August 28, 2024-Through its clinical affiliation with UPMC, Washington County Ambulance and Chair EMS is now one of the first emergency medical services (EMS) organizations in the region that is specially trained and equipped to carry blood on ambulances and administer blood in the field. Studies have shown that patients in life threatening bleeding situations have the best possibility of survival when they are administered blood. The sooner the administration, the better the chance for survival.
Late last year, a legislative change was made by the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services indicating Pennsylvania Statewide Advanced Life Support Protocols now allow for specially trained paramedics to administer blood in the field, a procedure previously reserved for EMS physicians and air ambulance crews. Prior to this change, the only treatment available to paramedics in the field for Advanced Life Support calls was administering intravenous normal saline. For patients who are bleeding with traumatic injuries or complex medical conditions, administration of Type O blood is lifesaving.