EP28 — Acute Decompensation: Managing NCDs in a Deployed ICU (SOP 017)

Welcome back to the rescEU ICU Briefing! In this Episode 28, Dr James Whitfield, senior intensivist, and Sister Eleanor Hayes, senior ICU nurse, guide us through the essential SOP 017: Management of Non-Communicable Diseases. As NCDs become increasingly prevalent even in crisis zones, understanding how to manage acute decompensations in a resource-limited, deployed ICU is more critical than ever. We'll explore the challenges and strategies for providing high-quality, standardised care for these complex patients. In this episode, we cover: How to recognise and manage acute complications of common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like COPD, heart failure, diabetes, and hypertension within a deployed ICU. Adapting established critical care principles and guidelines to the unique constraints of a resource-limited field environment. Strategies for managing difficult airways and "Cannot Intubate, Cannot Oxygenate" (CICO) scenarios in critically ill NCD patients. Addressing haemodynamic instability and specific NCD emergencies with limited diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. The vital role of standardisation, effective communication (e.g., ISBAR), and patient safety in complex NCD management. Learning Objectives: To understand the scope and principles of SOP 017 for managing acute NCD complications in a rescEU ICU SCT. To identify key challenges in providing critical care for patients with NCDs in resource-limited and deployed settings. To apply adapted strategies for airway management, haemodynamic support, and specific NCD emergencies. To appreciate the importance of standardised protocols and effective communication in optimising patient outcomes. Remember, this podcast supplements, but does not replace, the official SOP 017 v1.0. Always refer to the most current version of the SOP for definitive guidance and protocols. This podcast episode and its show notes were organised and generated with the assistance of an AI. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and relevance, clinical decisions must always be based on direct patient assessment, professional judgement, and adherence to official protocols. Co-funded by the European Union