Feasibility of prehospital freeze-dried plasma administration in a UK Helicopter Emergency Medical Service.

Background: Early transfusion of patients with major traumatic haemorrhage may improve survival. This study aims to establish the feasibility of freeze-dried plasma transfusion in a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service in the UK.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective observational study of major trauma patients attended by Kent, Surrey and Sussex Helicopter Emergency Medical Service and transfused freeze-dried plasma since it was introduced in April 2014.

Pre-hospital transfusion of packed red blood cells in 147 patients from a UK helicopter emergency medical service.

Background: Early transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBC) has been associated with improved survival in patients with haemorrhagic shock. This study aims to describe the characteristics of patients receiving pre-hospital blood transfusion and evaluate their subsequent need for in-hospital transfusion and surgery.

Methods: The decision to administer a pre-hospital PRBC transfusion was based on clinical judgment.