Overview of respiratory critical care in Quebec: committment of pulmonologists in intensive care units in the "Nouvelle France".

ICU set up is a complex framework in Quebec. In this respect, quebecer and french systems are very different. Pulmonologists are one of the most commi tted sub-specialists in ICUs, either as consultant or as MD on duty. Amongs t paramedics, respiratory therapists are essential members of the team. Inv asive and noninvasive ventilations are commonly performed. Critical care te aching program and structures for developing and supporting clinical resear ch activities are in place.