Canton Fire Department Saves Life with First Prehospital Blood Transfusion in MassachusettsCanton Fire Department Saves Life with First Prehospital Blood Transfusion in Massachusetts In a historic milestone, the Canton Fire Department has administered the first full blood transfusion in a prehospital setting in Massachusetts history, saving the life of a 35-year-old man. The man was critically injured in a car accident in Braintree and suffered from low blood pressure, shock, and internal bleeding. The Braintree Fire Department and Brewster Ambulance paramedics contacted the Canton Fire Department, which recently launched a Field Transfusion Paramedic Program. Paramedics successfully performed the transfusion during transport to Boston Medical Center. The man’s vital signs improved en route, and he underwent surgery upon arrival at the hospital. The Field Transfusion Paramedic Program was developed in partnership with Boston Medical Center and provides full blood transfusions to patients before they reach the hospital. The program utilizes Low Titer O Whole Blood, an “all-in-one” transfusion therapy containing red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Canton Fire Chief Wendell Robery praised the program as a “significant advancement in prehospital care.” He highlighted the dedication and training of paramedics and EMTs involved in its implementation. The program underwent three years of development and training before launching earlier this year. It represents a collaboration between the Canton Fire Department, Boston Medical Center, and neighboring communities, demonstrating the value of interagency cooperation in saving lives.
In what officials are calling a “milestone,” members of the Canton Fire Department saved a man’s life by administering the first full blood transfusion in a “prehospital setting” in Massachusetts history.
A 35-year-old man was critically injured in a car crash in Braintree early Saturday morning. According to the Canton Fire Department, it took about 45 minutes for emergency responders to remove him from the damaged vehicle. He had low blood pressure, was in shock and was suffering from internal bleeding.
Members of the Braintree Fire Department and Brewster Ambulance paramedics decided to call on the Canton Fire Department, which recently launched a new Field Transfusion Paramedic Program, for help.
The transfusion was successfully performed when the man was taken to Boston Medical Center. His vital signs improved en route to the hospital and he underwent surgery upon arrival, officials said.
In March, the Canton Fire Department, in partnership with Boston Medical Center, launched the first pilot program in state history to provide full blood transfusions before patients reach the hospital.
“This groundbreaking program represents a significant advancement in prehospital care and has already proven its value in its first use,” Canton Fire Chief Wendell Robery said in a statement. “The successful administration of whole blood in the field is a testament to the training, preparedness and dedication of our paramedics and EMTs. We are grateful for the partnership with Boston Medical Center and the support of our neighboring communities.”
The program was developed over three years before it launched this spring. Firefighters and paramedics were trained to transfuse Low Titer O Whole Blood to patients who are brought to the hospital. The Red Cross describes it as an “all-in-one” transfusion therapy for bleeding patients because it contains red blood cells, platelets and plasma.
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