What action is critical if a disconnection of the gas line occurs on ECMO?

In the event of a disconnection of the gas line on ECMO, calling for immediate assistance is a critical action to ensure patient safety. ECMO relies heavily on a continuous supply of oxygen and proper management of the circuit; any interruption can lead to severe hypoxia and deterioration of the patient's condition. By calling for assistance, the healthcare team can quickly mobilize additional resources and personnel to address the disconnection correctly, initiate troubleshooting, and ensure that the patient is adequately supported during the emergency.

While reconnecting the gas line manually might seem like a logical response, untrained personnel could accidentally harm the equipment or the patient further in a rushed situation. Additionally, monitoring vital signs is always important but would not directly address the immediate risk caused by the gas line disconnection. Changing the circuit quickly may not always be feasible or necessary, depending on the specific circumstances and the causes of the disconnection. Therefore, prioritizing immediate communication and help is paramount in managing this critical situation.