What David’s Story Teaches Us: Lessons from One of the UK’s H1N1 Adult ECMO Survivors
In 2009, David Richards became critically ill with swine flu. His ARDS diagnosis led to an ECMO transfer to Glenfield Hospital, and his survival helped catalyze the creation of England’s adult ECMO network. I recently published David’s story—raw, moving, and generous in detail—on ecmo.life, our patient and family education site.
However, for healthcare providers, it also offers clinical and human takeaways.
🔍 6 Reflections for ECMO Teams:
Early delays matter. David had three GP calls before hospitalization. ECMO saves lives—but early recognition of severe respiratory deterioration is just as critical.
The power of mobile ECMO teams. His transfer to Glenfield was only possible thanks to a bed opening and a retrieval team equipped to initiate ECMO pre-transfer.
ICU diaries aren't soft—they're survival tools. David credits his ICU diary with helping him sort hallucinations from reality and recover emotionally.
Delirium is more than confusion. Vivid hallucinations and paranoia were David’s reality for weeks. Recognizing and supporting this is essential.
Rehab starts in the ICU. His care team began rehab within 48 hours of waking. Even ankle rotations and sitting up were milestones.
Discharge isn't the end—it’s a new phase. PTSD, medical retirement, financial strain, and chronic symptoms followed David home. Survivorship care is part of ECMO care.
Read David’s full story here: 🔗 ecmo.life – David’s Long Battle
Let me know what stood out to you—or what your ICU is doing to support ECMO survivors long-term.