Behind the scenes of our emergency rooms

The reality-based series uses interviews and reenactments to recount unusual, dramatic, humourous and life-changing stories from North American emergency rooms (ERs). The show had never been filmed in Canada before, but this season will feature two dramatic stories involving ER staff, nurses and doctors at Delta, Eagle Ridge, Royal Columbian and St. Paul’s hospitals.

While the show sometimes takes creative licence when re-telling the stories, the two local episodes showcase the teamwork between clinical programs and the lifesaving work that happens each day in Fraser Health.

“The two Fraser Health stories were among the strongest of our season,” said the show’s Executive Producer, Bob Niemack. “We found great talent in Vancouver, both at the hospitals where we discovered our stories, and among the actors who performed in our dramatic recreations. It’s been a wonderful experience getting to know so many talented people in the Canadian health care system.”

“It’s a great opportunity to see our staff and physicians shine,” said Leanne Heppell, Executive Director of Fraser Heath’s Emergency, Critical Care and Trauma Programs.

About the Fraser Health episodes

Life and Limb - airing November 10th at 9pm

Life and Limb is the story of Delta resident Lana Idestrup, a pregnant 42-year-old who arrived at Delta Hospital in December 2007 with a severe pain in her right ankle that was later diagnosed as Strep A necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as the flesh-eating virus.

More details about the Life and Limb episode

Heart in Hand - airing December 29th at 9 pm

Heart in Hand tells the story of Penny Reed, a Surrey Memorial Hospital ER nurse who collapsed in her Port Moody home in February 2008 due to blood clots in her lungs (pulmonary embolism).

More details about the Heart in Hand episode