EMS World Expo 2018

This presentation will review the history and basics of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and delve into EMS applications of this technology. Current hospital-based ECMO strategies seen in the United States will be discussed with a focus on the EMS contribution to remote cannulation and transport of these patients.  This will be contrasted by examining the European experience which often features pre-hospital ECMO initiation. Finally, novel indications for ECMO such as cardiac arrest management will be explored with particular attention to how EMS can take "ownership" and guide development of this therapy.
Presenters will also discuss the concept of a mobile ECMO team that can travel to referring facilities to deploy this therapy is cutting edge and necessary for patients who are too unstable to be transported without ECMO support. This presentation will describe the necessary resources it takes to transport an ECMO patient as well as discuss the guidelines that can be applied during transport and the role the pre-hospital provider plays, including ground ambulance and air support.