The comprehensive ECMO course is a 2 day multidisciplinary course intended for physicians, perfusionists, advanced practice practitioners, respiratory therapists and nurses. The class consists of didactic lectures and hands on simulation to gain competency in managing emergency situations and troubleshooting to intervene before the situation becomes an emergency. The multidisciplinary course gives the team practice working together to ensure clinical competence and maintain skill to the highest standards to minimize risks. Together the team must verbalize and implement patient management goals, maintaining  Cardiovascular and respiratory stability while recognizing and preventing complications. Attention to detail, vigilance in assessment, implementation of care in a timely manner, and effective communication between team members are paramount to achieve the best outcomes. An exceptional ECMO program relies upon the continued education, training, certification and maintenance of quality of the multidisciplinary team. High fidelity simulation immerses the trainee in realistic environments populated with working equipment  including a functional ECMO circuit, a patient simulator capable of generating authentic physiologic cues, with and ECMO team that responds in a realistic manner to the events of the scenario with immediate feedback. Debriefing will be done after each scenario is completed.

By creating a highly realistic environment where trainees must respond to problems with both the circuit and the patient, a more realistic and valuable learning opportunity  will be provided.

For any questions about the program, contact debra.camp@ahn.org.