Also known as: Chemical burn
A 31-year-old security guard is fatally poisoned after being doused with hydrofluoric acid from a leaking vat at work. Despite aggressive calcium replacement therapy, the fluoride binds to cellular calcium causing progressive cardiac failure. He dies within hours, unable to reconcile with his estranged daughter.
Also known as: Ruptured spleen
A young boy is accidentally run over by his father while washing the car, sustaining severe internal bleeding from a ruptured spleen. Doug performs emergency peritoneal lavage and the child undergoes emergency splenectomy. The father is devastated by the accident.
Also known as: Newborn heroin withdrawal
An infant on chronic methadone since birth presents with withdrawal symptoms after the mother withheld medication. Doug suspects the mother is diverting the baby's methadone for her own use. The mother eventually abandons the child in the ER.
Also known as: Parrot fever
An older woman planning her wedding presents with persistent cough and fatigue. Initially diagnosed with atypical pneumonia from her pet falcon. However, an accidental HIV test reveals she is HIV-positive, and Kerry must inform her she likely has pneumocystis pneumonia.
Also known as: AIDS
An older woman is accidentally tested for HIV during workup for pneumonia and tests positive. Kerry must navigate the ethical dilemma of informing her without proper consent, while her fiancé tries to prevent disclosure.
Also known as: Broken ankle
A young man falls 75 feet from a train bridge while intoxicated with friends and sustains bilateral ankle fractures. Psychiatry is consulted to evaluate for suicidal intent, though he denies jumping intentionally.
Also known as: Head trauma
A non-verbal man with cerebral palsy is struck by a car and brought to the ER. The staff struggles to assess him due to communication barriers until they realize he understands English and can communicate his phone number by nodding. CT shows no subdural bleeding.
Also known as: CP
A man with cerebral palsy and severe speech impairment presents after being hit by a car. The staff initially struggles to communicate with him and assess his injuries due to his baseline neurological condition.
Also known as: Head trauma
Carter's cousin Chase continues rehabilitation following a traumatic brain injury. Carter advocates for continued aggressive therapy at the institute despite slow progress and new left-sided weakness, while his grandmother considers bringing Chase home.