0:00:00 > 0:00:02Today on Real Rescues, the 15-year-old boy
0:00:02 > 0:00:07left lying face down on the ground after a high-impact rugby tackle.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11Paramedics fear injuries to his neck and spine.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13All he's worried about is his Sunday dinner!
0:00:17 > 0:00:18You want your roast?
0:00:18 > 0:00:20We can arrange that for you!
0:00:20 > 0:00:24And the family who rejoice at the first cries of their new baby
0:00:24 > 0:00:27even though it's born on the back seat of Granddad's car.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35BABY CRIES
0:00:58 > 0:01:03Welcome to Real Rescues from Abingdon, one of the two Thames Valley police control rooms.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05The other is in Milton Keynes.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09The operation here provides a 24-hour emergency service to over two million people.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12The call-takers here have seen just about everything.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Later, we'll hear about the local big cat mystery.
0:01:15 > 0:01:21Is this the cast of a footprint of The Beast of Burford?
0:01:21 > 0:01:23I believe it is!
0:01:23 > 0:01:28Sport-related injuries make up one in seven of the injuries dealt with by the Thames Valley air ambulance.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31Callum has been the victim of a heavy rugby tackle
0:01:31 > 0:01:34which has left him flat on the floor, unable to move.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47The Thames Valley and Chiltern air ambulance
0:01:47 > 0:01:51is scrambled to a 15-year-old rugby player who's in distress.
0:01:51 > 0:01:56On board are paramedics Mark Begley, Lisa Brown, and MJ, the doctor.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00The ETA to the job is four minutes.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Thanks very much. Received. An update,
0:02:03 > 0:02:05the patient is still on the ground.
0:02:05 > 0:02:12Suffered a neck injury following a tackle. Also hit in the head but believed not KO'd.
0:02:12 > 0:02:13Conscious now.
0:02:15 > 0:02:21Circling the pitches, pilot Al Gasparo looks for the best place to set down.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23They're in the centre of the field, are they?
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- Or are they at the far end? - The far end.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31There's a whole bunch of people around.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39Their landing is softer than their patient's was.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43Running with the ball, Callum was tackled heavily from behind.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47Stay nice and still for a moment. Let's go down it again.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50As his head snapped back, it clashed with another player
0:02:50 > 0:02:52then he hit the ground hard.
0:02:52 > 0:02:58Callum, I'm going to expose you slightly so we can test your neck and back again. OK?
0:02:58 > 0:03:02The team are concerned about the effect of multiple impacts on his neck and spine.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06When I press your neck, does it hurt down the middle or to the sides?
0:03:06 > 0:03:08It hurts down my back.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10OK. Fine.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13They want to cut off Callum's top for better access,
0:03:13 > 0:03:16but even in pain, he's thinking of the team.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23You haven't got a number 11?
0:03:25 > 0:03:27But the club coach steps in.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Tell me when it starts getting sore.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- There.- Over there.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- If I press on your ribs, is that hurting?- No, that tickles!
0:03:40 > 0:03:43Your tummy, is that sore at all?
0:03:43 > 0:03:45- No.- Lisa is going to feel down your legs.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47Tell her if you have pins and needles.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49I'll cover you for a moment.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51Just going to the top of your bottom.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54Callum will need to go to hospital,
0:03:54 > 0:03:59but the problem is how to get him there without aggravating any potential injury
0:03:59 > 0:04:00to his back and neck.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04Lying face-down in an awkward position, this wasn't the Sunday he'd planned.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12- You want your roast?- We can arrange that, Callum.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17But hidden under the humour is the fear that Callum could have a nasty injury.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22The team ask for some assistance from Callum's father, Andrew, and the club coaching staff.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26Many-handed, they can turn him from front to back
0:04:26 > 0:04:28with minimal movement to his spine.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30Any pins and needles in your fingers?
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- It's coming back.- You can feel it round your neck now.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36It'll be uncomfortable for a minute.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38Where does it hurt when I'm doing this?
0:04:38 > 0:04:41- My shoulder blade.- Shoulder.
0:04:42 > 0:04:48With a protective collar on Callum, they can now fit him properly onto the scoop stretcher.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50Ready, steady and move.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53How bad is that pain? It sounds pretty bad.
0:04:53 > 0:04:54Yeah, it hurts.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58We can give you some good pain relief but we'll have to put in a drip.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01Where is the pain? At your shoulder blade?
0:05:01 > 0:05:03Ow!
0:05:03 > 0:05:04Sorry, my darling.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10Callum is secure, but far from comfortable.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13Before she can allow him to have any pain relieving Entonox,
0:05:13 > 0:05:17MJ needs to check he hasn't got any damage to his lungs.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19Nice big breath.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21And out.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23Good. And again.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26Good.
0:05:26 > 0:05:27No difficulty in breathing?
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- No.- If I press there, it's not sore?
0:05:31 > 0:05:34If you wouldn't mind giving him a bit of Entonox.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38Callum, you'll feel a sharp needle in your hand. Back of your hand.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41While Lisa starts placing a canula into Callum's arm,
0:05:41 > 0:05:45MJ explains to a worried dad what's going to happen.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48He's essentially sore from there all the way down there.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53We need to be careful of his spine. It could just be a bit of bruising and so on.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57The best thing for him would be if we take him to Stoke Mandeville Hospital,
0:05:57 > 0:05:59the regional spinal centre.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03If they do some x-rays and don't find anything, that's good.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05If they x-ray and find something wrong,
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- that's the right place to fix it. - OK.- Happy with that?
0:06:08 > 0:06:12Before moving him, they want to prepare Callum for the flight.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17We're going to give you an anti-emetic, to settle any nausea
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- when you're flying flat on your back.- What's nausea?
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- Nausea. Sickness.- OK.- Do you feel sick at the moment?- Yeah.- Yes?
0:06:23 > 0:06:26It's a good idea we give you some, then!
0:06:26 > 0:06:30Everybody going to go on lift. Ready, steady and lift.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32Walk that direction and walk round.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41This might make you feel a bit dizzy, Callum.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45They give Callum morphine to soothe his pain.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47It also prepares him for hospital
0:06:47 > 0:06:52as he'll be poked and prodded once more while doctors search for any sign of serious injury.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54How are you feeling?
0:06:54 > 0:06:56- Headache.- Headache.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59Andrew will be reunited with his son at the hospital.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01It's a 40-minute drive for him
0:07:01 > 0:07:04but it'll take the helicopter barely ten minutes.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- You guys all right at the back? - Yeah.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15- Patient's fine. We've got the thumbs up.- Excellent.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21Once at the hospital, they hand Callum over to the A&E department,
0:07:21 > 0:07:24where he'll be given a full check-over.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26Across and lower. Brilliant.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30The Spinal Injuries Unit at Stoke Mandeville is internationally acclaimed
0:07:30 > 0:07:33so he really couldn't be in better hands.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38Callum had a badly strained neck, but he got out of hospital that night
0:07:38 > 0:07:41just in time for that roast dinner, reheated, of course.
0:07:41 > 0:07:47You might think you've mastered police-speak when you know RTA means road traffic accident.
0:07:47 > 0:07:52But that's just the start. There's also DORTA, a damage-only road traffic accident, and so on.
0:07:52 > 0:07:57There are so many acronyms, the team here have a website dedicated to breaking the codes.
0:07:57 > 0:08:02Jargon Buster is a computer tool that helps new recruits deal with police speak.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04Charlotte is going to take us through some of those.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- You're not on a call or anything? - No, no.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11Up here we can see a list. There's a lot of them.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- So if we pick one. BIP. - Burglary in progress.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18Burglary in progress. Pick us another letter.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21C. CHALET, there's a good one.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26Here. That's for casualties, hazards, access to the location,
0:08:26 > 0:08:29emergency vehicles and what type of incident it is.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32That's really long. Let's have another letter.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34D. DIC. What's DIC?
0:08:34 > 0:08:36That's drunk in charge.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38Drunk in charge. Any others?
0:08:38 > 0:08:42Um, we've got POE, which is a point of entry,
0:08:42 > 0:08:45MARAC, which is the multi-agency risk assessment committee.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50How are you meant to know all these? Do you have to learn them as you work?
0:08:50 > 0:08:55No, you pick it up. Essentially, you use it to communicate and record information quickly.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57It makes our jobs a little easier.
0:08:57 > 0:09:02But using this jargon buster on our intranet page makes it a lot easier.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- You pick it up over time. - You pick it up.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07I suppose some of them are used more than others.
0:09:07 > 0:09:12So how would you say we've finished? How about OTL? Over to Louise!
0:09:12 > 0:09:17Very good. Strokes are common, and the response they get from the emergency medical teams
0:09:17 > 0:09:20is fast, thorough and well-practised.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24We followed that rapid response treatment from a patient's front room
0:09:24 > 0:09:26through to the hospital scanner.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32It's lunch time, and an ambulance crew is rushing a patient from his home into their vehicle.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36His symptoms are alarming but very familiar.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42This is Laurie. His wife's come home and found him collapsed.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45He's got considerable right-sided weakness.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47He's unable to speak at present.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50As soon as Jason gets Laurie on board the ambulance,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53he carries out some more tests to confirm his thoughts
0:09:53 > 0:09:55that this is a stroke.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57I'll take your blood pressure.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00Are you able to grip my hand with that hand?
0:10:00 > 0:10:02Give my hands a really big squeeze for me.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05Laurie can't make any movement with his right hand.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Jason phones through to put the hospital's stroke team on stand-by.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15He's FAST positive. ETA is about five minutes.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19FAST indicates facial droop and other symptoms of stroke.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24Onboard too is Laurie's wife, Veronica.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28She suspected the worst as soon as she saw her husband.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30I returned about ten to one.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33I could hear the TV. I said, "It's only me."
0:10:33 > 0:10:37Then I saw him sat on the settee with his face drooped
0:10:37 > 0:10:42and his arm down to one side and I knew straightaway it was a stroke.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45So he's not spoken since you got home?
0:10:45 > 0:10:49Laurie's distress and bewilderment is made all the worse
0:10:49 > 0:10:51by the loss of speech.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54Jason explains exactly what's happening.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58Laurie, we're taking you into Bournemouth Hospital.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01They'll have a look at you there. A doctor will assess you.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03All right?
0:11:03 > 0:11:08OK? I know it's a bit bumpy, but you're quite safe.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14All right, Laurie. We're there now. We're just pulling into hospital.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21Inside, a specialist team of consultants, registrars and nurses are waiting.
0:11:21 > 0:11:26They're greeted by stroke research nurse Catherine Ovington.
0:11:26 > 0:11:31We'll pop you on our trolley here and check your blood pressure, OK?
0:11:31 > 0:11:34We'll talk about what happens next.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37The first stage is to work out what kind of stroke he's had.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42Laurence, it's looking like you've had a stroke.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44That's causing this trouble, isn't it?
0:11:44 > 0:11:48You need to know if a blood vessel in the brain has popped,
0:11:48 > 0:11:50flooded an area with blood and damaged it.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54Or whether it's the more common type, caused by a clot.
0:11:54 > 0:11:59Both types of stroke are equally bad. They're just managed very differently.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04The best time to treat a stroke is within one hour of it happening.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06But in Laurie's case, nobody knows when this was
0:12:06 > 0:12:09as he was alone in the house.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13I left for work just after eight. He was going back to bed then.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- How was he looking? Was he talking? - He was fine.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18That was just after eight.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22Laurie could have suffered his stroke up to five hours earlier.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24It limits his treatment options.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28His only hope now is taking part in a new drugs trial.
0:12:28 > 0:12:34If it's the type of stroke caused by a clot, there's a licensed drug
0:12:34 > 0:12:37to get rid of that clot, for certain people.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- Throm... Thrombosis. - Thrombolysis, yes.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43But it can only be given, that drug, within a certain time period
0:12:43 > 0:12:47because then it becomes less effective.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49The risks outweigh the benefits.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51Now, that time has passed. We're past that time.
0:12:51 > 0:12:58However, we are running a study around the world that involves a different clot-busting drug.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02A different thrombolysis, where the time period is extended.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06It's extended quite a few hours, and we're in that time period.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09A scan will tell them which type of stroke he's had
0:13:09 > 0:13:13and that will determine whether he's suitable for the drug trial.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20It's under an hour since Veronica found her husband.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22The results of the scan will be critical.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Later, we'll hear the results of that scan
0:13:27 > 0:13:30and find out whether Laurie is suitable for the drug trial.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35The entire Rawlings family are rushing Jade to their local hospital.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38It's snowing outside and there's lots of traffic.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40But babies don't care, and this one is not waiting.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45All granny-to-be Tina can do is call 999.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48You heard Gail, the call-taker on that phone call, sounding very calm.
0:14:48 > 0:14:53The first thing you asked them to do was stop the car. Why's that?
0:14:53 > 0:14:59We need them to stop the car so we can get the ambulance to them.
0:14:59 > 0:15:05- Because they'd be driving to hospital and the ambulance would be following them?- Yes, chasing them.
0:15:05 > 0:15:11- Also, I guess it was important for you to know how far things had gone. - Yes, definitely.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16- Why did you need to know?- So that I could give some clear instructions
0:15:16 > 0:15:18as to what to do next.
0:15:18 > 0:15:23You follow a script. What sort of things was it telling you to find out?
0:15:23 > 0:15:27I need to find out how many minutes apart the contractions are.
0:15:27 > 0:15:32Whether there's any part of the baby showing yet. That sort of thing.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37Then you can pass on crucial information if the baby's coming quickly, as it seems it was.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41- Yes.- How could you tell it was quite close? The way they were acting?
0:15:41 > 0:15:47- The contractions were fairly close, yes.- So you had to give them some clear instructions.
0:15:47 > 0:15:54Gail needs to ensure that the ambulance can find them, but also prepare the family for the birth.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53Oh, my goodness. Well, Tina's husband, Richard, Jade's dad,
0:16:53 > 0:16:57now takes over the phone call and follows Gail's advice.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50BABY CRIES
0:17:55 > 0:17:59Well, Richard is here, who actually delivered the baby.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01And Jade. Introduce your son, would you?
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- This is Caleb.- How old is he now?
0:18:04 > 0:18:09- 25 weeks.- And how was that for you? - Scary!
0:18:09 > 0:18:13I'm not surprised! You were amazing. Take us through it.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17- You were on the way to hospital so you knew she was having the baby. - Yeah.
0:18:17 > 0:18:24- So you stopped the car.- Gail asked to see if there was anything showing, which there wasn't.- Yes.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26So I thought I'd get out the car.
0:18:26 > 0:18:31Next there's banging on the window, "The head's showing!"
0:18:31 > 0:18:36My wife was on the phone to Gail. She said, "Take over", and passed me the phone
0:18:36 > 0:18:41- and it just went from there. - It was down to you.- Yeah. - What happened next?
0:18:41 > 0:18:45Within minutes, Caleb was here. I was holding him in my hand.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49And I dropped the phone and that's as much as I can remember.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54Absolutely fabulous. I loved on the phone call you were saying, "She's here. No, he's here!"
0:18:54 > 0:19:01- What was going on?- I knew she was going to have a boy and I just got confused completely.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03And there was a bit of an audience?
0:19:03 > 0:19:08- Yeah, we parked outside a bus stop packed full of people!- Goodness me.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11Thank you very much and thanks for bringing him in.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16I'll come back to you, if that's OK. Just checking what's going on on the phones.
0:19:16 > 0:19:22Now, the cost of a motorway accident is considerable. The impact on individuals and their vehicles.
0:19:22 > 0:19:28But it can also cost up to £10,000 per lane per hour to manage the incident
0:19:28 > 0:19:30and any delays or diversions.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34This next rescue caused major disruption to a busy intersection.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44Late afternoon and there's been a collision at a very busy junction
0:19:44 > 0:19:46where two motorways join together.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50At least three vehicles involved, two lanes blocked.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52Debris all over the place.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54And it's the middle of the rush hour.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57It's a matter of urgency to get it clear.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01Police sergeant Wayne Voller is a very experienced traffic cop.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05He's expert at handling the aftermath of road accidents
0:20:05 > 0:20:07and the traffic chaos that often ensues.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18There's certainly a mess here, surrounded by scattered debris.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22The remains of a severely damaged Ford Focus lies in the middle lane.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25A small Peugeot with a huge dent in the front is by the barrier.
0:20:25 > 0:20:31And an articulated lorry with a blown tyre is on the hard shoulder.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33The very first thing Wayne needs to know on arrival
0:20:33 > 0:20:36is the condition of any casualties.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38Have we got any serious injuries?
0:20:38 > 0:20:41No serious. One potential neck injury, but not serious.
0:20:41 > 0:20:47The fact that there's no serious injuries to the three drivers involved seems incredible.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50I'm looking to open lane two if we can, but that's stuck there.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54While PC Mark Fruin takes care of the investigation,
0:20:54 > 0:20:56Wayne's priority is to get another lane open.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59There are jams already several miles long.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03If they don't act quickly, the whole of Portsmouth could become gridlocked.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05See if it'll push, then, Wes.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09First they tackle the Focus, the most badly damaged of all the vehicles.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11In a minute. Hang on!
0:21:11 > 0:21:15Right, hold it there, Wes, cos he has got the keys.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18Its driver, Bob Knowles, was on his way home from work
0:21:18 > 0:21:20when disaster struck.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24As the two roads merge, I was in the left-hand lane.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27I was aware from my peripheral vision that a large lorry,
0:21:27 > 0:21:31an articulated lorry, was coming up on my right-hand side.
0:21:31 > 0:21:37As we came alongside, suddenly he started verging into the left, encroaching on my lane.
0:21:37 > 0:21:43I braked slightly, but he kept coming then he hit me. He caught my wing mirror, then my front wing
0:21:43 > 0:21:47and he shunted me into the left-hand side crash barrier,
0:21:47 > 0:21:53which I hit very hard because I must have been doing 60 at that point.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56An almighty bang. Frightened the life out of me.
0:21:56 > 0:22:01The lorry's erratic movements may be explained by a blow-out to one of its tyres.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06Bob's fortunate to be walking around as his car has suffered four serious impacts.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09The last came from the Peugeot as it followed behind.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12Its driver is being treated for neck pain
0:22:12 > 0:22:15and has been put on a spinal board as a precaution.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21When you get a chance, I can get the road open.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24The ambulance, I've asked them to move their vehicle.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27If they move it into lane three, I can get two lanes open.
0:22:32 > 0:22:39They also need to make the road safe by sweeping away any debris that could puncture further tyres.
0:22:41 > 0:22:46With their patient on board, the ambulance transfers into lane three.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50In under ten minutes, Wayne has helped get Portsmouth on the move again.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54Wayne's now free to interview the lorry driver and find out what happened.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03With the arrival of a recovery truck, there will soon be no sign left
0:23:03 > 0:23:05that an accident ever happened here.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09But the memory will remain with Bob for a long time.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12Probably the most terrifying experience of my life.
0:23:12 > 0:23:19When you impact something going at speed, there's a boom, and you feel yourself bouncing off.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23Your hands are like this on the steering wheel and you've got no control at all.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27Then suddenly your whole world spins around.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30I can't think of any time where I was probably more scared.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34The two cars involved are write-offs.
0:23:34 > 0:23:40Thankfully, they are the only things to have suffered permanent damage after such a serious crash.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43Modern-day car has a lot of impact-absorbing areas
0:23:43 > 0:23:48which saved me from serious harm - or worse.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52So I'm thankful for that. I was very lucky to walk out of it alive.
0:23:56 > 0:24:01Still to come on Real Rescues: the young woman trapped in her boyfriend's new car.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04The only way out is through the roof.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- Is she all right?- Shaken, I think.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10We've now got a convertible!
0:24:10 > 0:24:12And the local Big Cat mystery.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16Callers to the control room claim they've seen a large feline
0:24:16 > 0:24:19prowling on the hill near us in Abingdon.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21But what is it?
0:24:23 > 0:24:27Stroke victims need rapid and sophisticated treatment.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29If medical care gets to you in time,
0:24:29 > 0:24:33there are drugs that can make an enormous difference to your recovery.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35We saw paramedics called to the home of Laurie.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39His wife had found him slumped on the sofa, unable to speak.
0:24:39 > 0:24:45A CT scan is the next step in the rapid response specialist treatment Laurie is receiving in hospital.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48It's only an hour since he was discovered at home,
0:24:48 > 0:24:53and already his brain is being scanned for abnormalities which may have caused his stroke.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59A scanner produces cross-sectioned images of his brain.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02They're far more detailed than a normal x-ray.
0:25:05 > 0:25:10If the doctors find a clot, he'll be eligible to take part in a new drug trial.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15They're looking for a clot in a certain vessel in the brain.
0:25:15 > 0:25:20And some things that need to be excluded which are quite complex
0:25:20 > 0:25:24but particularly we're looking for a clot in one vessel.
0:25:24 > 0:25:29All the images are being studied by consultant Dr Roger Patel.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33He's found what he's looking for - the cause of Laurie's stroke.
0:25:33 > 0:25:38It's as if we're looking from the top of his head down. It's highlighting the vessels.
0:25:38 > 0:25:45On the right is a satisfactory artery that branches into peripheral branch arteries,
0:25:45 > 0:25:47or M2 and M3-level vessels.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50As you follow the vessel out on the normal side, it looks OK.
0:25:50 > 0:25:55But on the affected side, if you try and follow that vessel out,
0:25:55 > 0:25:58you see a prompt truncation point of that.
0:25:58 > 0:26:03There should be an artery here with some branches into this part of the brain.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07This clot is causing all the problems with the right-hand side of his body.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11But the positive news is it means he is suitable to take part in the trial
0:26:11 > 0:26:13of a new drug.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16In a way, it breaks up the clot, but not in a dangerous way,
0:26:16 > 0:26:19in a good way to let the blood supply back in
0:26:19 > 0:26:22to save the area of brain that's saveable
0:26:22 > 0:26:24to minimise disability.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28But it means Laurie or his family have to make the decision very quickly.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32The drug has to be given within the next 50 minutes.
0:26:39 > 0:26:46The consultant, Owen Davis, leads the team. More tests must be carried out before he can give the drug.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49All Veronica and their son, Stewart, can do is look on.
0:26:50 > 0:26:56I knew he was in very good professional hands, and it was nice to have our son there
0:26:56 > 0:26:58as support for me.
0:26:58 > 0:27:05I just had to stand back and let them get on with what they knew best.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09There's a flurry of activity as doctors and nurses double-check everything.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11Close your eyes for me, sir.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13Point to where I'm touching you.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Dr Davis tests Laurie's sensation in his right side.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19He moves his left arm to show he can feel something.
0:27:19 > 0:27:24It's an encouraging sign that some sensation is returning.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29Stroke research nurse Catherine prepares the injection.
0:27:29 > 0:27:34But as this is a trial, there are no guarantees that this will help Laurie.
0:27:34 > 0:27:39I'm just going to reconstitute it and give the amount that they say,
0:27:39 > 0:27:41which is 8.3 mls.
0:27:41 > 0:27:48So I just have to add 10 mls of water to the ampule.
0:27:48 > 0:27:49Mix it up...
0:27:51 > 0:27:53..and give it to the patient.
0:27:53 > 0:27:59We've got the special medicine for you. I'll keep a very close eye on you afterwards.
0:27:59 > 0:28:04Laurie is looking very tired as Catherine administers the drug.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08Well done.
0:28:08 > 0:28:13Veronica is still trying to find out if her husband can tell her when he collapsed.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16Did you have long in bed this morning?
0:28:18 > 0:28:20An hour?
0:28:20 > 0:28:26All the family can do now is hope that the drug trial will help disperse the clot
0:28:26 > 0:28:28and aid his recovery.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34Well, I just hope that everything will be back to where it was before
0:28:34 > 0:28:38but time will tell, really.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42Laurie will now be monitored closely in the resus room.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46It could be some time before they know if the drug has helped him.
0:28:46 > 0:28:51We'll look out for any signs of bleeding, any signs of drowsiness
0:28:51 > 0:28:54that might mean neurological problems.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56In which case we'll re-CT him.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59Any bleeding we look out for, monitor his blood pressure and pulse.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02Looking out for any kind of allergic reaction.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06Watching his mouth, make sure he doesn't get short of breath.
0:29:06 > 0:29:11And closely monitoring him for the next 24 hours.
0:29:11 > 0:29:12I'll be here a lot this evening!
0:29:17 > 0:29:20And Laurie is on the mend. It's a month since his stroke
0:29:20 > 0:29:23and he's still in hospital but is improving by the day.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26I have a story that will blow your mind, I'm sure.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29This is PC Simon Towers, a wildlife crime officer.
0:29:29 > 0:29:34And you might have heard that people think they've seen big cats and things in the wild,
0:29:34 > 0:29:39and it's usually the kind of territory of people who think they've seen the Loch Ness monster.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43You know what I mean! Turns out, it's pretty much true now!
0:29:43 > 0:29:46- Afraid so!- You're absolutely certain.- Absolutely.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49Earlier, we showed this cast. Where was this taken?
0:29:49 > 0:29:55This cast was taken from about a 300-metre track that was found in a forest.
0:29:55 > 0:30:00We got scenes of crime officers there because we didn't want to lose these tracks.
0:30:00 > 0:30:05- It showed us there's a big cat out there.- This is the pad, mid-foot.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08The toes are here. See that now?
0:30:08 > 0:30:12There's a photograph of what it actually looked like.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15I don't know if you can see how clear that paw print is.
0:30:15 > 0:30:20These paw prints actually appeared while there were people in the tree above?
0:30:20 > 0:30:24There were some deer stalkers. They were looking to shoot a deer.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27They'd gone up a couple of hours beforehand and came down.
0:30:27 > 0:30:32They discovered these around the base of their tree and they'd seen nothing.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35- So...- Perhaps it's a hoaxer, or...
0:30:35 > 0:30:37Why are you so certain?
0:30:37 > 0:30:40Sometimes you get things like a hoax. A single print,
0:30:40 > 0:30:45but we had 300 metres of continual print as if this had walked down a hill, round a pond,
0:30:45 > 0:30:49- and just disappeared into the forest.- Have you seen one?
0:30:49 > 0:30:54- I've seen the back end of one. - Definitely seen one? - The back end of one.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56How are they here?
0:30:56 > 0:31:00There are lots of theories. The Dangerous Wild Animals Act '76 came in.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04People could keep a wild cat at home, a tiger or whatever,
0:31:04 > 0:31:08- and some could have been released into the wild. - They're breeding, then?
0:31:08 > 0:31:13- Yeah.- Any signs of breeding?- We've had a report of a mother and cub over the years.
0:31:13 > 0:31:19- And evidence of a mother and cub. - What sort of cat are we talking about?- Like a puma.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22That's confirmed? And that footprint's been identified?
0:31:22 > 0:31:27- Identified by a Home Office expert. - Should we be frightened? - No, not at all.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31- They just feed on rabbits and things?- And carcases, deers and things like that.
0:31:31 > 0:31:36- Road kill.- Fascinating stuff. Absolutely amazing, it's confirmed now. Thank you.
0:31:36 > 0:31:41Now, a young couple who went out shopping and got more than they bargained for!
0:31:44 > 0:31:48There's been a crash on a busy city centre road.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51A 21-year-old woman is trapped inside a car
0:31:51 > 0:31:55and the fire-fighters of White Watch, led by Sean Cheeseman,
0:31:55 > 0:31:57have been called in to help get her out.
0:31:57 > 0:32:02- Mate, can you give me what you need from us?- We need to take the roof off to get her out.
0:32:02 > 0:32:07OK. Start getting all the stuff over here. Put it here so it's out of the road. Roof removal.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11The car was hit from behind and Charlotte is feeling pain in her neck.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15It's also started to spread down her back.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19There's a chance she has spinal injuries.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22Any attempt to move her from the passenger seat
0:32:22 > 0:32:25could twist her back and make matters far worse.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30Instead, they'll need to cut off the roof so she can be lifted out.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34One person trapped in car. Extrication in progress.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40Paramedic Fran Ango is inside the car, holding Charlotte's head still
0:32:40 > 0:32:43and keeping her calm.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45I'm Fran, a paramedic.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48We've got suspected spinal injuries.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51- OK.- And lower back pain.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55It's all precautionary. She's got pain in her head as well.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57OK, that's fine.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00- Have you got head protection and all that?- I have in my car.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04We'll just get set up and we'll let you know how it's going.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08Boyfriend Mark was driving when the accident happened.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11But he's escaped injury.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15He's only had the car a few weeks. It looks like he won't have it much longer.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19Fran the paramedic is in the back. I've put some head gear on him.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21Come on, let's get this going.
0:33:21 > 0:33:26Because this is a modern car, the fire crew know it'll be fitted with an array of safety devices.
0:33:26 > 0:33:31They're useful in a crash but now they could be a hazard to those inside.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36Internal I've got airbags that haven't deployed.
0:33:36 > 0:33:41And I've got any other airbag systems cos this is quite a new motor
0:33:41 > 0:33:44with any of the restraints around the top.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48But all cars are different, and the more information they can get, the better.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51Excuse me, sir. Can I ask a question about the car?
0:33:53 > 0:33:56SRS airbag systems. They're in the pillars?
0:33:56 > 0:33:59- It's got it everywhere.- OK.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02It's designed that you can roll it and walk away from it.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06We'll have to slide the board in. She's got lower back...
0:34:06 > 0:34:09We'll have to cut as low as possible.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13We'll go for a lot of protection in the front there.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17We'll cut the furthest one first and see what we end up with.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21They put in boards to protect Charlotte and Fran
0:34:21 > 0:34:22just in case the airbags go off.
0:34:30 > 0:34:35The heavy cutting equipment is very loud and it's right next to Charlotte's head.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40It's a frightening experience, but Fran is there to reassure her.
0:34:43 > 0:34:47Once they're through the final post, the roof can be lifted right off.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57The way is clear to slide a long board in behind Charlotte.
0:35:02 > 0:35:06Once she's secured to the board, it'll keep her spine in a fixed position
0:35:06 > 0:35:08so she can be moved without danger.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18Now that Charlotte's safely out,
0:35:18 > 0:35:22Mark starts worrying about his new car, as well as his girlfriend.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26- Is she all right?- Shaken, I think.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29We've now got a convertible!
0:35:29 > 0:35:33- You have.- That's it. Thank you. - Right.
0:35:38 > 0:35:43Mark will travel with Charlotte to A&E where she'll be thoroughly checked over
0:35:43 > 0:35:45to assess her injuries.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50Charlotte suffered whiplash injuries and was off work for three weeks.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54Mark now has a new car to replace his previous pride and joy.
0:35:54 > 0:35:59Most young boys dream of flying in a helicopter, and a few old dads, too!
0:35:59 > 0:36:02But you wouldn't want to break your arm to do it.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08The Thames Valley and Chiltern air ambulance
0:36:08 > 0:36:13has been sent out to the small village of Southmoor after a boy's had a nasty fall off a trampoline.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17Because of the layout of the houses,
0:36:17 > 0:36:21pilot Al Gasparo has had to land 200 yards away.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24Dr Simon Brown and paramedic Paul Jeffries
0:36:24 > 0:36:28are picked up by a helpful next-door-neighbour who ferries them to the garden
0:36:28 > 0:36:31where the young casualty is.
0:36:36 > 0:36:41Fast-response paramedic Lucy Hawthorne is already with six-year-old Will
0:36:41 > 0:36:43and his dad.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47They were playing a game, jumping in and out of the trampoline.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51As he came out, he's gone down and put his arm out to save himself.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55- It looks like a lower arm fracture. - Break in his arm.- Nothing open.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57A good distal pulse.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00He's had a lot of Entonox which enabled me to splint it.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02He's quite comfortable now.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04OK. How much is it hurting now?
0:37:04 > 0:37:07Um...
0:37:07 > 0:37:09Medium.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12Will's game of bouncy-bouncy ended with a big bang
0:37:12 > 0:37:14when he fell down the trampoline steps.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18He has what's known as a swan's neck fracture,
0:37:18 > 0:37:21so called because of the shape it forces the arm into.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25Lucy has already put a splint on to stabilise the break
0:37:25 > 0:37:27and ease his pain.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30- Is he allergic to anything that you know of?- Fur.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32- Fur? No medication. - He's asthmatic.- OK.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35How does your breathing feel at the moment?
0:37:35 > 0:37:38- Quite good.- Quite good. OK.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42- Can you wiggle your toes?- Yeah. - All working?
0:37:42 > 0:37:45This hand works fine? Can you wiggle the other fingers gently?
0:37:45 > 0:37:48The poorly ones. That's fine. OK.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52It looks like he's broken the small bones in his left forearm.
0:37:52 > 0:37:57He's had that splint in using Entonox gas in order to ease the pain.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01What we'll do now is give him some Oramorph, a morphine solution
0:38:01 > 0:38:05which over the next 20 minutes, half an hour will make him more comfortable
0:38:05 > 0:38:08so that by the time we get to hospital and x-ray it,
0:38:08 > 0:38:10he'll be more able to have that done.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12- You OK?- Yeah.- Good stuff.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16We'll make you comfy in a minute, eh?
0:38:16 > 0:38:18OK.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21Put your head back now and relax.
0:38:22 > 0:38:27Will's being brave at the moment and Simon hopes some painkiller will keep him that way
0:38:27 > 0:38:29as they have to move him shortly.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31Will, this is some medicine.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34I'll squirt it in and you swallow it.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37I don't know what it tastes like. Swallow that.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40Here's some more. What does it taste like?
0:38:40 > 0:38:41Swallow that bit down.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44And a bit more to come.
0:38:44 > 0:38:45Excellent.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50So no school Monday. Is that good news or bad news?
0:38:50 > 0:38:55- Good news.- Good news? No, surely not!
0:38:55 > 0:38:58How's the pain? Is it a real "owwy" pain?
0:38:58 > 0:39:01Or is it just a little bit sore?
0:39:01 > 0:39:04- A bit sore.- But it's not "owwy" any more, is it?
0:39:04 > 0:39:07As he clutches on to his favourite cuddly toy,
0:39:07 > 0:39:10the time has come to get Will up.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13Stand yourself up first. Up you come. Well done.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19- Are you happy carrying him? - I'll carry him.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23The arm supports itself, so just carry him as you'd normally do.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26Just pick him up, whatever you find easiest.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29One, two, three, up. That's good.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35Jumping up in the air has gone badly wrong for Will.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38But to get him fixed, they'll have to take to the skies.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41So this is going to slide in there.
0:39:41 > 0:39:46OK? Just keep your arms in and we'll slide you in. See Dad?
0:39:46 > 0:39:48Dad's coming with you.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59It'll take barely five minutes to get to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06- DAD:- This is good, isn't it, a helicopter ride?
0:40:06 > 0:40:08Yeah.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12What do you think about flying in a helicopter, Will? Is it really good?
0:40:12 > 0:40:16- Yeah.- I think Dad's enjoying it as much as you!
0:40:16 > 0:40:19It's a fantastic view up here.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21Shame he had to break an arm to see it,
0:40:21 > 0:40:25but a great luxury limousine service.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27Thank you very much indeed.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33After all the airborne excitement,
0:40:33 > 0:40:39Will's travels are set to continue as a road ambulance will transfer him to the A&E department.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41A helicopter and an ambulance!
0:40:41 > 0:40:45Probably be getting a hospital ship next!
0:40:45 > 0:40:48Are you feeling all right, mate? How's your arm?
0:40:48 > 0:40:51- Does it hurt?- Not too much. - Not too much.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53Good. Say goodbye to the helicopter.
0:40:56 > 0:41:01He's stayed remarkably calm throughout, and now on the small wheels of the stretcher,
0:41:01 > 0:41:03Will's journey is at an end.
0:41:03 > 0:41:08He'll have a series of x-rays so doctors can determine how badly he's broken his arm.
0:41:09 > 0:41:16Will did have a few days off school but has enjoyed retelling the story of his helicopter ride many times!
0:41:16 > 0:41:18Here's an interesting story. Zena, how's it going?
0:41:18 > 0:41:21- Very well, thanks. - You had a call in.
0:41:21 > 0:41:28Yeah, I had a 999 call on the radio. It came through as a burglary in progress.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32The call-taker was keeping the member of the public on the line
0:41:32 > 0:41:35and they were adamant there was someone breaking in to their garden.
0:41:35 > 0:41:40The updates were coming in saying there was banging and crashing at the side gate.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42I had units making to the scene.
0:41:42 > 0:41:47Further updates were saying they were now at the bottom of the garden.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50She didn't have any security lights to see what was going on,
0:41:50 > 0:41:55but could hear the banging and crashing. We got units there. They could hear the noise.
0:41:55 > 0:42:01They shone their torches over the fence and it appeared that it was the rabbit hutch
0:42:01 > 0:42:04banging against the shed at the bottom of the garden
0:42:04 > 0:42:10and she thought she had two girl rabbits, but it was a boy and a girl getting a bit frisky in spring!
0:42:10 > 0:42:15Birds do it. Bees do it. It seems rabbits do it, too! Louise?
0:42:15 > 0:42:19You couldn't make it up! Simon, I heard you and Nick talking about the puma.
0:42:19 > 0:42:23I'm concerned. I've got children. What about children running round?
0:42:23 > 0:42:26No, I don't have any issues at all with that.
0:42:26 > 0:42:30It's very safe. All wild animals will just want to get away.
0:42:30 > 0:42:37You'd have to go quite a long way into the wild, deep into the woods
0:42:37 > 0:42:39- to come across one.- Good to know!
0:42:39 > 0:42:43- We'll have more exciting stories on Real Rescues soon.- Bye!- Bye!
0:43:10 > 0:43:13Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd