“That can be fatal.”
In tonight’s episode of Call the Midwife (Sunday 21st January), Fred Buckle’s life was hanging in the balance.
One of Poplar’s most beloved and respected residents, and a favourite among fans of the show, was in the process of fixing up a local green space with Reggie, as a favour for the reverend, when he cut his hand while repairing a lawnmower.
He initially thought nothing of it and continued with his day, but over time his health began to deteriorate.
During a visit to Nonnatus House, Trixie patched him up, and she also asked him if he was up to date with all of his jabs.
Distracted by Violet and her ambitions to become mayor, he absentmindedly answered “yes”, but he hadn’t received a jab since his time in the army and a short time later, Fred collapsed and was unable to move.
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The cut on his hand, which appeared minor when he was first injured, had become “severely infected”.
“And what’s more, I think you might have tetanus,” said Trixie, a concerned expression on her face.
“That can be fatal,” added pupil midwife Joyce.
“If he had come to us when he cut his hand, we could have given him the jab immediately,” Dr Turner said when later given a full rundown on Fred’s condition.
“The spores for tetanus are everywhere, especially in soil.”
Despite being given penicillin and the best treatment possible in the circumstances, Fred’s health deteriorated further. His breathing had become intensely laboured after he developed aspiration pneumonia, which prompted his move to intensive care, where he was put on a ventilator.
That allowed him to settle, but he was still in a precarious position and was unresponsive, despite Violet’s heartfelt words of encouragement.
But miraculously, during a hospital visit from Reggie and Sister Monica Joan, his hands and feet began to move as his eyes opened. In time, he was able to talk.
“The Lord has expressed his gracious will, and Fred has recovered his bodily health,” announced Sister Monica to Nonnatus House as they all breathed a sigh of relief.
Fred Buckle would live to see another day.
Full recovery will, of course, take some time, but thankfully, Fred isn’t set to leave Call the Midwife anytime soon.
And with Violent recently elected mayor of Poplar after seeing off slum landlord Bill Regan, there’s plenty to celebrate.
Call the Midwife airs on BBC One on Sundays. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our Drama hub for more news and features.
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