Before we begin: Critical care (also called intensive care) helps people with life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Learn what to expect and how to prepare.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about critical care. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is critical care? Critical care is medical care for people who have life-threatening injuries and illnesses. It usually takes place in an intensive care unit (ICU). A team of specially-trained health care providers gives you 24-hour care. This includes using machines to constantly monitor your vital signs. It also usually involves giving you specialized treatments.
Who needs critical care? You need critical care if you have a life-threatening illness or injury, such as:
Severe burns
COVID-19
Heart attack
Heart failure
Kidney failure
People recovering from certain major surgeries
Respiratory failure
Sepsis
Severe bleeding
Serious infections
Serious injuries, such as from car crashes, falls, and shootings
Shock
Stroke
What happens in a critical care unit? In a critical care unit, health care providers use lots of different equipment, including:
Catheters, flexible tubes used to get fluids into the body or to drain fluids from the body
Dialysis machines (“artificial kidneys”) for people with kidney failure
Feeding tubes, which give you nutritional support
Intravenous (IV) tubes to give you fluids and medicines
Machines which check your vital signs and display them on monitors
Oxygen therapy to give you extra oxygen to breathe in
Tracheostomy tubes, which are breathing tubes. The tube is placed in a surgically made hole that goes through the front of the neck and into the windpipe.
Ventilators (breathing machines), which move air in and out of your lungs. This is for people who have respiratory failure.
These machines can help keep you alive, but many of them can also raise your risk of infection.
Sometimes people in a critical care unit are not able to communicate. It’s important that you have an advance directive in place. This can help your health care providers and family members make important decisions, including end-of-life decisions, if you are not able to make them.
Also known as: ICU, Intensive care.
Related topics: Assisted Breathing, ICU, Life Support, Tracheostomy, Ventilators.
Categories: Surgery and Rehabilitation.
Key Takeaways
Understanding critical care is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.