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Every Deep-Drawn Breath

A Critical Care Doctor on Healing, Recovery, and Transforming Medicine in the ICU

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Every Deep-Drawn Breath

Written by: Wes Ely
Narrated by: Grover Gardner, Wes Ely
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About this listen

 Winner of a Christopher Award—now with a discussion guide

“Perhaps one lesson to draw from the pandemic, with help from books like this one, is that the ICU experience can be changed for the better” (The Washington Post) for both patients and their families. You will learn how in this timely, urgent, and compassionate work by a world-renowned critical care doctor.

In this rich blend of science, medical history, profoundly humane patient stories, and personal reflection, Dr. Wes Ely describes his mission to prevent ICU patients from being harmed by the technology that is keeping them alive. Readers will experience the world of critical care through the eyes of a physician who drastically changed his clinical practice to offer person-centered health care and through cutting-edge research convinced others to do the same.

Dr. Ely’s groundbreaking investigations advanced the understanding of post– intensive care struggles and introduced crucial changes that reshaped treatment: minimizing sedation, maximizing mobility, and providing supportive aftercare. Dr. Ely shows that there are ways to bring humanity into the ICU and that “technology plus touch” is a proven path toward returning ICU patients to the lives they had before their hospital stays. An essential resource for anyone who will be affected by illness—which is all of us. Medical Medicine & Health Care Industry Physical Illness & Disease Professionals & Academics Medicine Health Care Thought-Provoking Mental Health
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I love this book. I'm an ICU nurse, and have been for over a decade. This book spoke to me in a way I didn't know I needed right now, during the COVID 19 pandemic. My own personal losses and experiences as a patient have created in me a deep need to let people know I see them and hear them. Dr. Ely identifies this need among all healthcare professionals while sharing both anecdotes and research. He addresses the very real issue of delirium in ICU, and details the heartbreaking cost that Post Intensive Care Syndrome can have on those 'lucky' enough to survive their stay.

Dr. Ely, thank you for your words and courage. Thank you for not giving up, despite the uphill climb to bring this information to the world. Thank you for listening. We need more like you.

Beautifully written and moving

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Beautifully written book that combines a history of critical care medicine with anecdotes of science and humanity to make one reflect on their values and even to change their practice.

Fantastic read

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