SWiFT Canada (Study of Whole Blood in Frontline Trauma)

Launched by UNITY HEALTH TORONTO · Jul 2, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The SWiFT Canada trial is studying how to improve treatment for patients with serious injuries, particularly those experiencing uncontrolled bleeding. The goal is to see if using whole blood — which contains all components like red blood cells and plasma together — is more effective and easier to manage than using separate blood products during emergency care. This could help save lives by making sure patients get the right treatment quickly, especially before they reach the hospital.

To participate in this trial, patients must have suffered a traumatic injury and be treated by a specific Ornge Air Ambulance team. They should need a blood transfusion to address significant bleeding. Unfortunately, children under 16 and patients without a way to receive the blood (like an IV) won't be eligible. Those who have already received blood before the trial team arrives will also be excluded. If someone joins the trial, they can expect to receive whole blood instead of separate blood components during their emergency treatment, which could lead to better outcomes.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patient who has suffered a traumatic injury
• • Attended by a participating Ornge AAS clinical team
• • Requires prehospital blood transfusion to treat major traumatic hemorrhage
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pediatric (age \<16 or transported to pediatric trauma centre \[if age unknown\])
• • No intravenous or intraosseous access (should be assessed prior to opening box)
• • Knowledge that patient will object to being given blood transfusion for any reasons
• • Blood already administered on-scene, prior to arrival of the participating Ornge AAS