A New Chapter in Pediatric Emergency, Life-Saving Mobile ECMO Unit for Little Patients

In the setting of Monasterio Heart Hospital, a new star has emerged in the pediatric emergency scene. “EcmoMobile,” a name that evokes gentleness and timeliness, is more than just an ambulance; it is a symbol of hope aimed at the little ones, an opportunity for life in critical situations. Inaugurated recently, this wonder on wheels is the fruit of the generosity of the Rosa Prístina Foundation and the dedication of the Luigi Donato Foundation for Monasterio. The “EcmoMobile” was made by ” Mariani Fratelli ” a historic company in the outfitting of special and medical vehicles.

The EcmoMobile represents a bastion of care for children in respiratory or cardiac crisis situations. It is an ambulance designed specifically to transport the hospital directly to the patient, offering immediate and specific care with the invaluable support of the Heart Hospital Pediatric ECMO Team.

ECMO, which stands for ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, is a complex technology that can temporarily replace the vital functions of the heart and lungs. In situations where drug treatments do not provide adequate responses, ECMO becomes a real hope for survival. This device, through cannulas connected to arteries and veins, ensures blood flow and oxygenation of organs, allowing the heart and lungs to rest and heal.

Monasterio Heart Hospital is the regional center of excellence in the application of pediatric ECMO. Thanks to the expertise and dedication of its Pediatric ECMO Team, composed of specialists from various medical branches, it has been possible to extend the reach of this revolutionary technology throughout Tuscany. This team has been the bastion of survival for children like Ludovica, Onsi and little Tommaso, each with a unique story of healing made possible by ECMO implantation.

The new EcmoMobile is a momentous breakthrough. Donated by the Rosa Prístina Foundation, it stands as a crucial enhancement to the Pediatric ECMO Team, enabling even faster and more specific intervention in hospitals throughout the region. By eliminating the need to activate an emergency ambulance system and set up instrumentation, this ambulance will always be ready for deployment, ensuring timeliness and efficiency in transfers and care for young patients.

The contribution of the Foundations involved, led by Luigi Donato Foundation President Marco Tardelli, has been crucial. Anesthesia physicians, Dorela Haxhiademi, Elisa Barberi and Cornel Marusceac, emphasize the importance of this ambulance, which was custom-designed for the needs of the ECMO Team. This vehicle is capable of transporting all the equipment needed for ECMO implantation on patients of various ages and weights, from infancy to adolescence.

Monasterio General Director Marco Torre expresses gratitude for the support of the Foundations involved, emphasizing that this initiative is a symbol of collaborative unity among healthcare professionals and organizations, strengthening the hospital’s pediatric mission.

EcmoMobile is more than just a vehicle on four wheels: it is a beacon of hope that lights the way to faster and more effective care for young patients in emergency situations.

We list some technical features of the “EcmoMobile” ambulance built by Eng. Massai and his team:

• Fiat Ducato180hp Rescue Leader – ECMO Mobile
• Outfitting with place reserved for the PERFUSIONIST on the left side
• Specific rack for ECMO instrumentation and Counterpulsator
• Equipment
  • Medical gases OXYGEN AND COMPRESSED AIR with management from touch screen control panel
• Electrical plant engineering
  • 2KW inverter and one 1.3KW stand-by inverter
  • 40A battery charger
  • Auxiliary battery bank n.2 GEL batteries of 110A/h
  • DC-DC 40A converter for optimal management of battery charging by Smart Alternators
• Chiller for transporting drugs at low temperatures
• Thermo – box for infusion bottles at body temperature
• Dual environmental sanitation system:
  • Continuous cycle integrated in the air conditioner operating on the principle of photo catalysis
  • When the vehicle is stationary for ozonation

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Source

• Fondazione Monasterio