Since its first clinical use in the 1950s, the set-up and management of the heart-lung machine (HLM) has been the responsibility of the perfusionist, who has a documented competency in every facet of extracorporeal technology because of their theoretical and practical training. In contrast, when this technology leaves the operating room to provide longer-term support in terms of ECLS (extracorporeal life support) or ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), there is no longer worldwide uniformity nor consensus concerning clinical roles or responsibilities. It is clear that certain involvement from the extracorporeal technology specialists is required to provide quality ECMO care, but the extent of their involvement has been undefined within Europe. As it was unclear how intensely perfusionists around Europe are involved in ECLS, a survey was created inquiring about their roles and responsibilities in local ECMO programmes.