London Ambulance Service medics star in gripping new Channel 4 series

Ambulance crews who respond to the most traumatic emergencies in the capital are in the spotlight as a new series of “Emergency” airs on Channel 4 from 9pm on Tuesday 15 August.

Cameras follow the medics from London Ambulance Service, minute-by-minute as they make crucial decisions for their critically ill patients whose lives are in their hands.

In the dramatic new series about London’s trauma network, viewers can watch as advanced paramedic Pete Kingsley races to help 13-year-old Alicia who has crashed an electric scooter into a lamppost in central London. The handle bar has penetrated her thigh and she is faced with a possible broken leg.

Pete assesses Alicia’s injuries as severe enough to need care at the major trauma centre at The Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel.

“Walking, running, high jumping – all the things she loves to do – could be affected by this injury,” Pete adds.

Meanwhile in south-east London, advanced paramedic James Rouse is dispatched to 87-year-old June who had lost her balance stepping into a taxi. He finds June lying on the road with an open ankle fracture – “one of the worst” he’s ever seen.

James tries to restore blood flow and takes June to the major trauma centre at King’s College Hospital where specialist surgeons need to work quickly to try to save her foot.

“Emergency” is a medical documentary series aired over two weeks, following London Ambulance Service medics and patients throughout the trauma system in the capital. From roadside critical care from paramedics, through resuscitation to intensive care units, and from surgery to rehabilitation, the series reflects the variety of specialist treatment that goes into saving patients’ lives.

The London Major Trauma System was set up in 2010 to provide better care for patients with life-threatening or life-changing injuries. It treats more than 12,000 patients a year and has improved survival rates for major trauma patients by 50 per cent.

Daniel Elkeles, Chief Executive at London Ambulance Service, said: “London’s trauma network is an incredible partnership with our NHS colleagues, including Barts Health and London’s Air Ambulance. Watching our brilliant staff in this series is going to be really special.

“Our medics are experts at treating the most critically ill patients, bringing a range of pioneering skills to the scene to ensure that patients can make the best possible recovery when we convey them to trauma centres and hospitals.

“I can’t wait for the nation to see our ambulance crews at their very best. If you’re inspired by what you see, why not consider a career at the UK’s busiest ambulance service? You could make a different to the lives of Londoners every single day – much like those on seen on Emergency.”

This series was filmed during a very busy two weeks at the end of July 2022, filming 24/7 with London Ambulance Service, London’s major trauma centres, London’s Air Ambulance Charity and two trauma units – William Harvey in Kent and North Middlesex Hospital.

“Emergency” will broadcast over four nights on Tuesday 15th August, Wednesday 16th August, Tuesday 22nd August, Wednesday 23rd August on Channel 4 at 9pm and available to stream on Channel 4.

For more information about career opportunities at London Ambulance Service visit our careers page on our website.