[Location of mechanical ventilation in the specialized centre--intensive care unit, respiratory intermediate care unit and the specialized normal ward].

Until recently "mechanical ventilation" meant "intensive care unit (ICU)". Important arguments for more flexibility concerning the locality where patients are mechanically ventilated are the increase in number of patients, costs and reduced resources. The pulmonary centre for mechanical ventilation, where ICU, respiratory intermediate care unit (RICU) and the specialized normal ward are complementary, is an attractive option for the future. The RICU is the key player in this concept, since as a step down unit it represents a cost-effective approach to the care of substantial numbers of selected patients requiring specialized respiratory care, e. g. intensive respiratory monitoring and therapy, particularly those requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation and non-invasive mechanical ventilation. Success of the RICU requires an experienced team, adequate location and high quality of technical equipment, experienced team, adequate location and high quality of technical equipment.