Ep 3. Election

In Emergency! season 5 episode 3, titled Election, the Rampart General Hospital's physicians and staff members find themselves in the middle of a highly contested hospital board election. The opposition between the two candidates, the incumbent Dr. John Brackett and his rival Dr. Herbert Edelman, has become so fierce that they are both determined to win the election at any cost, including compromising the quality of healthcare that Rampart provides.

The episode begins by introducing us to the main characters in the show, including John Gage and Roy DeSoto, two paramedics who regularly work with the doctors and nurse of Rampart. We also see a group of doctors from the hospital express their support for Brackett and their frustration with Edelman, who they believe does not understand the complexities of running a hospital. They argue that he is more interested in using the hospital as a platform to advance his political career.

Meanwhile, Edelman is shown to be just as determined to win the election as Brackett. He campaigns relentlessly, often using unethical tactics to sway the voters. His strategies include making false accusations against Brackett, spreading rumors about him, and even staging a false medical emergency to show the hospital's shortcomings.

As the election draws closer and the tension between Brackett and Edelman escalates, the staff at Rampart tries to continue their work as normal. However, they soon realize that the election is having a direct impact on their ability to provide medical care. Edelman, for example, is shown to be causing delays and bottlenecks in the system by demanding special treatment for his supporters.

Despite their best efforts to stay neutral, Gage and DeSoto find themselves caught up in the conflict when they rush a patient to the hospital only to find the lobby crowded with Edelman supporters, preventing them from getting to the emergency room. The situation quickly gets out of hand, and Gage and DeSoto are forced to intervene to ensure that the patient gets the care they need.

Throughout the episode, we see the impact that the election is having on the hospital, with doctors and nurses struggling to do their jobs amidst the chaos and confusion. The personal and professional toll of the escalating conflict is also shown, as Brackett and Edelman both face mounting pressure as the election approaches.

In the end, the election results are revealed, and the staff at Rampart has mixed reactions to the outcome. Some are relieved that Brackett has won, believing that he is the best person for the job, while others are disappointed that Edelman was not able to bring about the change that they had hoped for.

Overall, Emergency! season 5 episode 3, Election, is a compelling and insightful exploration of the impact that politics can have on the world of medicine. The tension and conflict that arise from the election are depicted in a realistic and nuanced way, with the show providing a stark reminder of the importance of putting patients first.