DSP and blood bank partner for trauma care program
The Delaware State Police Aviation Section, in partnership with the Blood Bank of Delmarva, recently announced the statewide implementation of a program that marks a significant step forward in trauma care by allowing for rapid, potentially lifesaving pre-hospital whole blood transfusions to patients right at the scene of an emergency.
In 2023, the State of Delaware began a pilot program in New Castle County and Sussex County to explore the use of whole blood for treating trauma patients in the field. This initiative was led by the state medical director at the Office of Emergency Services in conjunction with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and the Blood Bank of Delmarva. Following the pilot program’s success, the program was approved for statewide use by all advanced life support agencies in Delaware. The DSP Aviation Section, in collaboration with multiple in-state emergency medical agencies, worked to validate the necessary equipment, procedures and training to begin carrying whole blood – a process that required extensive training, testing and funding.
“The inclusion of DSP in our Pre-Hospital Whole Blood Program allows our first responders to help even more patients suffering from traumatic injury in the state of Delaware,” said Dr. Bruce Sachais, Blood Bank of Delmarva medical director. “It is a privilege to work with these dedicated individuals by supporting the administration of whole blood in the field. I need to give a huge shout-out to our volunteer blood donors, whose generosity and sense of community make this program possible.”
With the successful completion of the required training and validation, DSP trooper medics are now able to administer whole blood transfusions at the scene of traumatic events. “I am deeply awed by the collaborative partnerships within the emergency medical community that have brought the Pre-Hospital Whole Blood Program to fruition,” said Col. William D. Crotty, Delaware State Police superintendent. “This lifesaving initiative reflects our shared commitment to protecting and serving our communities. I am confident that this program will save countless lives. I am also proud that many of our troopers have stepped forward to donate blood, demonstrating the values of service and selflessness that define the Delaware State Police.”
To further support this initiative, the two new Bell 429 Global Ranger helicopters acquired by DSP last month are equipped with blood warmers for the lifesaving transfusions. The whole blood products carried on the helicopters will be Low-titer type O-positive whole blood, which allows for a safe transfusion to any patient, regardless of blood type. There are many benefits to replacing volume loss with whole blood when there is significant bleeding, and this accelerated timeline for pre-hospital blood administration after the traumatic event will significantly improve patient outcomes and save lives.
DSP Aviation Section members participated in a blood drive Feb. 14, at the Blood Bank of Delmarva in advance of the Pre-Hospital Whole Blood Program launch. They encourage those who can to donate at the Blood Bank of Delmarva, and be a part of this lifesaving initiative.
