Code Black — CBS

Season 3, Episode 1

8 medical diagnoses portrayed

Also known as: GSW

Hemorrhagic shockCardiac arrest

Detective Walsh suffers a through-and-through gunshot wound during a drug bust shootout. He experiences severe blood loss, multiple cardiac arrests, and ultimately dies despite resuscitative efforts using battlefield zip-tie closure techniques.

Code Black — S03E01Patient: Detective Walsh

Gunshot wound to abdomenmajor

Also known as: GSW to abdomen

Superior mesenteric artery injuryHemorrhagic shockFentanyl exposure

8-year-old girl shot during the drug bust crossfire. Undergoes emergency surgery with Dr. Campbell for abdominal GSW with vessel injury. Also exposed to fentanyl at the scene. Survives surgery and regains consciousness by episode end.

Code Black — S03E01Patient: Mika

Gunshot wound to shouldersupporting

Also known as: GSW

Uncle of Mika, undercover detective with shoulder gunshot wound. Stable injury not requiring surgery. Also found carrying fentanyl that exposes others.

Code Black — S03E01Patient: Detective Judd

Traumatic brain injurymajor

Also known as: Head trauma

SeizuresIntracranial hemorrhageAnaphylaxis from medication

Detective with graze wound to head that initially appears minor but develops into seizures and brain bleed. Worsened by delayed CT scan and allergic reaction to Toradol. Dies from complications, becoming a major teaching case about medical errors.

Code Black — S03E01Patient: Detective Gomez

Fentanyl overdosemajor

Also known as: Opioid overdose

Respiratory failureCardiac arrest

Pepper accidentally inhales powdered fentanyl from Detective Judd's bag. Goes into cardiac arrest and respiratory failure requiring massive doses of Narcan. Nearly requires emergency cricothyroidotomy due to scarred larynx from previous throat cancer. Survives after prolonged resuscitation.

Code Black — S03E01Patient: Pepper (Andrea)

Recurring storyline

Fentanyl overdosesupporting

Also known as: Opioid overdose

Respiratory arrestCardiac arrest

SWAT officer exposed to aerosolized fentanyl at drug house scene. Requires multiple doses of Narcan and aggressive resuscitation. Dies despite treatment, illustrating the lethality of fentanyl exposure.

Code Black — S03E01Patient: SWAT Officer Shaw

Aspiration pneumoniasupporting

Also known as: Pneumonia from inhaling vomit

Pneumothorax

Patient returning from Nicaragua surf trip with fever and respiratory symptoms. Initially misdiagnosed as parasitic infection, ultimately confirmed as aspiration pneumonia from inhaling seawater. Develops pneumothorax requiring chest tube. Serves as teaching case about looking for 'horses not zebras.'

Code Black — S03E01Patient: Dave

Anaphylaxissupporting

Also known as: Severe allergic reaction

Worsening of underlying brain injury

Detective Gomez develops anaphylactic shock after being given Toradol despite documented allergy. Complicates his underlying brain injury and contributes to his death. Key plot point about medical errors.

Code Black — S03E01Patient: Detective Gomez