How to Save a Life (Grey's Anatomy)

"How to Save a Life" is the twenty-first episode of the eleventh season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the 241st episode overall. It aired on April 23, 2015 on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States. The episode was written by showrunner Shonda Rhimes and directed by Rob Hardy, marking Rhimes' return to writing for the series since the Season 8 finale, "Flight". The installment is notable for the death of the series’ male lead character, Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), who had starred on the series since its inception.

In the episode, Derek is involved in a tragic accident after stopping to assist victims of a car crash. Despite successfully helping the accident victims, he is later pronounced brain-dead due to delays in receiving a timely CT scan from the surgeons at the hospital treating him.

The episode primarily focuses on only 6 of the regular cast members—Ellen Pompeo (Meredith Grey), Patrick Dempsey (Derek Shepherd), Chandra Wilson (Miranda Bailey), Kevin McKidd (Owen Hunt), Sarah Drew (April Kepner), and Caterina Scorsone (Amelia Shepherd). Additionally, it introduced Dr. Penelope Blake (Samantha Sloyan), whose actions contributed to Shepherd's tragic outcome.

"How to Save a Life's original broadcast was viewed by 9.55 million people, ranking it as the week's highest-rated drama and the third-highest rated scripted series in the 18–49 demographic. The episode received mixed reviews from critics, with polarizing views on the writing and handling of Derek's death; however, Pompeo's performance received universal acclaim, with critic Rick Porter calling it the best performance of her career.