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Critical Care

ECMO Air Ambulance — Mobile Extracorporeal Life Support Transfers

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) air ambulance transfers — both VV and VA configurations — with a perfusionist and intensivist on board, on long-range jets capable of carrying the circuit.

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24/7 worldwide · No obligation · Subject to medical & operational feasibility

No medical advice is provided online. Each case is reviewed individually by qualified medical partners and is subject to medical and operational feasibility.

Clinical brief

What the transfer involves

ECMO transfers are among the most complex aeromedical missions. The patient is fully dependent on a mechanical circuit; the aircraft must accept the equipment footprint and power load, and the team includes a perfusionist alongside the flight physician and nurse.

In-flight considerations

  • +Aircraft must accept the ECMO console, oxygen and battery load — heavy jets only
  • +Continuous perfusion management by a dedicated perfusionist
  • +Anticoagulation and ACT monitoring throughout the flight
  • +Cannula site security and limb perfusion checks
  • +Pre-mission feasibility review with the referring ECMO centre is mandatory
Equipment

On-board medical kit

  • ECMO console with backup power
  • Ventilator
  • Multi-parameter monitor
  • Multiple infusion pumps
  • Activated clotting time monitoring
  • Surgical kit for cannula emergencies
Medical crew

Clinicians on board

  • Perfusionist (ECMO specialist)
  • Flight intensivist
  • Flight nurse with ECLS experience
Indicative cost band

What does a ECMO air ambulance typically cost?

€120,000 – €280,000

ECMO missions sit at the top of the cost range. The patient is fully dependent on a mechanical circuit, the aircraft must accept the equipment and power load, and the team includes a perfusionist alongside the intensivist.

  • Short€120k – €170k (regional ECMO transfer)
  • Long€200k – €280k (intercontinental ECMO)

Ranges are illustrative 2026 market figures, not quotes. Every transfer is reviewed and priced case by case by qualified medical partners after assessment of the patient, route and clinical needs.

Key cost drivers

What moves the price for this condition

  • 01Heavy long-range jet required for console, oxygen and battery load
  • 02Dedicated perfusionist plus flight intensivist and ECLS-trained nurse
  • 03Pre-mission feasibility review with referring and receiving ECMO centres
  • 04Anticoagulation monitoring and surgical kit for cannula emergencies
  • 05Two pilots plus relief and complex overflight / landing permits
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FAQ

Common questions

Is ECMO transport guaranteed to be possible?+

No. Feasibility depends on patient stability, aircraft and equipment availability, and acceptance by the receiving ECMO centre. Each case is reviewed individually by qualified medical partners.

How much does an ECMO air ambulance cost?+

ECMO missions are at the top of the cost range, typically €120,000–€280,000 depending on distance, aircraft category, and team composition. See our cost guide for indicative pricing.

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