Iowa (RI) — A pilot project is underway that is trying to develop a statewide model where blood could be carried in ambulances to give to people in the field before they head to the hospital. West Des Moines paramedic Brian Rayhons is working on the pilot, and says getting the program to volunteer departments in small towns will be a challenge.
Rayhons says he got his start in a small town department and knows they find ways to work together.
He is working with a counterpart at the Des Moines Fire Department to come up with a program that can be used statewide. Both say the data shows that being able to give patients blood in the field dramatically increases their chances of survival.
KIWA Staff Photo
