Original subtitles

BASED ON THE WEBTOON SERIES

THE TRAUMA CODE: HEROES ON CALL

TRAUMA CENTER HEROES SHINE AMIDST TRAGEDY

AWESOME! A TRUE DOCTOR!

Brilliant.

SEND HIM TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY!

I THINK HE IS KINDA SEXY…

"Way to go, Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk!"

"Hot guy. I'm rooting for you!"

"Hot guy"?

Why? What?

Are you showering yourself with compliments again?

Why not? It's not like I'm wrong.

Attention seeker.

"Attention seeker"? How dare you.

It wasn't me. It was Nurse Cheon.

That's right. I said it.

Nurse Cheon, I didn't mean to…

Dr. Baek, this is all your fault.

Don't you see what I'm getting at?

What do you mean?

Where does our department stand in this hospital?

A money pit, a thorn in the side, and a budget-gobbling monster.

Exactly.

In a situation like this, what do we need to do to survive?

We should bring in money.

How on earth are we supposed to do that?

Take a look at this.

First, we set up our defenses by winning over public opinion.

Then we continue saving lives.

Once people recognize the importance of the Trauma Center,

the hospital will no longer be able to mess with us easily.

Right.

What I'm saying is,

I am the Trauma Center's sacred soil.

You're the Holy Son.

She's the Saint.

We can't have her expose herself.

Sorry about that.

I haven't got all day, so let's get things moving.

Congratulations.

You got your lifelong wish.

Let's hold off on congratulations until we've fully staffed up.

"Fully staffed up"? That's--

I wonder if Minister Kang has time to take a call.

Are you threatening me?

Yes.

You hit the nail on the head.

MINISTER KANG MYEONG-HUI

Following the Sowol Bridge accident,

public interest in the Trauma Center has spiked significantly.

Isn't this the perfect time to give them our full support?

- This way, ma'am. - Right.

Director Choi, you do agree, don't you?

The IMAFP has announced the resumption of medical activities in South Sudan,

following the peace agreement signed last August.

Put out a recruitment notice for the Trauma Center.

Pardon? But Director Choi--

Minister Kang says she's counting on us.

She's asked for our full support.

Don't concern yourself too much.

The ongoing posting gets zero applicants anyway.

The deficit is already driving me mad, and now this!

Guess how many helicopter calls we had last week. No fewer than five!

The cost is piling on.

Does he have a grudge against me or something?

I know what you mean.

You sound as if you don't care.

Excuse me? Do I?

Am I the only one taking the current situation seriously?

We can't let Baek Kang-hyuk run wild like that.

Right.

Don't tell me…

If the deficit continues, I will lose my position.

Is that what you're waiting for?

Please don't say that.

Of course not!

Forget about being the next director.

It's your current role as chief that's in jeopardy.

To offset the deficit, we'll have to let go of our highest-paid staff.

That'd be you, Chief Hong.

I'm fully aware, sir.

Just being aware won't cut it.

You should take action.

He's always bossing me about. I'm practically his servant.

He might as well ask me to wipe his ass too.

Is everything okay?

Director Choi is going berserk because of Baek Kang-hyuk.

I see.

He approved the additional budget for trauma surgery against his will,

and now he's all fired up.

Really? It's been approved?

My reaction exactly. It's been done.

That's a relief. I was about to bring it up anyway.

A relief?

I mean, you know how it is!

When it comes to trauma surgery, deficits are unavoidable.

Why would that concern you?

Since I'm the head of general surgery--

Exactly. How can you sound so carefree when the hospital is about to go under?

Did you have a change of heart because he saved Ji-yeong?

Sorry?

You really think I'd switch over to Baek Kang-hyuk's side?

How could you think that of me?

What do I mean to you?

We've shared the same fate through life's ups and downs!

Loyal friends for 20 years!

What use could I possibly find for such a softie?

It's that fucking helicopter again!

Goddamn it.

Hey!

Keep the noise down!

You assholes!

Baek Kang-hyuk's wings?

I'll have them clipped. Simple as that.

Dr. Baek, where should we go?

The emergency OR!

Good luck!

Thank you!

While I contact the next of kin,

you go register the patient at the reception.

- Isn't that the medics' job? - Let's help each other out a little.

At least we work in shifts. They hardly get any sleep. Go.

Could I make a quick phone call?

No. 1.

- Prep for a thoracotomy. - Yes, sir.

Intubating now.

- Dr. Park? - Yes?

His BP's low. Administer muscle relaxants as slowly as possible.

"Dr. Park"?

How come you never call me Dr. Yang?

Shut up and get on with disinfection.

Yes, sir.

The breathing tube is in. I'll start on the anesthetic.

Hand towel.

Yes, sir.

You unfolded it?

Gown.

Right. Of course.

What am I dealing with?

My name is Agnes.

I wasn't asking for your name.

She's new here.

She's Catholic. That's why her name is Agnes.

She's come over from emergency medicine, so go easy.

I asked for extra hands.

And they send a clueless rookie?

No. Leave it. Put it down!

My princess. You just sit here and don't move.

I'll take care of everything.

Damn it. What a racket!

Doc…

Fire Commissioner, sir. It's me.

- Dad? - What is he doing over there?

How kind of you to come and visit me in person.

Why, of course.

I should attend to you myself.

I've brought your doctor up to speed

so you can commit to your recovery while you're here.

The fire commissioner?

Why is Jae-hun with that man?

I have a bad feeling about this. A really bad feeling.

119 AIR RESCUE UNIT

Mr. An!

What?

NATIONAL 119 RESCUE HEADQUARTERS

Please check this out.

Why do you look so serious?

PERSONNEL TRANSFERS AN JUNG-HEON TO ADMINISTRATION

Pediatrics agreed to give an official response, right?

Yes, they said they'd email us today.

The prognosis isn't too bad.

Dr. Baek.

A patient fell in Bukhansan and sustained a severe head injury.

- Gangster, get ready. - Okay.

But we can't go.

What the hell?

What I mean is,

I called the National Rescue Unit right away.

Apparently, Mr. An Jung-heon

has been transferred out.

National Rescue Unit.

This is Baek Kang-hyuk of HNUH.

There's a rescue request for Bukhansan. Why can't we deploy the helicopter?

Listen, Dr. Baek. Let me explain--

I think you should come and pick us up right now.

Just a moment.

A moment?

- Every second counts! What's going on? - Hello?

Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk?

Yes. Who am I speaking to?

I'm the new team leader.

119 AIR RESCUE UNIT CHO DEOK-GYU

I've been briefed about you.

Dr. Baek, our records show

that you've been using the helicopter as if it were your own.

You can't act at your convenience. This is state property.

- "At my convenience"? - What is it?

You even piloted it at one point.

Do you have a helicopter license?

Is that really important right now?

Would I have taken the controls if I didn't have a license?

- Just send the helicopter right away. - Don't raise your voice.

Going forward, telephone requests will not be accepted.

Send an official form, obtain approval, and follow the procedures.

What a load of--

Hello? Hey!

- Dr. Baek. - That son of a--

Dr. Baek!

No cursing.

Calm down.

Just breathe.

Damn it!

What's wrong? What is it? Is the helicopter really not coming?

No matter what Dr. Baek says, they won't budge.

Forget it.

Bukhansan is more urgent right now.

Contact the rescue team on site.

Hello?

This is Yang Jae-won of HNUH. What's the patient's current status?

His BP is 80 over 50.

Unconscious with no pupillary reflex in the left eye.

- Are you on your way? - About that…

I don't think we'll be able to depart right now.

The National Rescue Unit asked for an official request.

An official request?

But they only approve those in the morning.

Do they know it's an emergency?

We tried to reason with them…

Is it accessible by car by any chance?

Yes, it's possible.

We'll get the patient to the trailhead, so please come as quickly as you can.

All right.

Damn. Hey!

What were you thinking? Are we calling a taxi or something?

You may as well tell them to call one for the patient.

We have an ambulance.

- An ambulance? - Yes.

We're really short on time. What's all this?

- Tell me about it. - What is this thing?

We've been using the helicopter instead.

But they purchased a high-end ambulance with the Trauma Center funding

just for the higher-ups to show off.

This has everything we need. Why did we leave this baby alone?

Let's go right now.

Yes, sir. I'll get in the back, Dr. Baek.

- Gangster, get in. - But I should stay here.

- No, we need you for the head count. - What head count?

Just get in. Quickly.

Dr. Baek, could you please take it easy?

Why did you bring me with you? Did you want to kill me?

Look ahead!

BUKHANSAN NATIONAL PARK

Hey, No. 1! We're almost there. Check their exact location.

We're nearly there. Where exactly are you?

Dr. Baek! Turn right at the fork.

It's been ages. I've lost my touch.

That was too slow.

Slow? It was like a runaway train with no brakes.

Be quiet. Here comes the patient.

Dr. Yang, hurry! Let's go!

- Time is tight, so let's talk on the way. - Okay.

I'll move our car out of the way.

I've still got it from my days as a part-time valet in Gangnam.

No pupillary reflex on the left? When did you last check?

At the time of discovery, but not after that.

Thankfully, there's no urination or defecation.

- Okay. Let's start. Shave his head first. - Yes, sir.

Nothing on his right either. We must hurry.

Is it serious?

There's nothing we can do for direct damage to the brain.

But if it's a temporary effect of brain hemorrhage, there's hope.

We should've arrived sooner.

Finish shaving. Then disinfect his head. We need to make an incision right away.

Hold on. An incision?

- In a moving vehicle? - Yes.

We need to open it now.

Jang-mi. Are you on your way?

Request a neurosurgery consult so they can see him upon arrival.

There is no free space at all in his skull.

Intracranial pressure is very high.

This is bad. We can't even see the bleed.

Is that really bad?

If the bleed is the cause, we can simply remove it.

But when the brain is swollen like this--

Give him steroids. Let's make another hole.

What? Another hole?

What are you waiting for?

What's the point?

His BP is dropping.

His pulse is still okay. Disinfect quickly.

The brain stem is already herniating.

We have to do what we can.

Hurry up and treat the patient.

No. 1!

What's the point of us giving our all? Everyone else just gives up.

So? Are you saying we should give up too?

The hospital is constantly on our backs about deficits or whatever.

They won't fly the helicopter without a request.

What's all this, Dr. Baek?

Stop putting it down to the helicopter.

- This is in our hands now. - That's exactly it.

If only they'd flown the helicopter, this patient might've had a chance.

Shut your mouth!

Can't you see that this patient is dying as you're spouting nonsense?

Shut up and hold him.

We're making a second hole.

Dr. Baek.

We requested a neurology consult. They're waiting for you.

- I'm No Jun-yong. - The Head of Neurosurgery himself.

I've been waiting for a chance to lend a hand.

I see. Thank you.

- Prepare for CT. - Yes, Dr. No.

- Excuse me. - Yes?

Did something happen on the way here? I think I heard some bickering.

His overall brain function has significantly decreased.

The sensory function is doing okay, but…

- The problem is with the motor function. - Yes.

Even if he does wake up, he'll likely require lifelong care.

Thanks to your initial treatment, he is alive for the time being.

Well, this is the acute phase.

Let's run some more tests and keep an eye on him.

There's no need to request consults. We'll be monitoring his progress.

I'd appreciate your help.

Dr. Baek.

His next of kin is here.

The patient

is in a vegetative state.

Is there nothing you can do?

I'm so sorry.

Oh God!

Would he have been better if they'd taken the helicopter?

Dr. Baek seems devastated.

Besides the tracheostomy en route, he also bore two holes in the skull.

He took every possible measure.

He fought tooth and nail to keep that patient alive.

Did they not fly the helicopter?

This smells fishy.

Jae-hun and the fire commissioner were laughing together earlier.

I'm 100% sure about this.

Should I tell him?

Or not?

I can't become friends with Baek Kang-hyuk.

What did he do to deserve it? Forget it.

- Hello? - Listen carefully to what I'm saying.

I heard the helicopter was grounded today.

No helicopter means fewer patients.

If you have fewer patients, the deficit will halve.

- Do you get what I'm saying? - Dr. Han, what are you talking about?

How did he know it was me? Is he nearby?

Dr. Baek.

You can't tell anyone that you heard it from me.

It's about the grounded helicopter.

I think it might have something to do with Chief Hong.

You're a circulatory system expert. Is that why you take the circular to work?

I take the Jayu-ro occasionally.

Dr. Baek?

What do you think you're doing?

I should ask you the same thing.

What on earth are you doing?

I don't follow--

The helicopter.

Helicopter?

What about it?

It was you, man, who grounded the helicopter.

What did you call me?

Dr. Baek.

We nearly lost a patient.

Let's say it was me. Do you have any evidence that I did it?

You can't just pin the blame on me.

I assume a patient was in danger because the helicopter was grounded.

But you mustn't go around pointing fingers without evidence.

Fucking hell.

"Fucking hell"? How dare you…

A patient nearly died, and as a doctor, all you care about is evidence?

You piece of shit.

- Dr. Baek, don't talk like that. - You punk!

What?

So you care about your fucking face but not the patients?

You bastard! Do you really want to die?

My back!

Just sit still

for your own sake.

Chief. Are you okay?

Get off me. Damn it!

HANKUK NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

You must be crazy.

Why would you do that?

You're right. I was crazy.

Knowing what Dr. Baek is like, why did you lash out at him?

I honestly have no idea.

Seriously…

Yes, Nurse Cheon?

Dr. Yang. Where are you?

Dr. Baek is looking for you.

Dr. Baek?

Yes. He wants you to come to the roof of the old building right now.

- Do you know where that is? - The old rooftop?

It'll be all dark and creepy up there at this hour.

Hurry along.

What was that?

I thought it was a person.

- What? - Doctor!

Nurse?

What are you doing here?

Actually, I called you up here.

Really?

What for?

I heard you had a tough day.

The paramedic told me.

So you know.

I come up here whenever I get pissed off.

This air vent runs every five minutes. And when it does, I go like this…

You fucking bastards!

- You fuckers! - What's wrong with you?

- You worthless scum! - Nurse! Stop it!

Hey! A person was dying!

And you fuckers grounded the chopper!

I'm going to kill you!

I'm going to kill you all!

Why is she always venting her frustrations on the damn vent?

Just leave her. She's a good kid.

Fucking assholes!

Stop! Please!

I'm going to kill you!

That really takes a weight off my chest.

- You should try too. Go on. - What?

- No, it's okay. I'll pass. - Come on! Quickly!

- Why not? - It's just that…

I don't know how to curse.

Then just say whatever you want.

Anything at all.

Okay.

Hey! You son of a bitch…

It stopped running.

Try again later. It'll come back on in five minutes. Sorry.

This is hilarious.

I'm sorry.

I'm not very good at comforting people.

Not at all. It's fine.

It did make me feel a lot better for what it's worth.

Really?

I'm glad.

I was scared that you'd leave us for sure.

I'm not going anywhere.

To be honest, I am angry at Dr. Baek.

I mean, I don't understand why we should go to such great lengths.

I think I know why.

What?

Because we can.

There's no reason not to try.

When I look at you,

I can see my old self.

I used to think,

"Why am I going through all this when no one even acknowledges it?"

I asked myself all the time.

But we don't do this for the acknowledgment, do we?

We don't expect rewards either.

Right.

Just look at me.

Do you think I've been doing this for five years

because I'm some kind of superhero?

I do it because I have to.

Someone has to do it,

and it just so happens to be me.

And you happen to share the same misfortune.

It is what it is.

Let's just

do our best to hang in there.

Thank you.

DR. BAEK KANG-HYUK: TO THE CAFETERIA

COLORECTAL SURGERY

Why is he summoning me out of the blue at this hour?

Does he know I snitched?

I bet he does.

Did you ask for me?

Yes. Take a seat.

You're working late.

Don't work too hard.

Your health might suffer. We need you well.

Yu-rim.

Yes, sir! Your Yu-rim is all ears.

I…

must take Baek Kang-hyuk down.

Pardon?

You said you had dirt on that bastard.

Doctor…

Dr. Baek.

Have some food.

Okay.

I want to apologize for almost giving up on the patient.

It happens.

Sir?

Why put in all this work

for a death nobody cares about?

I used to wrack my brain over that too.

Did I tell you?

My father.

He died in a traffic accident.

Yes. You mentioned it.

That day,

he was on the brink of death.

But not a single hospital would take him.

It was infuriating.

The problem is,

those deaths keep occurring again and again.

People who could be saved but are given up on.

That kind of death?

So,

I vowed never to give up on a patient before me.

A bit cringey, but yeah.

You should find your own reason.

Something that will keep you in place even when you're worked like a dog

and treated like shit.

To walk this tough and gritty path

for no reason at all…

is simply too hard.

This isn't your last will, is it?

Crazy bastard.

I'm going to get some sleep now.

Okay.

I'm a little tired today.

Hey, No. 1.

Yes?

Don't be sorry.

You just haven't found your reason yet. You didn't give up.

Sit back down.

Eat slowly but quickly. Eating is part of our job too. Okay?

Yes, sir.

Why won't you tell me?

Why can't you say, "I know Baek Kang-hyuk's dirty history"?

Have you already decided to side with that bastard?

- No, sir. - Then what?

Doc, please let it slide just this once.

You know very well how loyal I've been to you.

I do indeed.

That's why

I've been backing you up by generously funding colorectal surgery.

But you've changed.

What?

Okay. I've got it.

I've been stressing about where to find that extra funding for trauma surgery.

Your department will do.

Why are you doing this to me?

Yu-rim.

Have I not told you

to choose your side wisely?

Seeing as you are so adamant on this matter,

I have no choice.

Baek Kang-hyuk.

What is that bastard's weakness?

His weakness?

I can't tell you.

I won't.

Are you messing with me, you prick?

I'm taking your advice and choosing my side wisely.

He saved my only daughter's life. What kind of man would ever forget that?

We've been friends for 20 years, and you didn't even visit her.

So this is how you want to play it?

I'll take my leave, Director Choi.

All right. You may leave.

Hello, Chief.

Hi.

- What is this? - Take a look, sir.

I'll let you have a look first.

The patient's family wants a full investigation.

I knew this would happen,

despite all his big talk and mighty acts.

This has become a headache, hasn't it?

Not quite.

This is the perfect opportunity to get rid of Baek Kang-hyuk.

Don't you think that would be a stretch?

Our reputation…

I've already thought of that.

So you've got a plan!

A stab wound patient.

It's about 15 cm.

He's conscious,

but almost the entire blade's inside, so no first aid could be performed.

Are we going straight into surgery?

To CT first. We need to check how far it's in.

Let's prep for a thoracotomy too.

Nurse Cheon.

What is it?

I can't stop laughing.

It's like a ten-year-old weight has been lifted off me.

Are you sure about this?

I'm telling you. I'm not going.

Still, it's an emergency.

Not my problem.

- Ppark Gyeong. - Is this about the Trauma Center?

Do we have an emergency surgery?

Hey, cut it out, kid.

Hey!

Don't go.

That came out wrong.

You don't need to go.

What on earth? Move aside!

- Out of my way! - Stop.

We have orders to restrict Dr. Baek from entering the hospital premises.

- What? - Pardon?

Why?

It's hospital policy to suspend all medical activities

for any employee suspected of malpractice.

- Malpractice? - Yes.

Apparently, he performed surgery inside a moving vehicle.

The family found out somehow.

They wonder if it was excessive.

They're ready to file a lawsuit.

Baek Kang-hyuk is done for.

You're mistaken. That's not true.

I was there, okay? Please step aside.

- This is urgent. Please move. - Stop him.

Out of my way.

- What are you-- - A life is at stake!

- Move! Damn it! - Please stop!

Dr. Baek. We can't get into the OR!

It's Chief Hong!

Wait a moment.

You can confirm later. Move aside for now.

Please!

Come on. Just move out of the way!

No. 1.

You get in there somehow and get a CT.

You can go in, right?

Me?

Dr. Baek, wait--

We can get a CT, but what about the operating room?

Subtitle translation by: Helen Cho