Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

An ICU (Intensive Care Unit) is a specialized department in hospitals designed to provide intensive treatment and monitoring for patients with severe or life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Patients in the ICU typically require constant supervision due to their critical health conditions, such as after major surgery, trauma, or serious medical conditions like heart attacks, strokes, or respiratory failure.

Key features of an ICU include:

• Advanced Monitoring Equipment: To track vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.
• Skilled Medical Team: Including doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other specialists.
• Intensive Treatment: Patients may be supported with life-saving devices such as ventilators, intravenous medications, or dialysis machines.
• 24/7 Care: Patients in the ICU are monitored around the clock to quickly respond to any changes in their condition.



ICUs are divided into categories based on the type of care needed, such as:

• Neonatal ICU (NICU): For newborns, especially premature or critically ill babies.
• Pediatric ICU (PICU): For children requiring intensive care.
• Cardiac ICU (CCU): For patients with severe heart conditions.