Caroline Co. EMS Launches Whole Blood Program to Improve Trauma Care
Image Courtesy of Caroline County Department of Emergency Services
CAROLINE COUNTY, Md. – The Caroline County Department of Emergency Services (DES) announced the launch of their new Whole Blood Program on Monday, becoming the tenth ground-based emergency medical services (EMS) system in Maryland to implement this practice.
Through funding provided in part by The Caroline Foundation, the department says their EMS Supervisor vehicle is now equipped to carry whole blood that can be administered by paramedics to patients experiencing severe blood loss before they arrive at a hospital. EMS clinicians in the field were previously limited to hemorrhage control and supportive care until patients could reach definitive hospital treatment. Health officials say those delays can cost valuable time and, in some cases, lives.
“This program represents a major advancement in prehospital emergency care for Caroline County and the Eastern Shore,” said Dr. Kyle Fratta, EMS Medical Director for Caroline County DES. “The ability to deliver blood at the patient’s side before hospital arrival has the potential to save lives and improve outcomes for critically injured and ill patients.”
Image Courtesy of Caroline County Department of Emergency Services
Through this program, officials say specially trained personnel will administer Low Titer Type O Positive Whole Blood to select patients, in accordance with protocols established by the Maryland Institute for EMS Systems.
Due to Caroline County’s rural geography and lack of a hospital emergency department or freestanding emergency room, rapid access to advanced trauma care remains especially critical. The implementation of the Whole Blood Program allows Caroline County DES clinicians to begin lifesaving blood transfusions immediately at the scene of severe trauma, often minutes before a patient could otherwise receive blood products at a hospital outside the county. By bringing this advanced capability directly to patients, the department expects to reduce delays in critical care and improve survivability for patients facing life-threatening emergencies.
To support the initiative and help ensure a sustainable blood supply for prehospital care, Caroline County DES plans to host a community blood drive in partnership with the Blood Bank of Delmarva in the near future. WMDT will share updates on the blood drive when details are made available.
