HNL Lab Medicine Enhances Emergency Care with Onboard Blood Transfusions
02 Julio 2024 - 2:56PM
HNL Lab Medicine has partnered with Lehigh Valley Health Network
(LVHN) to significantly improve emergency medical care. Effective
immediately, the blood banks managed by HNL Lab Medicine at
hospital sites will supply blood for LVHN MedEvac helicopters and
ambulances, allowing medical personnel to administer life-saving
blood transfusions on the scene or en route to the hospital.
This innovative service provides critical care transport (CCT)
crews the ability to offer whole blood transfusions to a wide range
of patients during interfacility transports and emergency medical
service (EMS) rendezvous. This is particularly beneficial for
trauma patients requiring urgent care while being transported to
tertiary care facilities. Previously, transfusions could only
continue if initiated at the sending facility. With this new
capability, crews can now carry their own blood supply, ensuring
timely transfusions even when the sending facility’s blood supply
is exhausted.
The initiative represents a collaborative effort between MedEvac
and HNL Lab Medicine blood bank teams. It marks a significant
advancement in patient care by enabling earlier access to
transfusions, which is proven to improve patient outcomes and save
lives. Laura Bailey, Clinical Lab Operations Director at HNL Lab
Medicine, and her team worked diligently to navigate and overcome
numerous regulatory and logistical challenges, making this
life-saving therapy possible.
“Our team is proud to contribute to this life-saving initiative,
providing critical support to trauma patients in their most
vulnerable moments,” said Bailey. “Every second counts in
emergencies, and this capability makes a profound difference in
saving lives.”
The availability of onboard blood transfusions not only enhances
the quality of care provided to patients during critical moments
but also underscores the commitment of HNL Lab Medicine and LVHN to
advancing emergency medical services. This development sets a new
standard for trauma and emergency care, ensuring that patients
receive the best possible treatment as quickly as possible.
For more information about our community health initiatives,
visit hnl.com.
About HNL Lab Medicine
HNL Lab Medicine is a leading multi‐regional, full‐service
medical laboratory providing testing and related services to
physician offices, hospitals, long‐term care facilities, employers
and industrial accounts. With 50+ patient service centers in
Pennsylvania and 14 acute care laboratories within partners'
hospital sites, and over 40 board-certified pathologists and
scientific directors, HNL Lab Medicine provides high-quality,
advanced diagnostic testing. Learn more at HNL.com.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f9366e95-4f97-44e8-856e-817aa6d3e85b
Media Contact: Alexandra Ford
alexandra.ford@hnl.com
484-425-8007