Virtua Health has announced that it is now among the first health systems in New Jersey to administer whole blood through its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) division. This new capability allows specially trained paramedics to provide whole blood at the scene of traumatic incidents and during transport to hospitals, potentially saving lives.
The initiative follows a recent regulatory waiver from the New Jersey Department of Health. James Newman, Virtua’s vice president of patient logistics, stated, “EMS programs across the country have been advocating for this for a long time. We put plans into action immediately.” He emphasized that bleeding is a leading cause of death in traumatic injuries and empowering paramedics to administer blood represents a significant advancement for EMS services.
Whole blood contains red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. It is particularly beneficial for patients with significant blood loss. Studies indicate that administering whole blood on-site can improve survival rates and reduce the need for additional transfusions at hospitals. Whole blood can be given regardless of a patient’s blood type.
Select Virtua paramedic units are now equipped with coolers designed to monitor the temperature of whole blood sourced from Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital’s blood bank. These units will be dispatched strategically to trauma-related calls.
Bruce Graham, director of MICU clinical education at Virtua, noted that “less than two percent of EMS units across the United States carry whole blood for transfusion in the field,” citing research from the American College of Surgeons. He added that providing whole blood before hospital arrival can significantly enhance survival and recovery outcomes.
Virtua’s EMS team comprises skilled professionals ready to deliver lifesaving care around-the-clock. The ability to provide whole blood expands their capacity to offer critical prehospital care during emergencies.
