ECMO transport simulation

Transfer and retrieval of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients is an aspect of a severe respiratory failure (SRF) service, which has generally low volume and high risk thus necessitating attention to particular safety measures. One of the key aspects in preventing patient safety issues and minimising risks of harm during the transportation of an ECMO patient is to develop a well-prepared multiprofessional team. This is the key area where simulation can play a very important role in various stages of a patient care pathway. There is much more to ECMO patient transfer and retrieval than one may suspect as it involves a referral, a lot of planning regarding activation, tasking, transporting, and disposing of the patient at the receiving facility, all of which should be done collaboratively and maintaining open and high communication standards to prevent mishaps.