PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was approved to begin allowing supervisor paramedics to carry whole blood and provide transfusions to critical patients, as per the Oct. 7 Board of County Commissioners meeting.
The purpose for this initiative is largely due to Calvert County’s rural setting. With major trauma centers in Washington and Baltimore 35 and 50 miles away, respectively, patients face extended transport times. According to Career Emergency Medical Services Division Chief Kenneth Miller, severe bleeding is a “leading cause of preventable death in a prehospital setting,” and early intervention is critical during major blood loss. Field transfusions within 35 minutes improve survival up to 60%.
Low-titer O+ whole blood contains red blood cells, plasma and platelets. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this blood for emergency use in life-threatening situations where blood is needed immediately and the patient’s blood type is unknown.
Dr. Jason Finkelstein, jurisdictional medical director, said these protocols are well documented in military use and in high-trauma areas. He also pointed to successful programs in nearby counties and said “there’s no need to reinvent the wheel if something is working.”
The new protocol was made possible by updates from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS), which published an optional medical protocol in July 2022. Protocols by local EMS must be approved and directed by the jurisdictional medical director.
Calvert County Advanced Life Support, Career EMS and Dr. Finkelstein collaborated on a protocol, which has been approved by MIEMSS for implementation. The county will work with Inova Health Care Services, which provides whole blood supplies to participating jurisdictions. Calvert would source products that are ready to use for patients. Calvert will also hold biannual blood drives in collaboration with Inova.
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