Prehospital administration of freeze-dried (lyophilized) plasma for traumatic haemorrhagic shock

Haemorrhage is responsible for over 40% of all trauma-related deaths, with nearly half occurring in the pre-hospital setting. In-hospital resuscitation of haemorrhaging injured patients deliver large volumes of blood products, including plasma to combat clotting disorders in the setting of tissue injury and shock. Transfusion of a high ration of plamsa:red cells have been associated with improved outcomes after trauma. But there is limited availability evidence to guide pre-hospital transfusion of plasma.

This will be an open label, randomised controlled trial. In Victoria, the decision to transfuse pre-hospital red cells require approval by a clinician at the base. It is at this time that eligible patients will be randomised to receive freeze dried plasma or proceed with standard care.