Also known as: Tear in the aorta
Oliver presents with chest pain initially mistaken for heartburn. His aorta dissects and ruptures during CT scan, leading to emergency surgery. Despite aggressive intervention, he bleeds out and dies, demonstrating the 'golden hour' concept as doctors arrive too late to save him.
Also known as: Brain attack
Patient initially treated for migraine by Lexie, then suffers a stroke in the ER shortly after being discharged. Meredith catches it in the golden hour by recognizing facial droop, arm weakness, and slurred speech, allowing for potential clot-busting treatment.
Also known as: Broken thigh bone
Four-year-old with broken femur requiring bilateral leg casts under general anesthesia. Family waits extended time for OR availability, highlighting ER resource constraints.
Also known as: Gunshot wound to the head
Patient walks into ER with knife embedded in skull from tailgate party brawl. Remarkably, blade enters maxillary sinus without hitting major arteries or brain tissue. Undergoes controlled extraction and walks out to attend basketball game.
Also known as: Broken wrist
Adele presents with hairline wrist fracture from fall. However, she shows confusion about timing and circumstances of injury, prompting Meredith's concern about possible cognitive issues, though Richard dismisses these concerns.
Also known as: Inflamed appendix
Ten-year-old patient with suspected appendicitis mentioned at episode opening, requiring OR prep and Arizona Robbins consult.