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County EMS told of state-funded pilot to equip ambulances with whole blood for field transfusion
Summary
Roger briefed the commissioners on a state/partner grant offering whole-blood capability for county ambulances, which would be free to the county and could increase survivability by enabling transfusions before hospital arrival; staff will return with a proposal.
Roger, representing county emergency medical services, told commissioners that partners including state entities and UPHC have offered the county an opportunity to participate in a grant to place whole blood on ambulances for field transfusion. He said the county currently relies on troopers or helicopters to bring whole blood to scenes, which can delay transfusion until hospital arrival. The grant would allow ambulances to carry whole blood in the field, at no cost to the county, and Roger said that early transfusion can increase a severely bleeding patients chance of surviving to the operating room.
Roger said staff will bring a formal proposal back to the board for consideration. Commissioners praised the potential lifesaving benefit and asked for more information; no formal vote or funding commitment was requested at the meeting.
Next steps: EMS staff to prepare a proposal describing program operations, training, liability considerations, and any non-monetary obligations; the board will review before authorizing participation.
