What is one of the 4 C's to perform in a decannulation emergency?

In a decannulation emergency, one of the primary actions to ensure patient safety and optimal management is to call for help. This step is crucial because it allows for immediate access to additional resources and expertise needed to manage the situation effectively. Decannulation requires swift responses to prevent complications, and having a team of trained professionals can enhance the response capacity.

Calling for help means that you are not only alerting other healthcare providers to the critical situation but also mobilizing necessary interventions that may be beyond the immediate capabilities of one person managing the ECMO circuit. This collaborative approach is vital to ensuring that the patient receives timely and comprehensive care, which can be lifesaving given the urgency of a decannulation emergency.

While other actions might seem relevant under certain circumstances, in an emergency context, securing additional assistance is a foundational step that enables any subsequent actions to be performed safely and effectively.