Could whole blood in the ambulance save more trauma patients?

NCT ID NCT04684719

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Jason Sperry Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

HEMORRHAGIC SHOCK TRAUMATIC INJURY

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

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