Here’s an introduction to some of the essential equipment commonly found in our ICU:
The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is equipped with a variety of specialised equipment designed to monitor and treat critically ill patients. This equipment plays a crucial role in the intensive care environment, ensuring that patients receive the necessary support and monitoring to recover from severe illnesses or injuries.
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Feeding pump
Provides essential continuous nutrition to patients who are unable to eat by mouth.
NG Tube
A fine bore tube inserted through the nose into the patients’ stomach, liquid feed is delivered via the feeding pump. This is for short term feeding whilst a patient is unable to eat.
IV Pumps
Intravenous (IV) pumps deliver fluids, medications, and nutrients directly into a patient’s bloodstream with precision. They are crucial for administering essential medications and maintaining fluid balance.
Patient Monitors
These devices continuously track vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate. They alert medical and nursing staff to any significant changes in a patient’s condition.
Arterial Lines and Central Venous line
These devices provide continuous monitoring of blood pressure and central venous pressure, offering critical information about a patient’s cardiovascular status. Intravenous medications are given via the central venous line.
Pulse oximetry
Pulse oximetry is a simple non-invasive test used to measure the oxygen saturation levels in a patient’s blood. A probe is typically placed on your finger, ear or toe.
Ventilators
Ventilators provide mechanical breathing support for patients who cannot breathe adequately on their own. They regulate air pressure, oxygen levels, and breathing rates.
High flow oxygenÂ
High flow oxygen therapy involves delivering oxygen at a higher flow rate than traditional oxygen therapy. This air is warmed and humidified via nasal prongs to make it more comfortable for the patient to breathe.
CPAP NIV
Is a machine that will help a patients breathing non-invasively. It works by delivering a constant stream of air through a mask that you wear over the patient’s mouth and nose. This steady airflow keeps airways open, preventing them from collapsing, making it easier to breathe.
Tracheostomy tube
A tracheostomy tube is a small tube inserted through a surgically created opening in the neck into the windpipe (trachea). This opening is called a tracheostomy. A tracheostomy is considered if a patient needs more time to wean from the ventilator.
Oral Endotracheal (ET) tube
Breathing tubes also known as endotracheal tubes are used to help patients breathe when they cannot do so on their own. They are inserted into the mouth by our specialist doctors and connected to the ventilator to help move air in and out of the lungs. Patients with an ET tube will be sedated in order to tolerate the tube.
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
CRRT machines provide continuous dialysis treatment by filtering impurities from the blood for critically ill patients with acute kidney injury.
Closed SuctionÂ
Suction machines are essential devices used in the ICU to maintain a clear airway for patients. Secretions are cleared via a flexible tube.
Flowtron therapy
Flowtron therapy involves using a device that applies intermittent pressure to the limbs. This helps to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Urinary catheter
A urinary catheter is a hollow flexible tube that collects urine directly from the bladder and leads it to a drainage bag. Â