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DALLAS - Dallas Fire-Rescue announces the launch of an EMS Blood Transfusion Pilot Program, an initiative that will bring life-saving blood transfusions directly to trauma patients in critical need. In collaboration with Parkland BioTel, and the American Red Cross, Dallas Fire-Rescue has developed a medically approved plan for pre-hospital blood administration that can dramatically reduce the effects of blood loss in trauma patients. These pre-hospital blood transfusions significantly improve patient outcomes and increase the chances of survival if the patient is more than 30 minutes away from a trauma center. Dallas Fire-Rescue, BioTel, and the American Red Cross will present the new program at a press conference in the First Floor Lobby at Dallas City Hall on Thursday, February 13, 2024 at 9am.
“The addition of a prehospital blood transfusion pilot program not only increases our lifesaving capabilities but also ensures Dallas Fire-Rescue delivers the highest quality, integrated care for residents,” said Justin Ball, Interim Chief of Dallas Fire-Rescue. “The partnership with BioTel and the American Red Cross is a testament to our shared commitment to elevate the level of care our patients receive during life-threatening situations.“
The American Red Cross supplies blood units to Parkland Hospital, where they are held until Dallas Fire-Rescue EMS supervisors retrieve them. The blood units are stored in remotely monitored military-grade coolers, designed to maintain a steady temperature to ensure the blood’s viability. If a patient needs blood, a transfusion is initiated in the ambulance using a portable blood warming unit and specialized tubing. Two vehicles, specially equipped with blood coolers, will be based at Station 32, in Pleasant Grove, and at Station 42, close to Love Field.
“The American Red Cross is honored to participate in this lifesaving partnership with Dallas Fire-Rescue and Parkland Health,” said American Red Cross North Texas Region CEO Linda Braddy. “Mobile blood transfusions are critical to providing a higher level of immediate care to people in need. We invite Dallas residents to join us in making a difference by rolling up their sleeves to donate blood. A single blood donation can save multiple lives.”
To schedule an appointment to donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.
"Prehospital blood transfusion is a critical component of advanced trauma care, ensuring that people suffering from life-threatening bleeding receive timely and appropriate treatment. As Dallas Fire-Rescue’s partner for medical direction, BioTel strongly supports the integration of blood products in prehospital settings to improve care and enhance the effectiveness of field trauma intervention,” said Courtney Edwards, Director of Trauma Community Outreach & BioTel EMS.
The Dallas Fire-Rescue Office of the Medical Director provided specialized training to EMS Supervisors for the new program and, in conjunction with Biotel, will provide clinical oversight of the 6-month pilot program. Dallas Fire-Rescue is committed to continuously creating pathways to deliver the highest levels of care for North Texas residents.
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About BioTel:
BioTel EMS consortium provides medical control and medical direction for emergency medical services agencies serving nearly 2 million people in Dallas County. BioTel member agencies respond to over 250,000 EMS 911 calls annually. In addition to providing online medical direction to our EMS providers, BioTel provides receiving hospital notifications for critical trauma, burn, heart attack, and acute stroke patients. BioTel often assists air and ground EMS personnel, communicating critical information necessary for them to provide emergency care and transport to their critically ill and injured patients.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; and supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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