HOLLISTER, Mo. — TCAD Paramedics has launched a prehospital blood program in partnership with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, making it the first ambulance service in Southwest Missouri to carry and administer blood products in the field.
Crews are now equipped with never-frozen plasma and packed red blood cells, allowing paramedics to begin transfusions before patients arrive at the hospital. Officials said early blood administration can improve outcomes for patients with severe trauma, hemorrhage and certain medical emergencies.
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TCAD partnered with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, Southwest Missouri’s sole blood products supplier, to support the program and ensure a reliable supply of blood products with safety and quality controls in place.
“Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is proud to partner with Taney County Ambulance District to launch the first prehospital blood program on ground ambulances in southwest Missouri,” Executive Director of Community Blood Center of the Ozarks Anthony Roberts said. “This groundbreaking collaboration reflects our shared commitment to saving lives. Uncontrolled blood loss is the leading cause of death in trauma patients, and seconds matter. By enabling paramedics to begin blood transfusions before a patient arrives at the hospital, this program brings a critical, lifesaving resource directly to patients when they need it most.”
Since launching the program on June 1, TCAD paramedics have already administered blood products during two emergency responses, including one trauma call and one serious medical emergency.
