ICU support
We are starting with families in Egypt who have a relative in intensive care. Everything here is free.
What we can do now
Explain
Plain explanations of ICU terms, machines, tubes and tests, in Arabic and English.
Help you prepare
A one-page summary of the illness and treatment, and a list of the records a specialist will ask for.
Introduce you to specialists
When we can, we put families in touch with specialists for a second opinion. We never take a fee or commission.
Suggest questions
A list of questions for the ICU team that you can print.
Tools
Free, in Arabic and English. What you type stays in your browser.
- Second-opinion summaryA one-page summary of the illness, treatment and your questions, with a checklist of the records a specialist will ask for.
- Questions for the ICU teamChoose the questions you want to ask, and print them or keep them on your phone.
- ICU glossaryTerms you may hear in intensive care, explained in Arabic and English.
Practical advice for an ICU stay in Egypt
Find out who is responsible
Ask for the name of the consultant in charge (الاستشاري المسؤول). Residents change with each shift; the consultant makes the main decisions.
Agree on one daily update
Ask when the team updates families, and choose one relative to receive it. Write down what you are told.
Collect copies early
Ask for a medical report, recent lab results, and scans on a CD in DICOM format. Ask where the pathology slides and blocks are kept. A second opinion depends on these.
Ask about costs
A private ICU can cost a lot each day. Ask for a daily estimate, what it includes, and whether a deposit is needed. Ask whether state-funded treatment (العلاج على نفقة الدولة) or insurance can cover part of it.
Ask about comfort
Pain, thirst, anxiety and confusion are common in intensive care. Ask how they are being treated, and whether a palliative care team is available.
Take turns
Share time at the hospital so that everyone gets some sleep.
Ask us for help
Email us and tell us:
- who is ill, and their age
- the hospital and city
- what you need help with
Please don’t send full medical records until we ask for them. If you can, ask the patient’s permission first.
Planned
- A request form, and matching with volunteer doctors.
- Support by WhatsApp and text message, in Arabic.
- An AI assistant for general questions about intensive care. Its answers will be labelled as automated, and it will not replace the treating team.