Ep 6. Legionnaires (1)

St. Elsewhere season 1 episode 6, titled "Legionnaires (1)", follows the staff at St. Eligius Hospital as they deal with a sudden outbreak of Legionnaire's Disease. The episode begins with a woman, Mrs. Hufnagel, being admitted to the hospital with flu-like symptoms. When her condition worsens, Dr. Griffin orders a chest x-ray and discovers that she has pneumonia.

Meanwhile, Phillip Chandler and Victor Ehrlich are treating a patient in the ER who has a persistent cough. He is initially diagnosed with bronchitis, but when his condition deteriorates, Chandler realizes that he may have Legionnaire's Disease. The staff quickly begins to suspect that there may be an outbreak, and the hospital goes into quarantine.

As they work to treat the infected patients and prevent the spread of the disease, the staff also has to deal with their own fears and anxieties. Dr. Westphall worries that his wife, who is in the hospital for a routine procedure, may be infected. Dr. Craig is frustrated by the lack of information and support from the health department. And Nurse Rosenthal is torn between her duty to care for her patients and her concern for her young daughter, who she may have exposed to the disease.

Throughout the episode, the staff must also deal with the reality that they may become infected themselves. Dr. Auschlander, who is already dealing with his own health issues, worries that he has been exposed. Dr. Fiscus, who is known for his hypochondria, becomes increasingly paranoid as he takes extreme measures to protect himself.

As the episode comes to a close, it becomes clear that the outbreak is far from over. The health department arrives to investigate, and Dr. Craig learns that the source of the outbreak may be a ventilation system in the hospital. The episode ends with the staff unsure of what the future holds, but united in their commitment to caring for their patients and each other.

"Legionnaires (1)" is a tense and gripping episode that explores the challenges faced by healthcare workers in the face of a major public health crisis. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of preparedness, communication, and teamwork in times of crisis, and a testament to the bravery and dedication of those who work in healthcare. With strong performances and a compelling storyline, this episode is a must-watch for fans of medical dramas.