Worcester EMS Launches First Ambulance Blood Transfusion Program In Central MA

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester EMS paramedics can now administer blood transfusions to critically ill and injured patients before they reach a hospital.

The prehospital blood program became operational Sept. 1 after receiving approval from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Office of Emergency Medical Services back in July. Worcester EMS is the first ambulance service in Central Massachusetts authorized to carry and administer blood products at emergency scenes.

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The program allows paramedics to begin transfusions for patients experiencing catastrophic blood loss, when rapid treatment can be critical to survival.

"This is yet another lifesaving advance that Worcester EMS is proud to offer the citizens of Worcester, expanding on the state-of-the-art care we already provide with antibiotics, medication-enhanced intubation and mechanical ventilation," Worcester EMS Chief Norman Soucie said.

The service joins other UMass Memorial Health emergency response programs that carry and administer blood products, including Life Flight helicopters, the Tactical EMS Team and the EMS Physician Response Vehicle.

Worcester EMS and UMass Memorial Medical Center also launched one of Massachusetts' first prehospital sepsis treatment programs in 2019 under a special project waiver. Data collected during the following five years helped support the state's decision to add prehospital sepsis treatment to statewide EMS protocols.

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