Intrahospital Transport of a Critically Ill Patient on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support with Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome due to COVID-19

Abstract

Patients who do not respond to conventional mechanical ventilation (MV) support for respiratory failure due to the Coronavirus disease-19 may require the support of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Intrahospital transportation of critically ill patients under MV and ECMO support carries potential risks that could be life-threatening. A structured process performed by a professional team plays a vital role in improving patient safety during transportation of the patient. In this presentation, we aim to share our experiences during the intrahospital transportation of a patient on ECMO support with appropriate equipment and a team of experienced personel.