NY Legislature Passes Bill to Allow Air Ambulance Crews to do Transfusions
Legislation to allow air ambulances in New York State to carry blood and crews to administer transfusions is ready for Governor Andrew Cuomo’s signature.
Assembywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) and Senator Fred Akshar (R-Binghamton) are announcing the passage of the blood transfusion bill.
The measure came about in part due to a situation involving a Southern Tier resident who nearly bled to death following a farm accident.
In March, Travis Flanagan of Greene, who is a registered nurse anesthetist, lost both his legs in a farming accident.
New York is the only state that doesn’t allow medical helicopters to transport and transfuse blood products. Fortunately, an air ambulance from Pennsylvania was dispatched to the call. and that crew was able to provide a life-saving blood transfusion.
The local legislators say Travis could have died if the Pennsylvania-based chopper was not able to respond and administer treatment.
Lupardo and Akshar plan to make the formal announcement of the passage of the bill May 29 at the field at NYSEG Stadium.
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