Sierra Medical Services Alliance’s air medical helicopter program has officially launched a critical whole blood initiative, making it the only Air Medical program in the region equipped to carry the life-saving resource.
In a partnership with the American Red Cross, both SEMSA Air helicopters now carry two units of specially tested and processed whole blood, enabling rapid pre-hospital transfusion for critically injured or ill patients experiencing significant blood loss.
“The ability to transfuse whole blood will allow SEMSA to bridge the gap between point of injury/hemorrhage and definitive care for our most critical patients suffering trauma or life-threatening hemorrhage in rural areas or outlying medical facilities,” said Brock Boscovich, MD, SEMSA Medical Director.
“Years of trauma research stemming from military casualty care promises this strategy will significantly improve survival and overall outcomes for the patients that we serve.”
The immediate impact of the program was evident within the first week of implementation, when SEMSA administered whole blood to a critically ill medical patient. The move aligns with findings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of EMS, which reports that pre-hospital blood transfusions significantly reduce mortality among severely injured patients.
Ginger Hopfe, EMS Specialist, highlighted the collaborative and exclusive nature of the launch. “In partnership with the American Red Cross, SEMSA Air has launched a whole blood initiative enabling both our helicopters to carry two units of specially tested and processed whole blood for critically injured and ill patients experiencing significant blood loss. SEMSA is the only Air Medical program in the region to carry whole blood.”
Whole blood is considered superior for treating severe blood loss as it provides red blood cells, platelets, plasma, and clotting factors in a single unit. Studies across the U.S. emphasize that early delivery of blood, particularly in rural areas with longer transport times, improves 30-day survival rates substantially for patients in hemorrhagic shock.
“SEMSA Air is excited to be one of the first air medical programs in our area able to carry whole blood and provide this lifesaving service to the rural area we serve,” said Alan Dobrowolski, RN, Chief Flight Nurse. “Having blood will increase our capabilities and allow us to better help patients on their worst day.”
Logistically, each helicopter is equipped with state-of-the-art coolers that can safely store the blood supplies for up to three weeks. All SEMSA Air medical personnel have completed extensive training on indications and safe administration procedures, ensuring seamless deployment of the enhanced capability.
