Key Takeaways:
- On May 13, 2024, DeSoto Parish EMS became the second ground EMS service in Louisiana to carry blood products.
- DPEMS administered its first unit of blood to a trauma patient involved in a motor vehicle collision nearly three months after starting its blood program.
- The patient, who suffered a traumatic arm injury and was trapped in a vehicle, was extricated by local fire and sheriff’s departments before being transported to the ambulance.
- During transport to the trauma center, the patient received two units of blood and two units of liquid plasma, leading to significant improvement in their vital signs.
- The patient was expected to make a full recovery after receiving additional blood products and undergoing several surgeries.