Nashville man credits ECMO machine for saving his life

Kevin Jones describes how the advanced medical technology helped him recover from a severe infection.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A 42-year-old Nashville resident named Kevin Jones is sharing his story of how an ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) machine helped save his life after he fell into a coma due to a severe infection. Medical teams from Ascension St. Thomas Health and Williamson County Medical Center utilized the ECMO technology to support Jones' failing lungs and heart until he could recover.

Why it matters

ECMO is an advanced life support technology that can be used to temporarily take over the function of the lungs and heart, allowing the body to rest and recover. Jones' case highlights how this critical medical intervention can be a lifesaver for patients facing life-threatening illnesses or injuries.

The details

Jones, a 42-year-old Nashville resident, fell into a coma after developing a severe infection that caused his lungs and heart to fail. Medical teams at Ascension St. Thomas Health and Williamson County Medical Center then used an ECMO machine to oxygenate his blood and support his vital organs until he could recover enough to breathe on his own.

  • In February 2026, Jones fell into a coma due to a severe infection.
  • Medical teams used the ECMO machine to support Jones' failing lungs and heart.

The players

Kevin Jones

A 42-year-old Nashville resident who credits an ECMO machine for saving his life after falling into a coma due to a severe infection.

Ascension St. Thomas Health

A healthcare system that utilized ECMO technology to support Jones' failing lungs and heart.

Williamson County Medical Center

A medical center that worked alongside Ascension St. Thomas Health to provide life-saving ECMO treatment for Jones.

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What they’re saying

“The ECMO machine saved my life. I don't know where I'd be without it.”

— Kevin Jones (The Tennessean)

The takeaway

Jones' story highlights the critical role that advanced medical technologies like ECMO can play in saving lives, especially for patients facing life-threatening illnesses or injuries. His recovery serves as an inspiring example of the life-saving potential of these innovative treatments.