Britain’s toughest medics!
The paramedics tackling critical cases in the most dangerous places…
The NHS’s hazardous area response teams, or HART for short, are the world’s leading paramedics. Formed after the 7/7 London bombings, they’re specially selected and highly trained, and dispatched to the front line when terrorists strike, buildings collapse, or during firearms incidents.
Trapped
A new 10-part series follows the Yorkshire Ambulance Service HART team as they treat injured patients in extreme environments, from raging rivers to potholes. ‘We’re the people who go in the direction
of where something went bang and other people go in the opposite direction,’ explains paramedic Darren.
First up, the team is called to an accident on the M1. A tanker is leaking toxic chemicals after crashing into a concrete gantry. The driver’s cab is crushed.
‘The HGV driver is pinned at his waist by the steering wheel.’ explains paramedic Paul. ‘Obviously, we don’t want any dangerous gases around.’
As firefighters work to free the driver, Paul gives him vital medical attention in hazardous conditions. Amazingly, the trucker has only suffered a broken leg and he and the HART team are able to escape the dangers of the chemical spill.
‘Fortunately, he didn’t have a passenger because the passenger compartment is absolutely flattened,’ says Paul.
The elite paramedics are also seen treating a woman who has tumbled 40ft down a cliff, and a man trapped under his car when a jack collapses.
Determination
‘My family know I’m in a risky part of the ambulance service, but I wouldn’t want to frighten them,’ admits Darren.
‘We have a job to do and just have to get on and do it.’