Using Whole Blood for Trauma Patients in Canada
SWiFT Canada (Study of Whole Blood in Frontline Trauma): A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing Prehospital Whole Blood Versus Component Therapy in Traumatic Hemorrhage
This study tests if giving whole blood right away to trauma patients in Canada helps them survive better than the usual blood transfusions.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Unity Health Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06495294 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of prehospital whole blood transfusion compared to traditional component therapy in patients with major traumatic hemorrhage. Conducted in collaboration with the SWiFT UK team, it aims to establish a protocol for administering whole blood in emergency settings, potentially improving survival rates. The trial will involve patients who have suffered traumatic injuries and require immediate blood transfusion by participating clinical teams. The study is designed to gather high-quality clinical evidence to support the use of whole blood in prehospital care across Canada.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who have suffered a traumatic injury and require prehospital blood transfusion.
Not a fit: Patients under 16 years old or those who have already received blood transfusions on-scene will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve survival rates for trauma patients experiencing major hemorrhage.
How similar studies have performed: While there is some evidence supporting the use of whole blood, this study is among the first to rigorously evaluate its effectiveness in the Canadian prehospital setting.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Ornge Air Ambulance — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brodie Nolan, MD MSc — Unity Health Toronto
- Study coordinator: SWiFT Canada
- Email: swift@unityhealth.to
- Phone: 437 778 2260
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.