Critical care and intensive care are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences between the two. Critical care is a type of care that involves treating and managing injuries and illnesses that are very serious and may be life-threatening. Surgical complications, accident injuries, severe infections, and serious respiratory issues are examples of conditions that may require critical care. Patient receiving this level of care may get better and transition to other types of care, but many people die in critical care. This type of care is usually given in what is called an intensive care unit, or ICU. The ICU is staffed by trained professionals and equipment needed to provide life support. ICUs may be specialized for children or infants or may be for adults or for people of all ages; another specialty is post-operative intensive care. Most hospitals have an ICU and are staffed by a critical care team. I hope this information helps!
Source:
(1) Critical Care | Standards of Care. https://www.standardsofcare.org/understanding-care/types/crit....
(2) Intensive care - NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/intensive-care/.
(3) Intensive Care Unit | Standards of Care. https://www.standardsofcare.org/understanding-care/types/inte....
(4) Intensive Care Unit: What You Need to Know - WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-an-intensive-care....
Some of the terminology used to name various units may be related to certain certifications such as Trauma-level one.
Secondly, depending on size of facility-may only have one unit designated for critical care.
The name of the unit can easily change as growth becomes priority.
