Also known as: Terminal cancer
Sullivan's metastatic cancer with less than three months to live is central to the episode's emotional arc, driving his compassionate release request denial and ultimately leading to his orchestrated injury to stay in the hospital with his family.
Also known as: Panic attacks
Ariel presents with suspected antidepressant overdose but is revealed to be having a panic attack while on placebo medication prescribed by Dr. Reese, raising ethical concerns about her treatment and previous suicide attempts.
Also known as: Broken neck
Aaron suffers a C2-C3 fracture-dislocation with bilateral vertebral artery occlusion from a car accident, requiring emergency surgery with high mortality risk. The case culminates in an ED wedding before his risky surgery.
Also known as: Depression
Ariel's underlying depression with history of suicide attempt eight months prior is being treated with placebo medication by Dr. Reese, which becomes a central ethical conflict in the episode.
Also known as: Broken rib
Sullivan sustains fractures to ribs 7 and 8 from an intentionally provoked fight in jail, which serves as his plan to remain hospitalized and spend time with his family.
Also known as: Ruptured spleen
Sullivan's lacerated spleen and low white blood cell count from his jail altercation provide medical justification for Dr. Ripley to keep him hospitalized rather than returning him to custody.