This case-series shows that a properly trained regular Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) crew of only two health care professionals (doctor and flight nurse) can establish Extracorporeal-Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (E-CPR) on-scene in (older) children.

Ambulance transport with ongoing CPR is challenging, even more so in children since transportation times tend to be longer compared to adults and automatic chest compression devices are often unsuitable and/or unapproved for children.

Prehospital cannulation of susceptible E-CPR candidates has the potential to reduce low-flow time and offer E-CPR therapy to a wider group of children suffering refractory cardiac arrest.

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