Intensive care
When intensive care is needed
Intensive care is needed if someone is seriously ill and requires intensive treatment and close monitoring, or if they're having surgery and intensive care can help them recover.
Most people on an ICU have problems with one or more organs. For example, they may be unable to breathe on their own.
There are many different conditions and situations that can mean someone needs intensive care. Some common reasonsinclude:
- a seriousaccident such as a road accident, a Head injury, severe , a serious fall or severe burns
- a seriousshort-term condition such as a heart attack or a stroke
- a serious infection such as sepsis (blood poisoning) orsevere pneumonia
- major surgery this can either bea plannedpart of your recovery, or an emergency measure if there are complications
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Find out about intensive care units (ICUs), specialist hospital wards for people who are seriously ill.
When intensive care is needed
Intensive care is needed if someone is seriously ill and requires intensive treatment and close monitoring, or if they're having surgery and intensive care can help them recover. Most people on an IC
What intensive care involves
Patients on an ICU will be looked after closely by a team of ICU staff and will be connected to equipment by a number of tubes, wires and cables. There will normally be one nurse for every one or two
Visiting an ICU
An ICU can often be an overwhelming place, both for the patient and their loved ones. It can therefore help to know a little about what to expect. Visiting hours visiting hours are usually very flex
Recovering from intensive care
Once a person no longer needs intensive care, theycan be transferred to a different ward to continue their recovery before eventually going home. Some people may leave the ICU after a few days. Other
Making decisions about care
If your loved one has been admitted to an ICU andis awake and able to communicate, they'll be fully involved in decisions abouttheir care. But if they're unconscious or sedated, they may not be able
More information
The following websites can be useful sources of more information and support: ICU steps a charity and support group for ICU patients and their loved ones that produces a detailed intensive care gu
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