Tampa General Hospital is partnering with local emergency organizations to launch a blood drone delivery program in Hillsborough County. The initiative could begin as early as October.
Program Details
Trained emergency medical service personnel will evaluate patients in the field to determine when whole blood is needed. The drones will deliver whole blood to trauma patients facing life-threatening emergencies in the field, including car crashes, shootings, and stabbings.
The delivery program will cover 70 square miles in total, with operations headquartered at two Hillsborough Fire EMS locations, each covering 35 square miles. TGH is collaborating with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, Florida Center for Emergency Medical Services, OneBlood, and Archer First Response System.
Goal and Potential Impact
The goal of the program is to stabilize patients’ hemodynamics, improve their blood pressure and heart rate, and ultimately save lives. Medical experts plan to study the results of the pilot program to share insights with hospitals and emergency services nationwide.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
