Prehospital Transfusion Blood Services
Hemorrhage remains one of the leading causes of preventable death, and early access to blood products in the prehospital setting can significantly improve survival for patients at risk of severe bleeding. The American Red Cross affirms that prehospital blood programs are a vital component of modern emergency care. As the nation's largest single blood supplier, providing approximately 40% of the U.S. blood supply, the Red Cross has the national infrastructure, distribution network, and collection capacity to support prehospital programs without displacing hospital needs.
Critically, our approach is built on the principle that expanding prehospital access to blood should never come at the expense of hospital blood availability. The Red Cross is uniquely positioned to support the full continuum of care — from the field to the OR — ensuring that EMS programs are designed in close coordination with hospital partners to protect shared supply, maintain equity of access, and uphold high standards of stewardship for all patients who depend on lifesaving blood products.
Through education, consultation, and data and practice ‑driven guidance, the Red Cross partners with EMS and hospital systems to design and implement programs that maximize impact - improving outcomes for critically injured or bleeding patients while ensuring long‑term sustainability.
The Red Cross understands that there is no single prehospital blood solution. Rather our comprehensive portfolio allows EMS and hospital partners to align on transfusion strategies and deliver consistent, high-quality care across settings.
The American Red Cross Vital Match Prehospital Transfusion Program
We launched Vital Match to support the responsible expansion of prehospital blood programs and assist EMS agencies implementing field-based transfusion capabilities. By combining clinical education with comprehensive program support - including product selection, training, storage and inventory practices that minimize wastage - the Red Cross helps EMS providers navigate operational complexities and deliver lifesaving care with confidence, consistency, and reliability.
Implementing a robust and thoughtfully designed prehospital blood program supports the Red Cross mission to advance patient survival by delivering innovative, sustainable transfusion solutions.
Vital Match is built around five integrated service pillars
1. Prehospital Product Portfolio for Trauma Care
The Red Cross offers a full range of safe, high-quality evidence-based blood products suited for the demands of field transfusion. Trauma-ready blood products are designed to support balanced resuscitation in prehospital and hospital environments.
- Type O+
- Cold-stored (1–6°C)
- Shelf life of 42 days
- Type A
- Cold-stored (1–6°C)
- Shelf life of 26 days
- Type O+
- Cold-stored (1–6°C)
- Leukoreduced
- Shelf life of 21 days
- Low-titered (1:200)
2. Product Training and Education
Reliable access to blood products is paired with product education and responsible utilization practices that strengthen EMS capabilities, reinforce decision-making, and build confidence in delivering effective prehospital transfusion care.
3. Expert Evaluation and Consultation
The Red Cross combines clinical expertise with its national scale to help EMS systems implement effective transfusion solutions. We provide both blood products and consultative support tailored to each partner’s operational and clinical needs.
4. Data Informed Recommendations
Strategic product selection and customized stocking levels, transport times, operational profile, and patient populations ensure the right resources are available when needed.
5. Ongoing Monitoring and Support
Continued collaboration that supports program implementation, optimization and outcome tracking to ensure long-term effectiveness, sustainability, and alignment with evolving best practices.
Sustainable Solutions for Critical Care
The Red Cross recognizes that expanding prehospital transfusion must be balanced with protecting the nation’s blood supply. Our priority is saving lives—both in the field and in hospitals—through a strong commitment to sustainability and stewardship.
By promoting evidence-based protocols, responsible use of Group O blood, and strategies that minimize waste, we help ensure programs strengthen, not strain, the overall blood system.
Supported by our national expertise, reach, and infrastructure, we effectively engage blood donors and expand collections, helping ensure a reliable, diverse, and sustainable blood supply for all patients in need.
When Every Minute Counts Experience Matters
Our clients benefit from decades of experience supporting emergency medical services with a national network of trusted partnerships across air and ground EMS, hospitals, and trauma systems. Today, Red Cross supports more than 1,000 Police, Fire and EMS agencies across the country with its comprehensive Resuscitation Suite™ - including Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) -alongside its lifesaving training programs. The Red Cross also provides blood products to several ground and air ambulance across the nation. Together, these capabilities ensure EMS teams are equipped to deliver critical, lifesaving care when and where it is needed most.
Supporting Key Elements of Prehospital Transfusion Programs
Successful prehospital transfusion programs rely on strong coordination across EMS agencies, hospitals, and blood providers.
The American Red Cross supports these efforts as a trusted partner, helping strengthen the core elements required for effective and sustainable programs.
- Collaboration Across Stakeholders
- Blood Supply & Stewardship
- Product Handling & Transport Considerations
- Advocacy & Guideline Awareness
- Program Consultation & Continuous Support
In the News
Partnership in Action
First responders play a pivotal role in supporting community blood drives—demonstrating their commitment to saving lives both on the scene and behind the scenes. Supporting a strong Red Cross blood supply is a powerful extension of that legacy, offering another meaningful way to impact the communities you serve every day.
Together with our EMS partners, we can build on this shared history to develop prehospital transfusion programs that are coordinated, clinically informed, and positioned for long-term success.