Adult Foundation ECMO 2-day course - Endorsed by ELSO

The Adult Foundation ECMO Course is designed for doctors, nurses, perfusionists, and allied health professionals seeking to develop a foundational understanding of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the management of patients with severe cardiac and respiratory failure. The course has been endorsed by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) as an Adult Comprehensive Simulation-Based Course, meeting Step 1 and Step 2 criteria for E-AEC accreditation.

The program is tailored to a broad range of clinicians, from those with little or no prior ECMO experience to those who have been involved in the care of ECMO patients. It provides comprehensive coverage of key aspects of ECMO practice, including underlying physiology, patient selection, and the management of complications and emergencies.

The 2 day course will take place on Wednesday 18 & Thursday 19 November 2026.

Content is delivered through a combination of:

• Plenary lectures
• Small-group interactive case-based discussions
• "Hands-on" practical skills-based stations
•  Multidisciplinary simulation laboratory exercises

ECMO Cannulation

This is training for doctors wanting to perform percutaneous ECMO cannulation. Eligible doctors would be specialist (or Senior Registrars in their last year before achieving fellowship). The ECMO cannulation course is provided over one half day and you can select:

The Alfred ECMO Cannulation Training Courses provide the opportunity for medical practitioners to learn the practical manual skills for performing percutaneous ECMO cannulation using the Seldinger Technique.

Structured teaching in groups of 4-5 is provided with a live animal model. Participants are instructed on all stages of venous and arterial cannulation using large cannulae without cutting (from set-up and staffing to securing lines).

Safe practices for overcoming tissue resistance and prevention of blood loss will be emphasised. Participants will perform 1-2 cannulations, assist in 1-2 cannulations and observe 6 each. Participants will also perform circuit connections and circuit modifications for different ECMO modalities. An array of available cannuale are used and advantages and disadvantages of each are explained.

Please note Cannulation is sold in conjunction with the ECMO 2 Day Course and is not available to purchase as a stand alone package.

CPD Points

CPD points have been allocated by the below organisations.  Registrants should use the information above to apply for recognition.  Please note that you will not be granted automatic recognition, you must make a claim with your College.

CICM

ECMO Course

•  Lectures: Cat 2A - 1 point per hour (9Hr 55Mins)
• Skills Station: Cat 3B - 3 points per hours (3Hrs 45Mins)

ECMO Cannulation

• Skills Station: Cat 3B - 3 points per hour (3Hrs )