How We Help The Care We Provide Blood on Board Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) plays a crucial role in providing advanced medical care to patients experiencing life-threatening emergencies. One of the most vital elements of this care is our ability to perform blood transfusions at the scene, often in challenging, rural locations. Operating under the clinical governance of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and with support from Dorset County Hospital, our team follows strict procedures to ensure the safe handling and administration of blood. We continually audit transfusions and analyse outcomes to make sure we’re delivering the best care possible. What we carry and why it matters When a patient suffers major blood loss, time is critical. Our team carries several types of blood products to stabilise patients before they reach a major trauma centre. These include: Plasma: A yellow fluid separated from blood that helps restore blood volume and promotes clotting. Red Blood Cells: Essential for transporting oxygen around the body; we carry blood types O positive and O negative. Fibrinogen: A protein that supports clot formation and prevents further bleeding. Lyoplas: Freeze-dried plasma that can be reconstituted quickly when more products are needed. These products are carefully stored in compact shock packs to ensure they’re ready to use in emergencies. How is blood and plasma delivered? Every 48 hours , a volunteer from Devon Freewheelers collects a box from Dorchester County Hospital (DCH) blood bank. If products are needed sooner because they have been used up, then we can have a delivery in 30 minutes. The cool boxes are then transported to the DSAA airbase at Henstridge Airfield. The cool boxes keep the blood products cool for up to 48 hours and if not used, they are returned to DCH to be used by the hospital. Our Partnership with Devon Freewheelers Specialist tools to stop bleeding While preparing blood transfusions, our team uses other interventions to manage blood loss. These include: An i-STAT machine that tests blood samples for indicators to help our crew tailor patient care. Drugs like tranexamic acid to stabilise clots. Pelvic binders and splints to reduce bleeding from fractures. Tourniquets and specialist dressings for severe external bleeding. Ultrasound devices to locate hidden internal bleeding. We also keep patients warm with blankets and blood warmers, as body temperature plays a crucial role in the clotting process. Research and continuous improvement Delivering the best care means constantly looking for ways to improve. DSAA was part of a national trial exploring the use of whole blood, which includes red cells, plasma, and platelets, to improve survival rates. By combining cutting-edge research with real-world experience, we aim to ensure our patients receive the best possible outcomes. Read more about the trial Thank you to donors Our ability to provide this care relies on blood donors. Their generosity ensures that critically ill or injured patients have the chance to survive, even in the most challenging circumstances. Some of our team remember the days when we didn’t carry blood products, and the helplessness of watching patients die because of it. Today, thanks to advancements and incredible support, those situations are becoming rare. On behalf of every patient and family, thank you to everyone who donates blood and supports our work. Find out more about giving blood by visiting the NHS Blood Donation Website: www.blood.co.uk Manage Cookie Preferences