Original subtitles

Can you make sure Mrs Lightburn is for dinner? I found her lunch in the big guy

cabinet. She told me she was on a hunger strike.

You're just going to have to stay with her and don't keep no for an answer.

We'll have to reschedule the operation for next week. It won't be a problem.

That's all we're saying.

Central sterilising unit is breaking down.

What's the matter with it?

I don't know.

It's not even hot enough to make a cup of tea.

We'll have to get someone to have a look at it, which means...

that some of the patients will have to go home.

Now, could you look at that? No point in keeping them here.

Yes. OK, give me half an hour. Let's meet in my office at four o'clock. And I

want you there too, Kate.

You haven't moved your flight van, have you? No. Jeff, can you do without me?

I've got a million and one things to do. I will be brief.

Her bag's gone. Clothes are gone. No-one's seen her in half an hour.

Horrific. Look, you check the wards out. Maybe she's on rounds with Major. I'll

go outside.

Have you seen Mrs. Lightburn? Oh, yes.

I find that she's history.

You've had a nasty fall.

This isn't going to do your hip any good.

It isn't doing me any good lying around useless.

I want to go home.

Well, it's not going to hurt you to stay a few more days.

I've been waiting a week. When is my operation?

Look, why don't you come inside and we can talk to Jeff about it? What's wrong

with the telephone?

Will you please come inside?

I haven't gone all day.

All right.

You're as stubborn as all get-outs, as they train you to be.

Thank you.

I can manage.

They can't send a technician until the strike is over. Had two days for part,

which puts us out of business for at least five days.

We have three pre-sterilised operating packs left and three operations tops.

Yes, we'll have to send all surgical cases to Broken Hill Hospital for the

moment. Jono, you'll have to amend the flight schedules to suit.

Next, the budget.

It's a joke, but we have to live with it. Sorry. So, firing a lot of us.

No, but we will be facing cuts in all areas of operation.

There will be one doctor joining us, one sister joining us. There won't be anyone

else. Jeff, I need more than just one nurse.

And I probably will be closing down a ward.

Will you be cutting back on the number of sick people as well?

I can't do anything about federal or state budgets.

Now, if any of you have any suggestions, I would appreciate them at the end of

the day. That's all.

I've had Janet and Leonie on double shift for six... If one of them gets

sick, I'm in it up to here.

I'm sorry, Kate, but that's just the way things are at the moment.

Well, have you at least got time to talk to Mrs Lightburn? I said you'd explain

to her why she had to stay.

She won't be.

What? We can't operate in the near future, and I doubt if we will at all.

There's no point in keeping her here.

Well, where's she going to go?

Home. She can hardly walk.

Look, would you just calm down for a moment?

All right.

Please.

If we send her home now, she's going to fall again. She's seriously going to do

herself this time.

What's the need of one?

TV, there's a reference.

Although it's pretty slim. Maybe we're getting another answer. I don't have

time to drop in on her every other day.

Look, just take her home. I will consider her case.

Kate.

If you're off duty tonight...

I'll cook dinner.

Is that a threat?

Jeff Standish.

Ah, Dr. Standish, Guy Reid. Dr. Reid, that's right. How are you?

Oh, I'm very good, thank you. Look, I tried to contact you yesterday.

Where are you calling from?

Melbourne. Melbourne?

But you're supposed to be here today at the latest. I've got you rostered for

tomorrow. Yeah, there's a bit of a problem this end. There's a transport

strike on. I thought it'd be over by now. It's lucky I didn't bet on it.

Well, I wish you'd called earlier.

Can't you send a plane down for me or something?

We're a one-plane task force, I'm afraid. We're not a passenger service.

Yes, I'm only joking. I'm going to drive up. That's why I'm calling.

Yes, we'd appreciate that.

Look, when are you leaving?

First thing tomorrow. It's a promise.

I'll be seeing you. Dr. Reed?

Still here.

Look, I wonder if you could do us a favor.

We have a sister coming up, and she's probably in the same predicament that

you're in.

Do you have room for her?

Well, not really.

A sister?

How old is she?

Well, I'm really not too sure. Does it really matter?

Oh, I suppose it can be done. All right.

Hit me with it.

Well, her name's Jackie Crane, and I'll just get you her contact number.

Shoot.

Jack and Frank?

I'm Dr. Ray.

I knew you had to be a doctor. You're late.

Let's all hang around here chatting. Hop in.

Well, what about this?

Can I have the keys?

Tell us more.

Well, it's not got a bit in here.

Do you think you could give me a hand?

I wouldn't want to mess up anything.

See what I mean?

The bag?

Is this all your thing?

Well, I'm only going up on a trial base.

Ah, they'll love you.

Careful.

You're hopeless.

How am I going to fit?

Ah, look, just breathe in.

Beautiful. Nurse that.

Go.

Oh, Jack.

Right.

What do you say we stop off for a cup of tea? We're supposed to be there by

tonight. Look, we get there when we get there.

You know what I think, Jack?

You're going to learn to worry this.

Now, I can't come every day, but I'll phone.

Oh, my goodness.

I'll have to bring you shopping any time I come.

And I don't want you doing any acrobatics.

Is that understood?

I heard you the first time. You can go if you like.

In a minute.

What are you doing now?

It's stale.

I like it stale.

You should be worrying about starting your own family.

I haven't got time.

Not until you make time for important things.

You're important.

Time's fickle, you know.

Runs out on you.

I don't think it's going to run out just yet.

What are you doing in here?

Come on.

They're hungry.

They haven't been fed in days.

Well, the neighbors have fed them.

That's what they say.

I'll do it.

You know, people don't mind lending a hand.

You've got to learn to accept that.

It's my best mare.

Come on.

Anna.

Dr. Reeve.

Apparently there's a sick girl here. We should take a look at her.

I thought we were in a hurry.

Mrs. Warren?

Yes?

Mrs. Warren, I'm Dr. Reid. The manageress thought I should have a word

with you. Oh, I'd appreciate that, Doctor. My daughter hasn't been very

well.

She's been having trouble breathing. She's had a terrible all night.

Jenny?

Jenny, this is Dr.

Reid. He's going to have a look at you.

It's all right, darling.

She was a lot worse than this.

Did, uh, what's her name?

Jenny.

Did Jenny inhale anything prior to the attack?

Uh, smoke or chemical fumes? No.

Did she eat anything that might have gone down the wrong way?

Peanuts, perhaps? No.

That's cold.

Never mind.

She was asleep one minute and then she woke up crying.

She could hardly breathe or talk. I didn't know what to do.

There isn't a doctor here. There's not much wrong with her now.

We can't.

Oh.

Bye,

Jenny.

Bye.

There's not a lot you can do about crude, Mrs. Warren. Except give her

paracetamol and get her to breathe in some steam.

Follow the hot water, hot shower.

Doesn't sound very much.

Steam is very effective.

Try and keep her calm during the day.

Thank you.

We'd better be going.

See you around, Mrs. Warren.

You here on holidays?

We're making our way up to Charter's Towers.

If you're worried, why don't you stay a couple more days until it settles down?

It's so far from anywhere.

You're not staying in the area, are you?

No.

Coop is usually at its worst at night.

If Jenny does get worse, call the Royal Flying Doctor's Service. They're at

Cooper's Crossing.

Oh. I'm sure she'll be all right.

Try not to worry.

Goodbye.

Bye.

She's very worried about her daughter.

Well, she shouldn't be. Every second kid gets croup.

Don't you think Jenny felt a bit hot?

It was an oven in there.

Did you notice she was coughing? It was croup, Jackie.

Take my word for it.

They should be arriving fairly shortly. If they turn up here, will you send them

to the hospital?

We'll do it.

This is Vic's Charlie Charlie. The time is five o'clock Eastern Central Time. We

have no air to breath.

I'll catch up with you.

Nothing heard.

Stations with breath, phone call, guys.

Nothing heard.

We'll be back at 5.30. Cheers.

It's quiet for a change.

You look tired.

I am.

I could sleep for about a week.

Well, then do it. This new sister gets you and makes sure you take a break.

Just do it. Yes, Mum.

Come on, Mrs Lightburn.

Give it to me.

It's just to check to see if she's all right. Tell her I'll call her in the

morning. OK. Thanks.

And there.

Go on.

You know what happens to chickens that don't listen.

Soap.

Did you hear me?

If the wind changes direction, that'll set.

Come on, Jack, lighten up. The kid will be fine.

You don't know that.

No, I studied medicine for six years to be a plumber.

You said it.

Will you stop driving so fast?

OK.

Want to argue?

Copra, I'm all ears.

and crude.

But we weren't there when she had the attack.

You don't know how bad it really was.

It could be an allergy, it could be a viral infection, or it could be the

onset of asthma.

And if it is, they are stuck in the middle of nowhere.

All I am saying is that we should have at least called Cousins Crossing and

found out what the procedure is.

Complete waste of time.

They'll tell you the same thing.

I made an examination tonight.

You glanced at it for about five seconds.

There is no way you can be 100% certain.

Oh, and you're qualified to make that observation?

I've got a certificate in paediatrics.

I've dealt with croup cases before.

The symptoms are similar, but there are a lot of things she could have.

And I don't think that the mother is emotionally equipped to deal with it if

things get worse. She won't get worse.

She might.

OK, we'll go back.

Well, she doesn't know what she thinks, but she's damn sure I have a problem.

That's not the issue. Then we'll call in the Royal Flying Doctors, maybe throw in

an iron line for a couple of specialists. Oh, don't be stupid.

Ditto.

Most people don't need it spelled out to them, but the letters M-B-B-S behind my

name, no, my name, not yours, means that I'm responsible for the patient's

welfare. I'm the one who's in charge here.

You're going to have to learn to live with it.

Doctor, sister.

End of story.

Do I make myself clear?

Perfectly.

This doesn't help Jenny or her mother.

Excuse me, Kate. Oh, just a second, Janet. Jeff!

I'm going to be home late. We can't get on to Mrs Lightburn. I'm going to have

to drive around there.

Fair enough. Well, I'll probably still be here. I may even end up on call.

I hope this new doctor's more skilled than he is punctual.

Jackie? Yes.

Kate Standish.

Hello, sister.

Oh, Kate, please. Kate, you have to be exhausted.

No, no, I can manage. I'm fine.

Look, I'm so glad to hear you're terribly short-staffed at the moment.

Why don't I show you around and then we can have a cup of tea?

No, thanks.

Who's the senior medical officer here?

Oh, Dr.

Standish.

Is there anything wrong?

Yes.

That man's an idiot.

I think you've made a serious mistake and I'd like to talk to someone about

it.

Leaving that child where she is... She only had breathing difficulty during the

night. When I saw her during the day... Oh, a two-minute examination doesn't...

Now, hold it, hold it, please.

One at a time.

Now, I've heard your side of the story, sister.

Can you please let Dr Reid finish?

I'd just like to point out to the sister again that I did not study medicine just

for the fun of it. Oh, what, did you graduate in arrogance?

I'm sorry.

But I think the mother's distress has to be... She was not the patient.

We've called the caravan park.

Jenny's asleep.

There's been no return of the symptoms.

Now, I don't want to hear any more about it.

As far as I'm concerned, sister, Dr. Reed was in charge. You do not

contradict him unless you have grounds to, which you don't.

You weren't there.

No, but I know enough about Crook to agree with his diagnosis.

Thank you, Doctor.

May I extend to you both a welcome to Crouper's Crossing.

It's good to be here.

Jackie.

Dr Reid, just a moment.

Your shift starts as soon as you change.

What?

I did warn you.

They're all the same. They stick together.

Doctors of God and went their personal play.

We're good enough to clean up after them. Keep your mouth shut, thank you

very much.

Well, it's exactly the sort of thing I came up here to avoid.

And I'm not going to put up with it. I'm better than that. Well, not all that

bad. Or worse.

You could at least give us a bit of a chance.

I can't stay. I wouldn't fit in.

Well, it's your choice.

But it's going to take me some time to find a replacement.

There are no planes anyway.

You may as well be working.

Ah, she'll be all right.

You know how these sisters are.

She may, however, turn out to be one of those dragon-faced old matrons who think

they rule the roost.

Hi.

Claire, this is Dr. Reed.

Claire is our radio operator.

You've arrived, Doctor.

You don't mind taking him through the ropes, do you?

No, not at all, but it's going to be a crash course.

Well, I'll leave you with it. I've arranged with Vic and Nancy. You'll be

staying at the pub overnight.

I thought I was on duty.

No, you're on...

You're on standby for emergency. I'll explain all that.

Your pager.

Medical checklist.

Consultation pad.

Rule number one, these items are to be on your person at all times when you're

on call.

Rule number two, if you go anywhere, you keep me informed.

Phone numbers.

Pilot, nurses, my number.

If there's an emergency overnight, the people on call are the people you ring.

Check.

Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia. Is this the area we cover?

The corner's out, yes.

Charlie, Charlie, my fear of Foxtrot.

About to take off for Broken Hill, ETA, two hours.

My fear of Foxtrot, I've got that, thanks, Johnny.

See you when I'm looking at you.

Oh, two very important points. Speak clearly and listen carefully.

You also give all instructions twice and have them repeated back to you.

Do you think you could introduce us?

As well as the clinic runs, we drive out to visit patients.

Call it counselling, moral support.

Some of the people out here don't have anyone else to talk to.

Kate.

You excuse me?

You didn't have to be so hard on her.

She asked for it.

And besides, it's easier to get a new sister than a new doctor. Not a good

one.

I'm sorry.

Let's talk about it tonight, all right? I want to forget about work tonight.

When do we ever forget about work?

Okay.

I have to visit Mrs. Lightburn.

Is he always that friendly? What?

Oh, I clouded him.

Sandish!

You're married to him!

Oh, things don't always click.

And you let me go on like that. Just because I'm married to him doesn't mean

I agree with him. Well, you must find it difficult sometimes.

No.

No, usually we're a very harmonious hospital.

Look, do you want to come out with me?

It's not that far.

Okay.

It really is a different world.

Mrs. Lightburn?

Mrs. Lightburn?

Kate, out here!

Kate?

I think it's her hip. There's a phone in the kitchen, 4397.

Call the hospital, get an ambulance here quick.

Oh, it's all right, Mrs. Lightburn.

We're here now.

You're going to be fine.

All right. I'll take you through. I'll see you later.

Um, pulse is 110.

BP is 141.

She has crepitations in her chest and I'm sure it's a fractured megathema.

There's no time to send her to Broken Hill.

David, I want chest and hip x-ray. David.

Look, I know you're tired, but I want you in there with me. You couldn't keep

me out. As from now, you're on standby. Any questions, you ask the night nurse.

I want a full blood examination, grouping and cross-talking.

I should have checked on her. It wasn't your fault.

I could have made time. This wouldn't have happened if I'd had the time.

Just a mistake.

Segment depression in the lateral leads.

She could have a cardiac arrest under the anesthetic.

I'll be as quick as I can. Just give her plenty of oxygen and keep the ether into

a minimum.

I didn't know lights could be so bright.

You just try not to talk, all right?

You're not to blame for this. I should have listened to you.

No acrobatics.

You're a good sister.

Mrs. Lightburn?

We'll have you running in the Olympics in six months' time.

Just get me back on my feet, Doctor.

And we're just going to give you something to help you go to sleep.

You can try and count back from 100.

Well, not from one.

One hundred ninety-nine, ninety-eight.

Eight. Will you feed my chooks?

Don't worry.

Ninety-seven, ninety-six.

Can I help you?

Oh, hi.

It was open. I didn't think anyone would mind.

I'm Jackie.

Ah, yes.

That one.

I'm sure the whole town knows who I am by now.

Hello, I quit.

Well, it was an innovative way of arriving.

Hello.

I'm Claire Bryant.

From what I've seen of young Dr. Reed, I can't say I blame you. Shut up, Claire.

You don't think I was too hard on him?

I don't think anyone's ever been too hard on him. That's his problem.

It isn't yours.

Look, would you like to join me? There's more than enough for two.

Thanks, yes.

Calling Victor Charlie Charlie.

This is Melania Caravan Park.

Victor Charlie Charlie to Melania Caravan Park.

I'm receiving you on strength two. Can you switch to six, nine at two, zero?

I've got a Mrs. Warren here.

Her daughter's having some sort of attack.

I'll put her on.

Hello, I need the Royal Signed Doctor's Service. It's Jenny. She's worse than

before. I saw her this morning.

Just a moment, Mrs. Warren. I have Sister Crane here with me now.

Press down when you speak and then release.

Mrs. Warren, how's Jenny sounding?

Did you follow Dr. Reed's instructions?

I did everything he said. The steam isn't working.

I don't know what to do. You've got to give me some help.

Mrs. Warren, I just want you to relax and take it easy.

Jenny will start to panic if she senses you're upset, and that'll make... Nancy,

it's Claire. You haven't seen the new doctor, have you? Is he with you?

He certainly is, Claire.

He's here with Magda.

What a charming young man.

Pardon?

Oh, yes, yes.

I can do that right away.

Of course I know Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Oh, goodness.

Not many people do.

Oh, yes. Germany, Europe, I've been skiing all over.

And about you, are you here on holiday or what?

Oh, no, not exactly.

Are you smiling? Why are you smiling?

Your accent makes me go weak at the knees.

Your shirt makes me look weaker than you. Yeah?

It's not bad, is it?

Excuse me, Dr. Reed, I'm sorry to trouble you, but I've had a call from

base. And Claire's there if it's urgent.

Oh. But this beautiful meal.

Oh, I can keep that for you.

Have it when you come back. Thank you.

Oh, it'd be nice.

Half a bit of this. For you.

Mrs. Warren, there is absolutely nothing to worry about.

She may have some difficulties tonight, but tomorrow she will have forgotten all

about it.

Just do as I told you.

Parathetamol and steam.

Have you got that?

Parathetamol, steam.

Isn't there anything else?

No, there isn't, I'm afraid. It will go away with time.

I just need to listen to her breathing.

Don't leave her.

Does anyone belong to this?

Help yourself.

Great, thank you.

In future, Dr. Rigby.

You and this pager are inseparable. Do I have to repeat myself?

I'm sorry, Claire.

I've made a mistake.

I'll probably make a lot more.

But I can assure you, from this day on, this pager and I will be like this.

You know what?

These are very good sandwiches.

Next 24 hours are going to be crucial.

It's after God she doesn't get in the moment.

Now, don't overload her with fluids.

She's got a chest X-ray and physio in the morning.

I'm going to stay with her tonight.

I don't think you should go and get some sleep. She's going to be confused when

she wakes up. Get one of the other girls to do that. I want to stay.

Excuse me, sir.

See you tomorrow. Yeah, thanks, mate. See you later. Night.

You did a terrific job.

You can't keep this up, Katie.

Hi. This is Claire Bryant, Dr. Reed. Could you come down to base?

And I suggest you be here in two minutes.

Dr.

Reed is here now, Mrs. Warren.

Good evening, Mrs. Warren. Are you still having difficulties?

You've got to help me. I've done everything you said and nothing's

working. She's having trouble breathing. It sounds like her lungs are filling up

with water.

I don't know what to do.

Calm, calm, calm, Mrs. Warren. You are not helping her.

You'll only upset her. Is she distressed at the moment?

Of course she's distressed. She should be in hospital.

Where is she now?

She's here, with me.

It'll be all right, darling. We'll make you better soon.

If she left in peace, she would have half a chance of getting to sleep.

And so would we all.

Mrs. Warren, are you there?

Just a moment.

Here, drink this up.

She's had all the water?

All of it?

Without any trouble?

Now, listen to me carefully.

It is not necessary for us to fly out there.

Just sit tight.

Jenny will be fine. No more paracetamol.

Now, try to keep her calm and warm.

That goes for you too.

Stay calm, okay?

Mrs. Warren, did you hear me?

Yeah, I heard you.

Good, okay. Now, call me tomorrow.

We'll take it from there.

Good night.

That kid is not as sick. as she thinks.

You're the expert in radio diagnosis.

I know what I'm talking about, yeah.

It's the mother who's freaking out.

If Jenny can drink a glass of water without any problems, she can't be too

bad.

That's not the point.

You didn't give that woman one bit of support.

She's alone in a strange place.

She only has to do as I say.

It's not as though she's five minutes down the track.

She's two hours away.

And if something goes seriously wrong, you could be two hours too late.

I don't care if your diagnosis is right or not, but your attitude stinks and

you'd better change it, because I can tell you right now you won't last if you

don't.

I think I get the message, Claire.

If that's the way things are done around here, call them back.

Tell them we're on our way.

There's the microphone, Doctor.

Hey, Claire, you're the DJ.

Why just cure them?

You want to give us a hand?

Oh, sure.

Dr. Reid?

Me? Mike Sierra, Foxtrot.

Fox, it's your friend.

What a beauty.

Yeah. I'll look it up for you, Jono.

Thanks, Billy.

You know anything about airplanes?

No, not a thing.

Let's get out of here, huh?

Not that simple, mate.

Melania's not a night strip. So?

There was no life.

What does that mean?

It means we've got to time the take-off to arrive for first life.

Savvy? Waiting to have some fun around here.

So, we're bringing her in after all.

Hey, you reckon you can teach me to fly this thing?

No.

Hey, don't touch anything.

Thanks,

Blair. Where did you get your shirt from?

Singapore, actually.

Ah, that explains.

What do you mean?

Well, I've never taken it back.

I'll just drive the cattle off the strip, then I'll go around.

Down in five, players.

Oh, I'm so grateful.

She's only just gone to sleep.

Oh, he's got no idea what it would like.

I think I do.

I should have brought her in earlier.

She'll be better off under observation.

Why don't you come and hop in?

There you go.

Strap right in there, please.

Jono! This isn't pressurized, is it? No.

Let me put it on. I'm not going to hurt you. Hey, hey, hey.

Hi there.

Hey, Jenny, come on. You've got to help me fly the plane. No crying now, all

right? All right?

Have a look at this.

Oh,

that's beautiful.

The smell of that, what do you think that is?

Do you smell something there? Anything?

Take a big, deep breath. Go on. Big, deep breath.

Can you hang on to that for me?

Good girl.

Are we ready to fly?

All right. Now, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of Captain Diggles Johnson and

our crew, me, and the beautiful Sister Crane, welcome.

Please extinguish your cigarettes and fasten your seatbelts.

It's all right.

It's all right.

The operation's over.

You're going to be fine.

But you're all right.

Someone had to make sure you didn't escape again.

You're a bully, Chase.

I know now.

But you're a good girl.

If I were ever sick, I'd come here to get better.

Yeah.

It is peaceful.

Most of the time.

He was right about the crew, wasn't he?

In theory.

His bedside manner leaves a lot to be desired.

He knows what he's doing.

He isn't a total idiot, no.

And you've changed your opinion on him?

I suppose he's got potential.

He might even make a doctor one day.

But I doubt I'll be around to see him.

Hmm.

It is.

I don't need that kind of hassle in my life.

I've worked hard.

I can choose where I want to work and with who.

He'd drive me nuts if I stayed.

There'd be arguments all the time.

He might even win for you. Oh, it should make him even more embarrassed.

Probably.

Kate, no, I can't.

Look, when Jeff arrived, he was exactly the same.

Raw material that needed a bit of shaping.

He turned out all right.

Part of me is saying, no, Jackie, don't do it.

I'll stay.

Yes.

Madame?

Are you ready to go home?

I certainly am, sir.

Come on, my little one. I'll take you home and rub you with...

Oh.

Oi, Jack!

Can I give you a lift?

Come on, Jack.

You can't still be upset with me.

Just because you were wrong.

Hey, the kid loves me now.

You show one small gesture to a four-year-old child and you think that

makes you a doctor.

Well, let me tell you something, Dr. Guy Reid. M-B-B-S-B-M-W.

You may be brilliant at diagnosis, but you've got about as much humanity as one

of your precious textbooks.

And I may be just a sister to you.

But at least I'm a human being.

Textbook, human being.

So, um, does that mean, yes, you do want a lift, or no, you don't?

Never.