The Critical Care Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Madrid

Background

The worldwide SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has put healthcare systems under the extreme pressure, with
intensive care units being faced with a previously unseen number of patients with severe
respiratory failure requiring admission for endotracheal intubation and mechanical
ventilation.

Methods

The study describes how the critical care resources adapted to the sudden surge of severe
Covid-19 in the province of Madrid, which developed at the beginning of March 2020. The
response consisted of a swift increase in ICU capacity and the relocation of patients. ICU
beds were mounted outside the usual intensive care areas. Transfer of critically ill
intubated patients with COVID-19 was managed in an instant messenger service group composed
of representatives of 53 intensive care units and performed by the Madrid Emergency Medical
Systems (EMS). The investigators will compare transferred with non-transferred patients
matched for risk factors for cardiovascular and respiratory complications.