This three-part show uses real cadavers to illustrate how injuries and wounds cause trauma and death. Cadavers, from bodies freely donated for educational purposes, are dissected in front of an audience consisting of living body donors. The examinations done on the systems and organs of the body are performed from the standpoint of an emergency room physician. Live nude models are painted on by a medical illustrator to help augment the demonstration illustrating the internal systems, organs and how injuries impact them.
It is frankly amazing how this simple topic can polarize an audience. There are very powerful opinions, feelings and dogma concerning the treatment of the human body (postmortem). For some this is sacrilege, while others see it as enlightening and ground-breaking in expanding our knowledge of the bodies we inhabit.
The hosts offer some excellent emergency procedures and information and a Red Cross expert is on hand to demonstrate basic first aid techniques. The donor bodies are treated with respect (as much as can be expected) as they are being dissected and examined. At no point do you feel anything is being done for sensationalism, which thankfully avoids any "freakshow" atmosphere. Everything is done in a quiet, frank manner showing systems in the body and the results of certain accidents or injuries. Only once do things become a little farcical when a demonstration concerning head injuries goes a little awry.
The shows deftly avoid a morbid or macabre atmosphere. It is simply an excellent, informative series for anyone who has an interest in biology and or the inner workings of their own body. It is not for children, but late teens interested in medicine or nursing might gain some insight and test their meddle with the events occurring on screen (with adult supervision). Overall the shows are presented in a mature, professional manner with informative demonstrations and a wealth of medical information.