Episode 1 of "Breathless," also known as "Respira," kicks off with a fiery backdrop of the Joaquin Sorolla Public Hospital in Valencia, where doctors and nurses stage a protest for improved healthcare conditions. As the clock ticks towards midnight, signaling the impending strike, first-year resident Biel receives a jarring revelation: his cancer-stricken patient has been rushed into the operating room at an unorthodox hour of 11 PM.
The tension escalates as lead surgeons, Pilar Amaro and Nestor Moa, engage in a heated debate over the patient's prognosis, with the cancer's relentless spread casting a pall over their decision-making. As the stroke of midnight echoes through the halls, Nestor prepares to abandon the operation, stunning Biel to his core. However, Pilar's unwavering commitment to saving lives prevails, halting Nestor's actions and urging them to prioritize the patient's welfare above all else.
Flashing back two months, the narrative weaves into a bustling market scene where Biel's chance encounter with Moa leads to a heartening check-in on Rosa, a resilient fishmonger. Amidst the laughter and teasing from fellow first-years, who mischievously speculate on Biel's growing admiration for Moa, their tranquility is shattered by a chaotic traffic accident orchestrated by none other than Valencian President, Patricia Segura.
With the hospital staff stretched thin, the young residents are thrust into the frontlines, managing patients with little to no supervision. A pregnant resident faces disdain from a dismissive attendant, while Rodri, a social media influencer, finds himself in an awkward predicament when his sister, Dr. Jesica, covers for him during a frantic plea from a distraught mother. The girl struggles to breathe, yet Rodri's probing into her symptoms provokes an angry backlash, as the mother misconstrues his inquiries as accusations of neglect.
Biel's world is further turned upside down when he discovers that the accident's perpetrator is none other than Patricia, a family friend renowned for her charm and boldness. However, these traits fade into insignificance as he makes a grim discovery: a tumor. Adding to the chaos, Quique, another first-year resident, stumbles in, high as a kite, accompanied by Oscar Amaro, who's on the brink of an overdose. Nurse Blanca and Dr. Rocio spring into action, narrowly averting disaster as Oscar's heart fails, their swift intervention a testament to the unbreakable bond that ties the medical community together even in the face of adversity.
Meanwhile, Rosa finally secures her appointment, yet Moa's heart sinks as he's informed of her terminal prognosis. He unleashes a fiery tirade at the staff, lamenting that timely diagnosis could have averted this tragedy. Fueled by indignation, he advocates for a strike to demand a better public healthcare system, but Pilar stands firm in opposition, emphasizing that such an action would imperil patients' lives. Her impassioned argument is abruptly halted by the shocking news of her son Oscar's overdose. Enraged, she vows to hunt down the culprit, while Quique's expression betrays his deep-seated fear.
As the first-year students reconvene after their shift, whispers of Oscar's overdose at an orgy ripple through their ranks. STDs become a looming concern, casting a pall over Quique's already troubled mind. That evening, they unwind at a karaoke bar, where Jesica's secret affair with Biel surfaces amidst the revelry, despite her being in a relationship. Biel gently admonishes her to ease up on Rodri, who seeks her validation relentlessly.
Unbeknownst to all, Quique conducts a series of tests on Oscar under the radar, only to be met with a devastating revelation: Oscar is afflicted with a myriad of STDs, including hepatitis. Yet, this finding fails to shed light on the enigmatic coma. Determined to uncover the truth, Quique orders a CAT scan.
The following day, Moa and Biel deliver the grim news to Patricia – aggressive chemotherapy is necessary, but her prognosis is grim. Devastated, Patricia insists on transferring to a private hospital, dismissing Biel's assurance that Moa is the foremost expert in the country. As she exits, a swarm of reporters descends upon her, probing about her DUI. With a steely resolve, she deflects their questions, turning the spotlight on her tumor and hailing the public healthcare system's excellence, vowing to receive treatment there. This provocation inflames Moa, who lashes out at the hospital's inadequate resources. Lluis Blasco, the hospital manager, is incensed and warns that Moa's job hangs in the balance unless he can persuade Patricia to reconsider.
The task proves daunting as Patricia is hurt by Moa's betrayal during her vulnerability. Biel steps in, pledging their unwavering commitment to her health, but Patricia remains steadfast in her decision.
Meanwhile, the young girl from earlier days is rushed in by her brother, unconscious and in desperate need of care. Their mother's absence due to work leaves the brother with no choice but to forge her signature, a move that shocks Rodri but convinces him that she would've wanted the best for her daughter. Relenting, Rodri allows Jesica to operate, the weight of responsibility heavy on her shoulders.
Simultaneously, Oscar's condition takes a dire turn as he begins hemorrhaging mid-scan, necessitating an urgent transfer to the operating theater. Pilar, amidst the chaos, steadfastly insists that Jesica attend to him, despite her being preoccupied with the delicate condition of the little girl. Rodri, stepping forward with resolve, vows to shoulder the responsibility, allowing Jesica to hasten to Oscar's side in the OR.
As Oscar's procedure progresses smoothly, a sudden and catastrophic shift occurs in the little girl's condition. Her body betrays her, blood spilling from unseen wounds, and her heart falters, plunging her into cardiac arrest. Rodri's frantic pleas for Jesica's return echo through the halls, but Pilar remains unwavering in her decision. Tragically, before another capable hand could be secured, the innocent life flickered out, marking the heartrending conclusion of Breathless Episode 1.
