AHRQ Seeks Input on Prehospital Transfusion and Fluid Interventions for Hemorrhagic Shock
November 20, 2024
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) published the
protocol for its systematic review on prehospital EMS blood transfusion and fluid interventions for hemorrhagic shock on Tuesday.
This effort, conducted through the
Evidence-based Practice Center Program, aims to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of blood product transfusions and fluid administration in prehospital settings for treating traumatic and nontraumatic hemorrhagic shock. The review also seeks to identify gaps in existing literature and examine factors influencing the implementation of EMS transfusion programs and protocols. The findings will support the development of evidence-based guidelines and EMS agency decision-making at state and local levels.
ARHQ noted that there are currently no national guidelines for implementing prehospital blood transfusion programs, and such programs are limited to geographic clusters in the United States. However, the agency noted that AABB is developing Standards for Scheduled Out-of-Hospital and Prehospital Transfusions to assist EMS agencies in establishing transfusion programs. The standards will take effect April 1, 2025.
