Vanderburgh paramedics can give blood before hospital arrival

Vanderburgh County paramedics can now give blood to patients before they arrive at a hospital, marking a change in emergency medical care in the county.

What changed

The new capability allows paramedics to administer blood during the prehospital phase of an emergency. That means treatment can begin before the patient reaches a hospital.

Why it matters

Giving blood before hospital arrival can address an urgent need during the period when a patient is still being treated and transported. The change expands the care paramedics can provide outside a hospital setting.

Local response

The development involves Vanderburgh County paramedics and applies to emergency treatment in the county. Details about how the program operates, including the circumstances in which blood may be administered, are not included here.

What comes next

The policy will be carried out through the county’s emergency medical services system. Patients and families should seek emergency help through the usual emergency response system when immediate care is needed.