The Floating Intensive Care Unit: Capabilities and Limitations

Critical care at sea is challenging with significant differences to critical care on shore. The capability and capacity of the maritime intensive care unit (ICU) varies based on the experience and training of the healthcare providers, the type and capabilities of the platform, and the inventory and ability to maintain adequate supplies and resources for critical care. Although it is an infrequent occurrence to have critically ill patients at sea, providers will have to alter their practice patterns to adapt to the limited equipment and resources available. Successful patient care also involves the immediate planning and coordination with medical and nonmedical personnel for the safe medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) of patients to the next level of care. This chapter provides an overview of three components of critical care at sea (staff, space, and supplies), discusses preparation for MEDEVAC, and briefly reviews recognition and management of potential critical care emergencies.