What happened: The Kenosha Fire Department in Wisconsin has launched a new initiative to carry packed red blood cells (PRBCs) on their trucks for field transfusions — making them one of the growing number of agencies providing blood products in prehospital settings. What sets Kenosha apart is its plan to host community blood drives to support and sustain the program, addressing one of the major barriers many agencies face: securing an adequate blood supply.
| More: Wis. FD begins carrying whole blood
Highlights: Watch as Ed Bauter, MBA, MHL, NRP, FP-C, CCP-C; and Daniel Schwester, MICP, highlight the significance of this development, including:
- Proactive community engagement. The Kenosha Fire Department is hosting blood drives to supplement their supply of PRBCs, demonstrating an innovative, cost-effective method to overcome the challenge of acquiring blood products.
- Enhanced prehospital care. Both hosts emphasized the strong clinical evidence favoring blood products over crystalloids for bleeding patients, with packed red cells offering a substantial benefit when whole blood isn’t available.
- Replicable model for EMS systems. Kenosha’s approach — identifying local low-titer donors and possibly informing them when their blood saves lives — mirrors practices in other regions like Texas, serving as a model for agencies nationwide.
The path forward
Kenosha’s initiative underscores a vital shift in EMS operations: moving from theoretical discussions about better care to actual implementation. By solving the logistical challenge of obtaining blood through local drives, the fire department not only improves patient outcomes, but also strengthens community ties. Other EMS systems struggling with cost and supply constraints might look to Kenosha as a blueprint for advancing prehospital care through practical innovation and local collaboration.
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