Use of Plasma-Based Trauma Transfusion Protocols at Level IV Trauma Centers

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Emergency Medicine
• Hemorrhage Control

Background:

• Early massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) can decrease trauma mortality by 80%.
• Long transport times necessitate damage control resuscitation before transfer from Level IV trauma centers.
• Current practices at Level IV centers for initiating MTPs require evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess fresh frozen plasma (FFP) utilization at Level IV trauma centers.
• To determine the feasibility of implementing MTPs at these facilities.
• To reduce hemorrhage-associated mortality in trauma patients.

Main Methods:

• Collected demographic and clinical data for trauma patients meeting MTP criteria (ABC score).
• Surveyed Level IV trauma centers regarding plasma availability and blood bank resources.
• Included blunt trauma patients with ABC score of 1 as potentially MTP-eligible.

Main Results:

• 42 (5.5%) of 760 patients were potentially MTP-positive.
• 73% of surveyed Level IV centers have FFP available.
• Mean time to FFP availability was 63.1 minutes, supporting timely resuscitation.

Conclusions:

• Most Level IV trauma centers have FFP readily available.
• FFP thaw times do not impede transport to higher care levels.
• Recommends implementing MTPs at Level IV centers to improve outcomes and reduce mortality.