Also known as: Collapsed lung
Cristina Yang is impaled by an icicle between her ninth and tenth intercostal spaces. The team debates whether to remove it immediately or wait for imaging, ultimately leaving it in place until diagnostic tests confirm no pneumothorax or hemothorax.
Also known as: Spinal cord damage
Phillip undergoes experimental hypothermia treatment to prevent paralysis from spinal cord injury. The procedure causes dangerous cardiac arrhythmias requiring ECMO support, but ultimately he regains ability to wiggle his toes.
Also known as: Head trauma
Betty suffers a traumatic brain injury in a car accident requiring cranial surgery to suction blood and relieve pressure. She experiences complete memory loss of the accident and cannot retain new memories, repeatedly asking about her deceased husband Vincent.
Also known as: Shock from blood loss
Vincent Kenner suffers massive trauma requiring 31 units of blood and fresh frozen plasma. Despite aggressive resuscitation efforts, he dies from his injuries, which devastates the surgical team and prompts the Chief's speech about teaching failures.
Also known as: Throat injury
Michael loses his voice due to trauma and requires abdominal surgery for a worsening hematoma. His inability to speak leads him to write a letter to his wife confessing his affair and job loss.
Also known as: Internal bleeding
Michael has a progressively worsening abdominal hematoma requiring CT scan and exploratory laparotomy. Bailey manipulates the hospital clock to ensure his surgery occurs before his insurance expires at midnight.