AM24-MN-29-O: Innovation in Transfusion: How Creative Partnerships are Improving the Care of Critically Ill Trauma Patients (Enduring)

As the concept of pre-hospital transfusion for trauma rapidly gains traction in the US, the essential role of blood bank leaders in developing these complex programs becomes ever more clear. Effective EMS blood programs require creativity and cooperation between many essential stakeholders, including hospitals, blood banks, trauma and EMS leaders, local government authorities, and industry partners. This presentation will bring together innovators from these disciplines who have each been involved in the creation of a diverse range of prehospital blood programs and have subsequently partnered in the development of regional and national collaboratives, educational initiatives, and trauma outcomes research. This session we will emphasize the opportunities to improve patient care and save lives, the wide range of challenges encountered in developing effective pre-hospital transfusion programs, and strategies to overcome these many barriers faced along the way. Throughout we will emphasize the essential role of blood bank leaders as key catalysts in the development of effective programs. This educational session will provide an overview of the current state of pre-hospital transfusion in the US, including an up-to-date survey of active EMS blood programs, the status of multiple regional, state-wide, and national collaboratives, and evolving policy updates from national organizations. More detailed descriptions of at least two active programs will be provided, contrasting the fascinating similarities and differences between fast-paced urban EMS programs and rural agencies and highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities faced by each. We will also provide a review of the recent literature on the impact of trauma outcomes, much of which has emerged from these agencies. After brief presentations by each of 5 participants, a panel discussion with audience participation will address controversies and questions in the creation and growth of successful pre-hospital transfusion programs.