Opening or upgrading an ICU means buying many items that must work together at every bed. This checklist covers the core equipment for a general adult ICU. Exact quantities depend on bed count, case mix and the standards you are working to, so use it as a starting point for planning.
At every bed
- Motorised ICU bed with side rails and a pressure-relief mattress
- Multipara patient monitor, with EtCO2 and IBP where needed
- Syringe pumps and a volumetric infusion pump
- Oxygen and suction outlets with flowmeters and suction regulators, or portable suction
- Bedside locker, overbed table and IV stand
Shared across the unit
- ICU ventilators, plus non-invasive ventilation (BiPAP) units
- Defibrillator-monitor and a crash cart with emergency drugs and airway equipment
- 12-channel ECG machine
- Portable X-ray access and, ideally, point-of-care ultrasound
- Blood gas analyser, or quick access to one
- Patient warmer, DVT pumps and a video laryngoscope
- Transport monitor and transport ventilator for transfers
- Central monitoring station at the nursing desk
Support and infrastructure
- Medical gas pipeline with alarms, and power backup for critical equipment
- Hand-wash stations and infection-control supplies
- Linen, dressing and instrument trolleys
- Biomedical waste segregation bins and trolleys
Planning tips
- Standardise on one monitor and pump brand so staff learn one system and accessories are interchangeable
- Check accessory and consumable costs, not just purchase price
- Agree installation, training and warranty terms before ordering
Medasus can prepare a bed-wise ICU equipment list and one itemised quotation. See ICU set-up or ICU and critical care equipment.