BASED ON THE WEBTOON SERIES
THE TRAUMA CODE: HEROES ON CALL
- Dr. Baek. His BP's dropping! - 50 over 30!
- Let me transfuse directly. - What?
- No. You can't! - We'll lose him otherwise.
One, two, three.
Gangster, make sure we have enough blood.
Yes, Doctor.
No. 1, we'll start with the abdomen.
- Start draping. - Yes, sir.
NAME: LEE HYEON-JONG, GENDER: MALE ABDOMINAL BULLET/NECROSIS REMOVAL
You may begin the surgery now.
- Energy device. - Here.
ENERGY DEVICE: USES HIGH FREQUENCY TO CAUTERIZE OR STANCH BLEEDING
Are you removing all of the infected small bowel?
It looks like at least one meter.
It's two meters.
All necrotic tissue must be removed for him to survive.
Irrigation.
We've at least finished clearing the source of infection.
We'll create a stoma and let the rest of the bowels rest.
What about the bullet?
We can't leave it inside.
We need to find it.
Will the patient hold up long enough?
The bullet is not in here.
It's in there.
The small bowel?
It needs to be in there.
If the bullet is still in his abdomen, I can't save him.
Take that outside and find it.
- Otherwise, it'll contaminate the OR. - Yes, Doctor.
Please come out already.
Come on.
Go rest if it's too much.
You deserve it. It's all right.
I'm okay, sir. He's my patient too.
This is it!
We're done with his abdomen.
Now we'll reconstruct his left arm.
His left arm?
With the bone cut out? How?
We'll replace the infected bone with the new one.
A new bone?
That's right.
Get an artificial bone.
Yes, sir.
ARTIFICIAL BONE GRAFT: TRANSPLANTING ARTIFICIAL BONE TO REPLACE DAMAGED BONE
Dr. Yang.
Nurse.
Just stay seated.
How are you feeling?
I'm all right.
- How is the patient? - The patient?
He's okay. Good vital signs.
That's a relief.
How are we getting home by the way?
Captain Lee's recovery will take a while.
Indeed. We can't just take any plane either.
- Hey. - Yes?
Where are we anyway?
A military base?
Actually,
Dr. Baek used to work here.
What?
Apparently, he was a medic in a mercenary group
called "Black Wings."
And the Black…
The Black Wings' African division is here in South Sudan.
Captain Lee was destined to live.
By the way,
the pay here is…
The pay?
Are they hiring nurses too?
Dr. Baek!
If you're done eating, let's go back to Korea.
Right now?
Are we getting an air ambulance?
Wait.
Wow.
It's better equipped than most ICUs.
Enough of that.
Just hurry along and check on the medication and devices.
Gyeong-won is bringing everything over.
Did I ask him to do it?
Dr. Park.
We need to talk.
Sure. Good talk.
Don't we have unfinished business?
I'll come right out and ask you.
Are you a mole?
Yes.
Did the director put you up to it?
Yes.
I won't tell Dr. Baek.
But in return,
I'd like you to take on all emergency surgeries.
Okay.
- What? - I will do it.
Is there anything else?
Wait a second.
If you were ready to give in so easily, why did you even bother spying?
Because someone had to do it.
If I didn't do it, someone else might have become a real mole.
I was going to apply to the Trauma Center after passing the boards.
So I don't want it to disappear.
- You're not crazy, are you? - Yes.
I'm crazy.
This is great!
I can't wait to work with you.
We need to get going. Dr. Baek is looking for you. Let's hurry.
Let's go, Dr. Park.
- Okay. - Dr. Park?
Hey. You like that? Tell me!
Hey. Are you ignoring me?
The plane carrying Captain Lee Hyeon-jong
departed South Sudan at 8:00 a.m. local time.
Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk was dispatched to South Sudan,
where he successfully completed surgery.
A decision was made to use an air ambulance for a faster transfer.
They are expected to arrive in Seoul soon.
Captain Lee Hyeon-jong's return is drawing widespread public attention.
Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk has proven his worth
and put to rest the allegations of cronyism.
He'll speak to the press upon his arrival.
Black Wings.
They're the world's largest PMC.
It seems the surgery took place there.
It turns out they also rented the air ambulance from them.
This is good. The public will eat this story up.
Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk
formerly worked for the PMC that arranged Captain Lee's surgery.
During his time as a medic,
he earned a substantial sum,
most of which he donated to be used to purchase medicine for refugees.
Sometimes, a single pill worth 1,000 won
can be more valuable than having a doctor on hand.
Wouldn't you agree?
They are here.
Welcome back. Thank you for your hard work.
I kept my promise and brought Captain Lee home alive.
This is about the EMS helicopter, right?
I'll make sure to hold up my end as well.
For now, let's go to the welcome ceremony.
- This way. - Just a moment!
Dr. Baek!
- Move aside. - One moment!
Attention, please!
Over there!
Let me give you a quick update on Captain Lee's condition.
We were able to remove the bullet lodged in his abdomen
during the second surgery.
We removed sections of the wounded area and infected small bowel.
Captain Lee Hyeon-jong
will return to active duty.
I need to check on the patient, so I'll leave the rest to you, Minister.
Yes, of course.
As you can see, patients are his top priority.
It's getting late. Let's hurry.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare will provide unending support--
What? Who went where?
Dr. Han is at the fire site.
He received an urgent call right before we left.
He must really see himself as another Dr. Baek.
I am Baek Kang-hyuk.
I am…
Car keys!
Minister Kang, I need your car.
It's an emergency. Quick!
Luckily, the wounds aren't too deep.
Tell us if you have any issues.
Keep taking deep breaths! Prepare for transport!
Where does it hurt? Your shoulder?
You're clear to descend.
- We're here! - Over here!
Over here!
Head over to the ambulance and make sure to get checked out. Okay?
- Okay. - Let's get going.
Let's go!
- Mr. An. - Dr. Baek!
- Are you back in the saddle? - Yes.
What a grand welcome back.
They're from the rooftop, right? Are you going back up?
No. We've cleared the rooftop,
so I'm off to help at the fire site.
Don't send the helicopter back just yet.
- We might transport patients. - Okay.
Relax.
How does it feel now?
What am I supposed to do?
Come on! Damn it.
Thank you so…
Where's your safety gear?
Stop acting like a rookie.
Dr. Baek!
What took you so long?
All this time, I've been all alone.
Come on!
What?
You did well.
Over here! We need help.
Let's start by triaging.
We're too close to the fire.
Did you just get here?
You know this, right?
- This? - Mr. An.
I have no idea!
How does this work?
When will the briefing start?
Listen up, everyone! You can't do this here!
You should clear the entrance--
The ambulance is here!
- The ambulance! - Here it is!
No! Stop!
For safe and prompt transport, we need to work together as one.
When the doors open, Dr. Yang, please lower the stretcher.
You too, Agnes.
- Okay. - Sure.
What about you?
I'll clear a path in the center.
That's my specialty.
On the count of three.
- Let's go. - Okay.
One, two, three!
No. Stop.
Move aside!
Clear the way!
As for this patient…
This patient doesn't look good.
Be careful. Watch out.
Dr. Baek!
It turns out there are oxygen tanks on the second floor.
We should evacuate immediately.
JEONGJUN INDUSTRIES MEDICAL GAS
If there's an explosion,
everyone here will be in danger.
Triaging is almost done.
- Let's start transporting them. - Okay.
Rescue unit!
Start transporting patients!
- Yes, sir! - Yes!
Please make your way toward the temporary shelter up ahead.
Rescue unit, move everyone as safely and swiftly as possible.
Patients, I know this is tough, but please try to keep up.
Hang the fluids and follow me.
- Okay. - One last patient.
Dr. Baek!
- Dr. Baek. - It's too dangerous.
- Are you okay? - Dr. Baek!
The patient. Rescue the patient first.
Dr. Baek!
Stay there.
Are you okay?
Dr. Baek.
He likely has a burn in the airway, so intubate immediately.
- Okay. - He may get dehydrated.
- So give him fluids too. - Okay. Got it.
Mr. An, let's get in the helicopter.
- All right. Let's go. - Okay.
Mr. An.
Yes?
Please call the Burn Unit attending.
I'm on it.
Why? You're not doing it yourself?
Not up for surgery?
I have fragments lodged inside.
Seeing as there's no bleeding, it must be an internal organ burn.
What?
Let me have a look.
Can't you feel my fingers?
Necrosis must be underway.
Dr. Baek!
It's been one heck of a ride back.
I know. It feels like we shot an entire film.
All's well that ends well.
We should get ready again. We'll be swamped with patients soon.
That's right. The fire.
Excuse me.
Hello, Dr. Han.
Okay, I'll…
Who?
Doc, what's the matter?
A patient is being brought in by helicopter.
And the patient is…
Dr. Baek.
What do you mean?
Dr. Baek has been injured.
- Doc! - Emergency surgery.
- Call anesthesiology! - Who's gonna operate?
With Dr. Baek on the table, who will perform the surgery?
My breathing
keeps
getting shallower.
- You know what that means. - I do.
Don't talk too much. You should save your energy.
I'm doing my best to hold on right now.
But the progression is too fast.
All right. I get it!
I'll give you a sedative for now.
No.
I need to talk to No. 1.
Wait.
Hey! Quickly!
- One, two, three. - Dr. Baek!
- Move! - All right.
Come on. Dr. Baek.
Stay with me. Let's go.
- Oh no. - Careful.
- Oh my God. - Here.
- Lie down here. - Dr. Baek!
- Lie down. - Oh no.
- Hey! Hurry! - Yes?
- Quickly! - Let's go!
- Let's go. - Hurry!
Just a moment!
No. 1.
- Yes? - You can do it, right?
What?
It's your call.
And yours alone.
- All right? - Yes, Dr. Baek!
Hurry!
Yes, let's go!
We need to keep moving.
Don't stop!
After this hallway…
we'll come to a crossroads.
Over the past six months,
I've been conflicted countless times…
at that crossroads.
Once I turn that corner, I…
must make a decision.
Where do I go?
Which way should I go?
Which way are we going?
We need to get a CT first!
Dr. Yang!
To the CT room for an initial checkup?
- Doc! - Jae-won!
Dr. Yang!
Jae-won, say something!
Or
straight to the OR to seize the golden hour?
Snap out of it, Doc!
The decision…
is in the lead surgeon's hands.
What are you doing?
You're not getting a CT?
- Dr. Park. - What's the situation?
- There's hot metal in his abdomen-- - How deep is the wound?
I don't know.
I can't see through his body.
How could you sound so irresponsible?
Don't we need a CT scan?
We're going right into surgery. Get ready.
We need to know the extent of the wound.
One wrong move could kill him.
Well said.
- Jae-won, Dr. Park has a point. - No.
We're jumping straight in, Dr. Han. Trust me.
Please.
Hey.
Are you the surgeon?
Let's play nice now.
I'll try to rustle up some attendings.
- Let's all join forces-- - No.
We don't have enough time, Dr. Han.
I'll perform the surgery.
For God's sake.
- Dr. Yang, should we start disinfecting? - Yes.
- I'd like you to assist. - Dr. Yang!
Please, Dr. Han.
All right, then.
Let's get that hunk of metal out of him first.
Please handle the anesthesia. I'll be right in once I scrub in.
Dr. Park.
Why don't we each stick to what we do best?
Please help me with this one.
Let's say I remove the metal,
what do I do about the periwound?
The decision
is in the lead surgeon's hands.
SURGERY IN PROGRESS
Commencing
the operation.
Scalpel.
NAME: BAEK KANG-HYUK, GENDER: MALE INTERNAL ORGAN BURNS
THE FIRST GUY I'VE MET WHO'S COOLER THAN MY DAD!
THANK YOU I'LL LIVE TO THE FULLEST
YOU MAKE ME WANNA STAY HERE! THANK YOU, DOCTOR!
GOING HOME! THANK YOU
Am I dead?
CONGRATULATIONS, YOU'RE STILL ALIVE
What is it?
There you are.
Why aren't you going in?
The lead surgeon should be the first to check in.
Dr. Baek. Are you all right?
What happened to the fire victim?
Dr. Park from the Burn Unit stepped in. He's now in the general ward.
His prognosis is good too.
Who treated the other patients while I was out?
We've had quite a few traffic accidents,
so there have been many orthopedic patients.
Dr. Im from the ER and Dr. Jung from orthopedics helped out a lot.
No fatalities so far.
No. 1.
Yes, Dr. Baek.
According to the chart,
you cut me open without a CT scan.
Do you mean your surgery?
You said yourself, Dr. Baek, that I should decide for myself.
That was my decision.
- The surgery couldn't wait-- - Right.
What was the basis for that?
The patient's condition.
In trauma surgery, the patient's condition matters more than textbook knowledge.
That's what you told me.
What was my condition?
The heat kept spreading nonstop.
So I figured there would be cumulative damage.
As time passed, the damage would only accelerate.
I realized it might cause liver failure.
Yes.
So I made my decision.
Did you cut out
a third of my liver?
That's bordering on a living-donor liver transplant.
Yes. That's right.
You little bastard.
You almost killed me.
But you're still alive.
That's true.
I'm sorry, Dr. Baek.
No.
I'm saying you did a good job,
Dr. Yang Jae-won.
What?
Dr. Baek. Did you just call me by my name?
Yes.
You've finally earned your name.
- Fuck. - What?
Fuck!
What's up with him?
Dr. Baek!
Let's just all go in.
Why is he cursing?
- Why? What happened? - Dr. Baek.
Wow. Let me see.
- Dr. Baek. Are you okay? - Go away.
We've all been worried sick.
Fucking hell!
Stop kicking up a racket in the ICU! Just shut up.
Hey, be careful!
All that cursing shows he's alive.
Let's calm down a bit.
You've been to hell and back.
He's still a patient.
- Did you see that? - Are you okay?
- "You're still alive." - Still alive.
- Please leave me alone. - All right.
Onto the next story.
The two heroes of South Sudan, Captain Lee and Dr. Baek,
are making headlines day after day.
In particular, Dr. Baek's interview about the need for EMS helicopters
is creating quite a stir.
Dr. Baek's sincere pleas have garnered public support.
In the Trauma Center, every single moment
is a life-and-death situation.
A helicopter is crucial.
Still, we are unable to bring in an EMS helicopter
solely because of money.
We must stop being stingy with life-saving resources.
I'd like to ask all of you
to join me in putting an end
to the old way of thinking.
In response to Dr. Baek's urgent call for EMS helicopters
to tap into the golden hour,
various civic groups
have issued statements of support.
Public interest in the matter is rising significantly.
The government plans to expand the EMS helicopter service nationwide
within the next three years.
As a government office, we promise to do our utmost
for the people of this country.
There is growing anticipation that this could be the first step
in implementing a trauma care system on par with those in advanced countries.
Honey, you have a visitor.
Why aren't you coming into work?
Did you think avoiding me until tomorrow's emergency board meeting
would be the solution?
All that nonsense about a heliport and an EMS helicopter.
No matter what you do,
you can't stop tomorrow's meeting.
The motion to revoke your appointment will be proposed tomorrow.
Director Choi.
If you fire me just like that, you'll probably face huge public backlash.
It doesn't change the fact that you were appointed due to cronyism.
The reasoning is more than solid.
Director Choi.
I see where you're coming from.
I'm truly doing this for the sake of the patients.
Exactly. The National Rescue Unit has pledged its full support!
- So why on earth-- - No.
It comes with limitations. We must be able to respond at night too.
So you want it to operate 24/7, do you? Are you out to wreck our hospital?
Do you think the board will agree to that?
- If you put it on the agenda-- - Hey, kid!
You!
What are you trying to accomplish here?
Why our hospital, of all places?
Are you plotting with Director Oh to ruin my life?
Why did I join Hankuk National University Hospital?
To tell you that story,
maybe I should begin by explaining why I became a doctor.
What are you talking about?
Here goes.
My father passed away.
He was in a serious accident.
He was taken to several hospitals, but none would take him in.
After going round and round in desperation,
he was pronounced dead at Hankuk National University Hospital.
That day,
the doctor
didn't give up until the very end.
Even after the golden hour was long gone.
13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,
21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26…
That day, I decided…
that I should become a doctor too.
Just like that man.
I wanted to become a doctor like you.
The doctor that you were
24 years ago.
The one who did his best to save his patients.
Where is that doctor now?
EMERGENCY BOARD MEETING AGENDA HELIPORT AND EMS HELICOPTER
APPROVED BY DIRECTOR CHOI JO-EUN
- Is everyone here? - Yes, sir.
You can take pictures, but don't get too close.
It's still brand new. Okay?
- Are all the reporters here? - Yes, sir.
Director Choi.
There you are. Director Choi.
Was yours a gift from Dr. Baek too?
Yours too?
Let's laugh it off.
Let's not spoil the mood.
Hello.
Here comes Minister Kang.
Good to see you all.
- Thank you for coming all this way. - I wouldn't miss it for the world.
Where is Dr. Baek?
- Dr. Baek? - Yes.
The Society of Surgery is having its autumn conference today,
and he couldn't miss it.
- He'll do fine. - Thank you.
- Congrats. - Please have a seat.
- Are you two in matching outfits today? - Yes, ma'am.
Hello.
Welcome.
8TH KOREAN SOCIETY OF SURGERY AUTUMN CONFERENCE
Why did you all sign up for surgery?
Isn't it because you wanted to be on the front lines of saving lives?
But you can't find those front lines just anywhere.
That's why I've come here today.
What is he on about?
These are applications for trauma surgery.
The form outlines potential improvements
to working conditions at the Trauma Center.
Please read it carefully.
After five to six years of slogging under my direction,
you could become the next Baek Kang-hyuk.
Within the next three years,
we aim to establish trauma centers in all municipalities.
So everything's up in the air.
Nothing is confirmed.
That little…
Dr. Baek. Let's just drop it.
What?
These kids can't save lives.
Every second counts in the Trauma Center.
This kind of hesitation would cost patients' lives.
Leave.
Get out of here! Go!
I have a question.
You're Seo Dong-ju from South Sudan, aren't you?
If I join the Trauma Center, what's going to happen?
The working conditions will be--
No.
What can I do
at the Trauma Center?
That's what I'm asking.
You'll be able to save lives.
Isn't that why you all became doctors in the first place?
Now,
I'm offering you the chance to become real doctors.
Only for the first 50.
Welcome aboard,
No. 2.
No. 2?
Yes.
The HNUH Trauma Center's EMS helicopter
is a masterpiece crafted by the Italian company, AgustaWestland.
Its stability during nighttime flights
allows us to respond to patients at any time of day.
At long last,
Hankuk National University Hospital
has the advanced equipment to provide--
Sorry we're late!
Welcome, Dr. Baek.
Here comes Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk.
The star of the show is at it again.
I'd say he has a condition.
- I still have a bit left. - Step aside.
About that biography you're writing, did you get Dr. Baek's permission?
His permission?
No.
I'm just going to change his name
and start a web fiction series next week.
That sounds risky.
Hello. I am Baek Kang-hyuk.
I usually hate putting myself out there like this.
But I felt I really had to say something
about the role of the Trauma Center.
Now, at the Trauma Center--
Excuse me.
MR. AN JUNG-HEON NATIONAL RESCUE UNIT
- If I may add a few words-- - Yes, Mr. An.
We'll take off right away.
- Take off? - No need for a long explanation.
I present to you
the Trauma Center.
Jae-won, let's go.
- Yes, sir. - Are you off?
Let's prepare an OR.
Let's go, Gyeong-won.
Go to the OR.
We have an emergency situation here.
The chopper is taking off.
Take your chair with you.
- Grab the mic. - It'll blow everything away.
- Hurry! - Is the helicopter even cleared to fly?
- Let's go! - Move it.
Are we sure it can take off? Has it passed its safety checks?
This isn't on me. I don't know.
Dr. Yang, are you okay with helicopter rides now?
"Dr. Yang" sounds a little awkward.
Let's stick to "No. 1" until we get to about No. 5.
Really? All right, Anus.
What? That's right back to square one.
You must never forget where you started.
- Don't you think, Anus? - Dr. Yang is fine.
- Let's go with Dr. Yang. - Sure, Dr. Anus.
Let's go!
WE EXTEND OUR DEEPEST GRATITUDE TO ALL MEDICAL STAFF
WHO WORK TIRELESSLY EVERY DAY AT THE FRONT LINES OF SAVING LIVES
Subtitle translation by: Helen Cho