Ep 8. Every Second Counts

Every Second Counts is the eighth episode of the first season of the American action-drama television series, Station 19. The episode aired on ABC on April 19, 2018, and was directed by Paris Barclay and written by Barbara Kaye Friend.

The episode begins with the firefighters of Station 19 being dispatched to a three-car collision on a highway, where they are quickly reminded that every second counts in their line of work. The chaotic scene leads to multiple injuries, including those of the drivers and passengers involved in the accident, as well as the firefighters who are on the scene. Captain Pruitt (Miguel Sandoval) oversees the operation, ensuring that everyone on the team is working together to manage the situation as effectively as possible.

Meanwhile, Andy (Jaina Lee Ortiz) learns that her father, whom she has a strained relationship with, has been diagnosed with cancer. Andy's father is in town for cancer treatment and has shown up at Station 19 unannounced, leading to an emotional conversation between the two. In addition to Andy dealing with her father's illness, Jack (Grey Damon) is still struggling with his PTSD and finds himself triggered by the accident on the highway.

As the episode progresses, the team struggles to keep up with the constant emergencies that they are called to and are forced to make some difficult decisions. They must determine how they will allocate their resources and whether they can handle another crisis. Pruitt tasks Andy with making the tough calls, which she initially struggles with but ultimately rises to the occasion.

The episode also sees the introduction of Ryan (Alberto Frezza), a police officer who is interested in asking Andy out on a date. However, given she’s dealing with her father's illness and managing the situation on the highway, she puts him off.

Every Second Counts is a tense episode that highlights the fast-paced and often dangerous work of firefighters. The lives of multiple people are in danger, and the firefighters from Station 19 must work together to ensure they do everything possible to save them. As Pruitt frequently reminds his firefighters, when it comes to emergencies, every second counts.