The Oklahoma Blood Institute says there’s a simple way that Oklahomans can help victims of trauma in their state. More than any other factor, the institute says it’s important to increase the state’s supply of O-negative blood.
As KFOR reports,O-negative blood allows emergency personnel to start blood transfusions during transport to the hospital. This increases a trauma victim’s chance of survival.
“O-negative blood is a universal life saver because anyone can receive it,” Dr. John Armitage explains. He added that first responders equipped with O-negative blood can begin treatment immediately without concern for a patient’s blood type.
Of Oklahoma’s 23 air ambulances, only one is currently flying with the recommended two units of O-negative blood. Four of the air ambulances must make due with no blood at all.