A retrospective analysis of inpatient cardiac arrests over one year at a tertiary heart attack and cardiothoracic centre identifying potential candidates for an inpatient extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation service.

Sufficient numbers of refractory inpatient cardiac arrests occur to justify an extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation service, but a 24-h on-site extracorporeal membrane oxygenation team presents a significant financial and logistical challenge.