Could whole blood in the ambulance save more trauma patients?

NCT ID NCT04684719

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether giving low-titer type O whole blood to injured patients at risk of severe bleeding, before they reach the hospital, works better than standard care (fluids or blood components). Over 1,000 patients from 10 trauma centers took part. The main goal was to see if whole blood reduces deaths within 30 days, and researchers also looked at how the age of the blood affects outcomes.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

low-titer group O whole blood

What this could lead to

If it works, this could show that giving whole blood early in the field saves more lives than standard fluids or blood components for trauma patients with severe bleeding.

What could go wrong

The trial is complete, but results may not apply to all trauma settings. Whole blood has limited supply and storage age could affect its effectiveness. There are also risks like transfusion reactions or infections.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Hemorrhage injury Shock, Hemorrhagic

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Metrohealth Systems

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44109, United States

  • University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Birmingham, Alabama, 35294, United States

  • University of Cincinatti

    Cincinnati, Ohio, 45267, United States

  • University of Louisville

    Louisville, Kentucky, 40292, United States

  • University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)

    Jackson, Mississippi, 39216, United States

  • University of Pittsburgh

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

  • University of Tennessee Medical Center

    Knoxville, Tennessee, 37920, United States

  • University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

  • University of Washington

    Seattle, Washington, 98104, United States

  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center

    Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States