Ep 3. Friendly Fire

The episode "Friendly Fire" of ER's fourth season begins with the staff of County General Hospital dealing with a series of patients who were involved in an accident at a military base. The wounded soldiers are brought in by helicopter and rushed into the emergency room for treatment. As the medical team assesses the extent of their injuries, tensions run high due to the harrowing details about the incident that emerge.

Dr. Carter, played by Noah Wyle, takes charge of one of the patients, a soldier with a gunshot wound. While working to stabilize him, Carter uncovers a possible case of friendly fire that resulted in the patient's injury. As he investigates further, he becomes increasingly conflicted about whether to report his suspicions and jeopardize his relationship with the military officials who have been so helpful to the hospital.

Meanwhile, Dr. Weaver, portrayed by Laura Innes, is dealing with a patient who has been admitted with a head injury. She becomes convinced that the woman, who is unable to give her name or any other information about herself, is a victim of domestic violence. Weaver goes to great lengths to uncover the truth about the woman's past and struggles to balance her concern for her patient with the need to maintain the hospital's confidentiality policies.

The episode also focuses on the relationship between Dr. Greene, played by Anthony Edwards, and his girlfriend, Dr. Lewis, played by Sherry Stringfield. The couple is struggling to make time for each other amidst the stresses of their jobs, and tensions between them reach a boiling point. As they try to work through their issues, they are interrupted by a tragic event that pushes them to reevaluate their priorities.

Throughout the episode, the medical team at County General treats numerous patients with a variety of injuries, providing a glimpse into the fast-paced and high-pressure world of emergency medicine. From gunshot wounds to broken bones, the staff works tirelessly to save lives and provide comfort to those in need.

As always, the show is marked by its realistic portrayal of the medical field, with accurate medical jargon, complex ethical dilemmas, and fast-paced action. The performances of the cast are particularly strong in this episode, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their character's struggles.

Overall, "Friendly Fire" is a thought-provoking episode that delves into the complexities of the medical profession and the challenges faced by both doctors and patients in times of crisis. It is a must-see for fans of the show and anyone interested in the real-life drama of emergency medicine.