Orthopaedic surgeon Hugo Gutherie and nurse Sue James are shocked when they meet children who have become casualties of war, and nurse Vanessa Miles flies into enemy territory to help civilians wounded by a suicide bomb.

Despite having practised with re-enactments in the UK, the NHS medics are not prepared for what they will see on the battle ground. Lt Col Pete Davis must keep the wounded alive until they can get to hospital and the care of Major Hugo Gutherie. Gutherie tries to help a marine who may have to have his second leg amputated.

The staff face the dilemma of treating suspected Taliban knowing that they are potential targets.