ECMO IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES – WHAT IS THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AMONG HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT STAFF AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL TEAMS? A PILOT STUDY
ECMO IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES – WHAT IS THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AMONG HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT STAFF AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL TEAMS? A PILOT STUDY

Summary/Abstract: Background: Medical staff knowledge regarding the indications for ECMO, the criteria that cardiopulmonary resuscitation should meet, and the appropriate referral centers and procedures for potential candidates for this therapy is crucial. The literature reports the use of ECMO in hospital emergency departments (EDs) in cases of cardiac arrest, including those resulting from hypothermia, genital bleeding complicated by hemorrhagic shock and cardiac arrest, and respiratory failure caused by alveolar hemorrhage due to viral infection. There are also several reports of patients being connected to ECMO in the prehospital setting at the scene of the event. Material and methods: The study was prepared in accordance with the STROBE checklist and conducted using a survey method. The study included nurses, paramedics, and physicians working in emergency departments (EDs) and emergency medical teams from the Opole Voivodeship (n=59). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica version 13.3. Contingency tables, Pearson’s chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test were used. The threshold for statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Aim of the study:The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge of medical personnel working in hospital emergency departments and emergency medical teams regarding extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Results: A survey was conducted among 59 medical professionals working in emergency medical services (EMS) and hospital emergency departments. The question “What is ECMO?” received 77% correct responses, with no statistically significant correlations observed for any of the assessed factors. The question “What is eCPR?” was answered correctly by 59.3% of respondents. Correct answers regarding the types of ECMO were provided by 75.9% of respondents with a second-cycle degree, 61.9% of respondents with a bachelor’s degree, and 33.3% of respondents with secondary or post-secondary medical education. Overall, the general level of knowledge among respondents can be considered sufficient. Conclusions: In their daily work, EMS personnel encounter patients with conditions requiring treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). However, knowledge regarding this type of therapy still requires further development. Training programs and the development of recommendations are advised, as they may increase access to this therapy and consequently improve patient outcomes.

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