UCONN HEALTH WATERBURY HOSPTIAL LAUNCHES PREHOSPITAL BLOOD PROGRAM TO SAVE LIVES
UConn Health Waterbury Hospital today announced the launch of its new Prehospital Blood Program, an initiative that enables emergency medical responders to administer blood transfusions to critically injured patients before they arrive at the hospital.
Beginning today, two emergency response vehicles operated by Naugatuck Ambulance and American Medical Response (AMR) in Waterbury will carry units of human blood that can be administered at the scene of an emergency in the greater Waterbury region. The program is designed to provide life-saving treatment during the most critical moments following severe injury or blood loss, improving survival rates and patient outcomes.
As a Level II Trauma Center, UConn Health Waterbury Hospital is among the first hospitals in Connecticut to implement a prehospital blood program.
"For trauma patients, the first hour after injury is often the most critical," said Peter Zdankiewicz, MD, Trauma Medical Director at UConn Health Waterbury Hospital. "Early blood transfusion can significantly improve a patient's chances of survival by restoring blood volume and delivering oxygen to vital organs before they reach the hospital. The sooner we begin treatment, the better the outcome."
The blood will be stored in specialized, environmentally controlled coolers aboard EMS field supervisor vehicles. When a patient meets established clinical criteria, the blood will be delivered directly to the scene and administered by trained EMS personnel. The program is expected to benefit patients experiencing severe traumatic injuries, major blood loss, and other life-threatening emergencies.
"Only months after becoming UConn Health Waterbury Hospital, we continue to expand access to advanced, life-saving care for the communities we serve," said Deborah Weymouth, President of UConn Health Waterbury Hospital. "The launch of our Prehospital Blood Program reflects our commitment to bringing the highest level of trauma care to patients as quickly as possible. By extending blood transfusions beyond the hospital walls, we are giving critically injured patients the best possible chance for survival."
The initiative is the result of a collaborative effort between UConn Health Waterbury Hospital's trauma program, its blood bank, emergency department, and local EMS partners, who worked together to develop protocols, training, and logistics to safely provide blood transfusions in the prehospital setting.
The program further strengthens the region's emergency response capabilities and underscores UConn Health Waterbury Hospital's ongoing investment in innovative trauma care.
About UConn Health Waterbury Hospital
For more than 130 years, UConn Health Waterbury Hospital has been a trusted healthcare partner for Waterbury and the surrounding communities, providing compassionate, high-quality care close to home. As the founding member of the UConn Health Community Network, the hospital combines the personalized experience of a community hospital with the strength, innovation, research, and clinical expertise of Connecticut's only public academic medical center.
UConn Health Waterbury Hospital offers comprehensive healthcare services, including emergency and trauma care, primary and specialty care, advanced surgical services, behavioral health, women's and children's services, rehabilitation, home-based care, and graduate medical education. With a commitment to exceptional patient outcomes, continuous innovation, and expanding access to care, the hospital is building a healthier future for the communities it proudly serves.