A taut two-hour medical drama, based on the best selling book, explores the relatively new field of trauma medicine where victims in severe states of shock following accidents, are given instant and intensive care by teams of specially trained medical personnel. William Conrad ("Cannon" fame) portrays Dr. R (sic) Adams Cowley, the Maryland physician who pioneered, instituted and still runs the first shocktrauma unit. Mr. Conrad brings to the role a blend of toughness and compassion as the dedicated doctor who fights hospital bureaucracy and the medical community to gain recognition for his center.

Scott Hylands plays Tex, a young new surgeon who loins the trauma unit, and Linda Sorenson stars as Liz, head nurse and confidante of Dr. Cowley. Also featured are Les Carlson as the hospital administrator; Lawrence Dane as the new hospital official; Ken Pogue as the governor; Murray Westgate as the police superintendent; Chris Wiggins as a doctor instrumental in helping Cowley with his most important work; and Kerrie Kane as the troubled young nurse.