Two years post SARS: the experience and the need for a state of preparedness

It’s a scenario every ICU in the world needs to prepare for but dreads to face: the outbreak of a global infectious disease epidemic. The Prince of Wales Hospital ICU in Hong Kong had the media eyes of the world upon it as it struggled to treat patients, protect staff and learn and educate about the SARS virus. Professor Charles Gomersall shared his experiences with SARS in the ICU, and outlined important precautions and actions for other ICU departments to keep in mind for the future.