<unk> <unk>  patients often require mechanical ventilation if they have lost the ability to breathe normally. An<unk>  <unk> , also known as an intensive therapy unit or intensive treatment unit (ITU) or critical care unit (CCU), is a special department of a hospital or health care facility that provides intensive care medicine.<unk> s cater to patients with severe or life-threatening illnesses and injuries, which require constant care, close supervision from life support equipment and medication in order to ensure normal bodily functions. They are staffed by highly trained physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists who specialize in caring for critically ill patients.<unk> s are also distinguished from general hospital wards by a higher staff-to-patient ratio and access to advanced medical resources and equipment that is not routinely available elsewhere. Common conditions that are treated within<unk> s include acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, and other life-threatening conditions. Patients may be referred directly from an emergency department or from a ward if they rapidly deteriorate, or immediately after surgery if the surgery is very invasive and the patient is at high risk of complications.
Intensive care unit
Coronary care unit
Neurovascular unit
Intensive care medicine
Neonatal intensive care unit
Pediatric intensive care unit
Endoscopy unit
Outline of cardiology