Transfusion on the Front Lines

Greeting, colleagues.

Prehospital transfusions are transforming emergency care by enabling emergency medical services professionals to provide life-saving blood products at the scene of an emergency and during transport, often well before a patient arrives at the hospital. As these programs expand, growing evidence continues to demonstrate a survival benefit for patients experiencing hemorrhage, which remains a leading preventable cause of death in trauma.

Similarly, out-of-hospital transfusion programs are expanding the map, allowing patients to receive transfusions in locations that may be more convenient for them or appropriate for their care. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients receiving hospice care or those with comorbid conditions.

These innovations in transfusion are improving care across a wide range of settings, from trauma scenes to home-based care for patients with advanced blood cancers. However, important challenges remain, particularly related to reimbursement and coverage. For years, AABB has advocated for policies that reduce structural barriers and expand patient access to prehospital transfusion, and we remain committed to advancing solutions that support these programs.

Advancing Transfusion Access

This issue of AABB News explores the evolving landscape of prehospital and out-of-hospital transfusion. Our cover story highlights out-of-hospital transfusion programs, examining lessons learned and the key elements needed for successful implementation. The article also looks ahead to the future of these programs and their potential to make transfusion more accessible for patients who need it.

Our second feature examines the role of palliative transfusions for patients with advanced blood cancers. In the article, hematologists and palliative medicine specialists discuss research showing that many patients value access to transfusions more than any other supportive service. The article also addresses the difficult decision some patients face under the current Medicare structure, choosing between transfusion access and home-based hospice care.

In addition, this issue spotlights 2025 Prehospital Administrator of the Year Award recipient Armand Cayer, MBA, MICP, MPO. Cayer spearheaded the initiative to bring the first prehospital transfusion program to New Jersey, helping transform EMS systems across the region.

Expanding access to transfusion beyond hospital setting requires strategic coordination among hospitals, blood centers, EMS agencies, stakeholders and policymakers. Together, these stories highlight the progress being made across the blood community and the collaboration required to sustain it.

As always, AABB remains committed to supporting the dedicated professionals working every day to deliver safe, timely transfusion care when and where patients need it most.

Jose Cancelas, MD, PhD, CABP
AABB President