Blood on Board

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A LEBBS collaboration with the Ambucopter, enabling its crew to undertake on-site blood transfusions for the very first time.

Since 2017, following months of preparation and training, the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance is now able to carry blood on board the Ambucopter, enabling it’s crew to undertake on-site blood transfusions for the very first time. This will significantly enhance the pre-hospital critical care offered at the scene of incidents or accidents, giving patients a better chance of recovery from some of the most devastating injuries. LNAA are one of only six UK air ambulance charities to be able to offer on-site blood transfusions.

Dr David Cookson, the lead doctor overseeing the implementation of the ‘Blood on Board’ project, explained:

“Recent advances in availability and affordability of devices to keep and administer blood mean that it is now possible for blood transfers to take place outside of a hospital environment, administered by the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance crew.

Patients who are bleeding heavily and who have very low blood pressure are often not able to get sufficient oxygen to their vital organs. In these instances, giving the patient blood, as well as other treatments, can help the patient to continue to deliver oxygen around their body which buys them more time before they get to a hospital.”

Two units of ‘O Negative’ blood will be carried by the Air Ambulance in a specially designed thermostatically controlled box, together with a machine to warm it to the correct temperature to administer to patients suffering from dangerously low blood pressure and who have or are suspected to have significant bleeding, vastly increasing their chances of survival. In most cases ‘O Negative’ can safely be given to anyone and is often used in medical emergencies when the blood type isn’t immediately known.

In 2020, this was expanded to include Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) to be carried on board the Air Ambulance, which can be used to treat patients with significant bleeding and coagulation issues. LEBBS are now responsible for the safe collection and delivery of both Blood and FFP.

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust Transfusion Practitioner Carol Richardson added:

“Providing ‘emergency’ blood to the Ambucopter is a privilege and will undoubtedly save lives. We are so proud to be part of this exciting new venture with the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance.”

The move was made possible thanks to a donation from the Henry Surtees Foundation which has paid for the extensive training and kit required for the crew to undertake the complex procedure which until recently predominantly took place in hospitals.

Leonora Surtees-Martell, daughter of the late John Surtees CBE said:

“Thanks to the magnificent fundraising efforts of the Henry Surtees Foundation and its supporters, the Charity have been able to provide £16,394.40 for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance enabling them carry out roadside blood transfusions. My father spent most of his life chasing time round the race tracks of the world. He knew that every second counted and none more so than for the Air Ambulance when accidents or illnesses occur. The service that they provide is vital.”