The blue lights are back as one of Scotland’s most compelling factual television series returns to BBC Scotland for a seventh season, once again taking viewers behind the scenes of the Scottish Ambulance Service.
Paramedics On Scene returns on Sunday evening, continuing its award winning look at the people who answer Scotland’s emergency calls and the split second decisions they make to save lives every day.
The new ten part series follows frontline ambulance crews across Aberdeen, Perth, Ayr, Dunoon and beyond, alongside staff working inside the Scottish Ambulance Service’s control rooms, specialist response teams and air ambulance service.
The opening episode highlights the unpredictable reality faced by emergency crews when two paramedics are forced to take shelter after a patient turns violent during an incident in Glasgow.
Elsewhere, viewers will follow crews responding to a suspected stroke in the north of Scotland, treating a potentially fatal drug overdose in Dundee and managing multiple road traffic collisions from one of the service’s emergency call centres.
While the series captures dramatic incidents and life saving interventions, it also shines a light on the professionalism, resilience and compassion of the people working on Scotland’s frontline.
Scottish Ambulance Service 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 believes the latest series is the strongest yet.
He 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.”
Paramedics On Scene returns to BBC Scotland at 9pm on Sunday 28 June, with every episode also available on BBC iPlayer, giving audiences another opportunity to witness the extraordinary work carried out by ambulance crews across the country when Scotland needs them most.
