Why does the type of blood aboard medical air ambulances matter when they’re already amply equipped to save lives? Typically, critical trauma patients are given blood “parts” – packed red blood cells and liquid plasma.

These unit components offer more diversity for treatment, but “whole blood” means all of the components are together at once. Less interruption in care, lower total volume.

Health First was the first hospital in the state of Florida to begin using what’s known as “whole blood” on its air ambulance helicopters. 

Rob Spivey, the trauma program manager at Holmes Regional Medical Center and First Flight nurse manager, said there is a growing movement in the U.S. to shift from using blood parts, which began in 2001, to now whole blood.

“What we used to carry then was packed red blood cells," Spivey said.

One of the important things Spivey noted that he and other paramedics have to consider, though, is that with trauma cases, the blood loss can be so great and quick that a transfusion is needed.

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