Also known as: AIDS
Russian adoptee presents with fever, cough, and respiratory congestion. Initially thought to be ear infection, but chest x-ray reveals pneumonia with critically low white count (2,000), leading to diagnosis of AIDS. The discovery prompts the adoptive mother to abandon the child, making this a central emotional arc of the episode.
Also known as: Leg amputation
17-year-old struck by freight train resulting in severe leg injuries with significant blood loss (3-4 units), hypotension (80/60), and absent distal pulses. Patient seizes during examination and ultimately dies in the operating room.
Also known as: Collapsed lung
Dog struck by car presents with fractured leg and respiratory arrest. Examination reveals pneumothorax requiring needle decompression. Serves as comic relief while demonstrating ER team's compassion.
Also known as: Acid trip
Three teenage cheerleaders present after ingesting LSD-laced chocolates on Valentine's Day. Team evaluates for potential seizures, kidney damage, and other complications while dealing with the Valentine's Day theme.
Also known as: Knife wound
Father presents with knife firmly embedded in his bicep following altercation with his son. Has defensive lacerations on both arms. Requires surgical removal of knife.
Also known as: Knife wound
Son arrives after knife fight with his father. Goes into ventricular fibrillation requiring multiple defibrillation attempts. Team struggles to save him while his father watches helplessly from nearby.
Also known as: Severe allergic reaction
Woman with known shellfish allergy experiences severe anaphylaxis during Valentine's dinner with complete upper airway obstruction and hypotension (45 systolic). Requires emergency cricothyrotomy and aggressive resuscitation.
Also known as: Bleeding vessels in throat
Same patient from anaphylaxis case suddenly develops massive GI hemorrhage from bleeding esophageal varices, indicating previously undiagnosed alcoholism. Requires Sengstaken-Blakemore tube placement to control bleeding.
Also known as: Poison ivy
Multiple children present with hives after being spray-painted as part of Valentine's Day pranks. Minor case used for background color on the busy holiday.