ECMO mobile units

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) mobile units are structures capable of transporting a team in emergency beyond its original hospital to initiate ECMO and generally transporting back the patient to the referral ECMO center immediately after stabilization on ECMO. The ECMO mobile unit activity is gradually developing in France. The association of one cardiac surgeon, one perfusionist, the prehospital medical services (Samu), and often intensivists from the referral ECMO center represents the prerequisit basis for this team. The ECMO and resuscitation equipment should always be ready on time. Information of hospitals likely to call the ECMO mobile units should include ECMO indications and contra-indications and emphasize the importance of early calls in the patient’s medical history. The major reasons for the development of regional units rather than an anarchic progress in ECMO activity are numerous, including the small number of involved patients; the technical requirements for ECMO implementation and monitoring, justifying the patient referral; the important costs of this activity, justifying its rationalization; the studies showing that transport of patients on ECMO is exceptionally difficult and finally the existence of teams motivated by this activity. Sustainability of ECMO mobile units requires labeling and suitable funding.