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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Jess Flaherty

BBC Ambulance revisits tragic Museum of Liverpool fall that sent shockwaves through city

A tragedy that touched many in Liverpool was revisited again on tonight's episode of Ambulance.

The series followed the North West Ambulance Service as they care for the people of Liverpool and all across Merseyside in the spring of 2019.

In the final episode, which aired on Thursday night, a man fell to his death at the Museum of Liverpool

An air ambulance and several ambulances were dispatched to try and save him, with paramedic Dave saying: "This sounds about as bad as it can get."

Upon arrival at the scene, the crew realised the injuries sustained were too severe and he could not be saved.

Dave said: "Sometimes you recognise that some people are beyond help and all the training and skills and CPR in the world aren't going to be able to help.

"It's devastating, it makes you feel shell-shocked, it makes you feel sad but you have to consider the next patient you might be able to do something for."

In March 2019, when the incident happened, many people shared their shock and grief at what had happened.

Witnesses described people in tears at the scene, and the Museum of Liverpool closed for the rest of the day.

Later, the death would raise questions about mental health support, after it emerged that the man,  Stephen David Pollitt, was believed to have been discharged by mental health staff  at the  Royal Liverpool Hospital  shortly before his death.

A Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust spokesman said at the time that the Trust would be "reviewing the circumstances leading up to this incident as a matter of urgency".

Many people paid tribute to Mr Politt at the time, who was described as "one in a million".

One mourner wrote: "Gonna miss the hell out of a lovely, kind, caring man."

And another said: "R.I.P Stephen, I'll miss you so much you were 'one in a million'."

Tonight, viewers were equally moved by the tragedy.

On Twitter, Ally said: "This story on #Ambulance is tragic".

Michelle shared a broken heart emoji and said: "I remember this fella falling from the museum".

One viewer said: "I remember hearing about that museum situation on news. Amazing crew that can attend those incidents and continue."

Ruth said: "I often think I would like to go into ambulance call centre work or be a paramedic... but situations like on tonight’s episode make me aware that I do not have the bravery to do it."

Richard added: "What wonderful, passionate teams dealing with tragic circumstances. Public service at its very best."

Paramedic Dave tweeted: "Sometimes, there’s just nothing we can do for some patients and the right thing to do is stop treatment. It’s always about those we can make a difference for."

Tonight's episode was the last programme in the moving series.

It focused on the welfare of ambulance crews and their call handlers.

 
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