ImpactLife is partnering with University of Iowa Health Care AirCare to host a blood drive highlighting the critical role of blood transfusions in emergency medical care. The event is open to the public and will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6, inside the AirCare hangar at the Davenport Municipal Airport, 9230 N. Harrison St.
During the blood drive, donors will have the opportunity to see the UI Health Care AirCare helicopter and learn about the emergency transport and specialty ambulance services provided by UI Health Care. To book an appointment to donate blood, call ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401 or schedule online here.
AirCare was the first emergency medical services (EMS) organization in the Quad Cities region equipped for pre-hospital transfusion, a rapidly growing practice at the intersection of emergency medical service and transfusion medicine. When EMS teams respond to a bleeding patient, immediate action is crucial. Delivering a needed blood transfusion on scene or while en route to the hospital can significantly impact a patient’s survival.
“Bleeding from uncontrolled hemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable death among trauma patients,” said Dr. Daniela Hermelin, Chief Medical Officer for ImpactLife. “Every minute counts in these situations. A pre-hospital transfusion — the delivery of blood products by trained first responders before a patient reaches the hospital — can significantly improve survival, reduce hospital length of stay, and decrease overall blood use once patients arrive at the emergency department.”
ImpactLife provides blood components used by 25 air and ground ambulance services across Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
UI Health Care AirCare expanded its services to the Quad Cities in the fall of 2024, increasing access to life-saving critical care services in the region. AirCare provides emergency helicopter and specialty ambulance services for rapid transport of multi-system trauma victims, neonates, pediatric patients, and patients experiencing time-sensitive or complex medical conditions. All flights are operated by Air Methods.
