Changing the Playing Field: A Prehospital Blood Product Pilot Project in Rural North Georgia

Abstract

Background In Georgia, the paramedic’s scope of practice prohibited the initiation of blood products. Due to the rural landscape in Georgia, one region’s Regional Trauma Advisory Committee (RTAC) advocated expanding the scope of practice for Georgia’s paramedics to allow them to initiate blood products in the prehospital environment. This study evaluated the safety and feasibility of allowing paramedics to initiate blood products for hemorrhaging patients utilizing a regionally established prehospital blood pilot program. Materials and Methods Approval was obtained from the state medical directors and the Office of EMS and Trauma. The project team addressed product selection, equipment, prehospital service selection, education, policies and procedures, monitoring, and performance improvement. Four EMS services were identified to participate. Liquid plasma was selected due to cost and availability. Equipment was secured for blood storage and temperature monitoring to ensure the hospital’s blood bank could maintain standards for exchange. A transfusion guideline was created, an administrative policy was developed, and an education plan was developed. A process with the trauma center’s blood bank was also instituted to minimize waste and reduce costs. Results and Discussion The pilot project began in spring of 2020, and as of January 2023, there have been 100 field initiations and no adverse effects, demonstrating the safety of paramedics to initiate blood products in the field. A post-licensure skill for paramedics is now available in Georgia for the initiation of blood products. The repeatability of a similar project depends on the resources available, the stakeholder commitment, and the partnerships across disciplines.