ICU Patients' Relatives: Panic or Preparedness?

Relatives of ICU patients often look very similar: eyes filled with fear, hands clutching phones, and minds burdened with one question — “Doctor, what will happen now?”

Panic in the ICU does not develop overnight. It is a cumulative response to years of neglected habits, postponed decisions, and overlooked warning signs.

1. Panic appears suddenly, but the preparation has been delayed for years. The event seems sudden, but its causes have been developing long before.

2. The phrase “Doctor, do anything” is often heard in the ICU, but the body needed help years ago.

3. Preparedness is different. It means: - regular follow-up - taking medicines regularly - seriously following lifestyle changes - knowing emergency numbers

This is not panic but a habit of discipline.

4. Financial planning exists, but health planning does not. Insurance policies are there, but preventive evaluations are missing. We secure money but do not plan for our body.

5. A caregiver suddenly emerges in the ICU. One family member becomes the caregiver, but was that person involved in the health journey and trusted beforehand?

6. Fear cannot be avoided, but preparedness can be done. Preparedness is the wise way to reduce fear.

7. Metabolic diseases take time. Most metabolic diseases do not appear suddenly. They give early signs: - Blood Pressure rises - Sugar changes - Weight increases - Fatigue increases

But we say, “We will see later.”

8. Preparedness (facing with calm and steady mind) means: - yearly health evaluation - understanding reports - discussing lifestyle at home - making collective decisions about health

9. Panic (confusion and haste) wastes energy. Preparedness (calm and steady facing) saves energy.

10. Think: How much care do we take of health during work, deadlines, and meetings?

Later we say “We will see,” sometimes we take a little care, but now it is serious.

The only way to reduce panic (confusion and haste) is preparedness.

Dr Ravindra L Kulkarni MD, DNB, FSCAI (Cardiology) Just For Hearts