First Things First (assess & treat for the following)

• The modern ICU is a hazardous, complex environment where iatrogenic events are common.
• The use of checklists in other hazardous industries reduces systematic error and improves safety.
• The content of ICU checklists is often the product of local discussion and less commonly evidence-based.
• Developing systems that support the implementation of a checklist is essential to its success.
• A multidisciplinary approach to implementation improves compliance and efficacy.