Nurse Emma is called to resus to help 71-year-old Thomas who has had a suspected stroke, and has a narrow window of time to give Thomas a life-saving drug. While treating him, Emma tells us the story of how she went from working in a dry-cleaners as a teenager to pursuing a career as a stroke nurse. At the same time, 88-year-old Mary is rushed to St George's after falling at home and injuring her head.

A man who has already had one arm amputated at 13 after a factory accident cuts his hand in a blender while cooking for his family. He relates the story of how he came to the UK and never let the loss of his arm hold him back. Other patients include a woman with cerebral palsy and learning difficulties who has suffered a suspected stroke.