Who is on the ECMO team?
The ECMO team caring for your child is made up of a neonatologist or an intensivist,
surgeon, ECMO primer, ECMO specialist, ICU nurses and respiratory therapists.
Neonatologist or intensivist: A pediatrician who specializes in the care of very sick babies or children,
who is the primary doctor for your child. These physicians have received special
training in the management of the ECMO machine and patient.
Pediatric surgeon: A surgeon who specializes in surgery performed on children, who places and removes
the cannulas needed for ECMO. The surgery takes place in the ICU.
ECMO primer: An intensive care nurse or respiratory therapist educated in the functioning
of the ECMO machine. The primer prepares the machine and circuit and helps the
surgeon and physician in placing your child on ECMO. In the event there are problems
while your child is on ECMO, the primer works with the ECMO specialist to correct
the problem.
ECMO specialist: An intensive care nurse or respiratory therapist trained in the management and
operation of the ECMO machine. He is always at the bedside taking care of your
child.
ICU nurse and respiratory therapist: Specially educated to take care of very sick babies and children, they also
are at the bedside providing care to your child. There is also a primary nurse
who will be helping to manage your child's individual needs.
Social worker and ECMO parent liaison: The social worker is educated to help families cope with the feelings and experience
of having a child in the hospital. The social worker can also assist you with
any arrangements you may need. The parent liaison is a person who has had the
experience of having a child on ECMO and is available to share experiences with
you.
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