Intensive Care Unit Preparedness During Pandemics and Other Biological Threats

In the twenty-first century, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), 2009 A(H1N1) influenza, and Ebola have all placed strains on critical care systems. In addition to the increased patient needs common to many disasters, epidemics may further degrade ICU capability when staff members fall ill, in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCritical care clinics Vol. 35; no. 4; p. 609
Main Authors Maves, Ryan C, Jamros, Christina M, Smith, Alfred G
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.10.2019
Subjects
Disaster Planning
Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola - epidemiology
Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola - therapy
Humans
Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype
Influenza, Human - epidemiology
Influenza, Human - therapy
Intensive Care Units - organization & administration
Pandemics
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - epidemiology
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - therapy
Pandemic
Influenza
Disaster preparedness
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Summary:In the twenty-first century, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), 2009 A(H1N1) influenza, and Ebola have all placed strains on critical care systems. In addition to the increased patient needs common to many disasters, epidemics may further degrade ICU capability when staff members fall ill, including in the course of direct patient care. In a large-scale pandemic, shortages of equipment and medications can further limit an ICU's ability to provide the normal standard of care. Hospital preparedness for epidemics must include strategies to maintain staff safety, secure adequate supplies, and have plans for triage and prioritization of care when necessary.
ISSN:1557-8232
DOI:10.1016/j.ccc.2019.06.001