Who takes care of my family member?
The ECMO Team:
Attending Physician: The primary physician in charge of the patient's care.
ECMO Specialists: The ECMO specialist is a specially trained Registered Respiratory Therapist who has experience in intensive care. The patient will have an ECMO specialist at the bedside at all times. These specially trained respiratory therapists do the minute-tominute monitoring of ECMO patients and the management of ECMO equipment.
Critical Care Nurses: The ICU nurses manage and care for very sick patients. Nurses provide care and comfort for your loved one. They will often be your primary source of information.
Respiratory Therapists: These professionals are specialists in ventilator management, make recommendations to other team members, and assist with procedures.
Resident Physicians: Residents are medical doctors who are obtaining specialty training. The resident physicians carry out much of the around-the-clock bedside medical care, under the supervision of the attending physician.
Social Worker/Chaplain: The social workers and chaplains can help you with:
- Accommodations or lodging
- Financial concerns: Insurance, parking, or meals.
- Emotional issues such as coping with a life threatening illness.
- Spiritual concerns.