In Milwaukee County, a novel approach to trauma care has marked its first year by delivering whole blood transfusions to severely injured patients before they reach the hospital. As reported by the Milwaukee County's official news release, first responders have administered this critical intervention to 38 trauma patients in the field, aligning with County Executive David Crowley's vision of combining innovation with compassionate public service.
County Executive Crowley expressed his gratitude toward the Office of Emergency Management, recognizing the significance of the project, "I’m deeply grateful to the Office of Emergency Management for leading with innovation, compassion, and purpose.” He touted the initiative as a life-saving measure, noting, "Because of this initiative, 38 people were given a fighting chance to survive." The pilot program launched by the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management's EMS division in November 2024, represents a first in Wisconsin and positions Milwaukee County as a trailblazer among the fire-based EMS systems nationwide, according to the Milwaukee County.
Integral to the program's successful deployment were the collaborative efforts from various stakeholders. EMS Division Director of Milwaukee County OEM, Dan Pojar, told Milwaukee's official news outlet, "Prehospital blood represents a generational shift in how EMS systems can deliver trauma care in the field.” He highlighted that Milwaukee County's EMS is at the forefront of this innovative change, emphasizing that it is “becoming a leader in advancing prehospital medicine.” Currently, whole blood is made available on Mobile Emergency Department (MED) units from seven municipal fire departments, serving several communities and enhancing the fast delivery of potentially lifesaving blood transfusions.
The pilot initiative aims to reduce mortality in trauma cases, an outcome supported by stirring anecdotes and data alike. Dr. Ben Weston, Milwaukee County Chief Health Policy Advisor and EMS Medical Director pointed out the tangible benefits, "In that year, patients who otherwise may not have survived the trip to the hospital are arriving alive, and stable, giving them a chance to receive the care they need." Trauma patients suffering from various forms of injury, including blunt or penetrating trauma, and even cases such as postpartum hemorrhaging have found respite under this program. In several instances, patients who had experienced traumatic cardiac arrest were successfully resuscitated in the field – outcomes that prior to this initiative, might have been grim, as noted by the Milwaukee County.
A study referenced by the Milwaukee County underscores the impact of rapid blood transfusion, with patients receiving blood within six minutes of EMS contact experiencing a 7% mortality rate, a figure that jumps significantly to 32% after 30 minutes. This program's establishment was made viable through key partnerships, including the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratory Blood Bank, as well as the indispensable role of local EMS personnel who bring this critical care directly to patients when every second can mean the difference between life and death.
