A Multi-Centre Randomised Controlled Trial of the Clinical and Cost Effectiveness of Pre-Hospital Whole Blood Administration versus Standard Care for Traumatic Haemorrhage (SWIFT)

Research summary

Major trauma kills more than 5,400 people every year in the UK and uncontrolled bleeding accounts for a large proportion of these deaths, with approximately 20% occurring in the first 24 hours and 40% occurring within the first 30 days. The overall cost to NHS for managing major trauma is estimated to be £150 million per annum and blood transfusion makes up around 12% of this cost.  Blood transfusion is a life-saving treatment in the management of bleeding patients until bleeding is controlled in hospital, typically delivered through different blood components (red blood cells, plasma and platelets). These components are derived from a whole blood donation and are stored in separate bags (units). There are challenges in carrying separate blood products, such as additional weight in kit bags, and transfusing multiple blood products at the scene can delay transport to hospital. Most UK Air Ambulance Services carry red blood cells and plasma to transfuse pre-hospital. However, a pre-hospital transfusion strategy has not been established and practice varies across the country. This trial aims to investigate if carrying and transfusing two units of whole blood instead of four units (two red blood cells and two plasma) leads to better outcomes for patients and reduces costs.

Principal Investigator

Dr Oliver Hawksley

Contact us

Email: sally.beer@ouh.nhs.uk

IRAS number

300414