In an unprecedented step toward advancing emergency medical care, the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) will begin administering whole blood transfusions to trauma patients in the field. This marks a significant shift in how paramedics approach life-threatening situations involving blood loss. Traditionally, first responders have relied on intravenous fluids to stabilize patients until they reach a hospital. However, with the introduction of whole blood transfusions, patients who are hemorrhaging now stand a far better chance of survival before they even arrive at an emergency room.
This new program, a collaboration between CSFD and UCHealth, is the first of its kind in a metropolitan area in Colorado. Supervisory Medical Lieutenant Paramedics will be trained to administer whole blood transfusions and equipped with the necessary high-tech storage and warming devices to keep the blood ready for use in the field. The program is scheduled for rollout in May, starting with two Medical Lieutenant supervisory rigs carrying the equipment.
Dr. Jay Johannigman, a prominent trauma care figure, strongly advocates using whole blood in emergencies. “Access to whole blood is limited in many areas, including remote mountain towns like Aspen, Colorado,” he explains. While blood components serve a vital purpose in many situations, there are moments when nothing beats the life-giving power of whole blood. This is especially true in trauma cases where time is of the essence.”
Dr. Johannigman’s extensive background as a trauma surgeon and military medical officer places him at the forefront of this initiative. With over 35 years of experience in the field, he understands the critical importance of immediate action in trauma situations. He oversees the Level I Trauma and Emergency General Surgery program at St. Anthony’s Hospital. His leadership is instrumental in bringing whole blood programs to regions that need it most, such as the remote areas of Colorado.
Hemorrhagic shock—commonly known as bleeding to death—remains the leading cause of death for people under 45. According to Dr. Matt Angelidis, co-chief medical director of the CSFD and an emergency medicine physician at UCHealth, up to 40% of these deaths could be prevented with immediate blood transfusions in the field. “First responders bringing blood to the scene of an injury will save lives,” Angelidis emphasized. “I have sat in too many after-action reviews where firefighters and first responders tearfully ask what they could have done differently, knowing if they could have transfused blood the outcome might have been different.”
Data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) underscore the urgency of whole blood transfusions. It suggests that each minute’s delay in delivering blood to adult trauma patients requiring massive transfusion increases the risk of mortality by 5%. Establishing blood banks and transfusion capabilities in remote or underserved regions could mitigate these delays and save countless lives. The ability to administer whole blood at the scene means that life-saving treatment can begin almost immediately rather than after a patient reaches the hospital.
The practice of using whole blood in trauma care traces back to military battlefields, dating as far back as World War I. In recent years, the prehospital administration of whole blood has gained traction in various EMS systems across the United States. This technique involves transfusing blood that has not been separated into components like plasma or red blood cells, making it a versatile and effective treatment for patients experiencing traumatic injuries or internal bleeding.
The introduction of whole blood to the CSFD’s trauma toolkit is a monumental achievement made possible by the philanthropic generosity of the Colorado Springs community. More than $275,000 in donations have been allocated to support the program’s first three years, covering the cost of equipment, blood, and paramedic training. This funding was facilitated through the UCHealth Memorial Hospital Foundation, with contributions from individuals who recognize the potential life-saving impact of this initiative.
Colorado Springs Fire Chief Randy Royal expressed his gratitude for the collaboration between UCHealth and the community donors. “The members of the CSFD are so thankful for the collaborative efforts of UCHealth and the wonderful and supportive nature of the many donors within our community who were so generous,” Royal said. “These efforts, along with our physicians’ and staff’s hard work and dedication, have brought this vision to reality. This program is on the cutting edge of trauma and EMS care. It will save lives when time is critical for patients suffering from massive bleeding.”
The technology required to offer whole blood in the field is complex. Specialized coolers and warming devices are necessary to store, transport, and reheat blood to appropriate temperatures for transfusion. The equipment purchased through donations ensures that paramedics can deliver this advanced care in even the most challenging conditions.
Lonnie Cramer, president and CEO of UCHealth’s southern region, praised the initiative and the individuals behind it. “EMS-delivered whole blood transfusions are a complicated and highly regulated treatment, and this program in Colorado Springs would not be possible without the work of Dr. Matt Angelidis,” Cramer said. “His service to UCHealth as an emergency medicine physician, CSFD as one of their medical directors, and to our community cannot be overstated. I want to extend my personal gratitude to him.”
Cramer also profoundly appreciated the community members whose donations brought the program to life. “I am deeply proud to be part of an organization that always strives to bring innovative, advanced care to our community. UCHealth’s mission is to improve lives, and the launch of this whole blood program is just another example of that unwavering commitment.”
The launch of this whole blood program in Colorado Springs represents a significant advancement in trauma care, potentially saving lives that might otherwise be lost due to delays in receiving critical blood transfusions.
As Dr. Johannigman and his colleagues continue pushing the boundaries of emergency medical care, they demonstrate the transformative power of innovative solutions and collaborative efforts in improving patient outcomes.
