ICU capacity explained: What to know about a key coronavirus metric in California [Los Angeles Times]
Coronavirus cases are surging, hospitalizations are rising and public health officials are increasingly watching an important metric: intensive care unit capacity.
Here’s what you need to know about ICU capacity and why it’s important at this stage of the pandemic.
What is an ICU?An ICU, or intensive care unit, is a specialized hospital department that cares for people in the most critical health situations, such as those with life-threatening injuries or severe illnesses. ICUs are equipped with specialized equipment, such as ventilators.