BloodTrack Emerge: A new technology that provides access to life-saving products during trauma

The Medical Center of Plano (MCP) is the first hospital in Texas to use innovative technology, BloodTrack Emerge, which acts as a vending machine for blood products in the emergency department. The machine provides authorized caregivers immediate access to life-saving products when and where it is needed most, in the trauma room.

In emergency medicine, “the golden hour” refers to the critical one-hour time period following traumatic injury in which the patient has a higher likelihood of survival. Nearly half of all trauma related deaths occur in the first hour after injury -- half of those deaths are the result of major hemorrhaging. Rapid administration of blood products is vital to the survival of these patients. On average, potentially 30-40 trauma patients a month at The Medical Center of Plano require blood transfusions or blood products during their “golden hour.”

The BloodTrack replaces what was once a multi-step, manual process. Blood was couriered by hand from the hospital blood bank located in the main laboratory to the emergency department when ordered by a physician.

In addition to immediate access of blood products for critically injured patients, the BloodTrack Emerge also assists in monitoring blood products to reduce waste of the precious resource. Considering blood is a living organ donation, there are strict protocols on how it can be stored and distributed. The BloodTrack ensures that the conditions are within the required regulations at all times.

“In a situation where every second counts, I have immediate access to blood products,” says Matthew Carrick, MD, Medical Director of Trauma Services. “As a trauma facility that treats the most critically injured patients, there is peace of mind knowing this resource is available.”