VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County Emergency Medical Services is preparing to launch a program that allows crews to administer prehospital blood transfusions to patients with severe blood loss before they reach the hospital.
Implementation of the new capability is anticipated in the coming weeks.
EMS personnel are participating in simulation training to prepare for the program, practicing identifying eligible patients, preparing blood products, and administering whole-blood transfusions in simulated emergencies.
EMS officials noted that making blood available prior to hospital arrival allows crews to begin critical treatment earlier, which studies indicate can improve patient outcomes.
The program relies on partnerships established by the Volusia County Council earlier this year. Under the agreements, Halifax Health assists with blood handling and logistics, while OneBlood serves as the supplier for the blood products used by EMS crews.
Volusia County EMS expects to implement the prehospital whole-blood transfusion program in the coming weeks.
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