Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
These usually need timely assessment but are not always emergencies.
Seek emergency help for:
Sudden difficulty breathing or severe chest pain
Heavy bleeding or bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure
Fainting, severe confusion, or loss of consciousness
New facial drooping, arm or leg weakness, or difficulty speaking
A limb that suddenly becomes cold, pale, very painful, or numb
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
After leaving hospital, contact your healthcare team promptly for increasing pain, redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, or a new lump at a former cannula site.
Also call about persistent fever, worsening weakness, or new problems with mood, sleep, memory, or daily activities.
The article also says
While you are receiving ECMO, ICU staff monitor you continuously.
You or your family can raise concerns with the bedside team at any time.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.