Empowering Trauma Care: Advocating for Prehospital Blood Access

National Trauma Awareness Month in May highlights the importance of swift prehospital blood access in saving lives and improving survival rates for those facing traumatic injuries. Make a difference this May by advocating for timely access to blood products to support those in critical need.

The Importance of Prehospital Blood Access in Trauma Care

National Trauma Awareness Month was established in 1988 to shine a light on the multifaceted aspects of trauma and underscore the critical role safety plays in safeguarding our communities. In conjunction with this vital cause, the advocacy for prehospital blood access takes center stage. Blood transfusions play in saving lives, and swift access to blood products before patients reach the hospital is a key factor in improving survival rates, particularly for those enduring traumatic injuries.

How Timely Blood Transfusions Revolutionize Trauma Care and Save Lives

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The Impact of Prehospital Blood Access on Patient Outcomes

Prehospital blood transfusions have proven to be a critical factor in reducing mortality rates by up to 40% in trauma patients. Research studies have demonstrated that timely access to blood products before patients reach the hospital can significantly enhance outcomes for individuals with severe traumatic injuries, decreasing the likelihood of complications and promoting better overall recovery. The concept of the golden hour emphasizes the crucial role of early intervention, including prehospital blood access, in trauma care to effectively increase patient survival rates and optimize their recovery process.

Our Advocacy Work

ABC is championing policies that promote equitable access to blood products while growing and diversifying the blood donor base to ensure patient needs are met.

The 2024 ABC Advocacy Agenda promotes the value of blood to patients, communities, and the healthcare system.

Learn More with Key Resources

Safety of the Blood Supply (1)

Expanding Access to Blood Products

Discover how patient access to pre-hospital blood transfusions improves survival odds and learn about ABC's push for a Medicare & Medicaid Innovation project to expand blood product access in emergencies.

strengthening the blood supply

Strengthening The Blood Supply

Learn how America's Blood Centers is advocating for a stronger, more diverse blood donor base to meet current and future patient needs effectively.

Trends impacting

Trends Impacting the Blood Supply

Learn about current trends impacting the nation’s blood supply, as well as ABC’s efforts working with the Administration, Congress, and industry stakeholders to promote the value of blood and strengthen and diversify our nation’s donor base.

More from Our Partners

America's Blood Centers partners with a diverse range of national organizations to strengthen the nation's blood supply and support the work of ABC members.

Below are resources from some of our key partners to help support your efforts during this critical month.

Be a Social Advocate

With your help, we can reach more potential donors and ensure there’s blood on the shelf when it’s needed the most. Spread the word online today using these resources provided by ADRP: The Association of Blood Donor Professionals and ABC.

General Social Media

Key Statistics and Information

Turn Your Day Around

Turn Your Day Around

General Blood Donation Toolkit (1)

The Importance of Blood Donation

Take Action

Are you passionate about ensuring a strong and reliable blood supply for all those in need? Take a moment to make your voice heard by using our user-friendly platform to reach out to your Members of Congress. Your advocacy can make a real difference in supporting America's blood supply as a national priority.

Trauma Awareness Month is a reminder of one of the most pressing issues facing the blood supply today: the urgent need to expand access to blood products even before a patient makes it to the hospital. A blood transfusion given directly following trauma has been proven to save lives. One study found up to 5% increased odds of mortality for every minute of delay in access to blood.

Despite these findings, significant barriers currently prevent the expansion of pre-hospital blood transfusions.

But your Members of Congress could take action that would help take down these barriers and save lives.

Let's work together to amplify our impact and drive positive change. Get started now—your advocacy matters!