After surviving the harrowing events of the riot, paramedics Iain Dean and Teddy Gowan are left to pick up the emotional pieces. While both are experienced in handling high-stress emergencies, the violence they witnessed at Carly Wilson’s vigil pushed them to their limits.

Iain, haunted by the look of heartbreak on Ashley Wilson’s face, finds himself questioning the role of emergency services in broader social issues. Teddy, on the other hand, struggles with the helplessness he felt when the vigil spiraled into chaos—despite his best efforts to calm the crowd.

Back in the ED, the two find solace in their partnership, leaning on each other as they decompress. But both know that the trauma they’ve experienced can’t be buried forever. With community tensions still simmering and the potential for more unrest on the horizon, Iain and Teddy must decide how far they’re willing to go to protect both their patients and their own wellbeing.

The aftermath of the riot that engulfed Holby is proving to be just as emotionally taxing as the night itself for paramedics Iain Dean and Teddy Gowan. After bravely facing down violent crowds during a vigil held for tragic schoolgirl Carly Wilson, the seasoned duo now find themselves confronting a different kind of challenge—processing the emotional toll of what they’ve endured.

Both men are no strangers to trauma and emergency situations. Iain, in particular, has been through deeply personal struggles with mental health in the past. But nothing could have quite prepared them for the sheer volatility and heartbreak of witnessing a peaceful vigil descend into violence. As Carly’s grieving father Ashley Wilson demanded justice and tensions boiled over, Iain and Teddy were forced to make split-second decisions amid the chaos to protect both themselves and those in the crowd.

For Iain, the experience has stirred something deeper. Seeing the pain etched into Ashley’s face reminded him that their work doesn’t exist in a vacuum. They’re not just treating wounds—they’re walking into the fallout of fractured systems, societal tension, and human heartbreak. In quieter moments back at the ED, Iain begins to question whether their role as paramedics ends at patient care or if there’s more they could do to challenge the underlying issues that lead to such unrest.

Teddy, meanwhile, is grappling with his own feelings of helplessness. A calm and compassionate presence under pressure, he had tried to keep the crowd at the vigil composed when things began to turn—but even his steady influence wasn’t enough. As fists flew and emergency services were called in, Teddy was left reeling, replaying the moment it all slipped beyond their control. The weight of that helplessness lingers long after their shift ends.

Despite the trauma, one thing remains a constant source of strength: each other. The camaraderie and trust between Iain and Teddy are stronger than ever. Their bond allows them to share what others might not understand, offering silent support when words fall short. They know that leaning on each other is not a weakness—but a necessity.

Still, with tensions across Holby far from resolved, the question looms large—how will they prepare for the next inevitable flashpoint? And how much more can even the strongest shoulders bear?

As the ED continues to reel from the aftershocks, it’s clear that Iain and Teddy’s journey is far from over. Their resilience and compassion may be tested again—but they remain committed to their roles, each other, and the community they serve.