30- At least you shaved your chest, eh? - I have done, yeah.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33Most of the time it puts them at ease.
0:36:33 > 0:36:34They do appreciate it.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37- Take care.- OK, cheers, mate. - See you later, mate.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48Max's first placement has had its highs and lows,
0:36:48 > 0:36:52but with his grading looming, can he make his last shift count?
0:36:54 > 0:36:58He and his mentor Chris have been called to a see a 21-year-old male.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02Only a few years older than Max, the young man has an extremely
0:37:02 > 0:37:07rare respiratory syndrome that leaves him permanently bedridden.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10But tonight, his parents have noticed he's having regular rigors -
0:37:10 > 0:37:13violent shakes that could be a sign of infection.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17The tremor's mostly in his legs, isn't it?
0:37:17 > 0:37:18Yeah.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21Seem like it's giving him quite a bit of grief.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28Besides the rigors he's got, is he his normal self at the minute?
0:37:28 > 0:37:32- He is? Do you want to do a blood pressure and ECG?- Yes.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36Even though the patient cannot answer him back, Max talks him
0:37:36 > 0:37:39though the basic observation tests step by step.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41I'm just going to take your blood pressure.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44I'm just going to put this cover round your arm.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46There's certain situations where you've got to take
0:37:46 > 0:37:51into consideration the patient, like respect for them and their dignity.
0:37:51 > 0:37:52Just going to put this on your finger.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55Obviously he's still alive, he's still human and you can't just
0:37:55 > 0:37:58ignore him and do your observations without talking to him.
0:37:58 > 0:37:59Cos he could still hear me,
0:37:59 > 0:38:03so I wanted to make sure he knew what I was doing and why I was doing it.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07Obviously he wasn't talking back, but it's easier for him to know
0:38:07 > 0:38:09what I'm doing so he feel more comfortable.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12I'm just going to take some blood out your finger,
0:38:12 > 0:38:16so you're just going to feel a slight prick. One, two, three...
0:38:18 > 0:38:22The patient's rare syndrome means any medication needs to be
0:38:22 > 0:38:26cleared with a doctor first, so only half an hour after arriving,
0:38:26 > 0:38:29Max and Chris hand the case over to the local on-call GP.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34This is the man in question - Mohammed.
0:38:34 > 0:38:40Over the last two hours, he's been having rigors to the left leg.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46This particular case has really hit home for Max.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57Erm...
0:38:57 > 0:38:58Yeah. That's...
0:39:00 > 0:39:01..quite a difficult one.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06'I don't get emotional very often,'
0:39:06 > 0:39:10but things will hit you and they'll hit you hard,
0:39:10 > 0:39:14but you just have to deal with it.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17It was a bit of a difficult job, to be fair.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19But fair play to you, you did engage with him
0:39:19 > 0:39:24and you did treat him with respect and you did speak to him.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26Yeah.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28And took into account, because he's got that syndrome
0:39:28 > 0:39:34and he's unwell, he can hear still, and he does deserve to be spoken to.
0:39:34 > 0:39:35- Yeah.- So, yeah, well done.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39You did really well on that one. And onto the next one.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44Max's natural rapport with the patients has
0:39:44 > 0:39:46shone through once again.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48Hi, Max. Take a seat.
0:39:48 > 0:39:53But his final assessment with mentor Chris isn't such an easy ride.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57Let's have a look at this empty portfolio.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00Max hasn't filled in the portfolio, that's a key
0:40:00 > 0:40:05part of the grading process, and his mentor isn't impressed.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11- Where's all your elements? - I've not handed them in yet.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13That all needs to be completed.
0:40:13 > 0:40:18Once you've done all your elements, then I'll do my bit,
0:40:18 > 0:40:21- but you have to pass it on to me. - Yeah.
0:40:21 > 0:40:22And you can't just give me a day.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24It's not going to take just five minutes.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27- You need to give me a few days to complete it.- Yeah.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29So you've got an extension.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33And until all that's completed and we've completed the paperwork
0:40:33 > 0:40:38correctly, then I can't give you a correct full grade.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40Mm.
0:40:40 > 0:40:45Max is the only student so far to finish his placement ungraded.
0:40:45 > 0:40:46It is a hard course
0:40:46 > 0:40:49and you've got to be able to hack everything that comes with the job.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51It's not just dealing with the patients,
0:40:51 > 0:40:55it's the long hours, driving, doing the paperwork.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59I'm not making excuses for myself, I knew what the course would entail.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02This is what I chose to do so I have to do it.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04I'll have my work done in the next week.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17For 25-year-old Vick, who's also been stationed in Leicester,
0:41:17 > 0:41:20the idea of not doing her homework would be completely alien.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27Vick is desperate to realise her dream of becoming a paramedic.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31I do see paramedics as everyday heroes.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34She applied for the course four times before she was accepted,
0:41:34 > 0:41:38so passing with flying colours is top of her priority list.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42It's taken me four years to get on, and all
0:41:42 > 0:41:45I want to do is prove to myself that I can do it and do it well.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48Failure's not an option.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50Vick's high expectations for herself means
0:41:50 > 0:41:54she takes every opportunity to broaden her medical knowledge.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57Got a little notepad so I can take notes after the job.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01But retaining the information hasn't come naturally.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04Haven't got a clue on 99% of the medicines.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07I've started to pick a few up, but I just can't remember them.
0:42:07 > 0:42:08What do you think?
0:42:10 > 0:42:11Don't know.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13And when she has made mistakes on the job...
0:42:13 > 0:42:15Should that fill up with blood?
0:42:15 > 0:42:18- What should that fill up with? - Faeces.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21..she's put even more pressure on herself to do well.
0:42:21 > 0:42:26Now I'm here, it's more about not just scraping through.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28I want to be the best.
0:42:33 > 0:42:38With her last shift over, it's the moment of truth for Vick.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42She's about to get a grade for her first ever paramedic placement.
0:42:42 > 0:42:46I do feel like I've improved, but I never know how much I am improving.
0:42:46 > 0:42:50So I'm always trying to push myself rather than be content with
0:42:50 > 0:42:52what I've done.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54I think, at the moment, I'm on track.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58I'm hoping.
0:42:58 > 0:43:03But will mentor George feel Vick's hard work has been enough?
0:43:03 > 0:43:06Has this placement been what you've expected?
0:43:06 > 0:43:09It has been what I've kind of expected.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12I think I'm come on a little bit more than I've expected.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16You're where you should be at the end of your first placement.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18You use quite a lot of different skills -
0:43:18 > 0:43:21we have had a variety of jobs.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25And the jobs that we've done and the way you've reflected on them
0:43:25 > 0:43:28when we've talked about them, you can see that next time you go
0:43:28 > 0:43:31to a job similar, you'll be able to draw on that experience
0:43:31 > 0:43:33and put it into place.
0:43:33 > 0:43:36I've awarded you... You can see there - a grade B.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39- I think you've done really well. - I am chuffed with a B.
0:43:42 > 0:43:46It gives me something to aim for next placement and work off.
0:43:46 > 0:43:50Yeah, so I'm happy with B.
0:43:53 > 0:43:56I can see the progression that she's made from six weeks ago when
0:43:56 > 0:44:00we first started, she's not the same person she was when she came in.
0:44:00 > 0:44:03She's really pushed herself.
0:44:03 > 0:44:06Like I've said, she's took on board anything I've said
0:44:06 > 0:44:09and she tries to use that the next time we go to a job.
0:44:09 > 0:44:12I am chuffed with a B, purely because of how long it's taken me
0:44:12 > 0:44:14to get on the course.
0:44:14 > 0:44:16It supports all that effort that I've put in.
0:44:16 > 0:44:20Vick's hunger to excel has really paid off.
0:44:20 > 0:44:23She's got the highest grade of the group so far and when she gets
0:44:23 > 0:44:28back to the university halls, she delivers the good news to mum Julie.
0:44:28 > 0:44:31- I've got my practical grade.- And?
0:44:31 > 0:44:32She's give me a B.
0:44:33 > 0:44:36- I am happy with a B. - I should hope you are.
0:44:36 > 0:44:38No, I am.
0:44:38 > 0:44:40It's going to sound backwards,
0:44:40 > 0:44:42but with it being first placement,
0:44:42 > 0:44:45I've heard a lot that you don't tend to get higher than a C,
0:44:45 > 0:44:52so I've got to work extra hard to keep with that B next placement.
0:44:52 > 0:44:56And super-hard to progress to a B plus or an A minus.
0:44:56 > 0:44:59- Just be happy. - I am happy with it.
0:44:59 > 0:45:00I am happy with it.
0:45:00 > 0:45:05It's something from a very young age that you've wanted to do.
0:45:05 > 0:45:09You've tried so hard to get in uni over the years,
0:45:09 > 0:45:15and now you're there, hopefully you're fulfilling your dream.
0:45:15 > 0:45:17And to see you now there at university,
0:45:17 > 0:45:19we're just so proud of you.
0:45:19 > 0:45:20Aw!
0:45:20 > 0:45:23Just enjoy it and make the most of it.
0:45:23 > 0:45:27Get as much out of it as you can.
0:45:27 > 0:45:28I will.
0:45:39 > 0:45:42A junior paramedic's relationship with their mentor is a key part
0:45:42 > 0:45:44of their placement experience.
0:45:44 > 0:45:47And one pair have forged a bigger bond than most.
0:45:47 > 0:45:50Can you see me under the hood?
0:45:53 > 0:45:5724-year-old Nick has looked up to mentor Jonny since day one.
0:45:57 > 0:46:00I've never seen my mentor stressed or panicked.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03I think that he is exceptionally good at his job.
0:46:03 > 0:46:06Their bromance has blossomed throughout the six weeks with
0:46:06 > 0:46:09Nick playing Robin to Jonny's Batman.
0:46:09 > 0:46:11I'd really love to wear my helmet...
0:46:11 > 0:46:14If you want to wear your helmet, by all means do so.
0:46:14 > 0:46:16- Can you wear yours as well?- No.
0:46:16 > 0:46:17Oh!
0:46:17 > 0:46:22But Nick's sidekick status means he always takes a back seat on the job.
0:46:23 > 0:46:25In emergency situations where every second counts,
0:46:25 > 0:46:29you do have to strike a balance of, is this a learning curve,
0:46:29 > 0:46:34or is my slowness going to impact on survival?
0:46:36 > 0:46:39Tonight is Nick's final shift in Leicester.
0:46:42 > 0:46:44With his grading just around the corner,
0:46:44 > 0:46:47will he have built the confidence to take the lead?
0:47:00 > 0:47:03The patient has been found in a caravan park.
0:47:04 > 0:47:06The police were first on the scene
0:47:06 > 0:47:09and the man is lying in the back of their van.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12We thought he was just intoxicated, but then we got him down here and
0:47:12 > 0:47:16he's vomited in the back of the van then he's stopped breathing.
0:47:16 > 0:47:19Two caravans down knows him, says he uses needles,
0:47:19 > 0:47:21- takes all sorts of drugs. - Right, OK.
0:47:21 > 0:47:24And he actually stopped breathing for a short time.
0:47:45 > 0:47:47He's a known drug user.
0:47:47 > 0:47:50He's in a state where he can't manage his own breathing
0:47:50 > 0:47:52or his airway, so OPA'd and NPA'd him -
0:47:52 > 0:47:54that's tubing in the throat and in the nose.
0:48:05 > 0:48:09Had we not intervened, he would have aspirated on his own vomit.
0:48:13 > 0:48:15Now the patient's airways are cleared,
0:48:15 > 0:48:17Nick gives the man a saline flush.
0:48:32 > 0:48:34Just 12 minutes on the scene and Nick
0:48:34 > 0:48:36and Jonny have saved the man's life.
0:48:36 > 0:48:38Nick might not have taken the lead,
0:48:38 > 0:48:42but they've worked seamlessly together, barely speaking a word.
0:48:42 > 0:48:45It's been a tough experience on the road, but also an amazing one.
0:48:45 > 0:48:49Towards the end of the placement, I was gaining a lot of confidence
0:48:49 > 0:48:54and actually doing some of the things without being prompted.
0:48:54 > 0:48:56This has been true teamwork,
0:48:56 > 0:48:58but when it comes to the dirty work,
0:48:58 > 0:49:01Nick's under no illusion who's the junior paramedic.
0:49:05 > 0:49:07I don't think I'll be having stew for a bit.
0:49:09 > 0:49:10Or chicken and mushroom pie.
0:49:18 > 0:49:21As well as dealing with 12-hour shifts,
0:49:21 > 0:49:23six of the junior paramedics have also been coping with
0:49:23 > 0:49:27the pressures of moving out of home for the first time.
0:49:27 > 0:49:30And it's been particularly hard for Geordie lass Amy.
0:49:33 > 0:49:37Amy has struggled to keep a lid on her emotions.
0:49:37 > 0:49:38Born and bred in Newcastle,
0:49:38 > 0:49:41she's travelled the furthest of all nine students.
0:49:41 > 0:49:45It has been really tough being away from home and my family.
0:49:45 > 0:49:48I have missed going home and seeing my boyfriend.
0:49:50 > 0:49:53While dealing with all that emotional pressure off shift,
0:49:53 > 0:49:57Amy also wore her heart on her sleeve from day one on the job.
0:49:59 > 0:50:03Her first call out with mentor Shay was to an elderly gentleman
0:50:03 > 0:50:05who'd been bitten by a spider.
0:50:05 > 0:50:07- This is where you got bitten? - That's where I was bitten.
0:50:07 > 0:50:10And you can see my hand's swollen up.
0:50:10 > 0:50:13But when the patient opened up about how his wife had died,
0:50:13 > 0:50:15Amy had to fight back the tears.
0:50:16 > 0:50:19It's something I'll never, never, never get over.
0:50:19 > 0:50:21I'll never get over losing her.
0:50:23 > 0:50:26The shock of that, a blood vessel burst in my brain.
0:50:26 > 0:50:29And that's how I lost my sight.
0:50:29 > 0:50:30Very, very hard.
0:50:30 > 0:50:33I was welling up and I could feel myself going to cry
0:50:33 > 0:50:36and I was trying my best to hide it by looking at the ground.
0:50:40 > 0:50:44And after a terrifying situation with an unpredictable patient...
0:50:44 > 0:50:46- He's about to kick off, that guy. - Isn't he?
0:50:46 > 0:50:48He was definitely going to kick off.
0:50:48 > 0:50:52..Amy found herself contemplating her future on the job.
0:50:52 > 0:50:55It makes us worried about being in a car by myself
0:50:55 > 0:50:58and being put into situations like that when I'm going to be on my own.
0:50:58 > 0:51:01But sticking with it has taught her a valuable lesson about herself.
0:51:01 > 0:51:05One of the things that I've learned from this is that
0:51:05 > 0:51:08I do get really emotional, but I do have a bit of a thicker skin
0:51:08 > 0:51:11than what I thought and I do handle things better than I thought I would.
0:51:11 > 0:51:13So I'm really happy with that.
0:51:17 > 0:51:20With her final shift in Wellingborough now over,
0:51:20 > 0:51:22it's down to Amy's mentor Shay
0:51:22 > 0:51:25to grade her overall performance across the six weeks.
0:51:27 > 0:51:29I think I've worked really hard
0:51:29 > 0:51:34and I've pushed myself outside my comfort zone in a lot of situations.
0:51:34 > 0:51:37And I do hope my grade can reflect that.
0:51:38 > 0:51:42Amy, that's the end of your six-week placement on the road.
0:51:42 > 0:51:43How do you think it went?
0:51:43 > 0:51:46Erm... I think it's been brilliant.
0:51:46 > 0:51:50I've learnt so much. It's just been an experience second to none.
0:51:50 > 0:51:53- Couldn't have wished for more. - You still want to be a paramedic?
0:51:53 > 0:51:55Definitely. Even more than I did before.
0:51:55 > 0:51:59In the short period of time - six weeks - you've come on so far.
0:51:59 > 0:52:01- Yeah.- And it really is noticeable.
0:52:01 > 0:52:05I really do feel like my confidence has grown so much.
0:52:05 > 0:52:07I think, with all the jobs we've been to,
0:52:07 > 0:52:10over the past six weeks and the way you've performed,
0:52:10 > 0:52:14I'll give you a grade of a B, which is well-deserved.
0:52:15 > 0:52:17- And you can just build on that. - Thank you very much.
0:52:17 > 0:52:22- That's OK.- I'm happy with that grade. Thank you very much.
0:52:22 > 0:52:23It's made my day!
0:52:25 > 0:52:27This is the job for me.
0:52:27 > 0:52:30It's an amazing job and a worthy job,
0:52:30 > 0:52:34and I can't wait to get out on my next placement and do it all again.
0:52:37 > 0:52:39Amy's happy with her grade.
0:52:39 > 0:52:43And Steph's last shift is also over.
0:52:43 > 0:52:46But how will mentor Sam, gauge her performance?
0:52:46 > 0:52:49You got in there straightaway on the first shift,
0:52:49 > 0:52:52and over the six weeks, I think you can do all the things
0:52:52 > 0:52:54quite easily now without supervision.
0:52:54 > 0:52:56So I thought I'd give you a B.
0:52:56 > 0:52:59When I was looking through the descriptors,
0:52:59 > 0:53:02it was the one that suited you most, cos B minus
0:53:02 > 0:53:06is quite well motivated, but B is very well motivated.
0:53:06 > 0:53:09- I hope you're happy with that. - Yeah, thank you.
0:53:09 > 0:53:11She has come on so much once the first day.
0:53:11 > 0:53:15It's been really nice to see her develop.
0:53:15 > 0:53:17She's really quite confident now -
0:53:17 > 0:53:21you wouldn't think she was a first year, to be fair.
0:53:21 > 0:53:23If you get an A, it's saying you can't improve
0:53:23 > 0:53:25and you always need to be able to improve.
0:53:25 > 0:53:27In your second year you want to be getting As,
0:53:27 > 0:53:30cos you've got to go out on your own, but I'm happy with a B.
0:53:30 > 0:53:34And in Leicester, how has mentor Jonny graded Nick?
0:53:34 > 0:53:38B minus. Happy with that.
0:53:38 > 0:53:40You should be.
0:53:40 > 0:53:43You worked hard for it.
0:53:43 > 0:53:46- It's deserved.- It's been fun.- Good.
0:53:46 > 0:53:47I shall see you about.
0:53:49 > 0:53:51Handing over at the hospital.
0:53:51 > 0:53:53- I'll be listening! - Handing over to you!
0:53:53 > 0:53:55Yeah.
0:53:55 > 0:53:57And it's also good news for Max.
0:53:57 > 0:54:00After he handed his completed paperwork to mentor Chris,
0:54:00 > 0:54:03he passed with a D minus.
0:54:03 > 0:54:05The next two years are going to be tough.
0:54:05 > 0:54:08I've got so many shifts to do, so much work to get done.
0:54:08 > 0:54:10When I do qualify, I'll be proud of myself
0:54:10 > 0:54:15and feel privileged to wear the uniform and just get on with the job.
0:54:15 > 0:54:19MUSIC: "Heroes" by Tinie Tempah
0:54:24 > 0:54:27With thousands of hours of experience between them,
0:54:27 > 0:54:31and stories to last a lifetime, all nine junior paramedics have
0:54:31 > 0:54:33come to the end of their first
0:54:33 > 0:54:35placements of their paramedic career.
0:54:40 > 0:54:43The whole placement was completely different to what
0:54:43 > 0:54:44I expected it to be like.
0:54:44 > 0:54:48From the first day, it was hands-on instantly, and getting involved,
0:54:48 > 0:54:52which I was really pleased about cos for me that's the way I learn best.
0:54:56 > 0:55:01The most rewarding thing about doing the job is helping people.
0:55:01 > 0:55:02That's awesome, that is.
0:55:04 > 0:55:09What I've enjoyed the most is being a trusted member of society.
0:55:11 > 0:55:14Can't wait to be a paramedic and be out on the road
0:55:14 > 0:55:16and I truly think it's the best job.
0:55:16 > 0:55:18I could be offered all the money in the world
0:55:18 > 0:55:20and I think I'd still want to do this job.
0:55:22 > 0:55:23It has been rewarding.
0:55:23 > 0:55:26You're making a massive difference to someone's life.
0:55:26 > 0:55:28The ones that have been rewarding are
0:55:28 > 0:55:31the elderly person that's said "thank you" to you,
0:55:31 > 0:55:35or the character that's really accepted you as a student.
0:55:38 > 0:55:41I would quite happily not get paid for it for the rest of my life.
0:55:41 > 0:55:43It's that kind of career that you just enjoy it so much
0:55:43 > 0:55:46that the reward is actually doing the job itself.
0:55:50 > 0:55:53Felt really privileged to do what I've been doing.
0:55:53 > 0:55:55Just caring for people and making sure
0:55:55 > 0:55:57they're all right, you feel special.
0:56:00 > 0:56:03It is a really rewarding thing to do and the placement
0:56:03 > 0:56:06has opened my eyes to what is out there in the world.
0:56:06 > 0:56:09And it's a bit shocking sometimes, but it makes you
0:56:09 > 0:56:13reflect on what the world's like, not as a paramedic, as a human.
0:56:16 > 0:56:21The last six weeks have taught me that this what I want to do
0:56:21 > 0:56:23and where I want to go with my life.
0:56:23 > 0:56:26In 18 months, I'll be able to stand there and say,
0:56:26 > 0:56:30"I'm a registered paramedic." That's my title. That's my career.
0:56:30 > 0:56:31Even though it's quite scary,
0:56:31 > 0:56:34I think it's going to be a fantastic career to say,
0:56:34 > 0:56:38"I go out and help people every day, and potentially, save lives."