Tampa General Launches 70-Square-Mile Blood Drone Program, Targeting October Start
Updated
Updated · FOX 13 Tampa · Aug 3
Tampa General Launches 70-Square-Mile Blood Drone Program, Targeting October Start
3 articles · Updated · FOX 13 Tampa · Aug 3
Summary
Tampa General Hospital said its blood-drone pilot in Hillsborough County could begin as early as October, sending whole blood directly to trauma scenes before patients reach a hospital.
Trained EMS crews in the field will decide when blood is needed, then request a drone delivery to patients suffering life-threatening injuries such as car crashes, shootings and stabbings.
Two Hillsborough Fire EMS bases will anchor the operation, with each site covering 35 square miles for a total service area of 70 square miles.
TGH is running the program with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, the Florida Center for Emergency Medical Services, OneBlood and Archer First Response System.
Officials have not set an exact October launch date, and researchers plan to study the pilot as a model that could inform emergency blood delivery programs nationwide.