October marks one year since Mount Nittany Health EMS launched its prehospital blood administration program, a significant advancement in emergency care. By carrying packed red blood cells (PRBC) onboard, Mount Nittany Health EMS has provided lifesaving treatment to patients in critical need while in transit to the hospital.
Over the past year, Mount Nittany Health EMS completed nine prehospital blood administrations, delivering 13 units of blood to patients who required immediate intervention.
“This first year represents a tremendous milestone for Mount Nittany Health EMS,” said Chris Hockenberry, Mount Nittany Health EMS Manager. “Carrying and administering blood in the field is a complex but lifesaving advancement in prehospital care.”
“Being able to start a blood transfusion before a patient reaches the emergency department can be truly life-saving,” said Kasandra Botti, DO, EMS medical director and emergency medicine provider at Mount Nittany Medical Center. “This program bridges a vital gap between prehospital care and Emergency Department treatment, giving our patients the best possible chance for survival in situations where every second matters.”
Mount Nittany EMS’s success is rooted in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Prehospital Blood Coalition, an innovative network of agencies working together to expand the use of prehospital blood administration. This coalition — which includes Southern Chester EMS, City of Pittsburgh EMS, Mutual Aid EMS, and Tower Health EMS — has doubled in size and serves as a vital hub for data sharing and evaluation. These partnerships have strengthened Mount Nittany Health’s program and contributed to advancing prehospital emergency medicine statewide.
Emergency Care (ER)
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