Pre-hospital platelets

CEDAR is collaborating with the Welsh Blood Service (WBS), the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), and the Royal Navy on a project to improve emergency trauma care. The project is called ‘Investigations into Cold Stored Platelets for Pre-Hospital Emergency Resuscitation’.

Background

Each year in Wales, around 1,300 trauma patients face life-and-death situations, with many desperately needing emergency blood transfusions.

Research has shown that including platelets in early transfusions can significantly improve outcomes for severely injured patients. Platelets are a blood component that help with clotting and wound healing. However, platelets are currently stored at room temperature and have a very short shelf life, making them impractical for pre-hospital use.

This project explores the use of platelets stored at cold temperatures. Unlike the current method, cold-stored platelets last longer and are more effective at helping blood clot. This makes them a valuable new tool for emergency medical teams. The project investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of storing cold-stored platelets alongside red blood cells in specialised transport boxes. Early results are promising, showing that cold-stored platelets could be highly beneficial.

The next phase will involve further testing and data analysis, paving the way for a potential clinical trial. The ultimate goal is to deliver advanced care to trauma patients at the scene, significantly improving their chances of survival and recovery.

CEDAR’s role

Relatively little evidence exists about how pre-hospital platelets might be used in practice.  CEDAR is undertaking a Delphi study as part of the wider project. The Delphi technique seeks to generate a level of agreement on the clinical applications of pre-hospital platelets.

Dr Judith White (Principal Researcher, CEDAR) is undertaking a series of one-to-one interviews with experts from a range of disciplines related to the use pre-hospital platelets. We will also administer a survey to experts.

Once consensus has been reached on a set of criteria, the team will present the findings alongside descriptive statistics, and narrative explanations returned by experts.

Funding

The project is funded by Health and Care Research Wales through the Health Research Grant 2022 (value £74,546)

For more information please contact Judith at: Judith.White3@wales.nhs.uk