On Monday, March 10, 2025, VMSC Emergency Medical Services and Jefferson Health announced the launch of a pre-hospital whole blood transfusion program. As part of this program, paramedics will be able to administer whole blood transfusions on emergency scenes and in the ambulance prior to the patient’s arrival at the hospital. (Credit: Ashley Jefferson/Thomas Jefferson University)
This advancement in care will provide critically injured and medically unstable patients with lifesaving treatment before they reach the hospital
VMSC Emergency Medical Services and Jefferson Health have announced the launch of a pre-hospital whole blood transfusion program — the first of its kind in the region and part of less than one percentage of all agencies in the nation.
The program launch event Monday featured a live simulation of the transfusion, as well as remarks from key speakers Rep. Steve Malagari, Jefferson Health North Region President Brian Sweeney, RN, MBA, FACHE, VMSC EMS CEO Shane Wheeler, and VMSC EMS Medical Director Dr. Ryan Overberger.
This advancement in care will provide critically injured and medically unstable patients with lifesaving treatment before they reach the hospital. As part of this program, paramedics will be able to administer whole blood transfusions on emergency scenes and in the ambulance. Until now, EMS providers have been limited to IV fluids, which do not replace lost blood volume or oxygen-carrying capacity.
According to the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, pre-hospital whole blood transfusion can reduce hemorrhagic shock mortality by nearly 30 percent and trauma patients who receive whole blood have a four times higher survival rate than those who receive only IV fluids. The ability to administer whole blood transfusions in the field is critical—not just for trauma patients, but for those suffering from medical emergencies such as gastrointestinal bleeding, obstetric hemorrhage and ruptured aneurysms.
VMSC EMS CEO Shane Wheeler, left, and VMSC EMS Medical Director Dr. Ryan Overberger (Credit: Ashley Jefferson/TJU)
On Monday, March 10, 2025, VMSC Emergency Medical Services and Jefferson Health announced the launch of a pre-hospital whole blood transfusion program. As part of this program, paramedics will be able to administer whole blood transfusions on emergency scenes and in the ambulance prior to the patient’s arrival at the hospital. (Credit: Ashley Jefferson/Thomas Jefferson University)The program is currently available in the North Penn and Indian Valley communities of Montgomery County as part of VMSC’s primary services areas.
Fast Facts: Pre-Hospital Whole Blood Transfusion
1. Blood is stored in specialized coolers at 1-6°C with temperature monitoring.
2. Transfusions administered by highly trained paramedics following strict safety protocols.
3. Unused blood is rotated back to Jefferson Health blood banks to prevent waste.
4. Reduces hospital blood transfusion needs by up to 40 percent.
On Monday, March 10, 2025, VMSC Emergency Medical Services and Jefferson Health announced the launch of a pre-hospital whole blood transfusion program. As part of this program, paramedics will be able to administer whole blood transfusions on emergency scenes and in the ambulance prior to the patient’s arrival at the hospital. (Credit: Ashley Jefferson/Thomas Jefferson University)
About VMSC Emergency Medical Services
VMSC Emergency Medical Services is a nonprofit regional EMS provider dedicated to delivering innovative pre-hospital emergency care, specialty medical transportation, and mobile healthcare services throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. Founded in 1933, VMSC has a long-standing tradition of clinical excellence and leadership, continuously adapting and expanding its services to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves. Through advanced clinical practices, robust educational initiatives, and strategic partnerships with leading healthcare organizations such as Jefferson Health, VMSC significantly enhances patient outcomes and promotes overall community health and well-being. Our comprehensive training and education programs help cultivate the next generation of EMS professionals, providing EMT, AEMT, and paramedic education designed to set new standards in emergency medical care. Guided by our mission, "Making a Difference: One Day, One Call, and One Life at a Time," VMSC remains deeply committed to innovation, compassionate patient care, and excellence in emergency medical services.
