Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-support system that provides heart and lung support when these organs need time to rest and heal.
ECMO may be used for severe respiratory or cardiac failure, including conditions like ARDS, heart failure, or during recovery from major surgery.
ECMO can help patients of all ages when their heart or lungs are too sick to function properly. Each situation is unique and carefully evaluated by specialists.
While ECMO treatment is intensive, many patients successfully recover with proper care. Recovery takes time, and we're here to support you every step.
Dan from northeastern Pennsylvania describes falling ill after a crowded Brooklyn festival (March 2020). His oxygen crashed; he was intubated, put on ECMO, and coma. He survived pneumonia, sepsis, ARDS—now recovering and raising awareness.
Dan.
Father & Survivor
Recovered from ECMO treatment after falling critically ill
On 13 June 2019, a 21-year-old suffered catastrophic asthma, cardiac arrest, and ARDS, requiring ECMO at Wythenshawe. After weeks unconscious, she recovered, returned to medical school, and now practices medicine with compassion.
Dr. Alec
Doctor, UK
Successfully weaned from ECMO after severe asthma
After mild illness, a young boy developed RSV/MRSA pneumonia, ARDS, and cardiac shock, requiring complex ECMO support. Against overwhelming odds, he survived amputations and setbacks, ultimately thriving—his recovery offering rare hope to families facing devastating critical illness.
Katie.
Parent
Supporting her son through ECMO treatment and recovery
Easy-to-understand guides about ECMO, treatment options, and recovery expectations.
Watch medical experts explain ECMO, caregiving tips, and recovery strategies.
Connect with others who understand. Find local and online support communities.
Fact sheets, recovery trackers, and resources you can share with your care team.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a medical emergency, seek emergency medical care immediately by calling 911 or going to your nearest emergency room.
Fund critical studies to improve ECMO treatment and outcomes
Provide resources and support groups for patients and families
Create accessible educational materials for patients and caregivers
Raise awareness and advocate for better ECMO care nationwide
A virtual support community designed for the many people affected by ECMO.
First Wednesday every month at 7:00 pm CT/8:00 pm ET
The support group meets online Monthly, First Wednesday of the Month at 7pm CT/8 pm ET
We welcome VA &VV ECMO patients, family members, and caregivers. This includes ECMO cannulation for any reason.
Leader: Maria Young, ARDS/ECMO Survivor & Director, ARDS Alliance. For group information, email myoung@ardsalliance.org
Please provide us with your first name, last name, a valid email address and your role in order to register for our support group.