New Coalition Formed to Expand Access to Prehospital Blood Transfusion

AABB is pleased to join a diverse community of prehospital and hospital-based medical professionals, industry partners, blood collectors and government agencies to form the Prehospital Blood Transfusion Initiative Coalition (PHBTIC). The coalition is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative initiative that seeks to expand access to prehospital blood transfusion by advancing four pillars of focused activity:

• Establishing reimbursement for blood products transfused in the prehospital setting.
• Expanding EMS scope-of-practice to allow prehospital blood transfusion in states where it currently is not allowed.
• Advancing strategic preparedness for homeland defense and mass casualty events.
• Promoting outreach and education, including regulatory, protocols and best practices for programs based on experiences of agencies currently conducting programs.

AABB, America’s Blood Centers and the American Red Cross are all represented on the PHBTIC Steering Committee, helping to ensure the blood community is consulted and engaged as the coalition continues its activities.

Furthermore, AABB has been actively engaged in advocating for policies that increase access to pre-hospital blood transfusion for years. Susan Leppke, AABB’s senior director, public policy, has presented to several external groups, including federal advisory committees, about past and ongoing efforts to establish reimbursement for prehospital transfusion. A recording of Leppke’s presentation is available on the PHBTIC website.  

Other organizations in the EMS, trauma, blood and industry communities with an interest in ensuring that blood products are available in all emergency settings are invited to join the coalition. Contact Jon R. Krohmer, MD, for additional information.