University Hospital Newark first in the nation to get accreditation for pre-hospital blood transfusion program
Summer is often referred to as “trauma season." It's a time when hospitals see an increase in patients with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening.
Medical experts say what happens before a patient arrives at the hospital can make the difference between life and death.
“The earlier we get blood into somebody who might need it after a trauma, the better off they do," says Dr. Adam D. Fox, Trauma Medical Director at the Eric Munoz Trauma Center at University Hospital Newark.
37% of trauma patients with severe bleeding who receive blood transfusions before reaching the hospital can be saved, according to EMS.gov.
“Integrating our EMS agency into that ability to provide blood closer to the time the injury happens, the better we will do for our patients in the Newark area," says Dr. Fox.
The trauma team at University Hospital in Newark is leading efforts and setting an example with its pre-hospital blood transfusion program.
The hospital's program recently became the first in the nation to receive accreditation for its prehospital blood transfusion program from the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies.
“We’re the first program in the country to have this accreditation because we were able to meld every one of us together into one seamless from the very start of the injured patient all the way to the end." says Dr. Fox.
The partnership includes University Hospital, its EMS partners and the blood bank. Together, they train qualified staff to administer whole blood to patients suffering traumatic injuries, including those caused by vehicle crashes, shootings and accidents at home or in public.
“We have a process involved to make sure we are giving the safest product possible to our pre-hospital environment." says Dr. Fox. “What we are trying to do is integrate, educate and make sure everyone is available to give this blood as humanly possible”
University Hospital also partners with the NorthSTAR air medical program, providing medical personnel who can perform pre-hospital blood transfusions while transporting patients by helicopter.
