COVID-19 ICU Preparedness Checklist

PREPAREDNESS

• Review and test your ICU emergency response plan and infection control policies.
• Review external disaster management and evacuation plans.
• Provide just-in-time training to staff.

• Assess ICU capability and identify contingency units.
• Mitigate therapies that cause aerosolization.
• Consult facilities management to safely cohort COVID-19 patients.
• Understand how to sustain mechanical ventilation outside of an ICU.

• Understand your ICU’s organization and chain of command.
• Discuss communication methods with all departments, patients, and families.
• Utilize online tools to maintain situational awareness and educate large groups.

• Ensure that all ICU staff are familiar with your triage protocol.
• Work with the emergency department to identify, isolate, and test for COVID-19.
• Determine inclusion/exclusion criteria for ICU admission.

• Review policies for when ICU staff should be tested and take precautions.
• Prepare contingency plans for staff or their families who are quarantined or infected.
• Confirm that ICU staff will receive pay and benefits during quarantine situations.

• Prepare alternative staffing strategies in the event of a surge in patients or illness among ICU staff.
• Consider quarantine effects and work-rest cycles during increased patient load.

• Ensure ICU staff know how PPE will be distributed. Practice donning and doffing procedures.
• Inventory equipment/supplies and anticipate shortages.

Download COVID-19 ICU Preparedness Checklist