Ep 7. Episode 7

24 Hours in A&E is a UK-based medical documentary series that follows the daily lives of patients and staff at St George's Hospital in London. Each episode depicts the various healthcare scenarios that occur in the emergency department throughout a 24-hour period. The twelfth season of the show premiered on Channel 4 in November 2019, and episode 7 focuses on the cases treated in one day in the hospital.

The episode starts with staff in the ED receiving a 999 call requesting an ambulance for a man who has fallen down three flights of stairs. The patient's partner informs the paramedic team that the man is known to have an alcohol addiction, and they suspect he's been drinking before his fall. Once the patient arrives in the ED, he's examined by the consultant who identifies some concerning symptoms, and the man is quickly taken for a CT scan. The team becomes even more concerned when the scan reveals significant brain injuries, and the patient is taken to the Neurology Intensive Care Unit for emergency treatment.

Meanwhile, an elderly lady is wheeled into the ED by her daughter. The woman experiences an episode of unconsciousness after suffering from a nosebleed. The daughter explains that her mother has a long history of nosebleeds and is currently taking blood-thinning medications. As the team assesses her vital signs, the patient becomes increasingly unwell, and her breathing deteriorates, requiring the team to insert a tube to help her breathe. The team carries out a range of tests to get to the bottom of what is causing her deteriorating condition.

The third case involves an 8-year-old boy who has fallen off a climbing frame at school and has injured his arm. His father, who has rushed him to A&E, has a history of anxiety and poorly managed diabetes. The boy requires surgery to repair the damage to his arm, and the hospital staff needs to manage his father's difficult and anxious behavior throughout the process.

In another incident, a 67-year-old man arrives at the hospital with severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. The patient is treated immediately, and a team of doctors work hard to clear his airways while monitoring his heart rate and blood pressure. The patient's condition deteriorates quickly, but the team manages to stabilize him to allow for further treatment and diagnosis.

The episode also features a 67-year-old woman who has a history of heart problems and is experiencing palpitations and chest pain. The patient's ECG test reveals she's experiencing a rapid heartbeat, so the team needs to take action to restore her normal heartbeat and reduce the risk of a heart attack.

Throughout the episode, the show documents the emotional journey of each patient and their families, including the anxiety, stress, and worry associated with the unknown in each case.

Overall, episode 7 of season 12 of 24 Hours in A&E provides a fascinating insight into the fast-paced world of one of the busiest hospitals in the UK. The episode highlights the dedication of the ED staff and the challenges they face in treating a diverse range of patients around the clock.