When someone is traumatically injured, giving them blood products before they arrive at the hospital—such as at the scene or during emergency transport—can improve their likelihood of survival and recovery. But patients with certain traumatic injuries have better outcomes when administered specific blood components.

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC scientist-surgeons report in Cell Reports Medicine that giving plasma that has been separated from other parts of donated blood improves outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) or shock, whereas giving unseparated or “whole” blood may be best for patients with traumatic bleeding.

Together, Pitt and UPMC have become home to the largest clinical trials research consortium for early trauma care in the U.S., allowing the research to benefit both soldiers and civilians.