Emergency Medical Services in Mountain West Implement On-Scene Blood Transfusions to Improve Trauma Care
Emergency medical services in the Mountain West region, including Colorado, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada, have begun administering whole blood transfusions at the scene of accidents. This initiative, led by the Colorado Whole Blood Coalition, aims to stabilize trauma patients before they reach the hospital. Jill Ridenhour, a field supervisor at Summit Fire and EMS, recently administered whole blood to a trauma patient, resulting in improved blood pressure and stabilization. The use of whole blood, which retains all components like plasma and platelets, is seen as a revolutionary approach compared to traditional saline fluids. Historically used in military settings, whole blood transfusions have shown a 37% reduction in mortality for trauma patients when administered pre-hospital. The program is expanding, with 15 agencies in the region adopting the practice in the past two years. 
