ICU

Intensive care unit in Caldwell, Idaho

The ICU, or intensive care unit, is the department of a medical facility that treats those who are critically ill or recovering from major surgery. At West Valley Medical Center, our ICU gives patients access to specialized medical equipment and round-the-clock monitoring by nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals who are trained and experienced in caring for patients with acute illnesses.

For more information about our ICU, please call (208) 455-3892.

What does an ICU doctor do?

Physicians who are trained in critical care have special knowledge and experience treating patients who are experiencing a life-threatening illness, such as a severe injury or multiple organ failure. In our13-bed ICU, our critical care doctors, nurses and nursing assistants work together to provide the highest quality care to the critically ill. Our critical care nurses are certified in advanced life support techniques and able to handle the urgent needs of our patients. They are also specially trained in monitoring and maintaining ICU equipment.

Conditions we treat

Patients staying in the ICU typically have a life-threatening illness or injury. People who have recently undergone major surgery also visit the ICU. Some of the conditions we treat in the ICU include:

• Blood infections (sepsis)
• Cardiac event
• Organ failure
• Patients recovering from certain major surgeries
• Respiratory failure
• Serious infections
• Serious injuries (e.g., car accidents, falls)
• Severe bleeding
• Severe burns
• Stroke

Advanced ICU technology

Our ICU is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to better care for our most vulnerable patients. Our equipment includes state-of-the-art ventilators, a system that monitors all of the patient’s vital signs and specialized monitoring that is unique to intensive care units. Each room has a patient lift system that ensures both patient and staff members are safe when lifting, turning and transferring.