Representatives from the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS), Maryland State Police (MSP) and the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center will be announcing a new public-private collaboration for lifesaving trauma response for Marylanders. 

 

MSP’s fleet of “Trooper” helicopters used in prehospital air medical response recently started carrying whole blood for emergency transfusions when minutes are critical. Maryland is the first state in the country to offer this lifesaving Blood on Board initiative statewide.

 

Blood has been transfused in the field to 21 critically injured patients so far. Patients who have received blood transfusions have been injured as a result of many different types of trauma, including motor vehicle crashes, machinery accidents and shootings. There have already been several patients who may not have survived their injuries to reach the hospital had they not received these blood transfusions.

 

This project is an example of the unique partnerships that comprise Maryland’s trauma response system. Marking 50 years this year, this partnership provides Marylanders with increased care that reduces the number of disabilities and death from traumatic injury. The most seriously injured in Maryland are often transported to a trauma center by medevac helicopter to reduce the amount of time to reach definitive care at a hospital.

 

Visuals will include a Maryland State Police medevac helicopter, the cooler and blood products.  Interviews with experts will be available, including:

 

• Ted Delbridge, MD, Executive Director, Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS)
• Douglas J. Floccare, MD, MPH, FACEP, State Aeromedical Director MIEMSS and Medical Director for the Maryland State Police Aviation Command (MSPAC)
• Thomas M. Scalea, MD, Physician-in-Chief of the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center, the Honorable Francis X. Kelly Distinguished Professor of Trauma Surgery and Director of the Program in Trauma at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
• Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent of the Maryland Department of State Police
• Sgt. Joshua Heins, Flight Paramedic, Maryland State Police