UK’s First Paediatric ECMO Transport Course: A Historic Milestone in Simulation Training

This September, we were proud to host the UK’s first-ever Paediatric ECMO Transport Course at The Simulator Company’s Simulation Centre in Coalville, Leicestershire, in collaboration with EUROELSO (European Chapter of ELSO) and ESPNIC (European Society of Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care). This landmark event was only the second course of its kind in Europe, placing the UK firmly at the forefront of advanced simulation training for paediatric critical care.

Why Paediatric ECMO Transport Matters

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a highly specialised therapy that takes over the work of the heart and lungs to allow critically ill patients — including newborns, children, and adults — the time they need to recover.

Transporting a patient on ECMO is one of the most challenging procedures in modern medicine. When that patient is a child or infant, the stakes are even higher. Teams must be prepared for every scenario, from technical failures to medical emergencies, all while moving through the unpredictable environments of ambulances or aircraft. Simulation training provides a safe, controlled way to build these lifesaving skills.

Course Structure and Highlights

The course spanned 10th–12th September 2025, combining theory and practical training:

• Theory Sessions: Held at the Leicester Marriott Hotel (10th–11th September, mornings)

• Practical Workshops: Hosted at our Simulation Centre in Coalville (11th afternoon–12th September)

At our facility, participants experienced a series of high-fidelity transport simulations, including:

• Preparing the full kit for safe air transport

• Cannulation training with the E-SIM Pro 3, the world’s first AI-powered ECMO simulator

• Air transport of an infant on ECMO, using a real aircraft positioned onsite

• Road ambulance transfer of an infant supported on ECMO

Faculty, Participants, and Impact

We were privileged to welcome a distinguished faculty of international experts in paediatric ECMO and transport medicine. Their guidance transformed the workshops into immersive learning experiences, with participants actively engaging in real-world scenarios.

The response from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the training as “a game-changer for paediatric ECMO preparation” and a unique opportunity to experience air and road transport in such realistic conditions.

The Simulator Company’s Role

At The Simulator Company, we are proud to be revolutionising ECMO simulation training worldwide. Hosting this course was not only a privilege but also a testament to the vision we hold:

Shaping heroes, saving lives.

By providing free access to our simulators, disposables, and facilities, we aimed to ensure that every participant could experience the most advanced training tools available today. The E-SIM Pro 3 — our flagship AI-powered simulator — proved invaluable in demonstrating complex scenarios with unparalleled realism.

Looking Ahead

This course marks a milestone not only for our company but for the entire UK clinical training community. By equipping healthcare professionals with the skills and confidence to transport critically ill children safely, we are helping set new standards in patient safety and outcomes.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration with EUROELSO, ESPNIC, and clinical partners across Europe to expand the reach of simulation-based ECMO training — ensuring that more patients, young and old, benefit from this lifesaving therapy.