Critical Care Doctor Daren Heyland presents:

Things to Know Before You Consent to ICU Care

Worried about what might happen to you or a loved one if you (or they) contracted a severe COVID-19 infection and needed intensive care?

Sign up below to view a quick video that explains in detail ICU care. The link to the video will be sent to the email you provide. 

In this 12-minute video your questions will be answered:

  • What is an intensive care unit?
  • What kind of treatments are offered there?
  • What happens to patients in the ICU and how do they turn out?
  • Is ICU right for you or a loved one?

In this 12-minute video your questions will be answered:

  • What is an intensive care unit?
  • What kind of treatments are offered there?
  • What happens to patients in the ICU and how do they turn out?
  • Is ICU right for you or a loved one?

If you or a loved one is in the ICU, it can be an incredibly stressful time.

If you or a loved one is in the ICU, it can be an incredibly stressful time.

We want you to be prepared as best as possible. That’s why: 

  • we’ll teach you what the ICU is and what kinds of treatments will be available
  • we’ll educate you about how medical decisions are made, and who makes them
  • we’ll help you understand why it’s so important to talk about these things in advance with your loved ones
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We want you to be prepared as best as possible. That’s why: 

  • we’ll teach you what the ICU is and what kinds of treatments will be available
  • we’ll educate you about how medical decisions are made, and who makes them
  • we’ll help you understand why it’s so important to talk about these things in advance with your loved ones

Why is this message important?

Serious illness, like COVID-19 infection or ‘getting hit by a bus’ or having a major heart attack, can happen at any time. When that happens, you will likely be too sick to think and speak clearly. Doctors will have to work with your substitute decision-maker (usually a close family member or friend) to make life and death decisions. This will be a very stressful experience for them if they don’t know your wishes and preferences for ICU care. There is no time like now to prepare for future serious illness. In exchange for time, you get better informed, greater peace of mind and subsequently, the right medical care for yourself and your loved ones.

Who is Dr. Heyland?

Dr. Daren Heyland is a clinical care doctor and researcher at Queens University. He spent 20 years as a critical care doctor studying decision-making in a hospital setting. Since then, he has continued to help his patients prepare for serious illness and has created many tools available online. During the pandemic he has been striving to help as many people access his tools as possible.

© DR. DAREN HEYLAND 2022