Ep 5. Prepare for the Worst
- May 2, 2005
- 44 min
In season 2 episode 5 of Untold Stories of the E.R., titled "Prepare for the Worst," viewers are taken through a series of harrowing tales from emergency rooms across the United States. The show features real-life situations where doctors and other medical professionals are forced to make split-second decisions that can mean the difference between life and death.
One of the first stories viewers encounter is that of a 62-year-old man who is admitted with chest pain and shortness of breath. His heart rate is over 200 beats per minute, and doctors quickly realize that he is in a life-threatening situation. They are forced to perform a cardioversion, a procedure that uses electricity to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm. The doctors must act quickly to save the man's life, and viewers watch in suspense as they struggle to stabilize his condition.
Another story featured in this episode centers around a 46-year-old man who is rushed into the emergency room after being hit by a car while crossing the street. The patient is unconscious and bleeding from the head, and doctors must work quickly to assess his injuries and stabilize him. They perform a CT scan to determine the extent of his head injuries, and the results are not encouraging. The doctors must prepare the man's family for the worst possible outcome, as they work to save his life.
Viewers are also introduced to a 60-year-old man who is admitted with a severe infection. The man has an abscess in his spinal cord, a condition that is particularly dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. Doctors must act quickly to drain the abscess and treat the infection, while monitoring the man's vital signs to ensure that his condition does not worsen.
Finally, this episode features the story of a 19-year-old woman who is admitted to the ER with a severe ankle injury. The young woman has been hiking in the mountains when she slipped and fell, fracturing her ankle in several places. Doctors must work quickly to reduce the swelling and stabilize the fracture, using surgical screws to hold the bones in place. Despite the severity of her injury, the young woman remains upbeat and determined to recover as quickly as possible.
Throughout "Prepare for the Worst," viewers are treated to a firsthand look at the intense pressure and life-and-death situations that doctors and medical professionals face every day in emergency rooms across the country. With real-life footage, expert commentary, and remarkable stories of survival, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of emergency medicine. Whether you are a medical professional yourself or simply a fan of medical dramas, "Prepare for the Worst" is an unforgettable glimpse into the high-stakes world of emergency medicine.