"With affluence and modernization, life threatening diseases and multiple injuries to multiple organs (poly trauma) of the body is widely prevalent. These diseases may affect more than one system. For instance, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nervous system, renal system, etc; which need life support measures.

Critical care medicine deals with life support of the human system to sustain life during the critical period of illness. It helps the body rejuvenate its immunity /defense mechanisms, to carry on normal existence. Critical care medicine deals with artificial ventilation, support of the failing heart, protection of brain with reduced blood supply (ischaemia), hemo-filtration for kidney failure, control of sepsis (infections), shock, nutritional support, etc.

These critically ill patients need attention in highly specialized units like Intensive Care or Critical Care units (ICU/CCU). The physicians require special training like MD or MS in Anesthesiology or General Surgery or Pulmonary Medicine, after their primary residency. These specialists are called CRITICALISTS OR INTENSIVISTS. The Critical Care Units need to be supported by highly skilled ancillary staff like critical care nurses and paramedics. Expensive equipment like respirators, heart assist devices, defibrillators, dialysis machines and many more medical consumables are required. Major hospitals in most towns and cities run such units 24/7.

The forum of national and international faculty that attended the CCM Update ‘09, dealt in detail, with all relevant topics with their current advancements."

Dr.Kolli Chalam
H.O.D. Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care