Paramedics across the state can now deliver whole blood to patients before they get to the hospital.
Delaware has become the first state to offer whole blood in ambulances across all its counties, marking a significant advance in emergency medical care.
The milestone comes as paramedics report treating hundreds of patients since the program began in May 2023. New Castle County paramedics have now administered 151 units of whole blood, contributing to a statewide total of 250 units as of early December. Sussex County recently reached 100 units administered, while Kent County just began its program, successfully treating its first patient in late November.
Impact of pre-hospital whole blood
The treatment is particularly valuable for trauma patients with severe blood loss as it provides all blood components — red blood cells, clotting factors, platelets, and plasma — in a single unit. Medical experts consider whole blood the gold standard for treating hemorrhagic shock, offering advantages over traditional treatments like saline, which can potentially dilute clotting factors and worsen bleeding. Fewer than 10 percent of ambulance services nationwide currently offer whole-blood treatment.
“Every unit of blood administered represents another patient who has been given a better chance at survival and recovery,” said Dr. Robert Rosenbaum, state medical director at the Delaware Division of Public Health.
The program began as a pilot in May 2023 in New Castle and Sussex counties. Its success led to statewide adoption, with Kent County recently joining and Delaware State Police paramedics scheduled to begin carrying blood in early 2025.
To implement the program, paramedics underwent specialized training on administration procedures, equipment usage, and documentation requirements. Supervisors received additional training in safe blood handling protocols.
The Blood Bank of Delmarva works directly with each county’s paramedic service to maintain adequate supplies, with specific inventory management plans tailored to local needs. The program includes protocols for rotating blood units before expiration, which can recover packed red cells from whole blood units approaching their expiration date.
Peter Osborne has more than 15 years of experience as an award-winning business reporter and editor, leading two papers (the Delaware Business Times and Dallas Business Journal) to recognition as the nation’s most improved business publications. Osborne also helped launch The News Journal’s now-defunct Business Monday section and worked in communications and business development for MBNA America and Bank of America.
