Blood Transfusions at the Scene Save Lives, But Ambulances are Rarely Equipped to Do Them
One August afternoon in 2023, Angela Martin’s cousin called with alarming news. Martin’s 74-year-old aunt had been mauled by four dogs while out for a walk near her home in rural Purlear, North Carolina. She was bleeding heavily from bites on both legs and her right arm, where she’d tried to protect her face and neck. An ambulance was on its way.
The Ambulance Arrives
When the ambulance arrived, the medics evaluated Martin’s aunt and then did something few emergency medical services crews do: They gave her a blood transfusion to replace what she’d lost, stabilizing her sinking blood pressure.
The Importance of Blood Transfusions
More than 60,000 people in the U.S. bleed to death every year from traumatic events like car crashes or gunshot wounds, or other emergencies, including those related to pregnancy or gastrointestinal hemorrhaging. It’s a leading cause of preventable death after a traumatic event.
The American College of Surgeons
At a news conference last fall, members of the American College of Surgeons estimated that 10,000 lives could be saved annually if more patients received blood before they arrived at the hospital.
Ambulances Rarely Carry Blood
Of the more than 11,000 EMS agencies in the U.S. that provide ground transport to acute care hospitals, only about 1% carry blood, according to a 2024 study.
Establishing Pre-Hospital Blood Programs
In recent years, several EMS agencies throughout the country have established “pre-hospital blood programs” aimed at getting blood to injured people who might not survive the ambulance ride to the trauma center.
The Challenges of Providing Blood at the Scene
There are several roadblocks that prevent EMS agencies from providing blood. Several states don’t allow emergency services personnel to administer blood before they arrive at the hospital, said John Holcomb, a professor in the division of trauma and acute care surgery at UAB’s Heersink School.
New Developments in Blood Transfusions
On January 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services began counting any administration of blood during ambulance pre-hospital transport as an “advanced life support, level 2” (ALS2) service, which will boost payment in some cases.
Conclusion
Blood transfusions at the scene can be life-saving, but ambulances are rarely equipped to provide them. As the American College of Surgeons estimates, 10,000 lives could be saved annually if more patients received blood before they arrived at the hospital. It’s crucial for EMS agencies to establish pre-hospital blood programs and overcome the challenges of providing blood at the scene, including the lack of training and the high cost of blood products.
FAQs
Q: Why is it important to provide blood transfusions at the scene?
A: Blood transfusions at the scene can be life-saving, as they can help to replace lost blood and restore circulation, which is essential for survival.
Q: Why don’t more ambulances carry blood?
A: Several states don’t allow emergency services personnel to administer blood before they arrive at the hospital, and the cost of providing blood products can be a significant barrier for EMS agencies.
Q: What can be done to overcome the challenges of providing blood at the scene?
A: Establishing pre-hospital blood programs, providing training for emergency services personnel, and increasing reimbursement for blood products are all potential solutions to this problem.
