Prehospital blood programs that allow emergency responders to administer blood at the scene to trauma victims are drawing increased attention from state lawmakers. A technique with origins on the battlefield, these military methods have made their way to civilian EMS programs. Research suggests a significant number of lives can be saved with this approach, especially in car crashes. 

On the podcast to discuss these programs are Jonathan Morrison, the administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA; Randi Schaefer, a former career Army trauma nurse who has helped set up programs around the country; and Aneesa Turbovsky, who tracks EMS-related legislation for NCSL. 

Morrison discussed why these programs are a priority for NHTSA and how these programs could reduce the approximately 40,000 traffic crash fatalities in the U.S. each year. Schaefer reviewed some of the challenges in setting up prehospital blood programs and the role state lawmakers can play. And Turbovsky went into detail on the steps legislatures are taking to make it possible for paramedics to administer blood and how lawmakers can bring together the various parties needed to make these programs work.

Resources

EMS Legislation Database, NCSL

Prehospital Blood Transfusions Give EMS Crews a Lifesaving Option, NCSL State Legislatures News

Office of EMS Prehospital Blood Transfusion, NHTSA  

Office of EMS Prehospital Blood Transfusion Infographics, NHTSA   

Prehospital Blood Transfusion Coalition  

Prehospital Blood Coalition Scope of Practice Map

"Removing the Barrier to Prehospital Blood: A roadmap to success,"Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery

Funding Stat! States Secure Timely Support for EMS Systems, NCSL

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Erscheinungs­datum: 12.4.2026, 09:00:00