ER (1994–2009): Season 7, Episode 1 - Homecoming - full transcript
Dr. Carter struggles with his drug dependency; a custodial strike leaves the ER cluttered with garbage; a riot at a high-school football game leaves several wounded.
[theme music]
(male narrator)
Previously on "ER.."
There's a drug rehab center
'in Atlanta that specializes'
in treating doctors
with addiction.
Forget it. Forget it.
‐ This is your only chance.
‐ Great. I quit.
If you end up like your cousin,
some babbling gork in a..
[crying]
It's alright, man.
[instrumental music]
[doorbell buzzing]
‐ Hey.
‐ Name?
Dr. Carter. Somebody, uh,
should have called ahead.
Okay, all the information
is confidential
and you can have
a seat over there.
‐ Thank you.
‐ 'Mm‐hmm.'
90 days?
This is a three‐month program?
Yeah, I‐I‐I
guess so.
Can you send me
some clothes
or they issue
prison garb here?
‐ You okay?
‐ This pen doesn't work.
Do you have a pen?
‐ He's diaphoretic and cramping.
‐ We'll take care of it.
‐ When?
‐ Soon.
And he's got the tremors.
He needs something.
‐ You should go now.
‐ What?
It's important that
he checks himself in.
‐ Right.
‐ Mm‐hmm.
There.
You, uh..
You're good from here?
Yeah, I guess so.
Carter, you can do this.
[heavy breathing]
Hey, you got
any Compazine?
I'll give you something after
group if you're still nauseous.
‐ Group?
‐ Yeah.
Group therapy.
‐ When is that?
‐ Now.
In the middle of the night?
The entire group meets
whenever a new patient arrives.
Ready?
No, I need
to lie down.
You'll make it.
Group therapy is not
what I need right now.
If you wanna be
in the program
you do the program.
Otherwise you can leave
and when you
want a fix
you can score down
on Tenth and Piedmont
which is six blocks
down, one block over.
Those guys are out
there all night.
[clearing throat]
(male #1)
'John Carter?'
Yes.
[theme music]
[music continues]
Security! Security!
‐ See, I put the needle down!
‐ I said no needles!
I told you
to put him in restraints.
I did. Lily, could you get
extra security down here?
‐ On their way!
‐ 'Did you give him Haldol?'
The toilet's clogged
in the men's restroom.
‐ So unplug it.
‐ No plunger, closet is locked.
Hey, Malucci, what is Mr. Hunter
still doing out here?
Transpo's backed up,
half the guys staged
a sympathy sick‐out
to support the janitors.
Then take him
down there yourself.
Why can't we just give
these guys their raise?
I'll recommend you
for the negotiating committee.
Um, what about
the maintenance closet‐‐
I don't know,
Malik! Use some initiative.
Pick the lock.
Take a fire axe to it.
‐ I really don't care.
‐ Okay.
Oh, my God,
can somebody please
put Mr. Spencer
in an exam room?
‐ 'Excuse me.'
‐ What?
We've been waiting
here for a while.
‐ Shouldn't we be do something?
‐ Any plumbing experience?
(Mark)
'Well, what happened?'
You know what, Mark?
Just don't start
with me, okay?
‐ What?
‐ Custodial staff is on strike.
Yeah, so they had to
destroy the Admit Desk?
This is a remodel,
open floor plan.
It's supposed
to be safer.
I've already
scratched myself
on a nail twice.
Make sure you update
your tetanus.
Where are my fans?
Workin' on it.
What's the deal?
I don't know, you know,
the construction workers
won't cross
the picket line.
Oh, you mean
those three guys
I saw out there
with signs?
Hey, Mark, how was
your vacation?
‐ It was good.
‐ Did you go anywhere?
Wisconsin Dells.
Just camping.
I just drove
back this morning.
Where's the board
supposed to go?
Don't ask.
They weren't
supposed to take the wall.
We're not supposed
to talk about it.
Cleo, you got
that covered?
‐ Yeah.
‐ I hate needles!
‐ Hi, Dr. Greene.
‐ Hey, hi..
Uh, is it me or do
those med students
look like 12‐year‐olds?
How long have
they been waiting?
‐ Three hours.
‐ Two and a half.
‐ I'll take them.
‐ Yeah, be my guest.
But make sure
you see some patients.
‐ Malik?
‐ What?
Malik!
Strong, steady heartbeat.
The amount of amniotic fluid
is normal.
Everything looks fine.
Now, I've got a good angle here
if you wanna know the sex.
(Chen)
'Sure.'
You...are
having a boy.
'Congratulations.'
Thank you.
'Your, um,
blood sugar level is normal'
'but you're
a little anemic.'
'You takin' any Iron?'
Uh, yes.
Have you arranged with Kerry
to take some time off
after the baby's born?
Oh, um, no, not yet.
You still have time.
Actually, I haven't
told anyone yet.
'I think you
may want to.'
I don't see how you can
keep this a secret much longer.
Yeah.
So what are you
supposed to talk about
in an exit interview anyway?
That you don't have
all the answers.
No argument there.
You scared?
I don't remember
the last time I wasn't scared.
Good.
What? That's it?
"Be afraid. Be very afraid?"
We're like
the army, okay?
We break you down, make
you face your addiction
then we build you up.
You start to function.
You feel healthy, confident.
Don't worry. Pride
is what got me into this.
Yeah, and deep down
you feel like this
is something that just
happened to you, right?
No, I took responsibility,
I take responsibility.
But I'm gonna
get my life back.
It's not gonna beat me.
Yeah.
That's what I thought.
The first
three times.
But I hope you do.
Day or night..
...if you ever
need to talk.
Are we done?
You're just
getting started.
Is this where I'm supposed
to say thank you?
‐ Some people do.
‐ Thank you.
You're welcome.
Someone's still
on vacation time, I see.
‐ Sorry.
‐ That's alright.
Peter was helping me
hang this straight.
‐ How's that look?
‐ Great.
‐ Yeah
‐ Did you finish the interview?
I was just getting
to that.
Okay, so where were we
'before we left off last time?'
You were just about
to give me the job.
Developing a sense
of humor, Peter.
That's progress.
You get points for that.
Uh, why don't we discuss
faculty responsibilities?
Um, Peter, as an attending,
you'd be responsible
for supervising
resident research.
I look forward to that.
Liar.
I like working
with residents.
You mean you like
abusing them.
You don't exactly have
the best track record
in the research department.
‐ That can change.
‐ 'Uh‐huh.'
'Where else
have you applied?'
What?
‐ Where else did you apply?
‐ You can't ask me that.
Oh, no. Someone call
the interview police.
'Has anyone
offered you anything?'
You're not supposed
to ask me that either.
Oh, come on, Peter,
it's a simple question.
I've looked elsewhere,
as a backup
but I'd like to stay here
as an attending.
Okay. Was that so difficult?
Elizabeth, what are
you doing?
Uh...my hands itch
for some reason.
Well, cut it out.
It's distracting.
Linear vesicles,
probably a Phytodermatitis.
Are you allergic
to any plants?
‐ I don't think so.
‐ Do you have a garden?
I went camping.
Tell me you know
what poison ivy looks like.
Poison ivy?
‐ Is that in Wisconsin?
‐ Oh, boy.
Sorry, Peter, I gotta run.
We'll have to finish this later.
When?
'Um, my office
will reschedule.'
'Good luck
with that, Lizzie.'
He's never gonna
give me this job.
Of course he will,
he's just being Robert.
Don't scratch.
'You should put
Hydrocortisone TID on it.'
If it gets any worse, you
can get a shot of steroids.
It won't spread, will it?
Well, that depends
on what you touched last
before you washed your hands.
Oh, dear.
These are your
orientation packets.
Why don't you guys
have a seat over there
and read them over, okay?
Then we'll give
you the tour.
We'll go over charts,
order sheets
and discharge
instructions.
Any questions?
Remember,
you're students.
The only stupid question
is the one you don't ask.
‐ Dr. Greene?
‐ Yeah.
‐ Well, I have a question.
‐ What?
Is something wrong with
the Australian boys?
‐ Who?
‐ You're scratchin' down under.
Oh, yeah. Yeah.
Doesn't make a good
first impression.
Pickman, what have you got?
Mike Palmieri, 17,
wide receiver.
Got hi‐lowed in midair.
Brief LOC, complains
of neck and chest pain.
Can he move extremities?
Because of numbness in the hands
we didn't take the helmet off.
Okay. Malucci, I got it.
Give the med
students the tour.
I gave it last rotation.
Then you're getting
good at it.
Okay, Mike, I'm Dr. Greene.
Can you squeeze both my hands?
My neck's not broken, is it?
Yeah,, we're gonna
check you out.
Mike, does your chest hurt?
A little. The safety speared me
with his helmet on the way down.
He's tachy at 120.
BP's 110/68.
Good breath sounds
bilaterally.
That's illegal.
Second play of the game.
Let's get him
on a pulse ox.
They were looking
to take me out.
Who's that? The other team?
They're our rivals.
It's their homecoming.
'Do you wanna
push any drugs?'
Sure, one amp of epi
and a mig of Atropine.
Does she have a pulse?
Oh, she's dead.
I know.
Like blue dead.
Pulse ox 65.
That's because
she's dead.
Her husband drove her in.
‐ Oh. Right.
‐ Luka, you okay in here?
‐ Yeah, I've got it, Kerry.
‐ Still asystole.
As long as we're faking it,
can one of the med students
'practice CPR?'
No, go out and
tell him we are
'doing everything we can,
but his wife is very sick.'
She can't get any sicker.
Malucci, please.
Go on. Go on.
Give the poor man some time
to prepare himself.
No problem, chief.
I can act with the best
of 'em. Watch this.
(Malik)
'She's still flatline.
Wanna do a fluid bolus?'
(Luka)
'No, that's okay.'
Abby.
‐ Abby!
‐ Yeah.
The registrar didn't put your
name on my roster.
You sure you're back
on the ER rotation?
That's what
my schedule says.
Okay, they must
be backed up
'cause of the strike.
‐ Checkin' out?
‐ Yeah.
Dr. Benton called
to confirm your flight
and he said he'd pick
you up at the gate.
Thanks.
[instrumental music]
Goodbye, Margaret.
Good luck, Dr. Carter.
[music continues]
Where did he go?
He was in the hallway
with Malucci a minute ago.
Here's her medication.
Forgot it in the car.
She's on Elavil and Codeine
for arthritis.
Have a seat, Mr. Bristo.
You‐you don't need these?
Mr. Bristo, your
wife has suffered
a massive heart attack.
We exhausted all medical
resources available to us
but the damage
to her heart
was beyond our capabilities
to save her.
She died, Mr. Bristo.
I'm sorry.
You see?
I should've called
the ambulance sooner
I should've
gotten her here quicker.
There was..
...nothing you could've
done differently
that would have saved her.
'It was just her time.'
'Would you like
to see her?'
Okay.
(Elizabeth)
'How was I supposed
to know?'
‐ Whoa, excuse us.
‐ Sorry.
Haven't you ever heard
of "Leaves of three, let it be?"
What?
"Leaves of three,
let it be."
As in don't touch.
Sorry.
We don't have
poison ivy in England
leaves of three
or any other kind.
Oh, man.
‐ Let me see.
‐ No, no.
‐ Mark, don't be shy.
‐ You've done enough damage.
Well, do you have it?
Yes, I have it.
Who picks poison ivy?
I was making
a wildflower bouquet.
Mark, C‐spine's back
on the football player.
Thanks.
When you went skinny‐dipping
in the lake
I got bored.
You do remember
what happened
after you got out
of the water?
‐ Yes, a big price to pay.
‐ Mark.
I have to start worrying
about where you've been?
It's not that horrible.
Yeah, you've only
got it on your hands.
Mike, X‐ray is normal.
His mom's here,
out in chairs.
Okay, uh, why don't you
get off the helmet and pads
and I'll be right back.
Does that mean
I can go?
Not yet.
So, do you want
the cream or the shot?
Probably both.
Fine. I'll get them.
‐ Mrs. Palmieri?
‐ Yes?
Hi, I'm Dr. Mark Greene.
Good news. Mike's uh,
neck X‐ray came back normal.
No fractures,
or swelling.
Why were his hands numb?
He's probably hyperventilating.
That can cause
a little numbness.
‐ But no nerve damage?
‐ No.
No broken bones,
no spinal cord injury.
‐ No paralysis.
‐ Thank you.
Thank you.
Can I see him?
Sure.
Here you go.
‐ What's your name again?
‐ Priya Shailendra.
Priya, do you remember
where Trauma One is?
‐ I think so.
‐ Could you take Mrs. Palmieri?
‐ Certainly.
‐ Thank you.
This way, please.
Malucci?
Hey, Dr. Greene.
How's that jock itch?
I thought I told you
to supervise the med students.
You told me to give
them the tour. I did.
Why don't you show them
the charting system?
I'm kinda jugglin'
eight patients here.
Have them help you.
Hold this.
Hey, Cleo, you're up
with the med students.
‐ Says who?
‐ Dr. Greene.
Then Dr. Greene can ask me.
It's not infected,
Mr. Fletcher but
I'm gonna have
to debride it again.
No, leave it alone.
Well, I would
if you changed
the dressings
four times a day
like I told you.
I'm not a damn nurse.
How'd it go?
It didn't. Romano postponed.
Again? What's wrong with him?
He's a maniacal sadist.
‐ What did you call me?
‐ Not you, Mr. Fletcher.
Is this machine working?
I feel like I'm drowning.
It takes longer when
you're fluid‐overloaded.
This happens when
you're three days
late for your dialysis.
I told you my son
didn't have time
'to drive me
to the clinic.'
What's wrong
with this picture?
‐ Hmm?
‐ Those med students.
'Not a black face
in the bunch.'
That doesn't
concern you?
(Benton)
'I see five.'
'Not exactly
a representative sample.'
I'm glad you take
such an active interest.
You're gonna have to hold your
foot still, Mr. Fletcher.
She your wife?
Hmm? No, no, no.
She talk like she your wife.
Yes, yes, yes.
[both chuckling]
I brought you a chair,
Mr. Bristo.
Someone will be by
to take her downstairs
but it could
take a while.
Do you have a funeral home
you'd like to use?
I could call them.
We have two plots,
but Florence took care of it.
I forget the name.
Okay, well,
if you remember.
Can I stay with her?
As long as you like.
That's very
decent of you
to work on his
wife like that.
Part of the job.
Well, no.
He's really shaken.
It could be a lot
worse if he thought
he was responsible.
He does.
He's alive, she's not.
I wonder how long
they were married.
I don't know.
Forever, probably.
How long have you?
What?
Been married?
I'm not.
Well, I‐I thought someone
told me you were married.
I‐I was, but my‐my divorce
became final last month.
‐ Sorry.
‐ D‐don't be. I'm not.
Lockhart. Is that
your name or his?
It's his,
but I'm keeping it
because it's the only good thing
I got out of the whole mess.
Why? What was your name before?
Wyczenski.
Right. Lockhart is better.
Have you seen
Dr. Greene?
Suture room,
I think.
Oh, Dr. Weaver's
looking for you.
‐ Me?
‐ Yeah.
Dr. Greene..
Sorry, sorry!
It's okay, Haleh.
I'm just getting a shot.
I didn't see anything.
What's up?
Mike Palmieri is having
trouble breathing.
Complained of chest pains
when we removed the pads.
Alright, I'll
be right there.
[snickering]
You done?
All done.
Keep laughing,
flower girl.
You're welcome.
Thanks a lot.
Mike, how's your breathing?
(Mike)
'A little sore.'
Okay, tell me
if this hurts.
BP's stable,
115/70. Satting at 98.
‐ There.
‐ Okay. Any belly pain?
No.
Are you sure?
[Mike groans]
Okay, Haleh,
book a CT
and let's sit him up.
Where's your mom, Mike?
She went to check
on the score for me.
If we're losing,
I need to get back.
Well, we need to take
another picture
of your chest and belly
just to make sure
everything's okay.
Well, how long
does that take?
Relax, Mike,
you're gonna be
with us for a while.
Mrs. Palmieri.
‐ What happened?
‐ Nothing serious.
Mike might have
a broken rib
and I need to get
a CAT scan
just to make sure that
it didn't nick his liver.
His liver?
What does that mean?
Well, it all
depends but
it's really
a remote possibility.
I just wanna
make sure.
I knew something like this
was gonna happen.
I hate that
he plays football.
I hate it, but it
keeps his grades up.
He‐he's not a great
student but he has to keep
good grades to
play, so I let him play.
I‐I'm sure everything is
gonna be just fine, okay?
I'll check back with
you after the scan.
Chen.
‐ Chen!
‐ Yes?
‐ Are you okay?
‐ Uh, yeah, great.
Can you find Dr. Corday
and have her meet me at CT?
Uh‐huh, no problem.
BP 136/28, pulse 125.
They nailed me
after the play.
The refs didn't even call it.
Draw up some Demrol.
Open tibial fracture.
Titrate 100,
slow IV push.
55! That's the number
of the guy who hit Mike!
It was a clean hit.
GSW on the way
crashing in the rig.
Okay, Frank,
what's open?
Stiff in Trauma Two.
Other than that, we're booked.
Clear it.
Chen, take this guy.
‐ Yep, got it.
‐ You led with your helmet.
You're not supposed
to lead with your helmet!
Ma'am, you'll have to wait
back in chairs.
‐ It was an accident!
‐ It was a cheap shot!
What do you call
breaking my leg on purpose?
Payback!
Thank you.
(female #1)
'Sir? Sir?'
Thank you.
Can I get a gin
and tonic, please?
'Anything for you, sir?'
No, thank you.
From Atlanta, or Chicago?
Uh, Chicago.
Atlanta on business?
No.
Vacation?
I was just visiting a friend.
So, what do you do
for a living?
I'm a teacher,
high school English.
Wow, and you fly
first class, huh?
They must pay teachers
pretty well in Chicago, huh?
Excuse me.
[sniffs]
Mr. Bristo?
They needed the room.
Oh, okay, well,
don't worry.
We'll find her
another room.
‐ Are they coming to get her?
‐ Yeah.
Soon, they're
coming soon.
Lost a pulse!
Starting compressions!
‐ What's in the monitor?
‐ PEA.
Amp of epi,
squeeze in the blood.
Dr. Weaver, Malucci has an
assaulted cheerleader coming in.
‐ Bat to the face.
‐ Okay. Get Mark.
‐ He's in CT‐‐
‐ Got a pulse!
Increase dopamine.
Get him up to the OR.
Are you finished
in the Trauma Room?
Yeah. Abby, I'm glad
I saw you.
I need to talk
to you 'cause..
Somebody find
Kovac, please?
This man's wife died
and we told him
that he could wait
until transpo comes‐‐
I know.
We'll lean on them.
Look, I checked with the medical
school registrar and..
...they've retracted
your clerkship.
‐ What?
‐ BP's 130/90.
Is that from
the football game, too?
Yeah, someone choked
her in the bathroom.
Yeah, something about
a delinquent tuition notice.
Uh, my ex‐husband was supposed
to pay that. I apologize.
No need to apologize.
Well, I'll get
it paid by tomorrow.
Abby, you don't understand.
You need to go home.
You're not covered
to work on patients.
No, I'll‐I'll work it out
with the registrar.
Once a clerkship is pulled,
it's pulled.
Nothing I can do,
you have to wait
till the next
academic quarter.
In‐in three months?
Sorry, dean's decision.
Turn in your lab coat
and your ID to Frank.
'Okay, prep for an intubation.
Hang the Mannitol.'
'40 of Lasix.
She needs a Foley.'
'Give me some
gloves, somebody. Move!'
(Malik)
'Pressure's sky‐high.
180/120.'
(Weaver)
'Bolus her with 100 of
Lidocaine, 75 of sux..'
[dramatic music]
What's this for?
‐ Whoa, whoa!
‐ Sorry. Sorry.
Abby, what's wrong?
Abby?
'Abby?'
Oh, you got
cleaned up, huh?
‐ Yeah.
‐ Looks good.
Thank you.
I'd choose the fish
if I were you.
The steak looks...ew.
I'm not hungry.
Excuse me, Dr. Carter.
Were you smoking
in the lavatory?
Yes.
Then you're in
violation of Federal Law
punishable by a $2,000 fine
and imprisonment.
Do I need to have the Marshals
meet us at the gate?
No. It won't happen again.
Do you have the butt with you?
Alright then.
Doctor, huh?
(Mark)
'Mrs. Palmieri.'
What is it?
Apparently the blow
to Michael's chest
caused a little
internal bleeding.
Some of it in the sac
surrounding his heart.
Oh, God,
that sounds serious.
It can be, but
right now there's
only a small amount.
But we need to operate
to drain the blood
before it restricts
function.
Open‐heart surgery?
No, we go through
the upper abdomen.
A very small incision.
It's a really
simple procedure.
‐ I just need you to sign the‐‐
‐ Now?
I just need you
to sign the consent.
You're gonna do
the surgery now?
Right now Mike's
blood pressure is stable
which is a good sign
'but more blood
could accumulate.'
We need to do
the operation immediately
to avoid an emergency
procedure down here.
You just need
the one signature, right?
Right. I couldn't find his
father if I wanted to.
‐ One is enough.
‐ 'Alright.'
What's the big emergency?
‐ I'm here.
‐ I didn't call ya.
Robert.
Kerry, look, if you're
gonna leave messages
with my assistant,
don't also page me.
It gets annoyingly
redundant after a while.
Sorry to inconvenience
you, Robert
but we have a real
crisis down here.
Yeah? And?
And it's become
a health hazard.
If somebody calls
the County, we'll be fined.
But someone's not going
to call the County, is she?
Look, Robert,
housekeeping won't clean
any sheets, or towels.
I need the nurses here.
It's not their job anyway
to be doing‐‐
Look, Kerry,
what do you want me to say?
Troubleshoot.
It's called being a manager.
You need to end
this strike‐‐
You find me the half million
year it'll take to meet
their demands
I'll be happy to do that.
Peter, keeping
banker's hours?
I've been on since 5:00.
Yeah, well,
you got a sec?
‐ Actually, I've got to go‐‐
‐ No, no, no.
Wait, wait, come on,
let's finish this.
‐ What?
‐ The interview.
‐ Walk with me.
‐ What about Elizabeth?
I let her sit in
to make her feel important
but it's my decision,
so...let's talk turkey.
I know you've got
the surgical skills.
I don't question that,
I do however
question your loyalty.
My loyalty lies
with my patients.
As it should but,
and don't take
this the wrong way, Peter.
You have a real propensity
for being
a pain in the ass.
I'm not gonna jump you,
you homophobe.
‐ Damn janitors.
‐ You should try paying them.
You see? You see,
now that's exactly my point.
Instead of trying
to understand my problems
you immediately champion
the opposition.
‐ The janitors?
‐ 'Yeah, whoever.'
Peter, look, if I'm gonna give
you a faculty position
I've gotta be sure that you're
gonna be part of the team.
‐ Specifically my team.
‐ Of course.
Of course, what?
Of course
I'll be a part of the team.
Then, I can expect
your full commitment?
No whining, no complaining,
no excuses about your kid
or your cat, or whatever.
I don't have a cat.
Splendid! You're hired.
Congratulations, Peter.
You're a free man.
Delivered from
the shackles
of your residency
and fellowship.
You're gonna have
to dry your hands first.
Yeah, right.
Oh, well, it wasn't me.
You selfish
son of a bitch!
Whoa!
Well, hello, Abby.
Is this fun for you?
Or is it like an addiction?
Do you wake up
in the morning thinking.
"How am I going
to screw Abby today?"
Okay, what's the problem?
My problem is, I just lost
three months of med school,
three months I can't make up.
'Three months that
put me exactly one year'
behind on my residency.
This is about
your tuition?
Yes, it's about
my tuition!
Will you calm down?
I was gonna call you.
The IRS disallowed our
'97 home office‐‐
I don't wanna
hear one more lie
or lame excuse out of your
arrogant, condescending mouth.
They were gonna hit us
with a huge penalty.
This was important to me.
And you knew it,
so you ruined it!
Can you be a little
more dramatic?
I put you through med school.
You were gonna put me
through med school.
You did not put me
through med school.
My student loans
put me through‐‐
‐ I fed, clothed, sheltered you.
‐'Student loans I still pay.'
Along with a house,
your condo and two cars.
Don't forget the apartment
for the whore.
I assume
you're cheating on
the whore with another whore.
‐ Alright, just stop it.
‐ 'No, you stop it.'
Haven't you done
enough already?
I didn't make you unhappy,
depressed and miserable.
You did that all by yourself.
‐ Screw you, Richard.
‐ Right, screw me.
‐ That's right, screw you.
‐ Screw me!
Screw you!
Yeah, you're the one
who decided
you wanted more.
You're the one who decided
you could change your life‐‐
‐ Spineless, spiteful ass.
‐ So screw me!
‐ Are you done?
‐ No.
You are in violation
of our divorce agreement.
I am hiring a lawyer
and I am getting
my tuition money.
Hell, Abby, do me a favor.
Why don't you take it all?
Take the debt with it.
Shut up, jag‐off.
‐ Hey, Nat.
‐ Hey, Dr. Benton.
Still plugging
away, huh?
You know it.
What are you doing?
Go around the other
way, would you?
Yeah, Nat,
I'm late, man.
The news is here.
Alright, brother.
Good luck.
Thanks.
Chen?
I'm on break.
Right.
You alright?
Uh...yeah.
Peter, good.
You're still here.
We got a mass
cas coming in
a riot at a high school
football game.
Actually, I was just leaving
to pick up somebody.
Not anymore.
[indistinct chatter]
[sirens wailing]
Blunt abdominal trauma.
BP's low at 90 palp.
I gave him two liters
of saline.
‐ What happened?
‐ Bleachers collapsed.
Get two units O‐neg,
draw pre‐op labs.
‐ Ultrasound?
‐ You bet.
Also, page me if anything
changes, alright? Go.
Drop an NG
and check his urine.
Shoot a chest
and a pelvis.
Sorry.
And everybody
just started swingin'.
‐ You okay, Cleo?
‐ Yeah.
Hey, doc, they need you.
Damn kids jumped a teacher
in the parking lot.
Head trauma,
maybe a collapsed lung.
Short of breath.
BP 100/70, pulse 120.
Mitch, do you have any
pain in your chest?
It hurts.
Titrate another six
of morphine.
Page ortho and vascular.
Elizabeth, what
are you doing here?
I thought you'd
be operating.
Mitch, is that you?
What happened?
Half the rooms are empty
but filthy
because of this
custodial work stoppage.
‐ Lily.
‐ You doin' okay?
Yeah, they gotta
operate but, who won?
‐ Where are we goin'?
‐ Nobody.
Try an exam room,
get an EKG, chest X‐ray
and find me when
the femur film is up.
How long before
you can get an OR?
I don't know,
the nurses are cleaning
but there's a leaking
Triple‐A going up first.
We're gonna keep him down here
and do a Pericardiocentesis.
All of this so
that housekeeping
doesn't get an extra
dollar an hour.
So, I don't need
the operation anymore?
No, you just have to wait
a little bit longer.
Hang in there, Mike.
If you're gonna chuck
my guy with your helmet
don't whine about
a little payback.
You did it on purpose,
you faggot!
Yeah? You want some more‐‐
Hold still,
or I'll put you in restraints.
What did they
hit you with?
The pavement.
Frank, Frank, what's open?
Nothing, nothing's open.
I can't believe this.
I mean, it's just a game.
Is the nurse taking me up?
We're gonna have to drain some
of the blood down here.
You said he was going
straight to surgery.
I know, but it can
take a while to prep
and drape and
anesthetize him
and his cardiac echo
shows that the effusion's..
Crush injury at
70 palp despite a fluid bolus.
Respiratory status?
Intubated for agonal
respirations.
Two units of O‐neg
on the rapid infuser
and set up for a supraumbilical
peritoneal lavage.
Damn! I'm never gonna
get out of here.
Pulse 140, satting at 92.
‐ Med student, what's your name?
‐ Ryan, Ryan Bradford.
Ryan, get over here.
I need your help now, move!
That's not so bad.
This is the little needle
to numb you
for the big needle.
Oh.
But you're a tough guy.
You can take it.
BP's 90.
I can't believe all this
fighting started over me.
You're a popular guy.
He looks so pale.
Mrs. Palmieri, perhaps
you should wait outside
during the actual procedure.
‐ I can't stay?
‐ I'm okay, mom.
'I'm just
a little tired.'
Haleh.
This way, ma'am.
I love you.
I love you, too, mom.
Alligator clip.
‐ He's in Tamponade, Mark.
‐ I know.
‐ Mike, how you feeling?
‐ Pulse ox down to 78.
Mike?
Mike? Mike, open your eyes.
8‐0 ET tube.
I'll intubate.
He's still breathing.
Not for long.
Just keep an eye
on the injury current.
Just get that needle in.
[machine beeping]
(Bradford)
'Dr. Carter?'
‐ Are you Dr. Carter?
‐ Yeah.
Hi, I'm Ryan Bradford.
I'm a third‐year.
The ER got slammed and
Dr. Benton asked me
to come down and pick you up.
Oh...great.
Need a hand with that?
No, no. I‐I got it.
We're back this way.
‐ 'Where are you going?'
‐ Pre‐op, he needs an ex‐lap.
Whoa! No, there's
no room. Forget it.
No, he's stable.
He can wait upstairs.
‐ What's his BP?
‐ BP's 140/60.
Alright, grab the head
injury in three.
Alright.
Hey, Malik, you got this?
Yeah, I got it.
Go on.
Hey, sir?
Sir, are you alright?
Sir?
Malik! I need a gurney now!
Oh, my God.
Malik!
Hey, you, come here!
‐ What did I do?
‐ Help me move this man.
'Now! Come on!'
Sats are up to 92.
You want me to try?
No, he has weird anatomy.
I have to go more anterior.
I should be there.
Run of five, pull back.
Pressure's dropping
down to 70.
Give him another
liter of saline.
Look at the monitor.
Profound S‐T elevation.
Dammit! He's having an MI.
More PVC's.
A 100 of Lidocaine.
You must have transected
the coronary artery.
No, no, no, no, no!
It's a known complication.
You went in blind.
Prep the chest.
He should be upstairs right now.
(Corday)
'Mark.'
Thoracotomy tray!
What happened?
He swallowed a whole pharmacy
in the hall.
I found empty
bottles of Elavil
Codeine and Lorazepam.
‐ Did you give him Narcan?
‐ 'Yeah.'
Two migs times two.
Sats are dropping.
Resps eight and shallow.
Add an amp of bicarb.
Chem seven, CBC
and a tox screen.
Yeah, I'm in.
‐ Who's Florence?
‐ 'What?'
Well, the pills
say "Florence."
(Kovak)
'His wife.
She died this afternoon.'
Pericardium's
tight as a drum.
Metz.
Okay, start internal
compressions.
Need suction in here.
We've got a crowd.
Someone close the blinds.
Can you see anything?
Sponge stick.
Right there.
Laceration of the LAD.
‐ 'Can you repair it?'
‐ 'Not without bypass.'
(Mark)
'We've gotta do something.
I am not losing him.'
(Corday)
'Right. Let's open
some sterile IV tubing'
(Mark)
'The blinds! Now!'
(Ryan)
'I don't know how you
guys do that every day.'
'It's pretty intense.'
You sure get
to do a lot, you know
you just‐just jump right in.
'I was interested
in surgery, but..'
'I don't know, maybe
the ER's my thing?'
I guess if today's
any indication..
Never a dull moment, huh?
Yeah. Right.
(Corday)
'Tubing's in. There.'
(Greene)
'Hold compressions.'
It's a V‐fib.
Charge internal
paddles to 15.
Charging.
Clear.
Still in V‐fib.
Charge to 30.
Haleh.
Clear.
‐ Another amp of epi.
‐ Charge again.
50 of Lidocaine. Start
a drip at two per minute.
Clear.
Still in Torsade.
360. Magnesium
on board?
That's four grams.
Isuprel's pouring in.
Clear.
Asystole.
It's the Tricyclics.
We'll never get
a rhythm back.
Maybe we could try
overdrive pacing?
No.
He's been
down too long.
That's it.
Time of death...19:54.
Take him downstairs.
Make sure he's put
beside his wife.
You guys done in here? I've got
a stab wound to the thigh.
Yeah, we are done.
Come on, Mike, come on.
‐ How many units of blood?
‐ Six so far.
The heart's filling well.
He's not Hypovolemic.
When was the last epi?
Three minutes.
He's had two of Atropine?
Both amps are in.
Someone should
prep the mother.
The Dopamine's wide open?
For the last five minutes.
‐ Son of a bitch‐‐
‐ Mark.
Let's keep goin'.
You want me to
talk to her?
No, I should do it.
Chen!
Can you come take over
chest compressions?
Okay, let's go again
with the paddles.
Charge to 30.
Clear.
Hey, man,
what's going on?
Is he dying?
What's happening to him?
Hey, come on!
He's our friend!
Someone said
you had to shock him.
Is that true?
We've‐we've had
some complications.
What kind
of complications?
The needle poked
a hole in the artery
that supplies the blood
and oxygen to Mike's...heart.
Which caused him to
have a heart attack.
We opened up his chest
to repair the artery..
...but his heart has been
deprived of oxygen for too long
and it wasn't beating.
Oh, my God.
We're giving him
intravenous drugs..
...and shocking his heart.
There's been no response.
What does that mean?
What does that mean?
We might not
get him back.
What?
He could die.
But you said that this was
a simple procedure.
That he would be fine.
That he would
sail through this.
I know. I know,
Mrs. Palmieri.
This is an exceedingly
rare complication.
I don't care.
I don't care.
You fix him.
You fix my son!
‐ We'll try.
‐ No!
But..
You promised me.
I have to go back.
You promised me.
Is he gonna be alright?
You got to tell us, man.
We're working on him.
You got to
give us room!
Everybody back up!
Back up, guys.
Let the doctor through!
(Corday)
'Still in V‐fid.
Sats are dropping.'
(Haleh)
'Carotid pulse
with compressions.'
(Corday)
'Clear.'
‐ Anything?
‐ No. Again.
How long are
we going to go?
Until I say stop.
Clear.
We're out of epi.
Chen..
'...I want you to go
get some epi.'
Sure.
Crash cart.
Curtain Three.
Clear.
Excuse me.
The doctor told Mike's
mom he was gonna die.
Hey!
Hey! Hey!
[clamoring]
Malucci!
Are you alright?
‐ Whoa! Whoa!
‐ Stop it!
Hey! Put it down!
Stop it!
Hey, Break it up!
Break it up!
Get off of him!
Security, we've got
a problem down here.
Geez!
[clamouring]
What is going on
out there?
I don't know.
They just started fighting.
Clear.
‐ Chen, are you okay?
‐ Mark.
‐ Yeah.
‐ You okay? You okay?
‐ Mark!
‐ What?
A rhythm.
We've got a rhythm.
[siren wailing]
What's that?
You never know.
I better get back.
You coming in?
No, I'm gonna get
my car and go home.
Okay, well, it was good
to meet you.
Thank you.
[instrumental music]
[siren wailing]
[theme music]
(male narrator)
Previously on "ER.."
There's a drug rehab center
'in Atlanta that specializes'
in treating doctors
with addiction.
Forget it. Forget it.
‐ This is your only chance.
‐ Great. I quit.
If you end up like your cousin,
some babbling gork in a..
[crying]
It's alright, man.
[instrumental music]
[doorbell buzzing]
‐ Hey.
‐ Name?
Dr. Carter. Somebody, uh,
should have called ahead.
Okay, all the information
is confidential
and you can have
a seat over there.
‐ Thank you.
‐ 'Mm‐hmm.'
90 days?
This is a three‐month program?
Yeah, I‐I‐I
guess so.
Can you send me
some clothes
or they issue
prison garb here?
‐ You okay?
‐ This pen doesn't work.
Do you have a pen?
‐ He's diaphoretic and cramping.
‐ We'll take care of it.
‐ When?
‐ Soon.
And he's got the tremors.
He needs something.
‐ You should go now.
‐ What?
It's important that
he checks himself in.
‐ Right.
‐ Mm‐hmm.
There.
You, uh..
You're good from here?
Yeah, I guess so.
Carter, you can do this.
[heavy breathing]
Hey, you got
any Compazine?
I'll give you something after
group if you're still nauseous.
‐ Group?
‐ Yeah.
Group therapy.
‐ When is that?
‐ Now.
In the middle of the night?
The entire group meets
whenever a new patient arrives.
Ready?
No, I need
to lie down.
You'll make it.
Group therapy is not
what I need right now.
If you wanna be
in the program
you do the program.
Otherwise you can leave
and when you
want a fix
you can score down
on Tenth and Piedmont
which is six blocks
down, one block over.
Those guys are out
there all night.
[clearing throat]
(male #1)
'John Carter?'
Yes.
[theme music]
[music continues]
Security! Security!
‐ See, I put the needle down!
‐ I said no needles!
I told you
to put him in restraints.
I did. Lily, could you get
extra security down here?
‐ On their way!
‐ 'Did you give him Haldol?'
The toilet's clogged
in the men's restroom.
‐ So unplug it.
‐ No plunger, closet is locked.
Hey, Malucci, what is Mr. Hunter
still doing out here?
Transpo's backed up,
half the guys staged
a sympathy sick‐out
to support the janitors.
Then take him
down there yourself.
Why can't we just give
these guys their raise?
I'll recommend you
for the negotiating committee.
Um, what about
the maintenance closet‐‐
I don't know,
Malik! Use some initiative.
Pick the lock.
Take a fire axe to it.
‐ I really don't care.
‐ Okay.
Oh, my God,
can somebody please
put Mr. Spencer
in an exam room?
‐ 'Excuse me.'
‐ What?
We've been waiting
here for a while.
‐ Shouldn't we be do something?
‐ Any plumbing experience?
(Mark)
'Well, what happened?'
You know what, Mark?
Just don't start
with me, okay?
‐ What?
‐ Custodial staff is on strike.
Yeah, so they had to
destroy the Admit Desk?
This is a remodel,
open floor plan.
It's supposed
to be safer.
I've already
scratched myself
on a nail twice.
Make sure you update
your tetanus.
Where are my fans?
Workin' on it.
What's the deal?
I don't know, you know,
the construction workers
won't cross
the picket line.
Oh, you mean
those three guys
I saw out there
with signs?
Hey, Mark, how was
your vacation?
‐ It was good.
‐ Did you go anywhere?
Wisconsin Dells.
Just camping.
I just drove
back this morning.
Where's the board
supposed to go?
Don't ask.
They weren't
supposed to take the wall.
We're not supposed
to talk about it.
Cleo, you got
that covered?
‐ Yeah.
‐ I hate needles!
‐ Hi, Dr. Greene.
‐ Hey, hi..
Uh, is it me or do
those med students
look like 12‐year‐olds?
How long have
they been waiting?
‐ Three hours.
‐ Two and a half.
‐ I'll take them.
‐ Yeah, be my guest.
But make sure
you see some patients.
‐ Malik?
‐ What?
Malik!
Strong, steady heartbeat.
The amount of amniotic fluid
is normal.
Everything looks fine.
Now, I've got a good angle here
if you wanna know the sex.
(Chen)
'Sure.'
You...are
having a boy.
'Congratulations.'
Thank you.
'Your, um,
blood sugar level is normal'
'but you're
a little anemic.'
'You takin' any Iron?'
Uh, yes.
Have you arranged with Kerry
to take some time off
after the baby's born?
Oh, um, no, not yet.
You still have time.
Actually, I haven't
told anyone yet.
'I think you
may want to.'
I don't see how you can
keep this a secret much longer.
Yeah.
So what are you
supposed to talk about
in an exit interview anyway?
That you don't have
all the answers.
No argument there.
You scared?
I don't remember
the last time I wasn't scared.
Good.
What? That's it?
"Be afraid. Be very afraid?"
We're like
the army, okay?
We break you down, make
you face your addiction
then we build you up.
You start to function.
You feel healthy, confident.
Don't worry. Pride
is what got me into this.
Yeah, and deep down
you feel like this
is something that just
happened to you, right?
No, I took responsibility,
I take responsibility.
But I'm gonna
get my life back.
It's not gonna beat me.
Yeah.
That's what I thought.
The first
three times.
But I hope you do.
Day or night..
...if you ever
need to talk.
Are we done?
You're just
getting started.
Is this where I'm supposed
to say thank you?
‐ Some people do.
‐ Thank you.
You're welcome.
Someone's still
on vacation time, I see.
‐ Sorry.
‐ That's alright.
Peter was helping me
hang this straight.
‐ How's that look?
‐ Great.
‐ Yeah
‐ Did you finish the interview?
I was just getting
to that.
Okay, so where were we
'before we left off last time?'
You were just about
to give me the job.
Developing a sense
of humor, Peter.
That's progress.
You get points for that.
Uh, why don't we discuss
faculty responsibilities?
Um, Peter, as an attending,
you'd be responsible
for supervising
resident research.
I look forward to that.
Liar.
I like working
with residents.
You mean you like
abusing them.
You don't exactly have
the best track record
in the research department.
‐ That can change.
‐ 'Uh‐huh.'
'Where else
have you applied?'
What?
‐ Where else did you apply?
‐ You can't ask me that.
Oh, no. Someone call
the interview police.
'Has anyone
offered you anything?'
You're not supposed
to ask me that either.
Oh, come on, Peter,
it's a simple question.
I've looked elsewhere,
as a backup
but I'd like to stay here
as an attending.
Okay. Was that so difficult?
Elizabeth, what are
you doing?
Uh...my hands itch
for some reason.
Well, cut it out.
It's distracting.
Linear vesicles,
probably a Phytodermatitis.
Are you allergic
to any plants?
‐ I don't think so.
‐ Do you have a garden?
I went camping.
Tell me you know
what poison ivy looks like.
Poison ivy?
‐ Is that in Wisconsin?
‐ Oh, boy.
Sorry, Peter, I gotta run.
We'll have to finish this later.
When?
'Um, my office
will reschedule.'
'Good luck
with that, Lizzie.'
He's never gonna
give me this job.
Of course he will,
he's just being Robert.
Don't scratch.
'You should put
Hydrocortisone TID on it.'
If it gets any worse, you
can get a shot of steroids.
It won't spread, will it?
Well, that depends
on what you touched last
before you washed your hands.
Oh, dear.
These are your
orientation packets.
Why don't you guys
have a seat over there
and read them over, okay?
Then we'll give
you the tour.
We'll go over charts,
order sheets
and discharge
instructions.
Any questions?
Remember,
you're students.
The only stupid question
is the one you don't ask.
‐ Dr. Greene?
‐ Yeah.
‐ Well, I have a question.
‐ What?
Is something wrong with
the Australian boys?
‐ Who?
‐ You're scratchin' down under.
Oh, yeah. Yeah.
Doesn't make a good
first impression.
Pickman, what have you got?
Mike Palmieri, 17,
wide receiver.
Got hi‐lowed in midair.
Brief LOC, complains
of neck and chest pain.
Can he move extremities?
Because of numbness in the hands
we didn't take the helmet off.
Okay. Malucci, I got it.
Give the med
students the tour.
I gave it last rotation.
Then you're getting
good at it.
Okay, Mike, I'm Dr. Greene.
Can you squeeze both my hands?
My neck's not broken, is it?
Yeah,, we're gonna
check you out.
Mike, does your chest hurt?
A little. The safety speared me
with his helmet on the way down.
He's tachy at 120.
BP's 110/68.
Good breath sounds
bilaterally.
That's illegal.
Second play of the game.
Let's get him
on a pulse ox.
They were looking
to take me out.
Who's that? The other team?
They're our rivals.
It's their homecoming.
'Do you wanna
push any drugs?'
Sure, one amp of epi
and a mig of Atropine.
Does she have a pulse?
Oh, she's dead.
I know.
Like blue dead.
Pulse ox 65.
That's because
she's dead.
Her husband drove her in.
‐ Oh. Right.
‐ Luka, you okay in here?
‐ Yeah, I've got it, Kerry.
‐ Still asystole.
As long as we're faking it,
can one of the med students
'practice CPR?'
No, go out and
tell him we are
'doing everything we can,
but his wife is very sick.'
She can't get any sicker.
Malucci, please.
Go on. Go on.
Give the poor man some time
to prepare himself.
No problem, chief.
I can act with the best
of 'em. Watch this.
(Malik)
'She's still flatline.
Wanna do a fluid bolus?'
(Luka)
'No, that's okay.'
Abby.
‐ Abby!
‐ Yeah.
The registrar didn't put your
name on my roster.
You sure you're back
on the ER rotation?
That's what
my schedule says.
Okay, they must
be backed up
'cause of the strike.
‐ Checkin' out?
‐ Yeah.
Dr. Benton called
to confirm your flight
and he said he'd pick
you up at the gate.
Thanks.
[instrumental music]
Goodbye, Margaret.
Good luck, Dr. Carter.
[music continues]
Where did he go?
He was in the hallway
with Malucci a minute ago.
Here's her medication.
Forgot it in the car.
She's on Elavil and Codeine
for arthritis.
Have a seat, Mr. Bristo.
You‐you don't need these?
Mr. Bristo, your
wife has suffered
a massive heart attack.
We exhausted all medical
resources available to us
but the damage
to her heart
was beyond our capabilities
to save her.
She died, Mr. Bristo.
I'm sorry.
You see?
I should've called
the ambulance sooner
I should've
gotten her here quicker.
There was..
...nothing you could've
done differently
that would have saved her.
'It was just her time.'
'Would you like
to see her?'
Okay.
(Elizabeth)
'How was I supposed
to know?'
‐ Whoa, excuse us.
‐ Sorry.
Haven't you ever heard
of "Leaves of three, let it be?"
What?
"Leaves of three,
let it be."
As in don't touch.
Sorry.
We don't have
poison ivy in England
leaves of three
or any other kind.
Oh, man.
‐ Let me see.
‐ No, no.
‐ Mark, don't be shy.
‐ You've done enough damage.
Well, do you have it?
Yes, I have it.
Who picks poison ivy?
I was making
a wildflower bouquet.
Mark, C‐spine's back
on the football player.
Thanks.
When you went skinny‐dipping
in the lake
I got bored.
You do remember
what happened
after you got out
of the water?
‐ Yes, a big price to pay.
‐ Mark.
I have to start worrying
about where you've been?
It's not that horrible.
Yeah, you've only
got it on your hands.
Mike, X‐ray is normal.
His mom's here,
out in chairs.
Okay, uh, why don't you
get off the helmet and pads
and I'll be right back.
Does that mean
I can go?
Not yet.
So, do you want
the cream or the shot?
Probably both.
Fine. I'll get them.
‐ Mrs. Palmieri?
‐ Yes?
Hi, I'm Dr. Mark Greene.
Good news. Mike's uh,
neck X‐ray came back normal.
No fractures,
or swelling.
Why were his hands numb?
He's probably hyperventilating.
That can cause
a little numbness.
‐ But no nerve damage?
‐ No.
No broken bones,
no spinal cord injury.
‐ No paralysis.
‐ Thank you.
Thank you.
Can I see him?
Sure.
Here you go.
‐ What's your name again?
‐ Priya Shailendra.
Priya, do you remember
where Trauma One is?
‐ I think so.
‐ Could you take Mrs. Palmieri?
‐ Certainly.
‐ Thank you.
This way, please.
Malucci?
Hey, Dr. Greene.
How's that jock itch?
I thought I told you
to supervise the med students.
You told me to give
them the tour. I did.
Why don't you show them
the charting system?
I'm kinda jugglin'
eight patients here.
Have them help you.
Hold this.
Hey, Cleo, you're up
with the med students.
‐ Says who?
‐ Dr. Greene.
Then Dr. Greene can ask me.
It's not infected,
Mr. Fletcher but
I'm gonna have
to debride it again.
No, leave it alone.
Well, I would
if you changed
the dressings
four times a day
like I told you.
I'm not a damn nurse.
How'd it go?
It didn't. Romano postponed.
Again? What's wrong with him?
He's a maniacal sadist.
‐ What did you call me?
‐ Not you, Mr. Fletcher.
Is this machine working?
I feel like I'm drowning.
It takes longer when
you're fluid‐overloaded.
This happens when
you're three days
late for your dialysis.
I told you my son
didn't have time
'to drive me
to the clinic.'
What's wrong
with this picture?
‐ Hmm?
‐ Those med students.
'Not a black face
in the bunch.'
That doesn't
concern you?
(Benton)
'I see five.'
'Not exactly
a representative sample.'
I'm glad you take
such an active interest.
You're gonna have to hold your
foot still, Mr. Fletcher.
She your wife?
Hmm? No, no, no.
She talk like she your wife.
Yes, yes, yes.
[both chuckling]
I brought you a chair,
Mr. Bristo.
Someone will be by
to take her downstairs
but it could
take a while.
Do you have a funeral home
you'd like to use?
I could call them.
We have two plots,
but Florence took care of it.
I forget the name.
Okay, well,
if you remember.
Can I stay with her?
As long as you like.
That's very
decent of you
to work on his
wife like that.
Part of the job.
Well, no.
He's really shaken.
It could be a lot
worse if he thought
he was responsible.
He does.
He's alive, she's not.
I wonder how long
they were married.
I don't know.
Forever, probably.
How long have you?
What?
Been married?
I'm not.
Well, I‐I thought someone
told me you were married.
I‐I was, but my‐my divorce
became final last month.
‐ Sorry.
‐ D‐don't be. I'm not.
Lockhart. Is that
your name or his?
It's his,
but I'm keeping it
because it's the only good thing
I got out of the whole mess.
Why? What was your name before?
Wyczenski.
Right. Lockhart is better.
Have you seen
Dr. Greene?
Suture room,
I think.
Oh, Dr. Weaver's
looking for you.
‐ Me?
‐ Yeah.
Dr. Greene..
Sorry, sorry!
It's okay, Haleh.
I'm just getting a shot.
I didn't see anything.
What's up?
Mike Palmieri is having
trouble breathing.
Complained of chest pains
when we removed the pads.
Alright, I'll
be right there.
[snickering]
You done?
All done.
Keep laughing,
flower girl.
You're welcome.
Thanks a lot.
Mike, how's your breathing?
(Mike)
'A little sore.'
Okay, tell me
if this hurts.
BP's stable,
115/70. Satting at 98.
‐ There.
‐ Okay. Any belly pain?
No.
Are you sure?
[Mike groans]
Okay, Haleh,
book a CT
and let's sit him up.
Where's your mom, Mike?
She went to check
on the score for me.
If we're losing,
I need to get back.
Well, we need to take
another picture
of your chest and belly
just to make sure
everything's okay.
Well, how long
does that take?
Relax, Mike,
you're gonna be
with us for a while.
Mrs. Palmieri.
‐ What happened?
‐ Nothing serious.
Mike might have
a broken rib
and I need to get
a CAT scan
just to make sure that
it didn't nick his liver.
His liver?
What does that mean?
Well, it all
depends but
it's really
a remote possibility.
I just wanna
make sure.
I knew something like this
was gonna happen.
I hate that
he plays football.
I hate it, but it
keeps his grades up.
He‐he's not a great
student but he has to keep
good grades to
play, so I let him play.
I‐I'm sure everything is
gonna be just fine, okay?
I'll check back with
you after the scan.
Chen.
‐ Chen!
‐ Yes?
‐ Are you okay?
‐ Uh, yeah, great.
Can you find Dr. Corday
and have her meet me at CT?
Uh‐huh, no problem.
BP 136/28, pulse 125.
They nailed me
after the play.
The refs didn't even call it.
Draw up some Demrol.
Open tibial fracture.
Titrate 100,
slow IV push.
55! That's the number
of the guy who hit Mike!
It was a clean hit.
GSW on the way
crashing in the rig.
Okay, Frank,
what's open?
Stiff in Trauma Two.
Other than that, we're booked.
Clear it.
Chen, take this guy.
‐ Yep, got it.
‐ You led with your helmet.
You're not supposed
to lead with your helmet!
Ma'am, you'll have to wait
back in chairs.
‐ It was an accident!
‐ It was a cheap shot!
What do you call
breaking my leg on purpose?
Payback!
Thank you.
(female #1)
'Sir? Sir?'
Thank you.
Can I get a gin
and tonic, please?
'Anything for you, sir?'
No, thank you.
From Atlanta, or Chicago?
Uh, Chicago.
Atlanta on business?
No.
Vacation?
I was just visiting a friend.
So, what do you do
for a living?
I'm a teacher,
high school English.
Wow, and you fly
first class, huh?
They must pay teachers
pretty well in Chicago, huh?
Excuse me.
[sniffs]
Mr. Bristo?
They needed the room.
Oh, okay, well,
don't worry.
We'll find her
another room.
‐ Are they coming to get her?
‐ Yeah.
Soon, they're
coming soon.
Lost a pulse!
Starting compressions!
‐ What's in the monitor?
‐ PEA.
Amp of epi,
squeeze in the blood.
Dr. Weaver, Malucci has an
assaulted cheerleader coming in.
‐ Bat to the face.
‐ Okay. Get Mark.
‐ He's in CT‐‐
‐ Got a pulse!
Increase dopamine.
Get him up to the OR.
Are you finished
in the Trauma Room?
Yeah. Abby, I'm glad
I saw you.
I need to talk
to you 'cause..
Somebody find
Kovac, please?
This man's wife died
and we told him
that he could wait
until transpo comes‐‐
I know.
We'll lean on them.
Look, I checked with the medical
school registrar and..
...they've retracted
your clerkship.
‐ What?
‐ BP's 130/90.
Is that from
the football game, too?
Yeah, someone choked
her in the bathroom.
Yeah, something about
a delinquent tuition notice.
Uh, my ex‐husband was supposed
to pay that. I apologize.
No need to apologize.
Well, I'll get
it paid by tomorrow.
Abby, you don't understand.
You need to go home.
You're not covered
to work on patients.
No, I'll‐I'll work it out
with the registrar.
Once a clerkship is pulled,
it's pulled.
Nothing I can do,
you have to wait
till the next
academic quarter.
In‐in three months?
Sorry, dean's decision.
Turn in your lab coat
and your ID to Frank.
'Okay, prep for an intubation.
Hang the Mannitol.'
'40 of Lasix.
She needs a Foley.'
'Give me some
gloves, somebody. Move!'
(Malik)
'Pressure's sky‐high.
180/120.'
(Weaver)
'Bolus her with 100 of
Lidocaine, 75 of sux..'
[dramatic music]
What's this for?
‐ Whoa, whoa!
‐ Sorry. Sorry.
Abby, what's wrong?
Abby?
'Abby?'
Oh, you got
cleaned up, huh?
‐ Yeah.
‐ Looks good.
Thank you.
I'd choose the fish
if I were you.
The steak looks...ew.
I'm not hungry.
Excuse me, Dr. Carter.
Were you smoking
in the lavatory?
Yes.
Then you're in
violation of Federal Law
punishable by a $2,000 fine
and imprisonment.
Do I need to have the Marshals
meet us at the gate?
No. It won't happen again.
Do you have the butt with you?
Alright then.
Doctor, huh?
(Mark)
'Mrs. Palmieri.'
What is it?
Apparently the blow
to Michael's chest
caused a little
internal bleeding.
Some of it in the sac
surrounding his heart.
Oh, God,
that sounds serious.
It can be, but
right now there's
only a small amount.
But we need to operate
to drain the blood
before it restricts
function.
Open‐heart surgery?
No, we go through
the upper abdomen.
A very small incision.
It's a really
simple procedure.
‐ I just need you to sign the‐‐
‐ Now?
I just need you
to sign the consent.
You're gonna do
the surgery now?
Right now Mike's
blood pressure is stable
which is a good sign
'but more blood
could accumulate.'
We need to do
the operation immediately
to avoid an emergency
procedure down here.
You just need
the one signature, right?
Right. I couldn't find his
father if I wanted to.
‐ One is enough.
‐ 'Alright.'
What's the big emergency?
‐ I'm here.
‐ I didn't call ya.
Robert.
Kerry, look, if you're
gonna leave messages
with my assistant,
don't also page me.
It gets annoyingly
redundant after a while.
Sorry to inconvenience
you, Robert
but we have a real
crisis down here.
Yeah? And?
And it's become
a health hazard.
If somebody calls
the County, we'll be fined.
But someone's not going
to call the County, is she?
Look, Robert,
housekeeping won't clean
any sheets, or towels.
I need the nurses here.
It's not their job anyway
to be doing‐‐
Look, Kerry,
what do you want me to say?
Troubleshoot.
It's called being a manager.
You need to end
this strike‐‐
You find me the half million
year it'll take to meet
their demands
I'll be happy to do that.
Peter, keeping
banker's hours?
I've been on since 5:00.
Yeah, well,
you got a sec?
‐ Actually, I've got to go‐‐
‐ No, no, no.
Wait, wait, come on,
let's finish this.
‐ What?
‐ The interview.
‐ Walk with me.
‐ What about Elizabeth?
I let her sit in
to make her feel important
but it's my decision,
so...let's talk turkey.
I know you've got
the surgical skills.
I don't question that,
I do however
question your loyalty.
My loyalty lies
with my patients.
As it should but,
and don't take
this the wrong way, Peter.
You have a real propensity
for being
a pain in the ass.
I'm not gonna jump you,
you homophobe.
‐ Damn janitors.
‐ You should try paying them.
You see? You see,
now that's exactly my point.
Instead of trying
to understand my problems
you immediately champion
the opposition.
‐ The janitors?
‐ 'Yeah, whoever.'
Peter, look, if I'm gonna give
you a faculty position
I've gotta be sure that you're
gonna be part of the team.
‐ Specifically my team.
‐ Of course.
Of course, what?
Of course
I'll be a part of the team.
Then, I can expect
your full commitment?
No whining, no complaining,
no excuses about your kid
or your cat, or whatever.
I don't have a cat.
Splendid! You're hired.
Congratulations, Peter.
You're a free man.
Delivered from
the shackles
of your residency
and fellowship.
You're gonna have
to dry your hands first.
Yeah, right.
Oh, well, it wasn't me.
You selfish
son of a bitch!
Whoa!
Well, hello, Abby.
Is this fun for you?
Or is it like an addiction?
Do you wake up
in the morning thinking.
"How am I going
to screw Abby today?"
Okay, what's the problem?
My problem is, I just lost
three months of med school,
three months I can't make up.
'Three months that
put me exactly one year'
behind on my residency.
This is about
your tuition?
Yes, it's about
my tuition!
Will you calm down?
I was gonna call you.
The IRS disallowed our
'97 home office‐‐
I don't wanna
hear one more lie
or lame excuse out of your
arrogant, condescending mouth.
They were gonna hit us
with a huge penalty.
This was important to me.
And you knew it,
so you ruined it!
Can you be a little
more dramatic?
I put you through med school.
You were gonna put me
through med school.
You did not put me
through med school.
My student loans
put me through‐‐
‐ I fed, clothed, sheltered you.
‐'Student loans I still pay.'
Along with a house,
your condo and two cars.
Don't forget the apartment
for the whore.
I assume
you're cheating on
the whore with another whore.
‐ Alright, just stop it.
‐ 'No, you stop it.'
Haven't you done
enough already?
I didn't make you unhappy,
depressed and miserable.
You did that all by yourself.
‐ Screw you, Richard.
‐ Right, screw me.
‐ That's right, screw you.
‐ Screw me!
Screw you!
Yeah, you're the one
who decided
you wanted more.
You're the one who decided
you could change your life‐‐
‐ Spineless, spiteful ass.
‐ So screw me!
‐ Are you done?
‐ No.
You are in violation
of our divorce agreement.
I am hiring a lawyer
and I am getting
my tuition money.
Hell, Abby, do me a favor.
Why don't you take it all?
Take the debt with it.
Shut up, jag‐off.
‐ Hey, Nat.
‐ Hey, Dr. Benton.
Still plugging
away, huh?
You know it.
What are you doing?
Go around the other
way, would you?
Yeah, Nat,
I'm late, man.
The news is here.
Alright, brother.
Good luck.
Thanks.
Chen?
I'm on break.
Right.
You alright?
Uh...yeah.
Peter, good.
You're still here.
We got a mass
cas coming in
a riot at a high school
football game.
Actually, I was just leaving
to pick up somebody.
Not anymore.
[indistinct chatter]
[sirens wailing]
Blunt abdominal trauma.
BP's low at 90 palp.
I gave him two liters
of saline.
‐ What happened?
‐ Bleachers collapsed.
Get two units O‐neg,
draw pre‐op labs.
‐ Ultrasound?
‐ You bet.
Also, page me if anything
changes, alright? Go.
Drop an NG
and check his urine.
Shoot a chest
and a pelvis.
Sorry.
And everybody
just started swingin'.
‐ You okay, Cleo?
‐ Yeah.
Hey, doc, they need you.
Damn kids jumped a teacher
in the parking lot.
Head trauma,
maybe a collapsed lung.
Short of breath.
BP 100/70, pulse 120.
Mitch, do you have any
pain in your chest?
It hurts.
Titrate another six
of morphine.
Page ortho and vascular.
Elizabeth, what
are you doing here?
I thought you'd
be operating.
Mitch, is that you?
What happened?
Half the rooms are empty
but filthy
because of this
custodial work stoppage.
‐ Lily.
‐ You doin' okay?
Yeah, they gotta
operate but, who won?
‐ Where are we goin'?
‐ Nobody.
Try an exam room,
get an EKG, chest X‐ray
and find me when
the femur film is up.
How long before
you can get an OR?
I don't know,
the nurses are cleaning
but there's a leaking
Triple‐A going up first.
We're gonna keep him down here
and do a Pericardiocentesis.
All of this so
that housekeeping
doesn't get an extra
dollar an hour.
So, I don't need
the operation anymore?
No, you just have to wait
a little bit longer.
Hang in there, Mike.
If you're gonna chuck
my guy with your helmet
don't whine about
a little payback.
You did it on purpose,
you faggot!
Yeah? You want some more‐‐
Hold still,
or I'll put you in restraints.
What did they
hit you with?
The pavement.
Frank, Frank, what's open?
Nothing, nothing's open.
I can't believe this.
I mean, it's just a game.
Is the nurse taking me up?
We're gonna have to drain some
of the blood down here.
You said he was going
straight to surgery.
I know, but it can
take a while to prep
and drape and
anesthetize him
and his cardiac echo
shows that the effusion's..
Crush injury at
70 palp despite a fluid bolus.
Respiratory status?
Intubated for agonal
respirations.
Two units of O‐neg
on the rapid infuser
and set up for a supraumbilical
peritoneal lavage.
Damn! I'm never gonna
get out of here.
Pulse 140, satting at 92.
‐ Med student, what's your name?
‐ Ryan, Ryan Bradford.
Ryan, get over here.
I need your help now, move!
That's not so bad.
This is the little needle
to numb you
for the big needle.
Oh.
But you're a tough guy.
You can take it.
BP's 90.
I can't believe all this
fighting started over me.
You're a popular guy.
He looks so pale.
Mrs. Palmieri, perhaps
you should wait outside
during the actual procedure.
‐ I can't stay?
‐ I'm okay, mom.
'I'm just
a little tired.'
Haleh.
This way, ma'am.
I love you.
I love you, too, mom.
Alligator clip.
‐ He's in Tamponade, Mark.
‐ I know.
‐ Mike, how you feeling?
‐ Pulse ox down to 78.
Mike?
Mike? Mike, open your eyes.
8‐0 ET tube.
I'll intubate.
He's still breathing.
Not for long.
Just keep an eye
on the injury current.
Just get that needle in.
[machine beeping]
(Bradford)
'Dr. Carter?'
‐ Are you Dr. Carter?
‐ Yeah.
Hi, I'm Ryan Bradford.
I'm a third‐year.
The ER got slammed and
Dr. Benton asked me
to come down and pick you up.
Oh...great.
Need a hand with that?
No, no. I‐I got it.
We're back this way.
‐ 'Where are you going?'
‐ Pre‐op, he needs an ex‐lap.
Whoa! No, there's
no room. Forget it.
No, he's stable.
He can wait upstairs.
‐ What's his BP?
‐ BP's 140/60.
Alright, grab the head
injury in three.
Alright.
Hey, Malik, you got this?
Yeah, I got it.
Go on.
Hey, sir?
Sir, are you alright?
Sir?
Malik! I need a gurney now!
Oh, my God.
Malik!
Hey, you, come here!
‐ What did I do?
‐ Help me move this man.
'Now! Come on!'
Sats are up to 92.
You want me to try?
No, he has weird anatomy.
I have to go more anterior.
I should be there.
Run of five, pull back.
Pressure's dropping
down to 70.
Give him another
liter of saline.
Look at the monitor.
Profound S‐T elevation.
Dammit! He's having an MI.
More PVC's.
A 100 of Lidocaine.
You must have transected
the coronary artery.
No, no, no, no, no!
It's a known complication.
You went in blind.
Prep the chest.
He should be upstairs right now.
(Corday)
'Mark.'
Thoracotomy tray!
What happened?
He swallowed a whole pharmacy
in the hall.
I found empty
bottles of Elavil
Codeine and Lorazepam.
‐ Did you give him Narcan?
‐ 'Yeah.'
Two migs times two.
Sats are dropping.
Resps eight and shallow.
Add an amp of bicarb.
Chem seven, CBC
and a tox screen.
Yeah, I'm in.
‐ Who's Florence?
‐ 'What?'
Well, the pills
say "Florence."
(Kovak)
'His wife.
She died this afternoon.'
Pericardium's
tight as a drum.
Metz.
Okay, start internal
compressions.
Need suction in here.
We've got a crowd.
Someone close the blinds.
Can you see anything?
Sponge stick.
Right there.
Laceration of the LAD.
‐ 'Can you repair it?'
‐ 'Not without bypass.'
(Mark)
'We've gotta do something.
I am not losing him.'
(Corday)
'Right. Let's open
some sterile IV tubing'
(Mark)
'The blinds! Now!'
(Ryan)
'I don't know how you
guys do that every day.'
'It's pretty intense.'
You sure get
to do a lot, you know
you just‐just jump right in.
'I was interested
in surgery, but..'
'I don't know, maybe
the ER's my thing?'
I guess if today's
any indication..
Never a dull moment, huh?
Yeah. Right.
(Corday)
'Tubing's in. There.'
(Greene)
'Hold compressions.'
It's a V‐fib.
Charge internal
paddles to 15.
Charging.
Clear.
Still in V‐fib.
Charge to 30.
Haleh.
Clear.
‐ Another amp of epi.
‐ Charge again.
50 of Lidocaine. Start
a drip at two per minute.
Clear.
Still in Torsade.
360. Magnesium
on board?
That's four grams.
Isuprel's pouring in.
Clear.
Asystole.
It's the Tricyclics.
We'll never get
a rhythm back.
Maybe we could try
overdrive pacing?
No.
He's been
down too long.
That's it.
Time of death...19:54.
Take him downstairs.
Make sure he's put
beside his wife.
You guys done in here? I've got
a stab wound to the thigh.
Yeah, we are done.
Come on, Mike, come on.
‐ How many units of blood?
‐ Six so far.
The heart's filling well.
He's not Hypovolemic.
When was the last epi?
Three minutes.
He's had two of Atropine?
Both amps are in.
Someone should
prep the mother.
The Dopamine's wide open?
For the last five minutes.
‐ Son of a bitch‐‐
‐ Mark.
Let's keep goin'.
You want me to
talk to her?
No, I should do it.
Chen!
Can you come take over
chest compressions?
Okay, let's go again
with the paddles.
Charge to 30.
Clear.
Hey, man,
what's going on?
Is he dying?
What's happening to him?
Hey, come on!
He's our friend!
Someone said
you had to shock him.
Is that true?
We've‐we've had
some complications.
What kind
of complications?
The needle poked
a hole in the artery
that supplies the blood
and oxygen to Mike's...heart.
Which caused him to
have a heart attack.
We opened up his chest
to repair the artery..
...but his heart has been
deprived of oxygen for too long
and it wasn't beating.
Oh, my God.
We're giving him
intravenous drugs..
...and shocking his heart.
There's been no response.
What does that mean?
What does that mean?
We might not
get him back.
What?
He could die.
But you said that this was
a simple procedure.
That he would be fine.
That he would
sail through this.
I know. I know,
Mrs. Palmieri.
This is an exceedingly
rare complication.
I don't care.
I don't care.
You fix him.
You fix my son!
‐ We'll try.
‐ No!
But..
You promised me.
I have to go back.
You promised me.
Is he gonna be alright?
You got to tell us, man.
We're working on him.
You got to
give us room!
Everybody back up!
Back up, guys.
Let the doctor through!
(Corday)
'Still in V‐fid.
Sats are dropping.'
(Haleh)
'Carotid pulse
with compressions.'
(Corday)
'Clear.'
‐ Anything?
‐ No. Again.
How long are
we going to go?
Until I say stop.
Clear.
We're out of epi.
Chen..
'...I want you to go
get some epi.'
Sure.
Crash cart.
Curtain Three.
Clear.
Excuse me.
The doctor told Mike's
mom he was gonna die.
Hey!
Hey! Hey!
[clamoring]
Malucci!
Are you alright?
‐ Whoa! Whoa!
‐ Stop it!
Hey! Put it down!
Stop it!
Hey, Break it up!
Break it up!
Get off of him!
Security, we've got
a problem down here.
Geez!
[clamouring]
What is going on
out there?
I don't know.
They just started fighting.
Clear.
‐ Chen, are you okay?
‐ Mark.
‐ Yeah.
‐ You okay? You okay?
‐ Mark!
‐ What?
A rhythm.
We've got a rhythm.
[siren wailing]
What's that?
You never know.
I better get back.
You coming in?
No, I'm gonna get
my car and go home.
Okay, well, it was good
to meet you.
Thank you.
[instrumental music]
[siren wailing]
[theme music]