Whole Blood: A Life-Saving Strategy for the Region
Whole Blood transfused by EMS gives patients a stronger likelihood of stablization before arriving at the hospital for further treatment.
Whole Blood Transfusions Administered by EMS: A Critical Component of Emergency Care
Community engagement is vital to maintain, sustain and expand this program across the ten jurisdictions in the Tidewater EMS Council region which runs from the Eastern Shore out through Southampton County. Individuals, businesses and healthcare organizations all have a role to play in supporting the Whole Blood Initiative.
Sometimes in the field we can’t always stop the bleeding, but being able to replace those blood products to ensure that organs are getting the nutrients and oxygenation that they need is very important."
Each year, 1.9 million people die worldwide due to uncontrolled bleeding.
Making blood-loss the leading cause of preventable dealth from injury.
OF TRAUMA DEATHS ARE DUE TO HEMORRHAGIC-SHOCK
ESTIMATED UNITS OF BLOOD ADMINISTERED ANNUALLY
POPULATION CAN RECEIVE O+ BLOOD FOR TRANSFUSION
ESTIMATED ANNUAL COST TO MAINTAIN THE PROGRAM
Making a Difference with Whole Blood
Research indicates that trauma is the leading cause of death in people 46 years old and younger in the United States yet up to 25% of trauma deaths are potentially survivable with the administration of whole blood. These positive results have been documented since 2017 when programs for pre-hospital use of whole blood for trauma patients began.
Why We Need – Whole Blood.
With the increase in violence from incidents like mass shootings, we began looking at trauma-related data. We realized if EMS providers administered whole blood in the field, it would reduce hemorrhage-related complications and deaths from traumatic injuries.
How It Works – Whole Blood
We estimate a need for 240 units of blood annually. Working with The Blood Connection, we'll work to keep a steady supply of whole blood through quarterly blood drives. Whole blood received will be used to treat trauma patients directly at the scene with hopes of treating pediatric and other medical incidents in the future.
Superior Treatment – Whole Blood.
Previously, we treated hemorrhage-related traumas patients with IV therapy or components of blood for stabilization. However, whole blood is far superior to components (packed red blood cells, plasma, and platelets) in terms of content and benefit. Most importantly, it includes essential clotting factors that aren’t present in components.
Buying Time – Whole Blood
For trauma incidents related to combat, mass casualty, or car accidents – every minute counts and interrupting the shock sequence by transfusing whole blood is the key. Administering whole blood within 30-45 minutes following a traumatic injury is essential to give patients a greater chance of survival.
Greater Odds of Survival – Whole Blood
Whole is being administered by EMS around the country with incredible results. It has been used on battlefields increasing survival by up to 20 times the normal rate when administered within 34 minutes of injury. Even though military combat data can be different from civilian data, there is a strong correlation between injuries experienced in both settings.
Rapid Intervention with Greater Chance of Survival
Better at clotting and helps to stabilize patients long enough to make it to the hospital.
Type O+ whole blood is used in this program and administered by EMS providers in the field.
We partner with the blood connection to supply whole blood for this program and assists with blood drives.
Whole blood has been used by civilian and military providers with increasingly positive results.
Currently the blood’s out there, but it’s out there in a limited capacity. We’re trying to implement this program throughout the region because it’s through the region-wide implementation that we’re going to realize the full impact that whole blood in the field can have in saving lives.”
Latest Statistics
Survival to Discharge
All Incidents
After First 24 Hours
Incidents by Day of the Week (Sum)
Incidents by Time of Day (Sum)
39 Incidents
Night (12A-6A)
42 Incidents
Morning (6A-12P)
38 Incidents
Afternoon (12P-6P)
122 Incidents
Evening (6P-12A)
Incidents by Race (Sum)
Incidents by ARC Bundle (Sum)
Incidents by Sex (Sum)
164
Males
77
Females
Incidents by Age (Sum)
Incidents by Injury (Percentage)
Incident Time (Average)
On Scene
Transport
Transports by Hospital (Top 3)
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Sentara Virginia Beach General
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
Timeline Milestones
Oct 2022
Program start in Virginia Beach
April 2023
Expaned to the City of Chesapeake
Sept 2023
Expanded 2nd Unit to Virginia Beach
Oct 2023
Virginia Beach - Children 5+ and Medical Etiology
Nov 2023
Expaned to the City of Pourtsmouth
March 2024
Expanded to Suffolk and 2nd Unit to Chesapeake
May 2024
Added ARC Bundle to Virginia Beach and Chesapeake
Dec 2024
Expanded to the City of Norfolk
Donate: Upcoming Blood Drive
In partnership with the Blood Connection.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about our whole blood program. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us!
The Whole Blood Initiative started in October 2022 in Virginia Beach, expanded to Chesapeake in April 2023 with planned growth to other localities as funding and training can be supported.
Initially, Whole Blood was only used to treat adult trauma patients, however, in October 2023 service began for the treatment of pediatric patients and other medical cases.
The Blood Connection is the contracted provider of the blood supply for this program. Blood Drives in Hampton Roads coordinated by Tidewater EMS Council, will contribute to the whole blood inventory needed to support this program.
No, the Whole Blood Initiative Program is funded by the Tidewater EMS Council and contributions by the participating jurisdictions. It will be sustained by donations from individuals, businesses, and healthcare organizations.
The mission of the Tidewater EMS Council is to facilitate regional cooperation, planning, and implementation of an integrated emergency medical services delivery system for the region. For this program, TEMS was perfectly positioned to do the research, assemble the required community partnerships, establish the protocols and provide oversight for the launch of this critical service on a regional level. Tidewater EMS Council continues to act as the organizational lead for the Whole Blood Initiative. Please contact David Long/Executive Director to partner with TEMS or provide sponsorship for this program.
Community engagement is vital to maintain, sustain and expand this program across the ten jurisdictions in the Tidewater EMS Council region which runs from the Eastern Shore out through Southampton County. Individuals, businesses, and healthcare organizations all have a role to play in supporting the Whole Blood Initiative. Financial contributions to the Whole Blood Initiative Campaign are greatly appreciated and will help ensure this critical service is fully implemented. Another way to support the Initiative is to become a blood donor at a TEMS-sponsored blood drive, which will be held quarterly.
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