A water slide collapse and ongoing cyberattacks create new challenges for Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center in The Pitt season 2 episode 9.
The Pitt season 2 episode 9 (Image via Instagram/@thepittpage)
The Pitt season 2 episode 9 shows how a water slide collapse threatens to overwhelm Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center while the hospital continues to operate without digital systems due to cyberattacks.
According to a news report shown on a television in the hospital lobby, one person died and several others were injured when a water slide at a nearby water park collapsed.
Because other hospitals were affected by the cyberattacks, the injured patients are expected to be transported to PTMC.
The situation develops while the hospital is already managing increased patient numbers from Fourth of July incidents and the ongoing loss of electronic systems.
Multiple emergencies strain PTMC during ongoing cyberattack
Water slide collapse brings new patients to PTMC
At the end of the episode, Dana receives a call on PTMC’s red emergency phone. Donnie later notices a television broadcast in the hospital lobby reporting that a water slide at a nearby water park collapsed, leaving one fatality and multiple injuries.
The report indicates that several hospitals are affected by cyberattacks, which results in injured patients being directed to PTMC.
Medical personnel prepare for emergencies that require treatment of broken bones and fall-related injuries and potential drowning victims who were involved in the accident.
The hospital continues operating without any electronic systems since the cyberattack at the beginning of the current season.
Staff members use paper charts and manual procedures to track patients, process test orders, scan requests and medication prescriptions.
The episode shows how the organization lost its digital systems, which caused delays in processing X-rays and handling administrative duties.
The hospital experiences staffing shortages because the Fourth of July holiday period interrupts the season’s events.
The water park accident will bring many new patients to the hospital, but many doctors and nurses will not be immediately available to help.
Dr. Robby’s sabbatical plans raise concerns
Episode 9 also revisits Dr. Robby’s upcoming sabbatical. Earlier in the season premiere, he revealed plans to take a three-month motorcycle trip to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.
During a conversation near the end of the episode, Robby speaks with Dr. Whitaker about Whitaker’s relationship with Amy. He then asks Whitaker to watch his apartment while he is away on the trip.
Robby also tells him that if he does not return, Whitaker could continue using the apartment.
Shortly before that exchange, Dr. Abbot tells Robby to call him if the road trip becomes difficult, but Robby dismisses the suggestion.
Earlier in the season, Robby also stated that he had not yet found a therapist to address the trauma he experienced after the COVID-19 pandemic and the PittFest shooting in season 1.
Firecracker injury leads to social services review
Another patient case in the episode involves a young boy named Jude who lost several fingers after a firecracker exploded in his hand.
His sister Chantal later arrives at the hospital and explains that their parents were deported to Haiti, leaving her responsible for raising him.
Medical staff notice alcohol on Jude’s breath when he is admitted. Because of this, Dr. Robby contacts the hospital’s social worker to review the case.
Dr. Santos initially objects because she does not want Jude and Chantal to be separated.
After reviewing the situation, the social worker determines that the siblings will likely remain together for the time being.
However, the case raises the possibility that Jude could eventually be sent to live with his parents in Haiti even though he has never lived there.
Cyberattack complication leads to missed patient
The cyberattack also contributes to an error involving intern Victoria Javadi. With the hospital’s electronic tracking system unavailable, patients are recorded on a whiteboard.
Javadi fails to list one patient on the board, leaving the patient unnoticed for an extended period. The delay allows the patient to develop a sigmoid volvulus that requires immediate surgery.
Dr. Garcia addresses the mistake with Javadi, while Dr. Whitaker is unable to provide support because he is called away to treat another patient with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Mel’s sister receives treatment at PTMC
Another storyline involves Becca King, the sister of Dr. Mel King. Earlier in the season, Becca experienced stomach pain that was believed to be related to a urinary tract infection.
Later that day, she was admitted to the hospital.
Mel becomes concerned when she learns her sister has arrived, but she cannot conduct a full examination because she must attend a deposition related to her medical malpractice case.
Dr. Langdon evaluates Becca instead. Because Becca is autistic, he turns off the lights in the examination area, mirroring a similar accommodation he previously used when interacting with Mel earlier in the season.
