Expert Care for Kids with Urgent Needs
Sanford Children’s Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) provide the highest level of medical care for children and young adults from fellowship-trained providers. Young patients in the PICU get immediate attention for critical injuries or illnesses.
Some conditions treated in the PICU include:
- Bronchiolitis
- Pneumonia
- Severe asthma
- Trauma
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Sepsis
- Seizures
With the largest pediatric critical care team in the region, we can continuously monitor our young patients with advanced care needs. The PICU also provides after-surgery care, ECMO and dialysis services.
Care team and services vary by location.
For physicians: Refer a patient to Sanford Health.
Care When It’s Needed Most
Sanford Children’s believes in a team approach to children’s intensive care that includes families and providers.
The pediatric intensive care unit is family focused. Studies show that family-focused care results in shorter hospital stays and better long-term health outcomes.
Additionally, pediatric intensive care physicians, known as intensivists, work with nurses, primary care providers and other pediatric specialists to coordinate your child’s care. As a team, these professionals will support, stabilize and provide advanced care for critically ill children.
PICU vs. NICU
The PICU cares for children and adolescents in need of advanced medical treatments.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides advanced care for critically ill newborns and their families with specialized equipment and providers.
PICU vs. Level II Pediatric Trauma Center
The PICU provides long-term critical care solutions for children.
The Level II Pediatric Trauma Centers in Fargo and Sioux Falls offer immediate lifesaving measures for children. From the first moment a child needs emergency treatment, they have access to experienced and dedicated board-certified pediatric surgeons and a trauma flight team providing rapid access to state-of-the-art operating rooms. Learn more.
Find a Location
Find a Doctor
Learn More
Sanford Health News
-
background-image
Create safe and simple household baby toys
Everyday items can turn into learning and playtime for your 6-12-month-old
-
background-image
Help calm your child’s fears
Being scared is common in little kids, but you can help them cope
Classes & Events
-
background-image
Understanding Me: Why I Do What I Do (Ages 0-3)
Mon 07/07/25 5:30 PM - Mon 07/07/25 7:30 PM
CHILD Services -
background-image
CPR for Family and Friends - Infant and Child
Wed 07/09/25 6:30 PM - Wed 07/09/25 8:30 PM
2801 South University