Practical Considerations for and Outcomes of Interfacility ECMO Transfer of Patients With COVID-19 During a Pandemic: Mayo Clinic Experience

Interfacility transport of a critically ill patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may be necessary for a higher level of care or initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). During the COVID-19 pandemic, ECMO has been used for patients with severe ARDS with successful results. Transporting a patient after ECMO cannulation by the receiving facility brings forth logistic challenges, including availability of adequate personal protective equipment for the transport team and hospital capacity management issues. We report our designated ECMO transport team’s experience of 5 patients with COVID-19–associated severe ARDS after cannulation at the referring facility. Focusing on transport-associated logistics, creation of checklists, and collaboration with emergency medical services partners is necessary for safe and good outcomes for patients while maintaining team safety.