What is the parents role in ECMO?
Parents and family members are encouraged to visit their child while he is on ECMO. Visiting hours are unrestricted for parents. Others may visit if they come with one of the parents. No more than two people may visit at the same time. Siblings may be allowed to visit after checking with your child’s nurse. For more information about individual unit policies, please review the admission booklet for the unit and check with the bedside nurse. Here are some suggestions to assist you in making the most of your visits with your child. Some children may receive medicine to help them sleep and others may just feel too sick to talk while on ECMO, however, many children will be alert and responsive during awake periods. In either case, it is important for you, as parents and family members, to let your child know you are there. You, as parents, can give your child what we can’t, because he is your child and responds to you. Check with your child’s nurse to see if it is all right to talk or touc
