Dallas Fire-Rescue, in collaboration with Parkland BioTel and the American Red Cross, has announced the launch of a new EMS Blood Transfusion Pilot Program aimed at delivering life-saving blood transfusions directly to trauma patients in critical need. This initiative, which allows pre-hospital blood administration, is expected to dramatically reduce the effects of blood loss, particularly for trauma patients who are more than 30 minutes away from a trauma center.
The program, designed to improve patient outcomes and increase survival rates, will be presented at a press conference at Dallas City Hall on Thursday, February 13, 2024, at 9 a.m. Justin Ball, Interim Chief of Dallas Fire-Rescue, emphasized the program's importance in enhancing the department's life-saving capabilities and integrating high-quality care for Dallas residents during emergencies.
“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.“
Under the program, the American Red Cross will supply blood units to Parkland Hospital, where they will be stored in remotely monitored military-grade coolers to maintain their viability. If a patient requires blood, a transfusion will be initiated in the ambulance using portable blood warming units and specialized tubing. Two vehicles equipped with blood coolers will be stationed at Fire Stations 32 in Pleasant Grove and 42 near 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.”
Courtney Edwards, Director of Trauma Community Outreach & BioTel EMS, highlighted the critical nature of prehospital blood transfusions in trauma care. The program is backed by specialized training for EMS supervisors, with clinical oversight provided by BioTel and the Dallas Fire-Rescue Office of the Medical Director during the six-month pilot phase.
"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 American Red Cross North Texas Region CEO, Linda Braddy, encouraged Dallas residents to contribute to the program’s success by donating blood. To schedule a donation, individuals can visit redcrossblood.org, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-733-2767.
Dallas Fire-Rescue remains committed to advancing emergency care and improving survival rates for trauma patients across the North Texas region.
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.
