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!

Very different gossiping about customers in a shop than it is patients. Do they not have a duty of confidentiality? Privacy? These are people at their most vulnerable time.

They're amazing, one of those jobs like police and fire etc that shouldn't be critiqued if you're not willing to do it yourself. The human race makes up the ambulance service so they will present as human beings.

Being an 'NHS Worker' doesn't make you immune from criticism (though clearly I'm not even talking about you!). But if you do think gossiping about patients is accepting then you should be ashamed of yourself too.

Yes but if they see the same job, speak to the same people and experience the same thing they aren't changing anything by speaking about it..

It also helps them decompress about tricky jobs, something they are actively encouraged to do to reduce the risk of PTSD, are you saying that discussing a traumatic scene is gossiping too? Because if DH kept everything bottled up for the sake of confidentiality he would be a broken man.

As someone who spent years in the police contact centre, YABVU.

It's local dialect, it is more personal than a name (in most cases) They are being polite.

I'm in less pressured situations, but I usually just ask if they have any family locally, that covers a multitude of situations. (It is relevant to the conversation)

Just to add I do agree sometimes there will just be unnecessary gossip, but unless you've experienced it how can we judge from a tv show what should or shouldn't be said..

Greater Manchester Ambulance Service came last year when mum had a stroke.
They were perfectly informal at the right times, they kept everyone calm, they used “love” because we live in The North and that’s how we talk, they could not have been nicer, and thier friendliness brought much neeeded respite to a difficult situation.

I don’t want a robot turning up

Have you actually given any examples of this nasty gossiping you are referring to?

Working with people is a massive part of the NHS so of course we are going to talk about our patients with each other. They are people, not just “illnesses” to us and we like to get to know them and chat to them and then talk to other staff about them if the patient told us something interesting or funny about their life etc. That’s completely normal and it’s just about showing and sharing fondness for the people we look after.

I would imagine everyone involved would have given permission for anything broadcast.

I actually think it’s great that patients are treated as humans and engaged in normal chat, that they talk about people’s life stories rather than just treating them as medical problems. YABU

The two times I've had to deal with paramedics in real life I've been overwhelmed afterwards by how kind and efficient they were. While it was happening, I was in far too much shock to think about anything, and yet they managed the situation so well that didn't even matter. I admire them immensely. And I don't think I've watched a single episode of Ambulance without tearing up at some point, usually over a vulnerable older person who's struggling with loneliness as much as whatever medical problem they've got. The paramedics are clearly lifelines to so many people in the community.

I'm amazed anyone can watch it and think it's intentionally white-washing the state of the NHS though; every single episode has the crews making references to the overstretched services, delays to ambulance arrivals, long waits at A&E, understaffing, cuts, strikes... And I wonder about how many cameras there are in the room with someone having a stroke or a seizure - how do the film crew deal with the release forms in the heat of the moment? Surely there's no time to waste asking if people need treating urgently. If a camera crew had turned up when I'd called an ambulance for my DF, who was dying, I'm not sure I'd have given them a very warm welcome.

In the north of England it's perfectly normal to use love/duck/darling when talking to strangers. It's not at all patronising or rude, it's a caring term. By the paramedics using it they'll help put the patients at their ease.

Lighten up a bit love

Where we are it’s a nice term of endearment. Not everyone likes to be treated by cold hearted robots

You give no context for this conversation.
I don’t have kids and I couldn’t care less if anyone asks why.
Don’t be so touchy. Paramedics have a very stressful job and are t being paid much. Be a bit more tolerant and understanding

Every time I have dealt with one they have been kind and professional.

Glad this didn’t go well for you, OP.

Dont be slagging off the emergency service workers. Just don’t.

🙄 I'll have any opinion I wish too thanks.

Funny how many childless and child free people in here are offended and hurt when others question why they don't have children but an elderly gentleman is fair game. Are we ageist now?

I cannot actually believe people think this is acceptable. And just because you're insulting me, doesn't mean I will change my mind and agree.

I witnessed paramedics dealing with the aftermath of a horrible accident outside my house where a young man suffered a traumatic amputation of a limb. Obviously I didn't stand and watch but it was literally outside my front window. They were there for ages and I later heard the man survived, albeit with life changes consequences. An amazing job, they must have nerves of steel to go out to something like that.

I also had them out recently when DS was ill. He was scared and they were really good with him.

Most people have a sense of perspective. That’s all.

This. Give it a rest OP, you sound ridiculous and have been told this by 100s of posters

@LucyLaundry the chit chat is often investigative as well as a way of building trust. And, of course, they share stories with each other. Sometimes it's informal counselling, sometimes they are simply sharing they had a nice conversation with a nice person/family which makes them and others feels good especially when they deal with such awful awful things. And they are allowed to smile. Sometimes they have to see joy somewhere, quickly otherwise they'll crumble.

Happy to sound ridiculous if it means I don't blindly love everything that NHS workers say just because.

I have repeatedly said I appreciate and value our emergency workers, but they are not without ethical codes and standards.

A few months ago I was visiting my mum, who has a cat.
My mum tripped over the cats scratch post and knocked herself out on the wall.
I phoned an ambulance and fortunately my mum had regained consciousness before they arrived, but was feeling sick and groggy.
The paramedics asked what had happened and I explained.
The paramedics told my mum that's what happens when you go pole dancing.
My mum laughed so hard that she actually vomited.
Should we have told him off? Reported him? Taken offence?
Of course not. No offence was meant and none was taken.
They do a hard enough job as it is, certainly not one I envy them for.
It's a sad day when you can't have a bit of banter to help lighten the situation.