Ep 7. Saturday Night
- June 27, 2012
- 46 min
In season 2 episode 7 of the gritty British medical documentary, 24 Hours In A&E, the focus is on the hectic and often chaotic scenes that play out on a typical Saturday night in the bustling emergency department of St. George's Hospital in London.
The episode begins with the arrival of an 18-year-old male who has been brought in by ambulance after falling from a balcony at a party. The patient, who is visibly distressed and in a lot of pain, is quickly assessed by the medical team who suspect that he may have a spinal injury and needs to be immobilized.
As the team works quickly to ensure that the patient is stable and has the right medical treatment, we are shown the intricate and intricate workings of the emergency department. From the rapid response team that responds to critical incidents, to the often-overwhelmed nurses and support staff who keep the department running smoothly, we get an inside view of what it takes to keep a busy hospital emergency department functioning even when the pressure is on.
As the night wears on, we see a series of other patients brought into the emergency department, each with their own stories and medical needs. These include a young woman who has been assaulted, a man who has overdosed on prescription medication, and a woman who has been brought in after collapsing in a local nightclub.
Despite the underlying drama and tension, the show is not exploitative or insensitive and instead focuses on providing an honest and unflinching look at the realities of working in medicine. We get to see the highs and lows of working in such a high-pressure environment, as well as the compassionate care that is provided by the dedicated doctors, nurses, and support staff.
Throughout the episode, we are given a glimpse into the personal lives of the patients and their families, and how their experiences in the emergency department impact their lives. We see the compassion and care that is provided to each patient, and the way in which the medical team goes above and beyond to ensure that they receive the best care possible.
As the night draws to a close, we are left with a sense of awe and respect for the medical professionals who work tirelessly to provide care and support to those in need, even in the most challenging of circumstances. Season 2 episode 7 of 24 Hours In A&E is a powerful and emotive portrayal of what it means to work in emergency medicine, and the impact that it has on the lives of those who are admitted to the department.