The first intensive care unit in the world: Copenhagen 1953.
After an extensive survey of the medical literature we present compelling evidence that the first intensive care unit was established at Kommunehospitalet in Copenhagen in December 1953. The pioneer was the Danish anaesthetist Bjørn Ibsen. The many factors that interacted favourably in Copenhagen to promote the idea of intensive care therapy, half a century ago, are also described.
Berthelsen
P G
PG
Department of Anaesthesia, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. prbe@gentoftehosp.kbhamt.dk
Cronqvist
M
M
D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000266:history; D003718:Denmark; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006773:Hospitals, Municipal / Q000266:history; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000266:history*