To think that the programme Ambulance doesn't show paramedics in a good light at all?

[LucyLaundry]

I'm am very grateful for all emergency workers and the difficult pressures they are currently under is awful and it's certainly not a job I could do.

However, I'm shocked at the amount of intrusive questions (Asking elderly people why they never had children?) and the general gossiping about patients. I understand the need to pass on factual updates but some of the story sharing is wholly inappropriate.

I enjoy the programme but it's really opened my eyes, and not in a good way!

Shock horror: humans have human conversations. Would you prefer them to perform like robots?

You are being very unreasonable! I’m amazed by the empathy and kindness shown by the paramedics. Many of the patients are elderly and lonely as well as being ill and they seem to enjoy the distraction of a friendly chat.
The paramedics shown on the program do a simply amazing Job which leaves them physically and mentally drained. For far too low a salary.

Doesn't distract from the job they do

What's your job op?

YABU, don’t know how you can watch that program and not see them doing an amazing job under very trying circumstances

I think they’re bloody amazing.

If you’re a paramedic, thank you.

Seriously????

i love how human and awesome all those paramedics are and OP I really think you should take a look at yourself and think about what you’ve just said!

YABU - watching them and the call handlers restores my faith in humanity. They do a fantastic job and are underpaid. I am amazed at how they treat everyone with compassion and don't judge anyone, no matter what sort of day they've had and how much stress they are under.

Big Up to the Ambulance service ❤

I don't think I agree with this.

I watch this programme all the time.

I think the vast majority of them are shown in a good light.

I don't think they gossip about the patients?
Can you give some examples of the gossip?
Just trying to think of it that's all

YABU

I haven't seen the latest few series but it really opened my eyes to the sort of things they deal with.

I remember the episode where the female paramedic had to do a welfare check and she discovered the man's body after he hung himself.

Then the same paramedic had to deal with a young woman who was sadly killed by strong winds. On her next job she went to a patient who brought that up in conversation, and she just nodded.

I think the paramedics have to ask questions about their private life to build a connection and put them at ease. It makes the patient think of happier times.

I think the show is cheapened by the sob stories, and it infuriates me when they're called to a drunkard and they have to wait there for hours with them because they can't leave them alone.

I saw last night's and I although I appreciate its a nervous response, I thought it was unpleasant to see the female call handler smiling after taking the call from the women who was hiding from her abusive boyfriend. I also didn't like the rubber duck earring the male call handler was wearing - I think its in slightly bad taste to be wearing novelty clothing while dealing with people who are in life or death situations.

@Oheighthundreddoubleohtensixtysix the smiling could be anything, reaction to someone else smiling, nerves, a cut in the programme
There's a LOT of dark humour, a call handler job has a lifespan of around 7 years before you burn out. What they show on ambulance doesn't even touch the surface of what you hear, I have voices in my head I'll never forget and it would wake me up at night

I've seen grown men sat with their heads on their desk sobbing after calls

Nobody sees you (except when it's on TV!) so what you wear isn't an issue - it's essentially a call centre job

I haven't said they don't do a good job, they absolutely do!

And completely agree that they aren't paid enough. None of our public sector workers ate and I fully support a raise for them all.

They have some extremely difficult cases to deal with and its frustrating to see the lack of resources they have.

I still think some of the 'chit chat' is inappropriate. I've seen a young female paramedic embarrass an older gentleman who had to be helped off the floor by suggesting he was cuddling her.

As I said in my OP, asking people why they didn't have children, reporting back to the dispatcher the patients anecdotes and personal situation (Oooh Barry and Helen have just celebrated their anniversary and had just come back from a cruise). Unnecessary.

I'm not criticising their dedication to the job, I'm saying they need extra training on appropriate small talk and passing on gossip.

Tell me you’ve never worked in healthcare without telling me you’ve never worked in healthcare..

I'm not criticising their dedication to the job, I'm saying they need extra training on appropriate small talk and passing on gossip.

Fuck me. You have no idea the shit paramedics and techs do and see.

It's a miracle some of them are still standing and you want to criticise them for what you see as idle chatter?

Having had a lot of health issues over the years, my favourite type of paramedics are the ones that are human. I especially love the ones that crack jokes. It makes the whole experience less scary and clinical in my opinion.

I've watched a few episodes and don't agree. They come across as friendly and good at their jobs under awful circumstances.

Thanks paramedics for all you do. Bloody hard work, woefully underpaid

I think there's a genuine discussion to be had for the appalling bedside manner of some healthcare professionals (often nurses, dare I say it), but I don't really have those thiughts when watching Ambulance.

Yes, this. I’ve been in hospital multiples times with serious conditions. It makes a huge difference when staff are simply human with patients and have the occasional bit of banter or chit chat

Appalling in what way?

I also didn't like the rubber duck earring the male call handler was wearing

Why the bloody hell does it matter?

I don't agree with you at all

You can't have training in 'appropriate small talk'..(otherwise you'd have training courses telling you to talk about the weather)....its a gut instinct that you get with experience as to what will put the patient at ease. You can just tell which ones like banter and which ones need a more formal approach.

I think they're bloody brilliant. They can chat all they like, they need to process and let off steam. I wouldn't dream of trying to curtail normal human interaction to fit in with nonsense ideas of privacy etc.

I've had to deal with paramedics a few times over the years and every single one of them has been absolutely fantastic. The call handlers have been exactly the same.