The Delaware State Police (DSP) Aviation Section, in partnership with Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD), implemented the statewide Pre-Hospital Whole Blood Program on Monday, February 17, thereby bolstering the statewide effort to save critically injured patients before they arrive at the hospital.
The program represents a significant step forward in trauma care by allowing for rapid, potentially life-saving pre-hospital whole blood transfusions to patients right at the scene of an emergency.
In 2023, the State of Delaware began a pilot program in New Castle and Sussex counties to explore the use of whole blood for treating trauma patients in the field. This initiative was led by the State Medical Director at the Office of Emergency Services (OEMS) in conjunction with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and BBD. Following the pilot program’s success, the program was approved for statewide use by all Advanced Life Support (ALS) agencies in Delaware, and Kent County EMS was added to the fold in November 2024.
The DSP Aviation Section, in collaboration with multiple in-state emergency medical agencies, worked to validate the necessary equipment, procedures, and training to begin carrying whole blood – a process that required extensive training, testing, and funding.
“The inclusion of DSP in our Pre-Hospital Whole Blood Program allows our first responders to help even more patients suffering from traumatic injury in Delaware,” said Dr. Bruce Sachais, medical director, BBD. “It is a privilege to work with these dedicated individuals by supporting the administration of whole blood in the field. I need to give a huge shout out to our volunteer blood donors, whose generosity and sense of community make this program possible.”
With the successful completion of the required training and validation, DSP Trooper Medics are now able to administer whole blood transfusions at the scene of traumatic events.
“I am deeply awed by the collaborative partnerships within the emergency medical community that have brought the Pre-Hospital Whole Blood Program to fruition,” said Colonel William D. Crotty, superintendent of the Delaware State Police.
One-third of the DSP Aviation Section donated blood on Friday, February 14 in advance of the launch, including Aviation Commander, Captain Jeffrey Whitmarsh; the Deputy Commander, Lieutenant Jason Baxley; Paramedic Commander, Sgt. Ted Stipa; Chief Pilot, Sgt. William White; Training Coordinator, Michael Branch; Flight Instructor, Tom McKeown and Sgt. Jeff Gliem and Cpl. Brett Creasey.
A BBD contingent of Dr. Sachais, Executive Director Steve Corse, Senior Director of Laboratories Kristin Frederick, Director of Process Improvement Rachele Allison, Director of Donor Services Megan Johnson, Manager of Client Relations Chris Resler, Manager of Logistics Jessica Camponelli, and Marketing Manager Jason Burlew welcomed the State Troopers.
Read the full, joint press release by DSP and BBD here: Delaware State Police Partners with Blood Bank of Delmarva to Announce Pre-Hospital Whole Blood Program During Trauma Care – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware