Production designer Nina Ruscio revamped set for "The Pitt."

In the latest episode of "The Pitt," production designer Nina Ruscio faced a big challenge. The show featured a mass casualty incident at a music festival, which required her to completely redesign the hospital set. Ruscio conducted extensive research to understand how emergency rooms operate during such crises. She learned about the protocols involved in handling multiple victims and how hospitals manage the influx of patients. This research led her to create different zones in the hospital based on the urgency of care needed. The zones were color-coded: red for patients needing immediate treatment, pink for those with a bit more time, and yellow for less urgent cases. There was also a green zone for patients who were not in the emergency department at all. To make the set realistic, Ruscio focused on details like blood placement. The portrayal of blood was essential to maintaining the authenticity of the scene. She carefully managed how and where blood was shown on the floor and on gurneys, ensuring it reflected the severity of each patient's condition. Ruscio designed the set without a script, drawing on her experiences visiting various emergency rooms. She aimed to create a space that felt both unique and accurate, where multiple stories could unfold throughout the series. She also focused on the atmosphere of the set. Ruscio wanted the design to be realistic while preventing it from feeling sterile or off-putting. The choice of colors and materials aimed to evoke a sense of anxiety one might feel in a real hospital. The immersive design allows actors and crew to engage deeply with the environment, enhancing the show's overall experience. Ruscio's efforts have created a dynamic and believable hospital setting that captures the urgency of emergency care.