I'm just curious how many programs out there carry uncrossmatched blood on flights. Is anyone aware of any study that demonstrates the efficacy of prehospital blood transfusion? I think we all know that blood carries oxygen, therefore it's benefit is demonstrated when it's needed. I'm just curious as to whether a study exists that demonstrates this benefit in terms of length of survival in hospital or survival to discharge.
Our program carries two units of O- blood on all trauma flights (scene and interfacility) and flights in which the transfusion of blood may be necessary (GI bleeds, aortic aneurysms, etc).
Thanks,
Brian Jefferson, RN, CFRN, NREMT-P
MedCenter Air
Charlotte, NC
