Tampa General Hospital (TGH) announced the launch of the nation's first EMS-driven drone delivery program for pre-hospital whole blood delivery. The initiative will decrease the amount of time needed to deliver lifesaving blood directly to the scene of traumatic injuries, offering patients a better chance at survival.

The program, developed in partnership with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, University of South Florida (USF) Health Morsani College of Medicine, Florida Center for Emergency Medical Services (EMS), OneBlood and Archer First Response System's emergency drone logistics infrastructure, positions Tampa Bay at the forefront of innovation in trauma and emergency medicine. When patients are hemorrhaging, every minute without blood drastically decreases chances of survival.

"As Florida's premier academic health system and a world-class Level I trauma center, Tampa General offers patients in crisis the best chances at the best possible outcome. But we refuse to settle for the status quo, which is why we invest in the latest technologies and pursue innovative solutions to reach patients faster with the equipment and care they need," said John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General | Florida Health Sciences Center. "The adoption of drone technology positions Tampa General and our partners at the forefront of innovative, world-class care, improving both access and patient outcomes."

"The golden hour of trauma care has always started at the hospital door until now. This program puts whole blood directly into the hands of first responders before a patient ever reaches us, moving that critical window to the scene of the emergency itself. I'm grateful to our partners at Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, USF Health and OneBlood. Together with ArcherFRS, we're not just improving emergency response in Tampa Bay; we are redefining what is possible in trauma care nationwide," said Michele Moran, senior vice president for emergency services at Tampa General.