An intensive-care doctor reveals the long-term problems caused by ICUs, and how these can be prevented.

Thousands of people are admitted to intensive-care units (ICUs) every day, and this is only increasing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Most of these admissions will be sudden, unexpected, and harrowing — an experience that can alter patients and their families in physical, emotional, and spiritual ways, with effects that endure for years. But there is hope.

Dr Ely is a leading ICU doctor. His unconventional methods minimise patients being harmed by the cutting-edge technologies that are saving their lives; post–intensive care syndrome (PICS) is a well-established complication that millions of ICU survivors battle, which Dr Ely aims to eradicate. His cutting-edge studies have convinced doctors around the world to change their ICU practices for the better.

Through captivating stories, Dr Ely shows how he and colleagues from around the world have re-introduced humanity into the ICU, creating pathways that bring hope and healing to healthcare. This is the future of medicine, and is a must-read for healthcare professionals, patients, and their families.

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‘Ely, a critical care doctor, debuts with a remarkable look at transformations in ICU care … This humble — and humbling — look at the limits and potential of medicine will stick with readers.’

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‘In this dynamic, often touching debut, the author chronicles a personal, passionate return to the ethical heart of the Hippocratic oath. In addition to a timeline of the ICU and its history of medical innovations, Ely details a succession of individual bedside narratives … The author effectively illuminates the daily pressures placed on caregivers … Ely also provides a thoughtful exploration of the ICU treatment culture of sedation and immobilisation, and analyses how it can be recentred around a core value of “humanity in doctoring” … As Ely conveys through anecdotes and experience, physicians can maximise their knowledge by focusing on, listening to, and learning from their patients. Meaningful, thought-provoking insight into the world of critical care.’

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‘An intensely emotive journey through the science and history of the intensive care unit … Every Deep-Drawn Breath is a paragon of humanity that will have lasting positive effects.’

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‘[A] powerful new book … provides true insight into what can be accomplished with humility, perseverance, dedication and above all else, love.’

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‘Timely.’

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‘With its vivid observations and heartfelt tone, Every Deep-Drawn Breath is a joy to read. Ely’s passion for his patients leaps from the pages, inspiring readers to channel Ely’s humility and love for life to brighten the future of medicine, and mankind.’