North Austin News

A pilot program in Austin-Travis County is revolutionizing the treatment of pre-hospital medicine by enabling paramedics to provide blood transfusions to patients who are hemorrhaging before they reach the hospital. Launched in December 2021, the program has already saved lives by giving patients a transfusion of Low Titer O+ Whole Blood at the scene of an emergency or on the way to the hospital.

The program, a collaboration between Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS), the City of Austin's Office of the Chief Medical Officer, and local blood bank We Are Blood, ensures that at least two response vehicles are equipped with whole blood at any time. The blood is carried in specialized coolers that maintain the required temperature mandated by the FDA.

In the first six months of the program, a total of 28 patients have received blood in the field, significantly increasing their chances of survival. Dr. Jason Pickett, Chief Deputy Medical Director for the City of Austin, highlights the importance of giving whole blood, stating, "Giving whole blood helps patients and saves lives. We're not just getting them to the hospital, we're reversing the effects of shock early, increasing their chances of long-term survival."

Heidi Abraham, Deputy Medical Director for the City of Austin, emphasizes the impact of starting trauma resuscitation in the field, saying, "We are buying the patients time, getting them treatment earlier so they can make it to the hospital and surgery, increasing trauma survival rates."

ATCEMS Captain David Leclere echoes these sentiments, stating, "One unit of blood can make a difference, and after transfusions, we can quickly see blood pressures increase and an increased level of consciousness."

The success of the pilot program has led to plans for expansion. By the end of 2022, up to 11 EMS supervisor and EMS physician response vehicles are expected to carry whole blood. The City is also developing a strategy for the equitable deployment of this life-saving resource.

One patient, Karanai Ravenscroft, experienced the benefits of the program firsthand. In May 2022, she suffered a life-threatening hemorrhage and received an emergency blood transfusion from ATCEMS medics. Today, Ravenscroft had the opportunity to meet the EMS crew who saved her life. Speaking after the meeting, she expressed her gratitude, saying, "This program saved my life and the lives of my family."

The success and impact of the program highlight the commitment of ATCEMS to making whole blood readily available to residents and visitors of the City of Austin and Travis County.

For more information about We Are Blood or to book an appointment for blood donation, visit weareblood.org.