Delaware Paramedics Administer 250th Unit of Whole Blood for Prehospital Care

Paramedics in all three Delaware counties achieved significant milestones in administering whole blood for prehospital care between Saturday, Nov. 23 and Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. A leader in prehospital care, the state has also become the first in the nation that has paramedic agencies in every county providing whole blood for patients before they reach the hospital.

On Nov. 23, New Castle County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) gave the 150th unit in their county and soon after, the 151st, which became the 250th unit in the state. Sussex County also achieved a significant milestone on Nov. 25 when it administered its 100th unit of whole blood. Additionally, Kent County EMS delivered their first unit on Nov. 24, which despite the critical nature of the patient's injuries, provided improvement in vital signs.

Paramedics value whole blood because all of its components - red blood cells, clotting factors, platelets, and plasma - are present. Their most common application is when patients have suffered traumatic injuries resulting in massive blood loss.

"We are incredibly proud of these achievements and the positive impact the treatment has had on our community," said Dr. Robert Rosenbaum, state medical director, Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness Section at the Delaware Division of Public Health. "Every unit of blood administered represents another patient that has been given a better chance at survival and recovery."

Paramedics in New Castle and Sussex counties first used whole blood as a pilot (test) program since the treatment was approved in May 2023. Early success led to statewide adoption for all paramedic agencies with Kent County currently carrying blood and Delaware State Police paramedics adding blood in early 2025. Nationally, less than 10% of EMS agencies carry and administer whole blood, according to the National Association of State EMS Officials.

The program's success is attributed to the collaborative efforts of county paramedic agencies and DPH's Office of EMS (OEMS) with additional support from Delaware Emergency Management Agency and in partnership with the Blood Bank of Delmarva. The processes showing significant patient benefits are being shared with EMS systems across the country as a guide for establishing EMS whole blood programs, serving as a benchmark for other states and highlighting innovative medical interventions.

For more information about OEMS, visit https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dph/ems/ems.html.

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