Boca Raton Fire Rescue has introduced a new life-saving practice by equipping its firefighter paramedics with whole blood for use in emergency situations. This advancement allows them to provide a higher level of care in the field, particularly in cases of severe blood loss.
How it Works
The whole blood is stored in a specially designed cooler that maintains a temperature range of 2 to 6 °C. When needed, the blood is warmed to approximately 100 °F using a device before being administered to the patient. This process can significantly improve the chances of survival in critical situations.
According to Chief Robert Parks and Division Chief Marcus Cooper of Boca Raton Fire Rescue, this capability is a significant step forward in pre-hospital care. The technology and equipment have made it simpler for paramedics to carry and administer whole blood, which contains all three components necessary for effective treatment: red blood cells, plasma, and platelets.
This innovation is expected to become a standard of care across Florida and potentially nationwide, given its proven effectiveness in saving lives. The Boca Raton Fire Rescue team is among the first to adopt this practice, with the goal of expanding its use to other departments.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
