Paramedics on Scene, the award-winning observational series documenting the work of the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), premieres on BBC Scotland tonight – 28 June at 9pm.
The opening episode features an attack on two members of staff when a patient becomes violent, forcing Glasgow crewmates Gregg and Bernadette to take shelter.
Elsewhere, a frontline crew in Dundee treats a patient with a potentially fatal drug overdose, while SORT North responds to a suspected stroke. Viewers also follow an SAS call handler managing 999 calls relating to two road traffic collisions.
This season follows frontline ambulance crews in Aberdeen, Perth, Ayr and Dunoon, alongside SAS’s three Ambulance Control Centres. The Service’s Special Operations Response Teams (SORT) in the North and West, and the Air Ambulance Service, also return.
SAS Chief Executive Michael Dickson said: “We’re delighted Paramedics on Scene is back for another season, giving people the opportunity to see how the whole Service operates – from the 999 call, through ambulance dispatch, to the critical clinical response.
“It also highlights the challenges our staff face, including the unprovoked attacks featured in this first episode. Our colleagues experience violence and aggression on an almost daily basis. While these incidents represent only a small proportion of the thousands of patients we treat each year, they are completely unacceptable. Ambulance staff are dedicated to providing the best possible care for the public, and these incidents can have lasting consequences despite our best efforts.
We’d like to thank our valued partners at Firecrest, who do a brilliant job of bringing the show to life.”
Firecrest Films Head of Documentaries Mick McAvoy said: “It’s hugely exciting to see the new series hit our screens on BBC Scotland and the BBC iPlayer. Over the last year, we’ve had remarkable access to the Scottish Ambulance Service, following paramedics, emergency responders and call handlers as they work on the frontline.
“I believe this is our most hard-hitting series yet. Across ten episodes, viewers will see the challenges, pressures and dangers ambulance crews face every day, alongside the extraordinary skill and life-saving care they bring to those in need.
“Thanks to the generosity and commitment of everyone who took part, we’ve been able to capture a powerful and authentic insight into a service that aims to help people at the most critical moments in their lives.”
Steve Allen, BBC Scotland Commissioning Executive, Factual, said: “Paramedics on Scene offers audiences a compelling insight into the range of emergencies and the pressures Scotland’s ambulance crews face.
“This new series captures not only the intensity and unpredictability of frontline care, but also the remarkable skill, resilience and compassion shown by crews in some of the most challenging circumstances.”
Season seven of Paramedics on Scene airs on BBC Scotland at 9pm every Sunday and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.