Transfers to the Center

Center for Acute Respiratory Failure

Physicians who wish to transfer patients to the center should call 1-800-NYP-STAT (the Access Transfer Center). Our team is available 24/7.

Transfers are usually done by traditional ambulance unless the patient is too unstable for a this type of transport. In these cases, some patients may be transferred by the center's Mobile ECMO Transport Team.

Mobile ECMO Transport Team

The Mobile ECMO Transport Team is a group of specially trained paramedics who are able to transport critically ill patients. The team's ambulance has advanced equipment such as a portable ECMO machine and the paramedics themselves are trained in advanced airway and ventilator management; the use of intra-aortic balloon pumps and transvenous pacemakers; the delivery of inhaled nitric oxide; and the transport of patients on ECMO. Working with other members of the transport team, the paramedics bring the services of an intensive care unit to the patient to provide the safest possible transport.

ECMO Referral Process

ECMO referrals are immediately directed to the ECMO team.
A member of the team will contact you via our Access Transfer Center.
A patient intake form is completed with your or your team's guidance.
The case is then reviewed by the ECMO team to discuss the suitability for ECMO.
If ECMO is appropriate for your patient, our ECMO Transport Team will prepare for the transfer.
The initiation of ECMO by our team takes place at your hospital in collaboration with you and your team, as well as your hospital's administration.