Resources

The Alfred ECMO Guideline

If you have a patient or loved one who might benefit from reading more on ECMO and the Victorian ECMO Service, please print the VECMOS Patient Information Pamphlet 

If you would like to read Implementing the Victoria ECMO Service by Safer Care Victoria, please download the following PDF documents:

• Implementing the Victorian ECMO Service -  Part 1 (PDF)
• Implementing the Victorian ECMO Service -  Part 2 (PDF) 

Site Initiation Information Resource Pack

VECMOS supports the safe delivery of ECMO through a networked and accredited system, underpinned by strong governance, education, and collaboration.

For health services interested in developing ECMO capability, VECMOS provides a clear framework outlining the requirements, process and support required.

Find out more about how VECMOS works and what’s involved in establishing an ECMO service (PDF)

Education

Nursing Observerships

Nursing observership opportunities within VECMOS are available to support clinical learning and exposure to ECMO. Applicants should allow a minimum of 8 weeks for the application process, including review and coordination across participating sites. Following submission of an application, further information will be provided, including documentation and onboarding requirements, and any applicable fees.

VECMOS Nursing Observership Application Form

ECMO Courses

The next Alfred ICU in collaboration with VECMOS Adult ECMO Course is running in November 2026.

To Register: Click Here

For all ECMO training dates and booking links, please click here

VECMOS EDUCATION FRAMEWORK AND MINIMUM STANDARDS

The State-wide Victorian ECMO Service’s Training Framework will establish a coordinated approach to ECMO education across healthcare disciplines and sites in Victoria. The framework enables both the use of multidisciplinary, high quality local training and education at all Victorian hospitals providing ECMO while also ensuring consistency of practice and state-wide level training of staff where appropriate. We believe this iS the first education program of its kind in the Australian critical care community. 

The VECMOS Foundation Curriculum sets the strongly recommended knowledge and skills standard for ECMO care within our service, covering topics such as patient selection, equipment, management, and emergency procedures.

The framework provides a scaffolded approach to ECMO education: 

• Provision of a VECMOS foundation course. As part of the scaffold approach to ECMO education, attendance at an ELSO Endorsed or Centre of Excellence Foundation Course is recommended to meet VECMOS standards. The VECMOS Foundation ECMO Course, supported by ELSO endorsement, helps standardise ECMO education across the state by engaging clinicians from all VECMOS sites to deliver course material.

• Local hospital network (LHN) ECMO training programs coordinated at each site, address the basic elements of ECMO knowledge. These programs include theoretical components, practical training, bedside care, and local equipment orientation.

• Advanced clinicians engage in further learning and development through LHN and statewide quality assurance activities, teaching of foundation knowledge, and ECMO-specific professional development.

Role definitions, credentialing, and recredentialing recommendations are provided within the framework to create a unified naming convention for roles within VECMOS, ensuring standardisation across sites. The State-wide VECMOS Training Framework aims to enhance the standard of ECMO care by providing a comprehensive and a standardised approach for ECMO education across Victoria.

Please find the VECMOS Education Framework and Minumum Standards here.