The ground-breaking documentary, ‘Ambulance’, was one of the most watched programmes of last year and service chiefs have confirmed that camera crews are back filming with West Midlands Ambulance Service gathering stories for a new series.

The programme will feature ambulance crews from across the region helping patients in their hour of need, as well as staff in the Trust’s two emergency operations centres. Filming started at the end of November and included cameras following staff on New Year’s Eve - traditionally the busiest time of the year.

The new programmes follow series 2 which aired last year and brought in audience of over 4 million per episode. Trust Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said:

“What is unique about this programme is the way that it intermingles the work of the staff in our control rooms with those on the ambulances responding to calls. We get to see the entire journey from the moment the 999 call is received through the help provided over the phone; the way ambulances are dispatched and the work of the crews on the ground.

Paramedics, Natalie Greaves and Natalie Colow became fan favourites during the last series

“The thing that came across so strongly from the last series was the incredible professionalism of our staff as they deal with the challenges that they are presented with, never knowing what the next call might bring.

“I am sure we will see cases of heart-warming joy to the most tragic of events; but throughout, our staff will provide care and compassion to all of those affected; something I am incredibly proud of.”

Covering a diverse region of more than 5,000 square miles, West Midlands Ambulance Service is the second largest ambulance service in the country - and the fastest responding. Filming will follow crews from every corner of the West Midlands; from inner city Birmingham to the rural areas of Herefordshire and the Staffordshire Moorlands.

The series focusses on the entire journey; from the 999 call being received to patients being treated.

During the programmes, you’ll get to see how the staff deal with an increasingly busy service, with some days seeing over 4,000 999 calls. It will look at the way the Trust deals with an ageing population and the challenges of working with out-of-hours services and GP surgeries as well A&E departments who are also getting increasingly busy. Kirsty Cunningham, Executive Producer with Dragonfly Television who are making the programme, said:

“We are thrilled to be back with the fabulous crews and control teams at West Midlands Ambulance Service for a new eight-part series of Ambulance for BBC1.

“Audiences can look forward to seeing some of their favourite paramedics, technicians, doctors, controllers and call assessors back in action again and will be introduced to new teams with stories to share in a new series packed with more drama and warmth.”

Series three of 'Ambulance' is expected to broadcast later in the year.