New Blood Program Will Allow Faster Transfusions Aboard Helicopter Flights
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - The aerial medical transport service known as CALSTAR is rebranding under a new name and at the same time beginning a new emergency blood program.
CALSTAR is well-known on the Central Coast for providing critical helicopter transportation for people who have been critically injured or ill.
In a release, CALSTAR said the Santa Maria operation is entering a new chapter under the name REACH Air Medical Services, transitioning from the former brand. REACH is owned by Global Medical Response, Inc., the nation's largest provider of ground and air emergency medical services.
Flights will now be known as "REACH 38" and will continue to provide emergency medical care to patients in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Kern counties.
On Tuesday, an announcement is scheduled to take place at the Santa Maria Airport where REACH 38 will unveil a new life-saving service that places blood components on each flight, allowing crews to begin blood transfusions on patients before they reach the hospital.
"When a patient is experiencing significant blood loss, time is critical," Michael Coglianese, REACH clinical educator said in a release. "Blood carries oxygen to the body's vital organs, and the longer those organs go without adequate oxygen, the greater the risk of irreversible damage. By initiating transfusions at the scene of an emergency, clinicians can begin the same treatment often provided in a hospital emergency department, but 20 to 30 minutes sooner."
REACH added the new program is done in collaboration through a partnership with Houchin Community Blood Bank, and will help supply and support the blood products carried by REACH 38 crews.
"Houchin Community Blood Bank is honored to expand our partnership with REACH, Houchin Community Blood Bank CEO Jonathan Bautista said in a release. "By providing blood products for their prehospital program, we're helping ensure patients receive critical care as early as possible. This collaboration strengthens our shared commitment to saving lives across the region."
With the start of the new program, REACH said there is now an updated hangar and operational facility at Santa Maria Airport, which will support aircraft readiness, crew operations, and the ability to maintain 24/7 emergency response capabilities throughout the region.
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