The latest episode of 24 Hours in A&E aired a worrying moment when a 77-year-old patient collapsed after an X-ray. The Channel 4 documentary series, now in its 36th season, was filmed at Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham.
Patient's Fall and Hospital Visit
Malcolm, a Nottingham resident, attended A&E after falling in the shower. He told the doctor, "I was cleaning the shower. I had to get down on the floor to wipe the shower tray. My knees aren't that good, I've had them both replaced, but I can't get up and down like I could. I leaned in the shower and slid across the shower, and caught me there." He gestured to his shoulder.
Malcolm's wife, Anita, said he had "passed out" multiple times, though he did not remember. The doctor asked if Malcolm could move his arm, to which he replied, "It's getting worse."
Collapse in X-Ray Room
After an X-ray of his shoulder, Malcolm began to look faint. The radiographer asked, "Are you okay?" and then quickly grabbed him, saying, "Do you want to have a seat for me? I'd like you to have a seat just for a second, okay? I've just got a chair here, try not to fall on me." Malcolm collapsed onto the floor, and the radiographer called for help: "Guys, can I have some help!"
Staff moved Malcolm into the recovery position and took him to the majors unit. He received an ECG to check for underlying conditions, but doctors determined the fainting was likely due to pain from his dislocated shoulder.
Positive Outcome
After his shoulder was put back into place, Malcolm returned home with his wife. The episode ended with an update: "Since leaving hospital, Malcolm has been resting up at home."
24 Hours in A&E is available to stream on Channel 4.
