Rapid Administration of Blood by HEMS in Trauma

Plain-language summary

Trauma is a leading cause of death among people younger than 44 years. Five million people worldwide die from trauma annually. Uncontrolled haemorrhage causing traumatic-haemorrhagic shock (THS) is the leading cause of potentially preventable deaths from severe trauma. Uncorrected hypervolaemia and prolonged shock cause severe tissue hypoperfusion, vital organ ischemia and subsequently acidosis. In up to one third of trauma patients, laboratory findings suggest traumatic induced coagulopathy, which is further triggered by loss or dilution of coagulation factors. These patients have a significantly increased morbidity and mortality compared to patients with similar injury patterns without coagulopathy. Minimizing the time to surgical control of haemorrhage is key in order to improve outcome. However, immediate and goal directed volume and coagulation resuscitation including use of blood transfusion is crucial to enable survival until definitive hospital care. The primary objective of this study will be to evaluate feasibility of prehospital administration of 1 unit of human plasma and 1 unit of red blood cells, and explore association of early prehospital transfusion with early outcomes in patients presenting with THS, severe bleeding or peri-arrest state who are matching indication criteria and are transported by Helicopter Emergency Medical Service. Results of clinical examinations and laboratory variables in a group of patients receiving prehospital transfusion will be compared to matched population of patients treated before blood has been available on board. Secondary aim of the study is to detect any potential logistical and/or organisational adverse effects, incl. cost-effectiveness, in a regional trauma system with prehospital times (time of injury to trauma centre) ranging from 45 to 75 minutes.

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