Special Mission · ECMO Transfer

ECMO Transfer — The One Mission Type Most Operators Can't Actually Run

A patient on ECMO is alive because a machine is doing the work their heart or lungs can't. Moving that patient safely takes a team specifically trained to manage the circuit in flight — not a general ICU crew improvising.

What ECMO Transfer Actually Requires

Why Most Operators Step Back From This Mission Type

ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) keeps a patient alive when their heart or lungs have failed to the point where ventilators and medication alone aren't enough. Transferring a patient on ECMO means managing that circuit continuously, through takeoff, turbulence, and landing, with zero margin for error.

This is the mission type that separates a genuine ICU-capable air ambulance from an aircraft with some equipment in the back. Airlogic Air Ambulance, through our clinical team, runs ECMO transfers with a team trained specifically for this.

Mission Profile
Aircraft
Beechcraft King Air B200 (VT-YUD) — cabin space sufficient for ECMO circuit monitoring throughout flight
Clinical Partner
our ICU flight team — ECMO-capable
Aviation Partner
Aerokalinga · DGCA AOC Holder
Availability
24/7 · +91 96543 19329
What an ECMO Transfer Requires

Five Things That Have to Be Right Before the Patient Boards

01
A team trained on the circuit, not just the patient

General ICU training doesn't cover managing an ECMO circuit in flight. Our our clinical team assigns an ECMO-trained team to every such mission — the exact composition is confirmed at triage, before dispatch.

Team credentials confirmed and published before departure
02
Cabin space that doesn't compromise access to the circuit

The King Air B200's cabin gives the clinical team room to monitor and adjust the ECMO circuit throughout the flight — something the cramped fuselage of older aircraft like the C90 doesn't allow. See The Aircraft for the full comparison.

03
Power and equipment continuity, not improvisation

ECMO equipment power requirements are confirmed with the clinical team at triage. Equipment compatibility and backup power specifics are verified before the mission is accepted — we don't improvise on this.

Confirm with our team: +91 96543 19329
04
Coordination with the receiving ICU before departure

A patient leaving one ICU on ECMO needs a receiving team ready for them on arrival. Our team coordinates directly with the destination hospital before wheels-up, consistent with the Clinical Triage Audit process across all Airlogic missions.

05
Every credential, public — not promised

Same registry-based proof points as the rest of the site. The aircraft tail number, clinical team council registration numbers, and equipment calibration records are available before you commit. No operator that uses unnamed subcontractors can offer this.

Primary Corridor

Most ECMO Transfers Go to Hyderabad

Cardiac and pulmonology cases requiring ECMO support are frequently bound for Hyderabad's specialty hospitals — consistent with the wider Hyderabad corridor across our network. KIMS, AIG, and Yashoda have the cardiac surgery and perfusion capacity to receive and continue ECMO management.

Air Ambulance to Hyderabad →
Questions Hospitals Always Ask

ECMO Transfer FAQ

Is a perfusionist always part of the flight team for ECMO transfers?
The exact composition of the ECMO team — including whether a dedicated perfusionist or an ECMO-certified intensivist leads the circuit management — is confirmed by our clinical team at triage, based on the patient's specific clinical requirements. Call us to confirm the team for your case before committing.
What's the longest distance you can safely run an ECMO transfer?
The King Air B200 has the range to cover most North East India to Hyderabad routes non-stop or with a single refueling stop, depending on payload. ECMO mission range is confirmed at triage based on equipment, team, and patient weight. Call our team for your specific route.
Do you coordinate directly with the receiving ICU?
Yes — receiving ICU coordination is a mandatory step before dispatch on every ECMO mission. The clinical handover plan, including ECMO circuit status and team briefing, is agreed with the destination before the patient boards.
How is pricing different for an ECMO mission?
ECMO transfers carry a higher cost than standard ICU transfers because of specialist staffing and equipment requirements. All costs are itemized transparently before you commit. See our Air Ambulance Cost Guide for the cost structure, or call for a mission-specific quote.

Arranging an ECMO Transfer?

Call our team now. We'll run the triage, confirm the team composition, and give you an itemized quote — before you're asked to commit to anything.

📞 Call Flight Operations (24/7) WhatsApp Dispatch
Also see: Organ Transfer · Neonatal & Paediatric · All Special Missions