RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

SWiFT Canada (Study of Whole Blood in Frontline Trauma)

This study, called SWiFT Canada, is looking into the best way to treat people with very serious injuries who are bleeding heavily. Normally, paramedics carry and give different parts of blood, like red blood cells and plasma, stored in separate bags. This can be heavy and take time during an emergency. This study wants to see if giving 'whole blood' instead, which includes all parts of the blood in one package, is a better and quicker option before patients get to the hospital. Heavy bleeding is a major cause of death after an injury, so finding the most effective and efficient treatment is really important. The study aims to find out if using whole blood can improve patient outcomes and make it easier for emergency teams.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Unity Health Toronto

Enrolment target

Start

16 Dec 2024

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2027

Trauma

What is this study about?

When someone has a serious accident and is bleeding badly, paramedics and medical teams often give blood transfusions to help save their life. Usually, this means giving different parts of blood – like red blood cells and plasma – separately. These individual blood parts come from a whole blood donation and are stored in different bags. Carrying these separate bags can be heavy for emergency teams, and giving them one by one can take valuable time when every second counts.

This study, called SWiFT Canada, is looking into a different approach. It wants to see if giving 'whole blood' all at once, instead of the separate parts, might be a better and quicker way to help patients who are bleeding heavily after an injury. Whole blood contains all the necessary parts in one go. Because severe bleeding is a major reason why people die after an injury, especially young people, doctors are always looking for the best ways to stop it quickly and effectively.

The main goal of this study is to find out if using whole blood before a patient reaches the hospital is easier for emergency crews and leads to better results for patients. It's an important step in figuring out the best ways to treat critical injuries and save lives across Canada, and potentially other countries too. The results will help decide if changing how blood is given in emergencies could make a real difference.

Key takeaways

The study compares 'whole blood' to separate blood parts for serious injuries.
Aims to find the best way to stop severe bleeding before reaching hospital.
Could help emergency teams give quicker and potentially more effective treatment.
This is a Canadian study linked with a similar UK study.
Results will help inform future emergency medical practices and potentially save lives.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you've had a serious injury and are bleeding heavily, requiring a blood transfusion before you get to the hospital. The paramedics from Ornge Air Ambulance, a specific emergency service, would need to be the ones attending to you.

However, there are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join the study. For example, if you are under 16 years old, you wouldn't be included. Also, if there's no way to give you fluids into your veins or bones, or if you've already received a blood transfusion from another team before the Ornge Air Ambulance arrives, you wouldn't be eligible.

Lastly, if you have any reason why you wouldn't want to receive a blood transfusion, or if you've told medical staff you object to it, then you would not be able to participate in this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Have I had a serious injury with heavy bleeding?
Am I being attended by an Ornge Air Ambulance team?
Am I 16 years old or older?
Do I need a blood transfusion for my bleeding?
Do I have any objections to receiving blood?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is designed for emergency situations. If you are eligible, the special whole blood products would be given to you by the Ornge Air Ambulance team right where your injury happened or during transport to the hospital. There isn't a specific 'visit' for this study as it happens during your emergency care.

You wouldn't need to take any medication specifically for the study. The study involves comparing two different ways of giving blood in an emergency setting. The medical team will follow standard procedures to monitor your health. The duration of your participation would essentially be during the emergency care you receive from the Ornge Air Ambulance team and your initial treatment at the hospital. There wouldn't be additional follow-up appointments solely for the study beyond your regular medical care.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefit of taking part is that receiving whole blood might help stop severe bleeding more quickly and effectively than the standard treatment, potentially improving your outcome after a serious injury. However, as with any medical treatment, there are potential risks, though blood transfusions are generally very safe. The study aims to understand if one method of transfusion is better than the other. You have the right to refuse a blood transfusion at any point, and your medical team will always provide the best care possible, whether or not you are part of the study.

Locations (1)

Ornge Air Ambulance
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'whole blood'?

Whole blood is blood that hasn't been separated into its different parts (like red cells or plasma) after donation. It contains everything needed for clotting and carrying oxygen.

Why is this study important?

It's important because severe bleeding after injuries is a major problem, and this study could help find a quicker, more effective way for emergency teams to treat it and save lives.

Will I know if I'm getting whole blood or separate blood parts?

Because this happens in an emergency, you might not know at the time. The medical team will be making decisions based on what they believe is best for you, and for this study, they would be assigned to either give whole blood or the standard separate parts.

Who is running this study?

This study is a collaboration, called SWiFT Canada, and is working with a similar study team in the UK. Ornge Air Ambulance is involved in carrying out the treatment.

What if I don't want a blood transfusion?

If you object to receiving a blood transfusion for any reason, you would not be included in this study, and medical staff will respect your wishes while still providing essential care.

How to find out more

SWiFT Canada

swift@unityhealth.to 437 778 2260 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.