Quick action and advanced ECMO care at Ascension Sacred Heart saved a man’s life

After undergoing emergency hernia surgery, Joseph S., 44, from Andalusia, Alabama, seemed to be recovering well. However, about a week later, he developed signs of a serious infection. His wound became infected, and he began to show symptoms of sepsis, a life-threatening condition that can happen when the body responds severely to an infection.

Joseph went to a local emergency room, but because his condition was so serious and he needed advanced imaging and care, he chose to be transferred to Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola, Florida.

There, Dr. Justin Reis and Dr. Carrie Garrison, ECMO medical directors, determined that emergency surgery was needed to treat the infection. After the operation, Joseph was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring.

The next morning, the ECMO specialists recognized that Joseph’s condition had worsened, and his lungs were failing. Drs. Reis and Garrison recommended VV ECMO (veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), a life support treatment that gives the heart and lungs time to rest and heal.

Joseph was on ECMO for three and a half days. His condition began to improve, and once he was stable, the ECMO was stopped. After a few more days in the ICU, Joseph was well enough to be moved to a regular hospital room and eventually discharged home.

"We’re so grateful Joseph made such a remarkable recovery after his battle with sepsis and infection," said Dr. Reis. "The quick action of our ICU team and the life-saving ECMO support made all the difference. It was truly a team effort that led to his improvement."

At home, Joseph continued to heal with help from home health services, which included wound care, monitoring, and daily exercises to help him regain strength and improve lung function.

Today, Joseph is feeling stronger and more focused on what matters most. He spends more time with his teenage sons, enjoys outdoor activities like kayaking and fishing, and has a new appreciation for life.

“This journey has been an eye-opening experience, and I am thankful for every moment,” said Joseph. “The support and friendships I’ve made are irreplaceable.”

The ECMO program at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola provides advanced, life-saving care for people with severe heart and lung conditions. ECMO can support patients when other treatments aren’t working — including those recovering from infection, illness, or awaiting a transplant.

To begin a transfer to Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola, visit our website or please call 1-866-512-2244.