Lights, camera, disciplinary action?

Abstract

Abstract published with permission. There seldom appears to be a day go by without the opportunity to watch ourselves or colleagues in the latest episode of ‘Emergency Hero Rescues’ or similar ‘real life’ television programmes. However, the growth of such shows and inherent public interest in the emergency services brings to light the question of whether such media coverage is of benefit or risk to our profession. For many of us, watching such programmes is a guilty pleasure, we don't want to watch, but are strangely drawn to them. How many times have you found yourself ‘tutting’ at the TV or shaking your head pointing out the error of our peer's actions? Regardless of our reactions to such programmes, public interest is difficult to deny and as such, television coverage of prehospital care is a subject for careful consideration.