Pre-hospital trauma care for patients in Kerr County took a giant step this week as the Kerrville EMS, the city and county’s provider, rolled out a new program that will provide the option of whole blood infusions by paramedics to critical patients before they are transported to the hospital.
“We are excited about this program that has been in the works since last year, but a goal for the past three years,” said Kerrville Fire Chief Eric Maloney late last week.
The first supply of whole blood for Kerrville EMS was picked up Monday at the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center in San Antonio. The blood will be type O-Positive that can be used on any patient.
“We will be able to use the blood on unstable trauma patients who are going into hypovolemic shock. Currently the only fluid we can infuse is saline. The paramedics are specially trained to administer blood in the pre-hospital setting which will significantly improve, or reduce, mortality in our most critical patients,” Maloney said.