New York Expands Access to Prehospital Blood Transfusion

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation last week allowing ambulances in the state to carry and transfuse blood during all emergency transports. Under the former system, ambulances could only handle blood during inter-hospital transfers, but the legislation (S6226A) removes those restrictions, expanding assistance for all trauma patients. 

A coalition of health care and EMS groups supported the legislation, including the New York American College of Emergency Physicians, NYS Council of Emergency Nurses, NYS Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association, United New York Ambulance Network and the NYS Professional Firefighters Association.