EMS has always been a special place in Chicago Fire. Every second can mean the difference between a patient dying or surviving. However, protocol prohibits paramedics from performing certain procedures on the scene, in part because the risks are too great, they are not qualified to perform them, and this leaves the city open to lawsuits. But what happens on the scene when it is certain that if they do nothing, they will lose the patient (or patients)? In Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 4, “Through the Skin,” Violet takes matters into her own hands, risking her career. The trailer and episode synopsis below preview the potential scenarios and outcomes for the new Paramedic in Charge.
“Violet risks her job to deliver a baby on a tragic call. Mouch, Capp, and Tony help Cruz track down Javi’s stolen bike.”
“She’s eight months pregnant with a baby girl,” someone tells Violet and Novak when they arrive at the scene as the video begins. The pregnant woman isn’t breathing and her heartbeat can’t be felt. At eight months, the baby has a good chance of survival if it’s delivered, but if it isn’t, it’s certain to die along with the mother. “I can do a C-section,” Violet tells Novak. The end might justify the means for such a risky venture, but if the end is tragic, nothing can. “If this doesn’t work,” Violet says. “We’re done for,” Novak says, hitting the nail on the head. Violet continues.
The scene cuts to the hospital, where Violet waits, holding her breath. “Your emergency medical license has been suspended,” a suit tells her. “What do you think is going to happen to me?” Violet asks Chief Pascal, but there’s no response. Violet finds herself in a difficult spot. If this were Boden’s firehouse, she’d be counting on him for support because he knows her. Pascal doesn’t know anything about Violet or what she’s like.
Meanwhile, another threat could be coming her way in the form of Chief Robinson. The feud between Boden and Robinson in Chicago Fire Season 12 led to Robinson declaring war on Firehouse 51, and with Boden taking over, who knows what feelings Robinson still harbors? As Ambulance 61 deals with the issue, Truck 51 and Engine 81 respond to a potentially catastrophic emergency at a fair. On a lighter note, the episode follows the exploits of Mouch, Capp, Tony, and Cruz in their efforts to find Javi’s stolen bike.
