While The Perfusionist Sleeps: ECMO Essentials For Transport Teams

Most ECMO transport teams bring a perfusionist to focus on the circuit, but optimal patient care requires every team member to understand ECMO principles, anticipate complications, and contribute to problem-solving in transit. This session demystifies ECMO transport, breaking down the essentials in a concise, approachable way so that all providers—whether transport clinicians, respiratory therapists, nurses, or physicians—can play an active role in ensuring a safe and smooth transport.

Using real-world cases and interactive discussion, we will cover:

ECMO basics: What makes VV and VA different, how the circuit functions, and why understanding preload, afterload, and flow matters.
Recognizing early warning signs of trouble: Preload problems, oxygenator dysfunction, differential hypoxia, and loss of pulsatility.
How to assist in ECMO emergencies: Cardiac arrest, worsening hemodynamics, and circuit issues.
Best practices for transport teamwork: How every crew member contributes to better patient outcomes.
This high-yield, practical session ensures that every provider involved in ECMO transport is empowered to support the team, assist with troubleshooting, and recognize critical issues before they become life-threatening. Whether in the air or on the ground, ECMO transport is a team effort—this session will make sure you’re ready.