Also known as: Newborn heroin withdrawal
A newborn suffers severe withdrawal from heroin, presenting with inconsolable crying, tachycardia, poor feeding, respiratory distress, and seizures. The episode explores the medical and ethical challenges of treating the infant while dealing with the addicted mother.
Also known as: Heroin addiction
A 22-year-old mother presents after giving birth on the street while actively using heroin. She exhibits combative behavior, calls the baby a 'monster,' and ultimately refuses treatment and leaves the hospital. The episode centers on failed attempts to get her into detox and the consequences for her child.
Also known as: Bleeding after delivery
The mother experiences significant bleeding after an unassisted street delivery, requiring transfusion and placental delivery in the ED.
Also known as: Pneumonia from inhaling vomit
A patient with progressive supranuclear palsy develops aspiration pneumonia that progresses to sepsis and respiratory failure. She initially signs a DNR, changes her mind for her partner's sake, but ultimately chooses comfort care and dies.
Also known as: PSP
An established degenerative neurological condition that has caused progressive dysphagia, leading to aspiration and pneumonia. The underlying disease frames the patient's end-of-life decisions.
Also known as: Blood infection
The pneumonia progresses to sepsis with bacteria spreading into the bloodstream, ultimately leading to cardiac arrhythmia and respiratory failure.
Also known as: Leg amputation
A man trapped in a collapsed building with rebar through his groin and concrete crushing his leg requires emergent field amputation after REBOA placement to prevent exsanguination. The case explores difficult surgical decisions under extreme circumstances.
Also known as: Shock from blood loss
The patient suffers massive blood loss from the penetrating rebar injury, requiring REBOA catheter placement to control bleeding in the field.
Also known as: Cold exposure
The newborn presents with severe hypothermia (temperature 94°F) after being born outside on the sidewalk in winter, requiring aggressive rewarming.
Also known as: SVT
The septic patient develops a rapid heart arrhythmia in her final moments, prompting discussion of resuscitation versus honoring her ultimate DNR wish.