Abstract
Field studies of physician behavior in the ICU reveal a focus on the technological imperative rather than human comfort. This is a new phenomenon. A review of the history of ICU technology reveals that cardiopulmonary resuscitation, artificial ventilation, dialysis, intravenous feeding, and intensive care units have been developed within our lifetimes. Several criticisms of high technology are explored, and the ethical problems of ICU access, rationing, and statistical vs. identifiable victims are examined. The caring imperative in medicine preceded the technological imperative; the goals of medicine include the compassionate care of ICU patients.