The staffers are jarred by the arrival of one Dr. Joe Briggs, the self-important new head of the ICU who promptly clashes with Veronica. Veronica's other frosty relationship is with Dr. Sands, but they work together to treat a boy. Meanwhile, Chloe comforts a mourning widower; and Sonia continues to care for a privileged family.

In the aftermath of a traumatic event, Veronica spontaneously departs on a road trip with a troubled visitor, leaving her coworkers worried about her safety. At Mercy, a horrific bus bombing results in a chaotic ER, with a clashing Briggs and Sands scrambling for available space. Meanwhile, Chloe suffers from a hangover; Sonia tries to keep her infidelity a secret.