Bridgeport Hospital Launches 1st In Region Blood Program

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport Hospital has introduced a new prehospital blood transfusion program that enables paramedics in select regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies to administer blood transfusions directly in ambulances. Hospital officials say the initiative is the first of its kind in the region.

The program equips EMS providers with training and supplies to deliver transfusions to patients experiencing severe blood loss before they reach the hospital.

“When assessing and treating bleeding patients, every second matters,” said Dr. Doug Latham, EMS medical director at Bridgeport Hospital. “The ability to transfuse blood prior to arriving at the hospital improves patient outcomes by addressing hemorrhagic shock during the most critical time.”

Paramedics authorized to participate must complete a hospital-led training program and undergo annual recertification. The hospital’s blood bank will provide participating EMS teams, as available, with one unit of group O-positive low-titer whole blood or red blood cells. The blood will be stored in a temperature-monitored unit onboard the ambulance.

“This program allows us to extend care beyond the hospital and reflects the strong partnerships between the hospital and local EMS agencies,” said Bridgeport Hospital President Anne Diamond.

The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with EMS agencies including Bridgeport AMR, Trumbull EMS and Stratford EMS. Officials say the program aims to improve outcomes for trauma and critically ill patients by delivering advanced care in the field.