Burnsville, Minnesota Pioneers Life-Saving Whole Blood Transfusions In Ambulances

Burnsville, Minnesota Pioneers Life-Saving Whole Blood Transfusions In Ambulances

In a significant move to enhance emergency medical responses, Burnsville’s 911 ambulances have rolled out a game-changing initiative, as the city's EMS teams become the first in Minnesota to carry whole blood for on-scene transfusions. According to the City of Burnsville, this development is set to raise the bar in pre-hospital care.

Effective as of this January, the life-saving protocol was established with hopes of improving survival rates for patients experiencing severe blood loss before hospital admission. "As the first 911 EMS team in Minnesota to adopt this practice, Burnsville is leading the way in lifesaving EMS services," Jungmann mentioned in a statement, recognizing the recurrent need for blood transfusions encountered by EMS teams. This shift from the usual saline solutions, which primarily address volume replacement, to whole blood transfusions, is anticipated to augment the body's coagulation and healing abilities.

Undergoing rigorous training, Burnsville's EMS personnel have fully embraced the complex handling and administration of whole-blood products in the field. "Our community expects the best from our crews and they are delivering it," Jungmann told the City of Burnsville, illustrating the department's commitment to leading advancements in emergency medical care.

The initiative coincides with a critical need for blood donations in Minnesota, especially during January when contributions typically wane. Aiming to support the new program and highlight the importance of blood donations, Burnsville plans to host a blood drive. “Everyone in the community could benefit from whole blood transfusions so we are encouraging residents to donate blood when they can," Jungmann elaborated, as per the City of Burnsville, urging locals to partake in the life-saving act of donating.

For those interested in learning more about Burnsville's whole-blood program or obtaining visuals, media contact Paul Omodt of Omodt & Associates is available to arrange interviews with key EMS figures.

SOURCE: hoodline