Defining the Basics of Life-Saving Care for All Critically Ill Patients
Every year, millions of people around the world die from critical illness—often without receiving the basic care that could have saved their lives. It’s a global emergency hiding in plain sight. A international study in 2021 took a major step toward changing that, by clearly defining what all hospitals should be doing to provide Essential Emergency and Critical Care (EECC).
What is EECC?
EECC is about getting the basics right. It focuses on simple but vital interventions like checking vital signs regularly, giving oxygen to patients who need it, making sure fluids are given correctly, and training staff to spot and respond to danger signs early. These are low-cost actions, but they can make the difference between life and death—especially in busy hospitals and in settings with limited resources.
The Research
To help standardise this life-saving approach, a team of researchers (including board members of EECC Global) brought together 269 medical experts from 59 countries. Using a method called the Delphi process—a way to build agreement among experts—they carefully reviewed what treatments and actions should be part of EECC. These experts came from different medical backgrounds and included voices from both high- and low-resource settings.
The study process
Through multiple rounds of discussion and consensus-building, the group agreed on a core EECC package:
40 clinical processes (such as how to assess breathing or when to give IV fluids), and
66 hospital readiness requirements (like having basic equipment and trained staff available 24/7).
You can read more about these process here.
They also added specific guidance for caring for critically ill patients with COVID-19, recognising the pressure the pandemic has placed on health systems everywhere.
Why This Matters
The strength of EECC lies in its simplicity and universality. It doesn’t require expensive machines or specialist doctors—just the right knowledge, basic tools, and a commitment to act quickly when someone is seriously ill.
By clearly defining the content of EECC, this research gave governments, hospital leaders, and frontline healthcare workers a roadmap. It’s a practical, evidence-informed tool that can help close the gap in care—especially in places where critical care resources are stretched thin.
The Bottom Line
We already have the knowledge to save lives. What was missing was a clear, shared understanding of what must be done, everywhere, for every critically ill patient. This study brought that clarity and made the case for a global standard of essential care. At EECC Global, we believe this was a vital step toward reducing preventable deaths—and making sure that no patient is left behind, no matter where they live.