This page is for clinicians to share with patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and their carers and loved ones. The information will help patients and carers to understand what happens in ICU and what to expect while your loved one is there.
What is an ICU?
Intensive care units are special areas of the hospital where the sickest of people are cared for.
Usually, someone is admitted to the ICU because they need:
- to be on a breathing machine (a ventilator)
- help with their blood pressure or heart rate
- to be on a heart lung bypass machine (ECMO), or
- dialysis for their kidneys.
Sometimes people need to have lots of machines and medications to help them get better.
Why are people admitted to the ICU?
A person is likely to be admitted to the ICU if they are in a critical condition and need constant observation and specialised care. This can happen:
- after major surgery
- following an accident (e.g. car accident, severe burn)
- during a chronic or terminal illness (e.g. heart or kidney failure, stroke, heart attack)
- during a serious infection (e.g. pneumonia, sepsis).
Getting more information
We encourage you to reach out to the doctors and nurses looking after your loved one.
The links below will take you to more specific information about conditions, equipment, investigations, treatments and visiting.
Virtual visiting in intensive care
How mobile technology keeps patients, carers and staff connected in intensive care units.
What to expect while your loved one is in intensive care
This printable brochure provides more information about what to expect while your loved one is in intensive care.
You can also visit healthdirect for more information about intensive care.