Life MICU Facts and FAQ's

What is a micu?

A Mobile Intensive Care Unit that is a specialized ambulance intended for the transport of critical patients from one hospital to another. A MICU is staffed, stocked and equipped according to state guidelines.

Who do they transport?

Patients over the age of 12, who have a high potential to decompensate during transport. We transport medical, trauma, cardiac and high risk OB patients.

What are the qualifications of the crew?

MICU's are staffed with an EMT driver who has been trained in the transport of critical patients and equipment, a Paramedic with training in the care and transport of critical patients and a Registered Nurse with at least two years experience in the ICU or ED and has specific transport training. The Paramedic and RN also possess ACLS, PALS and other certifications necessary to provide optimum critical care to their patients. Occassionally a physician will accompany the patient on a transport.

What guidelines does the MICU crew follow?

The MICU staff operates under the protocols written to coordinate both EMS and nursing. Critical care guidelines are per AACN Procedure Manual for Critical Care 4th Edition, AACN Standards for Acute and Critical Care Nursing Practice and AACN Guidelines for the Transfer of the Critically Ill Patient. Protocols are approved by Dr. Wayne Wheeler and Dr. Elie Saab, who also provide medical direction.

Why Life MICU?

We have two Mobile Intensive Care Units that are dual licensed in Ohio, with the future purchase of additional units to provide care in other parts of the state. Dual licensure means that they have all the standard equipment used on an emergency ambulance as well as:

• Cricothyrotomy / Tracheostomy kits
• Portable ventilator with PEEP and air mix capabilities (Impact Uni-Vent Eagle, model 754/754M)
• 12 lead EKG with event monitoring
• Pusle generator for temporary invasive pacing (Medtronic 5330, AV Sequential Demand Pulse Generator)
• Hemodynamic monitoring equipment (arterial blood pressures, CVP, ICP, etc)
• Doppler
• Generator with 110 power source (independent of the vehi8cle's engine)
• Chest tube drainage systems
• Dual suction
• "M" Oxygen tanks x 2
• IV infusion pumps for up to 4 lines (IVAC Medsystem III, Multichannel infusion pump with advanced dose rate calculation and MTP single channel infusion pump, Plum IV pumps)

LIFE MICU is committed to providing a higher level of care to critically ill patients, than what is available with standard ALS transport in our community. This higher level of care is possible through the experience, training and continuing education of our MICU crew members.