ECMO is a modified heart-lung machine that takes over the function of the lungs for days, weeks, or even months, until those organs have recovered or a transplant is performed.

ECMO, the highest level of mechanical life support, functions as a temporary heart and lungs for some of COVID-19's sickest patients. But the waitlist is too long for many patients who need it.

When COVID-19 was continuing its deadly spread through Colorado, ICUs filled up. Ventilators and ECMO machines were in short supply and for one man, lifesaving.