Lazarus Training has a firm association with the media industry with a wide range of media first aid training courses and media safety training courses, but we are also often asked to provide slightly different help with some productions.
We have trained many media workers, provided advice on first aid and medical kit, assisted with pre-deployment planning, but one task which sticks in the memory was when we were asked to help the BBC programme Top Gear on an ambulance based segment.
Many people will be familiar with the format of Top Gear, one of the BBC’s big products. We were asked by the production team to help with a planned segment of the most recent [probably last] series, where the presenters would develop and test home made ambulances.
Having meet up with a number of the team we discussed what medical skills might be carried out in the back of an ambulance. There was a balance to be found, between what actually happens in the back of an ambulance and what would come across well [and be funny] on the show.
Having made a short list of “skills” we provided equipment [both medical and casualty simulation] and advice on best medical practice, the latter being mostly ignored!
The Top Gear production team had access to props makers who could give everything the final polishing touches to ensure the TV magic, but “our” stuff was there to be seen come the broadcast date of the episode.
So it was with some excitement and a little nervousness that we all settled down in our respective homes one Sunday evening to watch the episode. Whilst it might not be an accurate portrayal of the work of medical staff, it was certainly an entertaining slot in the show. Which was ultimately the whole idea. One resusannie was harmed in the making of the show.