RePhill is a randomised, controlled clinical trial, funded by the National Institute for Health Research and coordinated by the University of Birmingham. EAAA was one of four air ambulances to participate. Collectively, 432 trauma patients were recruited to the trial, of which 101 were EAAA patients.

Head of Operations at EAAA, Richard Hindson, said: “We were keen to participate because we believe in the benefits of carrying blood and valued the contributions this study will have for the wider medical profession. Without challenge, there are perceived benefits to delivering blood on-scene, however not enough is known about patient outcomes, the long-term effects or the best ways to utilise this treatment.

“This trial will provide the first evidence-based analysis regarding which patients benefit most from blood products in a pre-hospital setting, in order to inform best practice. Blood is a very important resource and the trial will help identify where it can make the biggest impact. We eagerly await the results.”

The team were delighted to receive one last surprise box from the trial to open!

Conversations with RePhill started in 2015, so successfully reaching the end of the trial is a big moment for all involved. Richard continued: “The trial would not have been possible without a huge network of teams who supplied the blood products and got them to us every day. Our huge thanks goes to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and the region’s blood bike charities, Norfolk Blood Bikes and SERV Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, for their tireless work. We didn’t carry blood before the trial and since participating, we’ve learnt a lot about all the steps involved. We’re keen to take forward this learning and continue to offer blood and plasma products to our patients.”

Find out more about the trial.