The pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) is only as good as the people who work in it. Although having excellent equipment is important, the major emphasis always should be placed on the quality of the staff. An area of 150 to 200 square feet per child or adolescent patient is a minimum; 250 square feet per patient is ideal. This area is necessary because of recent innovations and additions in equipment, such as ventilators, dialysis machines, suction and infusion pumps, continuous electroencephalographic monitoring, and other computerized equipment that can be brought to the bedside. Adequate space in the patient’s area also will allow staff to access the patient for routine ICU procedures such as central line insertion or intubation.