Mobilizing Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

Overview:

Mobilizing critically ill patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) requires advanced clinical reasoning, multidisciplinary coordination, and a strong understanding of cardiopulmonary support. ECMO provides temporary life‑saving respiratory and circulatory support by oxygenating blood outside the body, allowing the heart and lungs time to rest and heal.

This evidence‑informed course discusses how two Canadian ECMO programs have developed strategies for safe mobility, screening criteria, practical guidance, and case examples that support physiotherapy involvement in ECMO patient care.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand ECMO Fundamentals
   Describe the principles of ECMO, its role in critical care, and patient physiology during extracorporeal support.

2. Screening & Candidacy for Mobilization
   Identify clinical considerations and screening processes to determine when patients supported by ECMO may be appropriate candidates for movement or rehabilitation.

3. Interprofessional Mobility Guidelines
   Explain guidelines and practical strategies used by ECMO programs to safely mobilize patients, including risk assessment and team coordination.

4. Case Studies & Real‑World Application
   Apply mobility principles through case discussions and audience questions to enhance clinical confidence and decision‑making.

Audience

This course is ideal for clinicians involved in critical care and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

• Physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants

• Critical care clinicians and advanced practice providers

• Rehabilitation specialists in acute care settings

• Allied health professionals working with medically complex ICU patients

Clinical Relevance

Physiotherapists increasingly play a role in early mobility for critically ill patients to prevent ICU‑acquired weakness and improve functional outcomes. Mobilization of ECMO patients can be safe and feasible with appropriate clinical screening, multidisciplinary collaboration, and careful monitoring during physical activity.

About the Presenters

Vincent Lo, PT – Vincent is a physiotherapist at Toronto General Hospital’s MSICU with extensive experience in critical care rehabilitation. He has been involved in clinical research and teaching in collaboration with the University of Toronto since 2001, contributing to ECMO mobilization practices and training.

Rys Chapple, PT – Rys is the Physiotherapy Critical Care Team Lead at Vancouver General Hospital with a passionate focus on ECMO care. He has supported national training initiatives on mobilization and proning for critical care patients and engages in mentorship and teaching to advance clinical practice.

Accreditation & CEUs

This course is offered by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and may count toward continuing education requirements, depending on your professional jurisdiction.