Ep 6. Fear of Flying

In ER season 3 episode 6, titled "Fear of Flying," the staff at County General Hospital are forced to deal with the aftermath of a small plane crash that has left several patients in critical condition.

As the episode opens, we see Dr. Susan Lewis (played by Sherry Stringfield) preparing to take a flight to Phoenix for a medical conference. However, when she encounters turbulence during takeoff, she experiences a panic attack and is unable to continue the flight. Back at the hospital, Dr. Mark Greene (played by Anthony Edwards) and the rest of the ER staff are busy dealing with the aftermath of a small plane crash. Several passengers have been rushed to the hospital, including a pregnant woman who has gone into premature labor and a man with severe abdominal injuries.

Meanwhile, Dr. John Carter (played by Noah Wyle) is dealing with his own anxieties about flying. His wealthy grandmother has offered to take him on a trip to Paris, but he is hesitant to accept due to his fear of flying. However, he eventually decides to face his fears and agrees to go on the trip.

As the episode progresses, we see the various characters grappling with their fears and anxieties. Dr. Lewis struggles to overcome her fear of flying, while Dr. Carter tries to overcome his fear of heights. Meanwhile, the ER staff works tirelessly to save the plane crash victims, with Dr. Greene leading the charge and using his expertise to coordinate their care.

As the episode reaches its climax, we see each character face their fears head-on. Dr. Lewis eventually manages to board a plane and make it to her conference, while Dr. Carter successfully makes it to Paris and even manages to enjoy himself despite his initial fears. And back at the hospital, the patients from the plane crash all receive the care they need, with some undergoing emergency surgeries to save their lives.

Overall, "Fear of Flying" is a poignant episode that touches on themes of fear, anxiety, and the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. It is an excellent example of the show's ability to balance high-stakes medical drama with compelling character development, making it a must-watch for fans of the series.