biostudies-literatureUnknown39(6)Lefrant JYNîmes University Hospital<h4>Background</h4>Whereas 5415 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds were initially available, 7148 COVID-19 patients were hospitalised in the ICU at the peak of the outbreak. The present study reports how the French Health Care system created temporary ICU beds to avoid being overwhelmed.<h4>Methods</h4>All French ICUs were contacted for answering a questionnaire focusing on the available beds and health care providers before and during the outbreak.<h4>Results</h4>Among 336 institutions with ICUs before the outbreak, 315 (94%) participated, covering 5054/5531 (91%) ICU beds. During the outbreak, 4806 new ICU beds (+95% increase) were created from Acute Care Unit (ACU, 2283), Post Anaesthetic Care Unit and Operating Theatre (PACU & OT, 1522), other units (374) or real build-up of new ICU beds (Anaesthesia, critical care & pain medicine709-715https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7534597biostudies-literatureA national healthcare response to intensive care bed requirements during the COVID-19 outbreak in France.PMC7534597Muller LBruckert VPottecher JSamain EJaber SDureuil BDegryse CLanot PFischer MOPotier HCapdevila XBouaziz HMeaudre ELefrant JYCharboneau HFrench ICU study investigators groupPlaud BEcoffey CfalseA national healthcare response to intensive care bed requirements during the COVID-19 outbreak in France.<h4>Background</h4>Whereas 5415 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds were initially available, 7148 COVID-19 patients were hospitalised in the ICU at the peak of the outbreak. The present study reports how the French Health Care system created temporary ICU beds to avoid being overwhelmed.<h4>Methods</h4>All French ICUs were contacted for answering a questionnaire focusing on the available beds and health care providers before and during the outbreak.<h4>Results</h4>Among 336 institutions with ICUs before the outbreak, 315 (94%) participated, covering 5054/5531 (91%) ICU beds. During the outbreak, 4806 new ICU beds (+95% increase) were created from Acute Care Unit (ACU, 2283), Post Anaesthetic Care Unit and Operating Theatre (PACU & OT, 1522), other units (374) or real build-up of new ICU beds (2020-01-01T00:00:00Z2020 Dec2026-05-04T04:23:53.143Z2020-10-29T15:57:05ZS-EPMC75345973303197910.1016/j.accpm.2020.09.007