This guide describes ambulances in general. What the ambulance for your trip carries, and who travels with the patient, is confirmed by our dispatcher before you book.
An intensive care unit (ICU) is the part of a hospital for patients whose body systems need constant support and close watching. A nurse is with only one or two patients at a time, and machines track the heart, breathing and blood pressure all day and night.
What happens inside an ICU
- Continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen and breathing
- Life support such as a ventilator, drips and medicines through pumps
- Close nursing care with doctors reviewing the patient many times a day
- Visiting rules that are stricter than on a ward, to protect very ill patients
Types of intensive care
- ICU or MICU (medical). Serious illness such as severe infection or organ failure.
- CCU (coronary or cardiac care). Heart attack and other heart conditions.
- NICU (neonatal). Newborns, especially premature or unwell babies.
- PICU (paediatric). Children.
- Surgical or trauma ICU. After major surgery or serious injury.
Names vary between hospitals. In some, CCU is part of the ICU.
ICU and HDU
A high dependency unit (HDU) sits between a ward and an ICU. Patients need more watching than a ward can give, but not full life support.
When a patient needs ICU care
Only the treating doctor decides. Signs that often lead to it include trouble breathing that needs machine support, a very low blood pressure, a serious heart event, or recovery after major surgery.
When the ICU is in another hospital
Sometimes a patient needs an ICU bed that the current hospital does not have. The doctor arranges the bed, and the patient is moved by an ICU ambulance with the support they need on the way. See why ICU ambulances matter and our ICU ambulance service in Dhaka.
For families
- Ask the doctor what the ICU is treating and what you can expect in the next day.
- Ask who to speak to for updates, and when.
- Keep a list of the medicines and reports.
Call 01919-339689 any time to arrange a transfer. A dispatcher answers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
