By Bill Carey
EMS1
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — EMS helicopters in Missouri and Kansas will now carry whole blood for the first time in 30 years.
The Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City is partnering with HealthStar One, Lifestar Kansas and EagleMed to supply O+ blood, KCTV reported.
To launch the partnership, a Healthstar One helicopter landed at a blood drive in Overland Park.
“We have seen case after case where blood therapy was needed, specifically whole blood for trauma patients,” Healthstar One Program Director Tony Raboin said.
In a press release, the Community Blood Center said the program will be especially beneficial for rural communities that are far from trauma centers.
“Without having to wait until arriving at a trauma center, whole blood on our aircraft will provide cutting edge, lifesaving treatment to critically injured patients right when they need it most,” HealthStar One Medical Director Dr. Brian Beaver told KSHB.