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IAFF collaborates to help fire departments provide whole blood transfusion programs

October 1, 2024

Coalition works to expand whole blood transfusion programs in the U.S.

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is working alongside a coalition of agencies to address challenges related to whole blood transfusion programs for fire departments.

Whole blood transfusions have been proven effective in saving lives during prehospital care, but many departments struggle with funding and obtaining reliable blood supplies.

In Washington, D.C., a new whole blood transfusion program was recently implemented, which has already saved lives.

Dan Lottes, a firefighter from Local 36, successfully performed the procedure on a woman who had been shot.

Lottes noted: “It was incredible how fast she regained consciousness and was able to answer questions.” The patient was able to recover quickly and return home within a few days.

Prehospital Blood Transfusion Initiative Coalition addresses funding and supply issues

The Prehospital Blood Transfusion Initiative Coalition (PBTIC), which includes the IAFF, is working to secure Medicare and Medicaid coverage for whole blood transfusions.

Currently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) covers only O+ blood, but the coalition is advocating for a broader inclusion of blood products such as packed red blood cells and plasma.

These products are crucial for treating patients suffering from liver failure, severe infections, and internal bleeding caused by trauma.

The coalition is also addressing blood supply issues.

Some fire departments have found creative solutions, such as partnering with the American Red Cross, to ensure a steady supply of whole blood.

In Washington, D.C., blood is stored in cooler boxes and distributed to specific medic units predicted to encounter the highest number of emergencies.

Despite these efforts, not all units in the city carry whole blood due to limited resources.

San Antonio’s success with prehospital blood transfusions

San Antonio, Texas, has also implemented a successful whole blood transfusion program in collaboration with the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center.

Since its launch in 2018, the program has administered over 1,500 prehospital transfusions, doubling the number of lives saved.

One such life was Tiffany Kieschnick, who was critically injured in a car accident in January 2019.

Paramedics from Local 624 transfused a full unit of blood on the scene, which doctors later said saved her life.

William Bullock, a medic officer and Local 624 member, emphasized the impact of these transfusions: “These transfusions have been instrumental in cardiac patients making full recoveries and kept hemorrhaging patients from bleeding out.” He noted that blood supplies are limited, so the program is reserved for only the most critical patients.

Any unused blood is returned to the center to prevent waste.

Preparedness for mass casualty incidents

San Antonio’s whole blood program is also equipped to respond to mass casualty incidents, such as the Uvalde school shooting in 2022.

In that case, the program delivered 40 units of blood to the school within an hour, highlighting the program’s ability to support large-scale emergencies.

The IAFF remains committed to expanding whole blood transfusion programs across the U.S.

and helping local fire departments obtain the necessary resources.

The organization continues to work with the PBTIC to develop strategies for funding and reliable blood supply.

IAFF collaborates to help fire departments provide whole blood transfusions: Summary

The IAFF, alongside the Prehospital Blood Transfusion Initiative Coalition (PBTIC), is working to improve whole blood transfusion programs for fire departments across the U.S.

Firefighters and paramedics are using these transfusions to save lives during prehospital care, but departments face challenges in securing funding and maintaining reliable blood supplies.

The PBTIC is petitioning for expanded Medicare and Medicaid coverage, while departments in Washington, D.C., and San Antonio are leading efforts in collaboration with blood centers.

The IAFF and PBTIC continue to support local agencies in expanding access to these life-saving procedures.

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