If you are sitting next to a family member on life support, introduce yourself to the medical team as they “round.” Let them know you would like to be involved and inquire (when you see the opportunity) as to how closely the team plans to follow the six well-validated steps of the most widely known ICU safety checklist—referred to as the A2F (ABCDEF) Bundle. It will provide structure and guidance for you during a chaotic time and help your loved one to receive the best treatment.

Here is what you can expect from this checklist:

1. A – Assessment and management of adequate pain control with the least dangerous medicines. Your goal is not only to keep your family member out of pain but also to minimize the risks posed by overuse of medications like narcotics. Sometimes doctors and nurses err on the side of giving too much, and while prudent in some circumstances, it can be detrimental in others.

2. B – Both an attempt to remove sedatives and the ventilator itself. Sedatives enable your family member to endure the ventilator, and the machine itself buys time to allow her lungs to recover by pumping oxygen through her body and breathing for her. However, it is best to remove both as soon as possible and your family member should be awoken daily to have her sedatives and ventilator needs assessed. Once awake, she will feel more human, be able to make eye contact with you and the medical team, and communicate by writing on a white board to let you know her needs, all of which, when combined with fewer sedatives, reduces the risk of death, reduces delirium, and hopefully results in a lower risk of new-onset dementia a year later.