Inter-hospital COVID ECMO air transportation

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Cardiopulmonary Therapies
• Emergency Medical Services

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid healthcare protocol adaptations.
• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is crucial for severe COVID-19 respiratory failure.
• Peripheral hospitals require support for advanced life support interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a modified protocol for ECMO evaluation, cannulation, and transport.
• To facilitate the transfer of critically ill COVID-19 patients to a specialized center.
• To present initial data on the efficacy of the developed protocol.

Main Methods:

• A large, metropolitan air ambulance system collaborated with advanced cardiopulmonary therapy experts.
• Protocols were modified to support peripheral hospitals in initiating ECMO.
• Helicopter transport was utilized for inter-facility transfer of ECMO patients.

Main Results:

• The developed protocol enabled the evaluation, cannulation, and initiation of ECMO at peripheral facilities.
• Fourteen patients with COVID-19 were successfully transported via helicopter under ECMO support.
• The protocol facilitated timely transfer to a quaternary care center.

Conclusions:

• The established protocol effectively supports ECMO implementation and patient transport for severe COVID-19 cases.
• This approach enhances the capability of air ambulance systems in managing critical respiratory failure.
• The protocol demonstrates a viable strategy for extending specialized care to a wider patient population.