Intensive care unit (ICU)
Intensive care unit (ICU)
An intensive care unit (ICU) is a specialized hospital department that provides critical care and life support to patients who are very ill or injured. ICUs are also known as critical care units (CCUs) or intensive therapy units (ITUs). ICUs are staffed by specially trained healthcare professionals and contain sophisticated monitoring equipment. They provide 24-hour care, including specialized treatments and constant monitoring of vital signs.To be admitted to an ICU, you usually need a referral from your doctor or specialist, unless you are an emergency admission. An obstructed or threatened airway Respiratory arrest A respiratory rate between 8 and 40 breaths per minute Cardiac arrest A pulse thats less than 40 or greater than 140 beats per minute Repeated or extended seizures