Groundbreaking University Hospital EMS Program is First State-Certified Level 1 Trauma Center to Bring Life-Saving Blood Transfusions to Prehospital Setting in New Jersey

University Hospital remains committed to exceptional, data-driven care by becoming one of the first in the state to provide blood transfusions in ambulances

NEWARK, NJ: University Hospital is proud to announce the launch of a new lifesaving, ambulance-based blood transfusion program aimed at improving patient outcomes in critically injured patients. This new initiative, which is only available in a handful of hospitals across the country, will equip specially-trained University Hospital paramedics with the ability to administer blood transfusions to patients directly in ambulances, significantly increasing the chances of survival for patients experiencing severe blood loss.

“Hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable trauma deaths, with nearly half of fatalities occurring before patients reach the hospital – some within just five minutes,” said Dr. Scott Pasichow, University Hospital Assistant EMS Medical Director and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Assistant Professor. “Providing blood transfusions directly in ambulances at the point of care can help address critical blood loss and stabilize patients until they can reach the hospital for further treatment.”

The prehospital blood transfusion program at University Hospital utilizes custom, temperature-controlled blood product carriers to ensure the safety and efficacy of all blood components during transport. University Hospital EMS, Trauma, and Emergency staff underwent rigorous training to ensure proficiency in the execution of this new service.

“As an academic medical center, we are committed to implementing innovative, evidence-based care that can help improve patient outcomes. It is clear that prehospital blood transfusions not only save lives but also help to prevent long-term complications caused by blood loss,” said Anna Michelle Brandt, Chief Operating Officer of University Hospital. “I am grateful to our EMS and Trauma teams for their ongoing dedication to bridge the gap between injury and the hospital. I am also thankful for the countless people who make this program possible through their selfless act of blood donation.”

Research indicates that prehospital blood transfusions improve survival rates, with a recent study showing an 11% increase in mortality for each minute delay to blood administration. In 2023 alone, an estimated 191 patients in the University Hospital system could have benefited from receiving blood before reaching the hospital.

“We began working on this program in 2022 and have spent the last three years ensuring we can safely and effectively provide this service to patients in need,” said Jason Brady, University Hospital EMS Director. “The introduction of prehospital blood transfusions in our ambulances represents a significant advancement in University Hospital’s emergency medical services that allows for timely intervention that can make the difference between life and death.”

The University Hospital prehospital blood transfusion program adheres to all safety and regulatory guidelines and will continually undergo quality assurance and improvement processes to ensure the highest level of patient safety.

For more information, please contact media@uhnj.org.