Delaware police helicopters now carry whole blood

Both aircraft will now carry low-titer type O whole blood supplied to the DSP’s Aviation Section by the Blood Bank of Delmarva.

The new addition will allow the helicopters to support the delivery of pre-hospital emergency medical care at the scene of an emergency.

As part of the initiative, DSP Trooper Medics are also now trained and validated to administer the blood transfusions on site.

It follows the success of a pilot program by the US state of Delaware, launched in 2023 in New Castle County and Sussex County, which explored the use of whole blood for treating trauma patients in the field. 
Following the pilot program’s success, the DSP Aviation Section, in partnership with in-state emergency medical agencies, worked to validate “all necessary equipment, procedures, and training to begin carrying whole blood”.

“The inclusion of DSP in our Pre-Hospital Whole Blood Program allows our first responders to help even more patients suffering from traumatic injury in the state of Delaware,” said Dr Bruce Sachais, Medical Director at the Blood Bank of Delmarva. “It is a privilege to work with these dedicated individuals by supporting the administration of whole blood in the field. I need to give a huge shout out to our volunteer blood donors, whose generosity and sense of community make this program possible.”

DSP announced its acquisition of the two Bell 429s in late 2024.