Neela, worn out after being on shift for over 24 hours, has to make a quick decision regarding an accident victim's torn aorta. Sarah's grandparents are in town, and Hank is rushed to the ER after collapsing during an outing. Gates tries to convey to Sam that his feelings for her are serious.

Kovac is in Chicago looking for hospice-care work. Neela's aorta surgery has caused an infection in her patient. Abby treats a teen who has been beaten up. Brenner continues to cause problems for the ER staff.