Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Miraculous Recoveries: ECMO Saves Lives Amid High Costs

10/29/2025

40 5

Summary

Story summary

Kelli Gehrke, 36, survived after a cardiac arrest caused by amniotic fluid embolism during childbirth at Madigan Army Medical Center, aided by a mobile ECMO team from Harborview.
Emergency blood donations from 72 people supported her recovery.
Ethan Noack, 20, suffered severe lung damage after surgery and was placed on ECMO at Harborview.
Both patients are recovering but face ongoing health challenges and high ECMO costs, about $13,000 per day.

1 of 1

Story summary

Kelli Gehrke, 36, survived after a cardiac arrest caused by amniotic fluid embolism during childbirth at Madigan Army Medical Center, aided by a mobile ECMO team from Harborview.
Emergency blood donations from 72 people supported her recovery.
Ethan Noack, 20, suffered severe lung damage after surgery and was placed on ECMO at Harborview.
Both patients are recovering but face ongoing health challenges and high ECMO costs, about $13,000 per day.