Trinity Health Of New England Lauches Whole Blood Program in Greater Waterbury Region

WATERBURY, Conn. (April 8, 2026) In emergencies, every second counts, and timely medical interventions can significantly increase a patient's chances of survival. Trinity Health Of New England is proud to provide a new level of care to patients before they enter the hospital doors with the Whole Blood Program. This innovative program is now accessible to Trinity Health Of New England Emergency Medical Services (THOfNE EMS) and area EMS partners throughout the greater Waterbury region, marking a significant advancement in emergency care. Saint Mary’s Hospital leads this initiative as the only facility in New Haven County providing this capability, alongside Saint Francis Hospital (Hartford County), Bridgeport Hospital (Fairfield County), and the Hospital of Central Connecticut.

Saint Mary’s Hospital Blood Bank will provide whole blood to THOfNE EMS paramedics and area EMS partners upon request. Paramedics will store whole blood in a THOfNE EMS fly car, which is equipped with specialized electronics, chillers and warmers, guaranteeing readiness for swift deployment. After use or if unused by the end of a shift, any remaining whole blood will be returned to the Blood Bank following the established protocols to ensure proper handling and storage.

Prehospital whole blood transfusion is rare nationwide, and now Saint Mary’s and THOfNE are bridging the gap through the Whole Blood Program. “Transfusing whole blood to these patients is the best treatment available to prevent a patient from bleeding out before getting to the operating room,” said Wesley Kyle, MD, EMS Medical Director, Saint Mary’s Hospital. Several military and civilian studies have demonstrated mortality reduction in trauma cases from the use of whole blood.

“This program would not be possible without the support from Saint Mary’s Blood Bank, Emergency Department leaders, and hospital leadership,” said Dr. Kyle. This program is also supported by John Pettini, DO, FACEP, Chief of Trinity Health Of New England EMS, and a $75,000 grant Saint Francis recently received from the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA) to enhance and expand the EMS Whole Blood Program he launched there in 2020, reinforcing Trinity Health Of New England’s leadership in emergency medicine. Through the CHEFA grant, THOfNE EMS and area EMS partners will be provided with new blood coolers, advanced blood and fluid warmers and rapid transfusers delivering a unit of blood in two minutes. The coolers also enable GPS tracking of blood. “The ability to deliver warmed, whole blood in the field represents a major advancement in emergency care,” said Dr. Pettini. “Whole blood provides the most complete and effective resuscitation for patients experiencing severe blood loss, giving them the best chance for survival and recovery.”

Whole blood is the simplest and most common type of blood donation. It can be transfused in its original form or separated into components such as red cells, plasma, and platelets, all of which help multiple patients. Whole blood requires minimal processing, allowing up to 35 days of refrigeration. 

Whole blood is critical for patients experiencing significant blood loss due to trauma or surgery. This program reflects Trinity Health Of New England’s dedication to innovation and excellence in patient care. By equipping EMS providers with whole blood and the most advanced equipment for on-scene transfusions, we are giving trauma patients the best chance for survival before they reach the operating room.