Transcript Introduction to critical care - Sunderland ICCU Medical Education

n to Critical Care
al Care is...
An ethos rather than a place.
 Looking after the sickest patients.
 Having the resource and equipment to offer full and a
 Doing the little things well.
 Applied pathophysiology and pharmacology.
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tical care - Terminology
Level 1 patients – ward patients
 Level 2 – 'HDU / CCU etc. One organ supported (not
 Level 3 – 'ICU' 2+ organs supported or respiratory su
 'Integrated units' – both L2&3 patients with no clear d
 'Critical care without walls' – the idea that sick patien
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ses do we see?
Potentially anything if it can be a risk to your life (or i
 The expertise of critical care is experience and know
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o we admit?
Anyone in whom the burden of treatment is not great
 (And who is sick enough)
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an we offer
½ to 1 nurse per. patient
 Monitoring
 Organ support (renal, cv, resp, GI)
 Constant medical presence
 Care not limited by interest in 1 body system
 Expertise in the care of the critically ill
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care suits people who....
Enjoy working in teams and interacting with other sp
 Need instant gratification – no waiting 3 months for th
 Have a need to be needed – by patients, families or
 Have an eye for detail and pedantry.
 Want to remain 'hands on' into their Consultant caree
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