Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which is nowadays increasingly used in the treatment of patients, remains an advanced and invasive method, at risk of many complications and adverse events, at the same time increases the chance to save patients’ health and life. On the other hand, indications for the use of extracorporeal methods of supporting vital functions are characterized by multiplicity and their constant widening. Nevertheless, the application of these procedures requires extensive knowledge and high qualifications not only among doctors and perfusionists, but also among nurses. Continuous improvement of qualifications by nurses is necessary to ensure patient’s safety as well as the highest quality of treatment and care for the patient. For many years, a lot of attention has been paid to the use of personalized treatment, which is the most beneficial for the patient, even if it requires transporting the patient to a more qualified center, where it will be available. Places are created throughout Poland, centers where the use of ECMO is possible. The importance of a mobile ECMO is also growing, which allows the described therapy to be used while the patient is being transported to the appropriate center.

Key words: nursing care, intensive care, respiratory insufficiency, circulatory failure.