Also known as: Heart stopped
Patient experiences cardiac arrest in the hallway from unstable angina/coronary artery disease. Despite prolonged resuscitation efforts including multiple rounds of epinephrine and CPR, he dies. This is the first patient death for Dr. Whitaker, creating an emotional subplot about dealing with loss.
Also known as: Heart attack
52-year-old patient presents with STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) with tombstone pattern on EKG. Team races to meet door-to-balloon time of under 51 minutes, successfully preparing him for cath lab intervention.
Also known as: Blood around the heart
Construction worker presents with a framing nail penetrating his chest into his heart, causing pericardial effusion and tamponade. Requires emergency thoracotomy in the ED to repair the ventricular puncture wound before transfer to OR.
Also known as: Opioid overdose
18-year-old patient in comatose state from fentanyl overdose, on ventilator with no brain function. Parents struggle with accepting brain death diagnosis through apnea testing and planned cerebral perfusion study. Major emotional case driving family conflict and end-of-life decision-making.
Also known as: Opioid overdose
College student brought in unresponsive after taking what she thought was Xanax but was actually fentanyl. Responds to single dose of Narcan. Case highlights dangers of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.
Also known as: Sickle cell crisis
Patient with known sickle cell disease presents with pain crisis and develops new radiodensity in right middle lobe concerning for acute chest syndrome. Treated with antibiotics and pain management. Patient is notably well-informed about her condition.
Also known as: AFib with RVR
35-year-old architect develops unstable atrial fibrillation at 147 bpm after vaping excessive nicotine (two pods/packs equivalent in one night). Requires cardioversion under sedation. Case highlights nicotine addiction.
Nepali woman with crushed foot awaiting surgical repair in the OR. Case repeatedly mentioned as one of several patients waiting for beds to open up.
Also known as: Facial fracture
Patient with Le Fort III fracture (severe facial fracture) who takes priority in OR scheduling over other waiting patients.
Also known as: Electrocution
Patient with electrical injury requiring fasciotomy (surgical procedure to relieve compartment syndrome) awaiting OR availability.
Also known as: Brain death
18-year-old with complete loss of brain function following fentanyl overdose. Apnea test confirms brainstem death with CO2 level of 82. Family struggles with acceptance, with cerebral perfusion study pending as final confirmation test.
Also known as: Car accident injuries
Veteran who dies from severe injuries sustained in motor vehicle accident despite hours of resuscitation efforts. Sister arrives to view body and receives condolence letter from Dr. Abbot.
Also known as: Asthma attack
Patient responding well to albuterol nebulizer treatments and planned for discharge on prednisone.