Critical service
ECMO Air Transfers
Some critically ill patients depend on ECMO, a machine that takes over the work of the heart and lungs. When they need a specialist centre in another city or country, the transfer has to be planned with great care.
Azor coordinates ECMO air transfers with a specialist ECMO team, an aircraft that can carry the circuit and its power and gas needs, and the receiving ECMO centre, so the patient is supported from bed to bed.
Every transfer starts with a detailed medical review with the treating team. We only proceed when the specialists agree the move is safe and the receiving centre is ready.
How it works
From the first call to the handover
Case review
We review the patient's condition and ECMO support with the treating team.
Receiving centre confirmed
We secure a bed and agreement at a suitable ECMO centre.
Team and aircraft matched
We arrange the specialist ECMO team, aircraft and equipment.
Bed-to-bed transfer
The ECMO team manages the patient throughout the ground and air journey.
Handover
The patient is handed over to the receiving ECMO team with full clinical notes.
Questions
ECMO Air Transfers FAQs
What is ECMO?
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is life support that pumps and oxygenates the blood outside the body, taking over the work of the heart and lungs while a patient is treated.
Can a patient on ECMO really be flown?
In many cases yes, with a specialist team, suitable aircraft and careful planning. The decision is always made with the treating doctors, case by case.
Who travels with the patient?
A specialist ECMO team, typically including an intensive-care doctor and ECMO specialists, chosen for the patient's needs.
Is an ECMO transfer covered by insurance?
It depends on the policy. We liaise with your insurer on approvals before the transfer.
Need an ECMO transfer?
Our coordination team is available 24/7.