A six-part documentary series on London’s major trauma centres starts on Wednesday (23 July).

Critical: Between Life and Death, is a new Netflix series which shows 21 days in the London major trauma system, which gives people with serious injuries which could cause death or severe disability, direct access to specialist teams with the latest equipment who are able to respond swiftly to incidents.

The series takes a detailed look at the work of the major trauma teams at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Barts Health NHS Trust and London Ambulance Service NHS Trust, as well as the work of Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance.

NHS London Medical Director Dr Chris Streather said: “The London major trauma system is one of the most advanced in the world and this series gives a fascinating insight into the invaluable work of trauma teams across the capital.

“A major trauma incident happens in London every hour and our dedicated trauma teams do amazing work in these life and death situations.”

The series covers a range of incidents and personal stories, from accidents and the immediate aftermath to the longer term recovery and rehabilitation of patients.

Anne Weaver, Clinical Director of Trauma at The Royal London Hospital said: “Every single day, our expert trauma teams provide exceptional care for our patients, from the roadside to rehabilitation. We are extremely proud to showcase our amazing colleagues, allowing the public a unique opportunity to see them in action and to share in our patients’ stories on their road to recovery.”

The series follows NHS staff at every stage of the emergency response, from life-saving actions at the roadside and critical A&E care to surgery and the process of recovery. It features frontline responders whose skill and commitment have improved survival rates by more than 50% in the last five years.

Mr Ibraheim El-Daly, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at King’s College Hospital, who features in the series said: “The London trauma system provides access to round-the-clock, expert, life-saving care to those who need it, bringing key clinical specialities together to give the most seriously unwell patients the very best chance of survival and recovery. I am very proud to be a part of it.”

Dr Anthony Hudson, Clinical Director for Major Trauma at St George’s Hospital said: “The now-established London Major Trauma System was one of the first of its kind, and it’s a huge honour to know our work will be broadcast to a global audience. This behind the scenes footage gives a fascinating insight into the work we do for patients across London and beyond in their greatest time of need.”

Mr Kevin Tsang, Consultant Neurosurgeon and Head of Specialty for Major Trauma at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our role in the major trauma system. Our aim isn’t just to help save lives, that’s only the beginning. We also want to help our patients rebuild their lives, by supporting their recovery both physically and psychologically.

“The major trauma pathway is here to help patients throughout their journey, from the moment of injury onwards, with various highly trained specialists delivering different but equally important care.”

 Notes to editors

Filmed across various parts of the NHS, Critical: Between Life and Death highlights:

• Paramedics and the London Ambulance Service
• Emergency room staff and trauma teams
• Specialist surgeons in high-pressure operating theatres
• Air ambulance crews flying by helicopter and transporting patients to hospitals
• Emergency call handlers who coordinate life-saving efforts behind the scenes.

See the trailer here

Critical: Between Life and Death follows the award-winning 24 Hours in A&E. Forty cameras captured the work of London’s major trauma system for 21 days.

The documentary series goes “over the shoulder and under the scalpel” to reveal not only the life-saving interventions but also the personal and emotional reasons that inspire those on the NHS frontline.

Episode 1 shows London’s major trauma system spring into action when a fairground ride malfunctions in Brockwell Park, resulting in multiple critically injured patients.

Episode 2 features a life-threatening head injury from an assault and an open leg fracture from a motorcycle accident, both require urgent surgery.

Episode 3: As the surgical teams discuss options, the air ambulance rushes to help a patient who has been diagnosed with a polytrauma — the worst level of injury.

Episode 4: The operations unit dispatches an ambulance for a construction worker who sustained a laceration to his wrist after falling through a pane of glass.

Episode 5: The family of an assault victim wrestles with how much the trauma has altered his personality after the critical care team wakes him from his coma.

Episode 6: A team of orthopaedic surgeons prepares for high-risk pelvic surgery, where any margin of error could cause permanent nerve damage.