Whole Blood Program | Bound Tree

Why whole blood?

In medical literature, trauma is often cited as a significant contributor to mortality in patients under 46 years old, with uncontrolled hemorrhage identified as a primary factor in preventable deaths. Trauma resuscitation management has evolved over the years with a more nuanced understanding of the injured patient’s physiologic state of shock. In traumatically injured patients, whole blood administration initiated in the prehospital setting may improve early shock severity, coagulopathy, and survival when used over traditional resuscitation fluids such as crystalloid administration or component therapy.

Why whole blood?

In medical literature, trauma is often cited as a significant contributor to mortality in patients under 46 years old, with uncontrolled hemorrhage identified as a primary factor in preventable deaths. Trauma resuscitation management has evolved over the years with a more nuanced understanding of the injured patient’s physiologic state of shock. In traumatically injured patients, whole blood administration initiated in the prehospital setting may improve early shock severity, coagulopathy, and survival when used over traditional resuscitation fluids such as crystalloid administration or component therapy.

Why whole blood?

In medical literature, trauma is often cited as a significant contributor to mortality in patients under 46 years old, with uncontrolled hemorrhage identified as a primary factor in preventable deaths. Trauma resuscitation management has evolved over the years with a more nuanced understanding of the injured patient’s physiologic state of shock. In traumatically injured patients, whole blood administration initiated in the prehospital setting may improve early shock severity, coagulopathy, and survival when used over traditional resuscitation fluids such as crystalloid administration or component therapy.

Benefits of Whole Blood

Conclusive research supporting the value of whole blood for hemorrhagic shock treatment.

Research has shown that whole blood administered to trauma patients greatly improved patient outcomes. These studies support what military and civilian medical personnel have known all along.

The superiority of whole blood versus components.

Whole blood is far superior to components in terms of content and benefit. It has a better plasma ratio and includes essential clotting factors that aren’t present in components.

Widespread support for whole blood programs.

Whole blood programs are supported by many reputable organizations, including FDNY, Memorial Hermann’s LifeFlight, Cypress Creek EMS, and Harris County ESD #48. These and many other agencies have highlighted the feasibility of implementing whole blood programs.

The feasibility of training EMS personnel to administer whole blood transfusions.

Most emergency care personnel already have sufficient training in administering blood products. This includes nurses and paramedics, who are legally allowed to provide blood products to trauma patients. Allowing EMS personnel access to whole blood allows them to administer it when necessary just as if it was another blood product they are trained for.

Partnerships to reduce blood waste.

Many whole blood programs involve partnerships with local medical providers. Among other benefits, these partnerships reduce blood wastage by donating blood products to local hospitals before they expire.

Whole blood treatment utilizes best-practice protocols.

Finally, whole blood programs conform to the latest medical care protocols. This association can boost the reputation of an emergency medical services team and make the agency more attractive to prospective workers and also reduces turnover rates by instilling a sense of pride among company employees.

Conclusive research supporting the value of whole blood for hemorrhagic shock treatment.

Research has shown that whole blood administered to trauma patients greatly improved patient outcomes. These studies support what military and civilian medical personnel have known all along.

The superiority of whole blood versus components.

Whole blood is far superior to components in terms of content and benefit. It has a better plasma ratio and includes essential clotting factors that aren’t present in components.

Widespread support for whole blood programs.

Whole blood programs are supported by many reputable organizations, including FDNY, Memorial Hermann’s LifeFlight, Cypress Creek EMS, and Harris County ESD #48. These and many other agencies have highlighted the feasibility of implementing whole blood programs.

The feasibility of training EMS personnel to administer whole blood transfusions.

Most emergency care personnel already have sufficient training in administering blood products. This includes nurses and paramedics, who are legally allowed to provide blood products to trauma patients. Allowing EMS personnel access to whole blood allows them to administer it when necessary just as if it was another blood product they are trained for.

Partnerships to reduce blood waste.

Many whole blood programs involve partnerships with local medical providers. Among other benefits, these partnerships reduce blood wastage by donating blood products to local hospitals before they expire.

Whole blood treatment utilizes best-practice protocols.

Finally, whole blood programs conform to the latest medical care protocols. This association can boost the reputation of an emergency medical services team and make the agency more attractive to prospective workers and also reduces turnover rates by instilling a sense of pride among company employees.

Protocol Examples

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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website are for information purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical director or qualified health care provided with any questions you may have regarding administering whole blood.