Ah, Winter, how cruel you can be. Though where I am, I wouldn’t mind some snow (this 70-degree weather is unacceptable). Anyway, the hour kicks off with Firehouse 51 responding to a massive car incident during a snowstorm with so many victims that doctors from Med—Ethan and Clark specifically—are on scene. Back at Med, the team prepares for triage, as there will be an influx of victims and with the storm, a shortage of supplies. The triage team, Dr. Latham and Connor, officially take charge of the emergency room.
“How can you make me do this?”
Dr. Wheeler and Connor treat a pregnant woman who at first seems fine but later hemorrhages badly. They are forced to do a C-section, and the mother requires an excess amount of blood. At first you think, hooray! The baby is fine, mom is fine, we’re good to go. But no—the amount of blood required for the mom sets the rest of the hospital short, and that shortage affects a family in the most nightmarish of ways.
Natalie and Will treat Josh and Benjamin, cousins, with critical injuries. Both boys need the same blood, and there’s only enough for one. While the doctors offer their medical expertise and advice, the decision ultimately lies with the parent with them—Benjamin’s mom. Problem is, Josh has the best chance of survival. No mother should ever have to make this decision! Susan takes the doctors’ advice and gives the blood to her nephew, which doesn’t sit well with the husband. I understand his anger and frustration at the situation, but how dare he ask, “What kind of mother are you?” Susan was forced to make an impossible decision. I would argue that considering someone else’s child, like your sister’s, is the ultimate sign of strength and selflessness.
Natalie suggests an emergency blood drive, but the blood can’t be cleared and approved in time to save Benjamin. Instead, Ethan offers to donate directly. Because his blood is routinely screened by the Navy, he’s cleared(ish) to directly donate. This was also an opportunity for a Will/Natalie moment, as she orchestrated the blood donation for his patient. We are slowly inching toward something with these two, and I’m honestly surprised it is taking as long as it is. I mean, come on, he tells her, “There are very few people I care more about.” This is happening soon, right? Please! I’m ready for it.
Side note: What is going on with Wheeler? Every time he’s been featured, he struggles. Perhaps the ER isn’t for him. But asking Sarah for meds? Something is going on. I appreciate the writers giving secondary characters meaningful stories, even in little snippets. I hope we see Dr. Wheeler’s story unfold in the coming weeks.
“I’ll breathe for you.”
Ethan treats a man, ironically named Mr. Winter, with severe burns who he quickly develops a strong attachment to. Though Ethan is desperate to save him, Dr. Latham insists he make Mr. Winter comfortable. Because of triage protocol, treating Mr. Winter only takes away supplies from patients who have a chance of survival. It doesn’t matter what the protocol may be, to give up on a patient has to be one of the hardest things for a doctor—especially someone like Ethan—to do. Even when Ethan accepts that he has to let go, he can’t do it before Mr. Winter’s wife arrives to say goodbye. He goes so far as to “breathe” for Mr. Winter when the machine is needed for another patient. But when Ethan is needed elsewhere and refuses to go, it’s Mr. Winter who stops the breathing. Sometimes in life, there aren’t goodbyes.
“You wanted my attention, and now you have it.”
Dr. Charles handles Jack Kellogg, a pain-in-the-rear man in the waiting room in need of a prescription refill. The guy could stand a lesson or ten in patience. Jack eventually storms out, and then plays a nasty trick on Dr. Charles. Dr. Charles receives a call from “Jack’s brother”, claiming that Jack has shot and killed himself. Considering what we know about Dr. Charles and his past with patients, he’s understandably—and unwilling to admit it—shaken. Oh, but Jack isn’t dead. Jack called to “get through to him” and will now feel the wrath of Dr. Charles as a result.
Closing thought: I could not be happier with Dr. Latham’s character development. He has been such a wonderful addition to the show and pairs surprisingly well with Connor. Through all the chaos of the show and having to decide who is treated and who isn’t, Connor envies Dr. Latham’s ability to remain unbiased and logical. But a lack of empathy doesn’t mean a lack of emotion, and as Dr. Latham puts it, “One can lack empathy but still feel compassion.”
What did you think of the episode? What’s going on with Dr. Wheeler? Any estimates on when Will and Natalie give it a go? Have you enjoyed Connor and Dr. Latham’s relationship? Share your thoughts below!
