State Police launch pre-hospital whole blood program to save trauma victims

Delaware is taking a significant step forward in trauma care with the statewide launch of the Pre-Hospital Whole Blood Program, a new initiative that allows emergency responders to administer life-saving blood transfusions directly at the scene of traumatic events.

The program, which began in 2023 as a pilot in New Castle and Sussex counties, has proven successful and is now approved for statewide use.

This initiative, a collaboration between the Delaware State Police (DSP), the Blood Bank of Delmarva, and multiple emergency medical agencies, aims to provide rapid blood transfusions to trauma patients before they even reach a hospital.

The program was developed by the Office of Emergency Services (OEMS), the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), and the Blood Bank of Delmarva, with support from DSP’s Aviation Section.

After months of training, testing, and equipment validation, DSP Trooper Medics are now fully equipped to administer whole blood transfusions in the field.

“The inclusion of DSP in our Pre-Hospital Whole Blood Program allows our first responders to help even more patients suffering from traumatic injury in Delaware,” said Dr. Bruce Sachais, medical director of the Blood Bank of Delmarva. “It is a privilege to work alongside these dedicated individuals. And a special thank you goes to our volunteer blood donors, whose generosity makes this program possible.”

READ: YMCA of Del. launches holistic program to promote healthy aging

In an added enhancement, DSP’s two new Bell 429 Global Ranger helicopters, which were acquired last month, are equipped with blood warmers to support the transfusion process.

These helicopters will carry Low Titer Type O Positive Whole Blood, which can be safely administered to any patient, regardless of their blood type.

“This program is a direct result of strong teamwork within the emergency medical community, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished,” said Colonel William D. Crotty, superintendent of the Delaware State Police. “I am confident this life-saving initiative will save countless lives across Delaware.”

In preparation for the launch, DSP Aviation Section personnel participated in a blood drive on February 14, 2025, at the Blood Bank of Delmarva, helping to ensure an ample supply of blood for the program.

Community members are encouraged to donate blood at local Blood Bank of Delmarva locations to help sustain the initiative.

The Pre-Hospital Whole Blood Program is set to make a lasting impact on trauma care in Delaware, dramatically improving patient outcomes and saving lives through timely, on-site blood transfusions.

This post was originally published on this site