In October 2023, the Department of Defense’s (DOD) ECMO team achieved a historic milestone by conducting its first dual-patient ECMO air transport using a C-17 Globemaster III. This remarkable mission involved transporting two civilian patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) from El Paso to Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC). It underscores the extraordinary capabilities and adaptability of ECMO technology, especially when integrated within a robust and well-coordinated framework like that of the military.

Innovation in Action

The mission began with an urgent call to assist a civilian patient in El Paso. Within hours, the ECMO team assembled, flew commercially with their equipment, and had the patient on ECMO support within an hour of arriving. As they prepared for transport, a second patient requiring ECMO was identified at the same institution. With quick coordination and approval from the Secretary of the Air Force, the team adapted to support both patients simultaneously.

This mission was a collaborative effort involving ECMO Team members from the 59th Medical Wing, BAMC, and various branches of the military. Utilizing resources like a plane from the student training program to transport additional ECMO supplies, the team exemplified seamless integration and cooperation. The presence of critical care nurses, physicians and a respiratory therapist further ensured that both patients received optimal care during the transport.

Highlighting the Potential of ECMO

For companies like Innovative ECMO Concepts (IEC), this mission highlights the critical importance of ECMO in saving lives. It demonstrates how ECMO can be effectively mobilized in emergency situations, offering a lifeline to patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure. IEC is dedicated to expanding access to ECMO, ensuring that hospitals are equipped with the necessary tools and training to implement and sustain ECMO programs.

Notably, the Critical Care Air Transport Team (CCATT) nurses involved had recently completed an ECMO course, similar to the training programs offered by IEC. ECMO courses like this are essential to ensuring good outcomes for patients. The most effective courses combine both didactic and hands-on components, allowing practitioners to gain theoretical knowledge while also developing the practical skills necessary to manage complex ECMO missions successfully. This comprehensive approach to training enhances readiness and proficiency, ultimately leading to better patient care during critical transport situations.

Scaling ECMO Programs for Broader Impact

This mission demonstrates how ECMO programs can be effectively scaled to meet critical needs. When equipped with the right personnel and equipment, ECMO teams can quickly adapt to support multiple patients simultaneously. This adaptability is crucial in ensuring that no patient who could benefit from ECMO is left without this life-saving intervention. While the DOD mission focused on two ARDS patients, ECMO is incredibly versatile, capable of supporting a variety of conditions, including severe cardiac failure and pulmonary embolism.

 ECMO candidates are patients who have a high probability of succumbing to their illness without advanced life support.  Access to ECMO can be the second chance they need. By expanding ECMO capabilities and ensuring comprehensive training, we can bridge the gap in ECMO availability and save countless lives. With the right resources and preparation, ECMO programs can significantly enhance critical care and improve patient outcomes on a larger scale.

Pioneering the Future of ECMO Access

At IEC, we believe that the success of the DOD’s dual-patient ECMO transport mission can serve as an inspiration for broader implementation of ECMO in civilian healthcare. By providing comprehensive program development, staffing, training, and transport services, IEC aims to make ECMO more accessible and ensure that healthcare institutions can offer this life-saving treatment. Our goal is to bridge the gap in ECMO availability, particularly in underserved and rural areas, to ensure that all patients in need have access to the best possible care.