The Critical Care Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Madrid

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Background The worldwide SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has put healthcare systems under the extreme pressure, with intensive care units being faced with a previously unseen number of patients with severe respiratory failure requiring admission for endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Methods Th...

Background The worldwide SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has put healthcare systems under the extreme pressure, with intensive care units being faced with a previously unseen number of patients with severe respiratory failure requiring admission for endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Methods The study describes how the critical care resources adapted to the sudden surge of severe Covid-19 in the province of Madrid, which developed at the beginning of March 2020. The response consisted of a swift increase in ICU capacity and the relocation of patients. ICU beds were mounted outside the usual intensive care areas. Transfer of critically ill intubated patients with COVID-19 was managed in an instant messenger service group composed of representatives of 53 intensive care units and performed by the Madrid Emergency Medical Systems (EMS). The investigators will compare transferred with non-transferred patients matched for risk factors for cardiovascular and respiratory complications.

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