Ep 16. Middle of Nowhere

In ER season 5 episode 16, titled "Middle of Nowhere," the bustling ER of Chicago's County General Hospital deals with a variety of cases, from a baby with a serious birth defect to a man with a history of mental illness who refuses medical treatment.

Dr. Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards) is dealing with the aftermath of his divorce, but when his ex-wife Rachel shows up unexpectedly with their daughter Rachel, he puts his personal issues aside to take care of the child, who is sick with a fever.

Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Benton (Eriq La Salle) is feeling the pressure of being a new father as he tries to balance his responsibilities at work with his duties as a parent. Dr. John Carter (Noah Wyle) is still reeling from the death of his mentor, Dr. Gant, but finds comfort in a surprising source.

As the day wears on, tensions rise in the ER as the staff deals with a high volume of patients and a shortage of resources. Dr. Kerry Weaver (Laura Innes) clashes with Dr. Doug Ross (George Clooney) over patient care and hospital policy, while Nurse Hathaway (Julianna Margulies) struggles to keep up with the workload.

Just when it seems like things couldn't get any worse, the ER receives a patient from a nearby prison who has been severely beaten. As the staff tries to save the man's life, they learn that he is a convicted murderer, leading to a heated discussion about the ethics of treating prisoners.

Throughout it all, the doctors and nurses of County General Hospital work tirelessly to save lives and provide the best possible care to their patients, even when the odds are stacked against them. "Middle of Nowhere" is a gripping and emotional episode that highlights the dedication and skill of the medical professionals who work in one of the busiest ERs in the country.