ECMO and ECPR

Extra Corporeal Life Support (ECLS) is being used more frequently in Intensive Care and Emergency Departments for cardio and/or respiratory support. These patients are in severe respiratory failure, cardiogenic shock, or cardiac arrest where conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation has failed. These are critically ill patients. Management of these complex patients require detailed knowledge about the mechanisms of ECLS therapy and the consequences on the patient's physiology.

SCGH ECMO Course

The SCGH ECMO course is run by a multi-disciplinary team of Intensivists, Cardiac Anaesthetists, Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Perfusionists and Intensive Care Nurses.

The content includes relevant physiology and case discussions. It will also include the mechanics of the circuit, with hands-on familiarisation and tips for troubleshooting.

The SCGH ECMO course also includes cannulation workshops, which are designed to build confidence with the equipment and techniques. The training will also include multi-disciplinary simulation scenarios so the whole team can practice this complex emergency treatment. Scenarios will cover the full breadth of ECLS including VA, VV and ECPR.

This course is suitable for doctors, nurses and perfusionists involved in ECLS. NMHS employees will be prioritised for this course. External applicants will be put on a waitlist and contacted should a place become available.

2024 dates

• Thursday 5 September 2024

SCGH ECPR courses (run through SCGH Emergency Department)

Foundations of ECPR

This is an introductory course for ED nursing staff, consisting of lectures, skill stations, and assistance with cannulation workshops.

It will help participants develop confidence in managing these complex patients and working with the multi-disciplinary team.

This course is suitable for nurses at the level of resuscitation and above.

Advanced ECPR Training Program

This is a multi-disciplinary training day designed to build on the Foundations of ECPR course.

The faculty include a wide range of ECMO stakeholders, to encourage collaboration, facilitate discussion and sharing of experiences.

The day will include some lectures, as well as resuscitation leadership workshops and high-fidelity simulation. It is targeted at nursing ECPR champions, cannulation ED consultants, and doctors with a keen interest in ECPR.