Study of pre-hospital whole blood transfusion in frontline trauma in Aotearoa New Zealand, comparing platelet-rich whole blood versus platelet-poor whole blood in major traumatic haemorrhage

Platelet-rich whole blood is defined as having >50% of post-filtration platelet content at expiry. The actual platelet content varies depending on the blood donor. Transfusion of platelet-rich whole blood in pre-hospital traumatic haemorrhage will follow Northern Rescue Helicopter's standard clinical practice as outlined in Appendix 3 & 4. The protocol outlines the use of the ABC score to identify patients in haemorrhagic shock. The rate is as fast as possible, given that the patient is in shock. The HEMS team has an extensive record keeping system that will be used for data in the trial. No additional blood components are available pre-hospital for transfusion. Northern Rescue Helicopter already have a clinical record keeping system for pre-hospital care and this will be reviewed as part of the trial. One or both units will be transfused prehospital with any remaining blood from the two units transfused on arrival at the hospital. Administration of the blood in the prehospital environment will be by team comprising of a Prehospital and retrieval medicine doctor and a critical care paramedic.