CareFlight now carrying whole blood on medical air transports

TriState CareFlight bases in Santa Fe and Taos now carry and are able to administer whole blood onboard every medical air transport, the organization announced in a press release last week.

Having whole blood aboard life-flight helicopters allows trauma clinicians to provide additional life-saving care during critical moments, the release stated.    

Receiving blood during pre-hospital care is critical for patients suffering from trauma or hemorrhagic shock and particularly valuable in rural areas, where there may be limited access to donated blood. Because CareFlight carries its own blood supply, its clinicians can administer it in-flight while preserving hospital stock.

Crews previously carried packed red blood cells and plasma and are excited to now carry whole blood, according to the press release. Whole blood has improved clotting capability and can be administered more quickly as all components are contained in one bag.

“The transition from packed red blood cells and plasma to whole blood raises the bar in New Mexico for air medical transport,” said J.P. Martinez, area manager with Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider in the nation and the parent company of CareFlight. “This will positively impact patient outcomes in our communities. I’m proud of our team’s ability to support our communities with their clinical excellence.”  

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that whole blood transfusions improve the 30-day survival rate of patients suffering from hemorrhagic shock by 60 percent. The earlier patients receive whole blood, the better their outcomes, showing the significance of pre-hospital transfusion. Moderately- to severely-injured patients, including those with head injuries, particularly benefit from whole blood transfusions.

All CareFlight clinicians have at least three years of experience in an emergency or intensive care setting before joining a flight crew. They receive ongoing advanced training, and every nurse and paramedic has access to Air Methods Ascend, an in-person and online training program that allows clinicians to perform at the top of their licensure. Air Methods Ascend is available to medical personnel across the country.

TriState CareFlight is part of Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service for the past 40 years that delivers lifesaving care to more than 100,000 people every year. Air Methods Ascend is the company’s clinical education program that allows critical care nurses and paramedics access to important training opportunities using high-fidelity mannequins, virtual reality and cadaver labs.