EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — A new multi-partner initiative in El Paso is aiming to get more blood to critically injured patients faster by starting treatment before they ever reach a hospital.
The El Paso Fire Department, University Medical Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Border Regional Advisory Council, and Vitalant are collaborating to advance prehospital whole blood capabilities for critically injured patients throughout the El Paso community.
Whole blood provides red blood cells, plasma, and platelets to support oxygen delivery, circulation, and the body’s ability to control bleeding.
According to the organizations, by making whole blood treatment available in a prehospital setting, the program aims to begin lifesaving resuscitation before patients reach the hospital, as every minute matters for patients experiencing life-threatening blood loss.
The initiative is also intended to strengthen coordination among emergency responders, health care providers, trauma system partners and blood services, improving access to critical emergency care when patients need it most.
Organizers emphasized the importance of a coordinated regional trauma system in which emergency medical services, hospitals, regional partners and blood providers work together toward a common goal of saving lives.
The participating organizations also stressed that community blood donors are essential to the program’s success, adding that blood cannot be manufactured, and maintaining an adequate supply depends on volunteer donors.
The organizations are encouraging eligible community members to donate blood to help ensure whole blood is available when emergencies occur.
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