A training programme for novice extracorporeal resuscitation providers

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Critical Care

Background:

• Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) use is rising globally for refractory cardiac arrest.
• Equitable ECPR access is limited, primarily to urban centers near major hospitals.
• Pre-hospital ECPR expansion requires training non-specialist clinicians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a training syllabus for novice pre-hospital physicians in ECPR.
• To enable safe and effective pre-hospital ECPR provision by clinicians with no prior ECMO experience.
• To create a scalable training framework for wider ECPR accessibility.

Main Methods:

• A multimodal training program was designed for 11 pre-hospital physicians and 6 paramedics.
• Training incorporated a porcine model for physiological troubleshooting, cadaver labs for cannulation, didactic sessions, and simulation.
• Key knowledge and skill domains were identified and integrated progressively.

Main Results:

• Participants demonstrated significant knowledge and skill progression throughout the program.
• Written and practical examinations confirmed competency at key training stages.
• All participants met predefined standards for pre-hospital ECPR initiation.

Conclusions:

• A successful training program for novice pre-hospital ECPR providers was established.
• The program outcomes offer a viable training model for low-volume ECMO centers.
• This framework supports the expansion of pre-hospital ECPR capabilities.