FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) – In a significant breakthrough for Fort Lauderdale paramedics, city commissioners approved an advancement in emergency medical care that will allow trauma patients to receive whole blood in the ambulance before they arrive at the hospital.
The launch of the Whole Blood Exchange Program, in partnership with Broward Health Medical Center, received the green light on Tuesday.
“Administration of whole blood in the field prior to the patient being received by the trauma team increases survivability more than 70%. Here in Broward County, we’ve seen survivability rates over 81%. That is truly life-changing results,” said FLFR Chief Stephen Gollan.
Supporters say the program will improve survival rates for patients suffering from severe blood loss.