We use a lot of equipment in intensive care to help support your relative or friend. Here is a small selection of the most common things you will see on the critical care unit.
1) Bedside monitor
Patients in critical care need constant, close monitoring of their vital signs. This screen displays information on heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation’s, along with other information. The doctors and nurses will keep track of these figures to aid the treatment of your relative or friend. The monitor will alarm from time to time but it is important not to panic, as most of the time the alarm is used to tell the nurse something has happened that they may need to intervene with, not necessarily that something bad has happened. The nurse will be happy to explain what the numbers mean but please try not worry about them too much as they are constantly monitored.
2) Ventilator
This “breathing machine” is used when patients are unable to breathe for themselves effectively. The reasons for being on a ventilator can be different for each patient. Ventilators help support patients by breathing for them or supporting their own breathing. We can also use the ventilator to deliver high concentrations of oxygen and medications directly into the lungs.
3) Cardiac output computer
This machine is used after some surgeries or when we need to know lots of information about the heart and circulatory system. By using this machine we can better understand what is wrong with your relative or friend and adjust treatments to it.
4) Bed
These beds are specifically designed for use with critical care patients. One of the risks of being in critical care is developing pressure sores “bed sores” from not moving. We use these beds to turn patients regularly to reduce this risk. We also use air filled mattresses that constantly move to relieve pressure and reduce the risk of pressure sores developing.
5) Flowtron pump
Patients in critical care are at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) we use a specialist pump connected to shocking that inflate and deflate regularly to simulate the forces created by walking. We use this to reduce the risk of patients getting a DVT.
6) Haemofiltration machine
This machine supports patients Who's kidneys have failed as a consequence of their illness. The kidneys play an important role in cleaning the blood by removing toxins and removing excess fluid. When kidneys fail we need to take over their job to try and stop your relative or friend getting sicker.
7) Syringe pump
This pump is used to deliver medications to your relative or friend. These pumps are very sensitive and accurate. We use these pumps to give powerful medications in very small amounts.
This pump will alarm frequently during the day. Again, like the monitor, please do not worry if it alarms as most of the time the alarm is used to tell the nurse something has happened that they may need to intervene with, not necessarily that something bad has happened.
8) Volumetric pump
These pumps are used to deliver large infusions such as fluids or medications.
This pump will alarm frequently during the day. Again, like the monitor, please do not worry if it alarms as most of the time the alarm is used to tell the nurse something has happened that they may need to intervene with, not necessarily that something bad has happened.
9) Charts
This chart is used by the doctors and nurses to record large amounts of information about your relative or friend. We record information on vital signs, information from life support machines and amounts of drugs and fluids being used. All of this information is used to adjust The treatment your friend or relative is receiving. Again, like the monitor, please do not worry about the numbers, talk to the bedside nurse and they will be happy to explain what is happening.
10) Nursing desk
This desk is used by the bedside nurse to prepare medications and other tasks needed to treat your relative or friend.
