Whole Blood for Trauma
(SWiFTCanada Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Traumatic injuries affect people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The Global Burden of Disease study showed that globally in 2019, there were more than 4.4 million deaths due to injury. Furthermore, unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for people aged 5-29 years worldwide. Uncontrolled bleeding accounts for a significant proportion of these deaths, with approximately 20% occurring in the first 24 hours and 40% occurring within the first 30 days.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.In Ontario, Ornge Air Ambulance carries red blood cells and plasma to transfuse prehospital. However, a prehospital transfusion strategy has not been established and practice varies across the Canadian setting, and more broadly across the world.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) is feasible and leads to better outcomes for patients.
Research Team
Brodie Nolan, MD MSc
Principal Investigator
Unity Health Toronto
Eligibility Criteria
The SWiFT Canada trial is for patients who have experienced a traumatic injury and need blood transfusion before reaching the hospital. They must be attended by an Ornge Air Ambulance Service (AAS) clinical team involved in the study.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive prehospital transfusion of either whole blood or component therapy (red blood cells and plasma) according to the trial arm they are assigned to.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness, including treatment-emergent adverse events and mortality, up to 90 days.
Data Collection and Analysis
Data on transfusion feasibility, safety, and outcomes are collected and analyzed.
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Whole Blood
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Unity Health Toronto
Lead Sponsor
Health Sciences North
Collaborator
Canadian Blood Services
Collaborator
Ornge
Collaborator
Veteran Affairs Canada
Collaborator
London Health Sciences Centre
Collaborator
Queen's University
Collaborator
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Collaborator
Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation
Collaborator
Kingston Health Sciences Centre
Collaborator