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Viewers were left horrified after witnessing a frontline NHS worker being punched in the face while trying to save a patient's life during a harrowing episode of BBC's Ambulance. The shocking scenes unfolded during a tense night shift for Yorkshire Ambulance Service, as crews battled a surge of critical incidents across the region. Paramedics Sarah and Louise rushed to help a patient suffering a seizure - only for the situation to spiral violently out of control.

With the patient becoming physically aggressive, the pair were forced to call for urgent police back-up as the medical emergency turned into a dangerous confrontation. At one point, the patient lashed out and punched a crew member in the face, leaving viewers stunned that healthcare workers face such risks on the job. Fans took to social media in fury, condemning the abuse directed at staff who were there to help. One wrote: "I can't believe the level of abuse these poor ambulance staff/paramedics receive! Nobody should have to put up with this when trying to earn a living!

"These people are trying to help you! Show some respect! Absolutely disgusting."

The violent scenes came amid a gruelling shift already stretched to breaking point, with hundreds of patients waiting for ambulances and crews racing between life-or-death emergencies.

But the danger didn't stop there. Inside the control room, staff were dealing with a separate nightmare - a persistent caller repeatedly dialling 999 while hurling abuse at operators.

The individual had earlier refused an ambulance but continued calling every minute, clogging emergency lines meant for genuine life-threatening cases.

With pressure mounting and resources stretched thin, team leader Abi was forced to escalate the situation and report the caller to police after the disruption threatened to block access for people in real danger.

"Will never understand how people can phone emergency services and act as rude and disrespectful as that!" blasted one viewer.

"Absolutely disgusting behaviour from these 'patients' and callers, staff should be allowed to refuse to treat them," penned another.

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The pressure didn't ease as the night unfolded, with crews stretched to breaking point across Yorkshire. Control room staff were forced to juggle a relentless stream of emergencies, including a vulnerable elderly woman left seriously injured after falling onto her walking frame and a newborn struggling to breathe - moments that showed the emotional toll on both families and responders.

Elsewhere, paramedics responded to a man who had taken an overdose shortly after leaving rehab, describing his actions as a cry for help.

A major head-on collision at high speed also triggered a large-scale response, with specialist commanders dispatched to coordinate lifesaving care at the scene.

By the end of the shift, hundreds of patients were still waiting for ambulances, but viewers heaped praise ont he efforts of the NHS staff.

"These paramedics are absolute saints" gushed one viewer, while a third penned: "A superb episode. The NHS. Full of legends."