Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue Announces New Prehospital Blood Administration Program

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue (TFR) on Wednesday announced the implementation of a new prehospital blood administration program for its EMS Division that will provide packed red blood cells and plasma to the most severely injured trauma patients before they arrive in the emergency department.

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TFR pointed to a growing body of evidence that suggests prehospital blood product administration reduces mortality for trauma patients with acute blood loss.

Additionally, officials explained that the temperature and shelf-life requirements of blood products have made it impossible for Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue to deliver them in the field, but recent purchases of specialized storage and administration equipment have allowed the department to set up five Advanced Life Support units with the capability of administering blood products at the scene of an emergency or while on the way to the hospital.

The initiative is made possible through a partnership with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers to develop viable procedures for obtaining, storing, and replacing blood products at the city's fire stations and during emergency medical calls.

TFR said LifeSouth also provides blood products to DCH Regional Medical Center, which is the
destination for most of the city's seriously injured patients.

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