Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
This rare + life-saving machine helps ICU babies in Birmingham
Reading time: 4 minutes
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Last year, I found out about the life-saving ECMO machine after my friend’s niece was in the hospital. But even after hearing its name, I was still unsure how it worked. So, I sat down with three ECMO Specialists at Children’s of Alabama to learn a little more.
Now, I know that Children’s hosts the only pediatric ECMO Center in Alabama, and it helps these three ladies (and many more!) play a pivotal role in caring for babies across the state.
First things first: What is ECMO?
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, or ECMO, allows the medical team to treat children who need to let their heart or lungs completely rest.
How the ECMO machine works:
- Takes the blood outside of the body
- Adds oxygen
- Gets rid of carbon dioxide
- Returns the blood to the patient
Mallory Stewart, Hannah Williams and Anna Handlin are three (of many) nurses and respiratory therapists who are a part of the ECMO Team at Children’s of Alabama.
Let’s get to know them!
Mallory Stewart, ECMO Coordinator
For as long as she can remember, Mallory wanted to be a Children’s of Alabama nurse. Her mom worked at Children’s for 34 years, and that inspired Mallory to do the same.
Fun fact: Mallory used to dress up as a Children’s of Alabama nurse for Halloween, complete with her mom’s badge.
In her role as ECMO Coordinator, Mallory trains all incoming team members and facilitates education needs throughout the year.
“The number one perk of the job is to care for the kids. It’s such a joy and an honor to take care of kids who are fighting so hard.”
Mallory Stewart, ECMO Coordinator and RN, Children’s of Alabama
Hannah Williams, Respiratory Therapist + ECMO Specialist
Hannah Williams has been at Children’s of Alabama for seven years, where she serves as a Respiratory Therapist and ECMO Specialist.
In this role, Hannah manages the ECMO machine and adjusts support according to each patient’s needs. She uses lab values and clinical expertise to determine changes needed.
“Sometimes I sit with these patients for 12 hours at a time, and then I’m off for a few days. When I come back, they’re off ECMO and they’re getting better. It’s very rewarding.”
Hannah Williams, ECMO Specialist, Children’s of Alabama
Anna Handlin, Registered Nurse + ECMO Specialist
After graduating from Auburn University, Anna Handlin moved to Washington D.C., but her desire to be close to family won, and she’s back in Birmingham for the long haul!
As an RN and ECMO Specialist, Anna watches the ECMO pump closely, monitoring for any needed adjustments and troubleshooting any issues. In an ECMO emergency, she’s the first to respond.
“My favorite part of our job is getting to work with different physicians, respiratory therapists and medical teams. We have different experiences, but we all come together to do what’s best for our patients.”
Anna Handlin, ECMO Specialist, Children’s of Alabama
Children’s of Alabama offers a life-saving service in Birmingham
Around the 1980s, ECMO was a new therapy. Children’s of Alabama nurse practitioner Debbie Laney and general surgeon Keith Gorgeson saw that families were leaving the state to get it.
So in 1987, they started the ECMO program at Children’s.
Now, the program is run by Medical Director Dr. Scott Anderson and Department Director Martha McBride, CRNP, along with dozens of Children’s employees.
“It feels really great to be a part of the team that broke through barriers so early in the world of ECMO.”
Mallory Stewart, ECMO Program Coordinator, Children’s of Alabama
I know friends with family members who are familiar with ECMO. While fear is present during uncertain times, I’ve also heard how comforted they are by the love, kindness and expertise within the Children’s of Alabama staff.
Learn more about the work Children’s of Alabama does with ECMO and other unbeatable healthcare programs.
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