New EMS initiative in Dallas brings blood transfusions to trauma patients before hospital arrival
Dallas, Texas – Dallas Fire-Rescue has announced the launch of a groundbreaking EMS Blood Transfusion Pilot Program, a new initiative designed to provide life-saving blood transfusions to trauma patients before they even reach the hospital. The program, developed in partnership with Parkland BioTel and the American Red Cross, is set to revolutionize pre-hospital emergency care by significantly improving survival rates for patients suffering from critical blood loss.
A press conference to introduce the program will be held at Dallas City Hall on Thursday, February 13, 2024, at 9 a.m.
Bringing Emergency Blood Transfusions to the Field
The primary goal of this pilot program is to reduce the effects of blood loss in trauma patients who are more than 30 minutes away from a trauma center. Quick access to blood transfusions in severe injury cases can be the difference between life and death, and Dallas Fire-Rescue is leading the way in providing this advanced level of care.
Interim Fire Chief Justin Ball emphasized the importance of this innovative step, stating:
“The addition of a prehospital blood transfusion pilot program not only increases our lifesaving capabilities but also ensures Dallas Fire-Rescue delivers the highest quality, integrated care for residents. The partnership with BioTel and the American Red Cross is a testament to our shared commitment to elevate the level of care our patients receive during life-threatening situations.”
How the Program Works
The American Red Cross supplies blood units to Parkland Hospital, where they are stored until Dallas Fire-Rescue EMS supervisors retrieve them. To ensure viability, the blood units are kept in military-grade coolers that maintain a steady temperature through remote monitoring.
Once a patient requires a transfusion, the process begins inside the ambulance, using a portable blood warming unit and specialized tubing. Two specially equipped vehicles, complete with blood coolers, will be stationed at:
- Station 32 in Pleasant Grove
- Station 42 near Love Field
These stations will serve as the designated hubs for the program, allowing for rapid deployment of life-saving blood transfusions to patients in need.
A Lifesaving Partnership
The American Red Cross plays a vital role in this initiative by ensuring a steady blood supply for Dallas Fire-Rescue. Linda Braddy, CEO of the American Red Cross North Texas Region, encouraged Dallas residents to take part in this life-saving effort:
“The American Red Cross is honored to participate in this lifesaving partnership with Dallas Fire-Rescue and Parkland Health. Mobile blood transfusions are critical to providing a higher level of immediate care to people in need. We invite Dallas residents to join us in making a difference by rolling up their sleeves to donate blood. A single blood donation can save multiple lives.”
To schedule a blood donation appointment, residents can:
- Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App
- Visit redcrossblood.org
- Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Medical Oversight and Training
The Dallas Fire-Rescue Office of the Medical Director, in collaboration with BioTel, has provided specialized training for EMS supervisors participating in the program. The six-month pilot program will be closely monitored to assess its effectiveness and refine procedures.
Courtney Edwards, Director of Trauma Community Outreach & BioTel EMS, highlighted the critical importance of this program:
“Prehospital blood transfusion is a critical component of advanced trauma care, ensuring that people suffering from life-threatening bleeding receive timely and appropriate treatment. As Dallas Fire-Rescue’s partner for medical direction, BioTel strongly supports the integration of blood products in prehospital settings to improve care and enhance the effectiveness of field trauma intervention.”
Commitment to Advanced Emergency Care
Dallas Fire-Rescue is continuously working to expand its emergency medical services to provide the highest level of care to North Texas residents. With the introduction of mobile blood transfusions, the department is taking a major step forward in enhancing trauma care, improving survival rates, and setting a new standard for emergency medical response.
This pilot program represents a bold and innovative approach to emergency medicine, ensuring that trauma patients receive immediate, life-saving treatment when they need it most.
