24 Hours in A&E

Episode 13 (1x13)

Air date: Aug 03, 2011

Seventy-four-year-old Ted and his wife Irene are on their tenth visit to A&E this year. Ted has already been diagnosed with terminal bladder cancer, but his problems have got worse, and after getting blood test results he's been urgently sent to King's. As much as staff try to keep their emotions in check, Senior Sister Maria, who looks after Ted, finds herself profoundly affected by his situation and how he and his wife are coping. She says 'There are patients that will get to you. For Ted to have such a positive outlook, it can't but inspire you. There are a few Teds in my career that I will always remember.' Emergency medical technician Amanda is a key part of the team administering CPR to a man who's suffered cardiac arrest. She talks about the strain of trying desperately to save someone's life: 'The minute it's in the door, it affects me. You have to be professional and it is hard.' German doctor Roman is still getting used to the cultural differences between practising in Germany and the UK: 'I got the hints from nurses that you can't say "this or that" straight to a patient. You should imply a little bit more: "darling, please, would you mind?" and "unfortunately, I have to, I know it will hurt a little bit". The German way is see the problem, make it known and solve it. "Will it hurt, doctor?" "Yes".' A young man comes in with a splinter in his thumb, which he's had for a month; he is sent back to his GP. Another patient has fallen out of a tree, drunk. And a 40-year-old-man who's been kicked in the face during a football match needs stitches.