Ambulance: Everything you need to know about the BBC One series following West Midlands Ambulance Service

Ambulance is back on screens tonight for its third series on BBC One, following West Midlands Ambulance crews on shift.

The award-nominated show has proved hugely popular with viewers as an invaluable insight into the life-saving work done by emergency crews.

Over the episodes, we’ve laughed and we’ve cried as paramedics have gone about their amazing every day work.

But what actually happens in Ambulance? Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the shows return…

What is Ambulance?

The documentary-style series follows crews with the West Midlands Ambulance Service (encompassing Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Coventry, Birmingham and the Black Country) as they carry out their life-saving work.

The programme lets viewers see everything from how handlers deal with calls on switch and dispatch ambulances, if necessary, to how the paramedics on the ground respond to calls.

What happens in episode one?

In the series opener, airing tonight, new graduate Shanie – with her supervisor watching over her – helps calm a labouring woman and guide her through her labour, leaving her comfortable in the capable hands of the paramedics when they arrive.

An elderly woman, Shirley, takes a fall and breaks her ankle but has an inspiring story and set of life lessons for the crew arriving to treat her.

Dream team Nat and Nat are also featured in the first episode, with Nat Greaves celebrating a special day as her daughter turns 16. But when a call comes in regarding a 16-year-old girl being taken ill at school, Nat discovers it’s her daughter and rushes to be by her bedside.

When is Ambulance on?

Ambulance returns to BBC One on Thursday 26 April at 9pm, available shortly after on iPlayer.