By The Decatur Daily
DECATUR, Ala. — Blood warmers and coolers purchased through a recent fundraising campaign by the Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation are now being used by Decatur Morgan Hospital Emergency Medical Services crews, allowing paramedics to provide warmed whole blood to trauma patients before they reach the hospital.
According to the foundation, the equipment was funded through its Giving Tuesday campaign and reduces the time needed to safely warm whole blood from as much as 19 minutes to about three minutes.
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Hospital officials said the devices allow EMS personnel to begin administering warmed blood during transport, a step intended to improve care for patients suffering severe blood loss.
Whole blood provides oxygen, warmth and clotting support for trauma patients but must be warmed before transfusion. Foundation officials said the new equipment will enable crews to begin that process in the field rather than waiting until a patient arrives at the hospital.
“One of the biggest things to focus on is how important early blood and fluid warming is for critically ill and trauma patients,” said Tyler Stinson, director of EMS at Decatur Morgan Hospital. “Being able to warm blood products and fluids before patients even arrive at the hospital helps us better manage patient care during emergencies, especially in trauma and shock situations. These devices are giving our crews another tool to provide higher-level care sooner, which can truly make a difference for patients in the field.”
The foundation said the addition of the blood warmers represents an advancement in trauma care for Morgan County and surrounding communities and reflects its ongoing efforts to fund equipment and resources that support emergency response.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported our Giving Tuesday campaign,” said Noel Lovelace, president of the Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation. “Because of our community’s generosity, our EMS teams now have access to technology that can truly change outcomes for patients facing life-threatening emergencies.”
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