Today, Virtua Health became one of the first health systems in New Jersey to carry and administer whole blood products through its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) division. Effectively immediately, specially trained paramedics can provide whole blood at the scene of a traumatic incident and during transport to the hospital—potentially saving lives. This is part of a national push for EMS professionals to provide more meaningful intervention prior to patients arriving at the emergency department.

This expanded EMS capability is the result of a recent regulatory waiver from the New Jersey Department of Health.

"EMS programs across the country have been advocating for this for a long time. We put plans into action immediately,” explained James Newman, Virtua’s vice president of patient logistics. “Bleeding is the leading cause of death for traumatic injuries. Empowering paramedics to administer blood at the scene, when they previously could only administer fluids, represents a major advancement for the EMS industry. I am certain it will save lives here in South Jersey.”

Whole blood contains red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. While most blood transfusions use blood products split into two or more components, whole blood is ideal for those who have sustained significant blood loss. Studies have shown that administering whole blood at the scene can significantly improve survival rates and reduce the need for additional blood transfusions at the hospital.

Whole blood can be given to any patient, regardless of blood type.

Select Virtua paramedic units are now equipped with specially designed coolers that continually monitor the temperature of the whole blood (which comes from the blood bank inside Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital). These units will be strategically dispatched to respond to calls involving trauma and likely blood loss.

“Less than two percent of EMS units across the United States carry whole blood for transfusion in the field,” explained Bruce Graham, Virtua’s director of MICU clinical education, citing an article from the American College of Surgeons. “Research shows that providing whole blood to critically injured patients before they reach the hospital can profoundly improve survival and recovery.”

Virtua EMS – The Team Approach to Emergency Care
When an emergency happens, Virtua’s team of skilled, trained, and licensed professionals provides lifesaving care the second they arrive on the scene. The EMS team includes paramedics and EMTs, a fleet of mobile intensive care units, and a Special Operations Unit. EMS is available to respond to an emergency 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Virtua’s EMS professionals provide advanced prehospital care and coordinate with local EMS teams to transport patients safely and rapidly to the hospital. The ability to now provide whole blood to critically ill patients will significantly expand lifesaving services at the scene of an emergency.