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The efficacy and safety of pre-hospital plasma in patients at risk for hemorrhagic shock: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Abuelazm, M., Rezq, H., Mahmoud, A., Tanashat, M., Salah, A., Saleh, O., Morsi, S., Abdelazeem, B.
European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society. 2024
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Plasma is a critical element in hemostatic resuscitation post-injury, and its prompt administration within the prehospital setting may reduce the complications resulting from hemorrhage and shock. Our objective is to assess the efficacy and safety of prehospital plasma infusion in patients susceptible to hemorrhagic shock. METHODS We conducted our study by aggregating randomized controlled trials (RCTs) sourced from PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL up to January 29, 2023. Quality assessment was implemented using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Our study protocol is registered in PROSPERO under ID: CRD42023397325. RESULTS Three RCTs with 760 individuals were included. There was no difference between plasma infusion and standard care groups in 24-h mortality (P = 0.11), 30-day mortality (P = 0.12), and multiple organ failure incidences (P = 0.20). Plasma infusion was significantly better in the total 24-h volume of PRBC units (P = 0.03) and INR on arrival (P = 0.009). For all other secondary outcomes evaluated (total 24-h volume of packed FFP units, total 24-h volume of platelets units, massive transfusion, vasopressor need during the first 24 h, any adverse event, acute lung injury, transfusion reaction, and sepsis), no significant differences were observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION Plasma infusion in trauma patients at risk of hemorrhagic shock does not significantly affect mortality or the incidence of multiple organ failure. However, it may lead to reduced packed red blood cell transfusions and increased INR at hospital arrival.
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Pre-hospital freeze-dried plasma for critical bleeding after trauma: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Mitra B, Meadley B, Bernard S, Maegele M, Gruen RL, Bradley O, Wood EM, McQuilten ZK, Fitzgerald M, St Clair T, et al
Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. 2023
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transfusion of a high ratio of plasma to packed red blood cells (PRBC), to treat or prevent acute traumatic coagulopathy, has been associated with survival after major trauma. However, the effect of pre-hospital plasma on patient outcomes has been inconsistent. The aim of this pilot trial was to assess the feasibility of transfusing freeze-dried plasma with red blood cells (RBC) using a randomized controlled design in an Australian aeromedical pre-hospital setting. METHODS Patients attended by Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) paramedics with suspected critical bleeding after trauma managed with pre-hospital RBC were randomized to receive two units of freeze-dried plasma (Lyoplas N-w) or standard care (no plasma). The primary outcome was the proportion of eligible patients enrolled and provided the intervention. Secondary outcomes included preliminary data on effectiveness, including mortality censored at 24 hours and at hospital discharge, and adverse events. RESULTS During the study period of 01 June to 31 October 2022, there were 25 eligible patients, of whom 20 (80%) were enrolled in the trial and 19 (76%) received the allocated intervention. Median time from randomization to hospital arrival was 92.5 mins (IQR 68-101.5). Mortality may have been lower in the freeze-dried plasma group at 24h (RR 0.24; 95%CI: 0.03 - 1.73) and at hospital discharge (RR 0.73; 95%CI: 0.24 - 2.27). No serious adverse events related to the trial interventions were reported. CONCLUSIONS This first reported experience of freeze-dried plasma use in Australia suggests pre-hospital administration is feasible. Given longer prehospital times typically associated with HEMS attendance, there is potential clinical benefit from this intervention and rationale for a definitive trial.
PICO Summary
Population
Patients attended by Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) paramedics with suspected critical bleeding after trauma (n= 20).
Intervention
Two units of freeze-dried plasma (Lyoplas N-w), (n= 9).
Comparison
Standard care (no plasma), (n= 11).
Outcome
The primary outcome was the proportion of eligible patients enrolled and provided the intervention. Secondary outcomes included preliminary data on effectiveness, including mortality censored at 24 hours and at hospital discharge, and adverse events. Nineteen patients (76%) received the allocated intervention. Median time from randomization to hospital arrival was 92.5 mins (IQR 68-101.5). Mortality may have been lower in the freeze-dried plasma group at 24h (RR 0.24; 95% CI [0.03, 1.73]) and at hospital discharge (RR 0.73; 95% CI [0.24, 2.27]. No serious adverse events related to the trial interventions were reported.
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Prehospital plasma is associated with survival principally in patients transferred from the scene of injury: A secondary analysis of the PAMPer trial
Lewis RE, Muluk SL, Reitz KM, Guyette FX, Brown JB, Miller RS, Harbrecht BG, Claridge JA, Phelan HA, Yazer MH, et al
Surgery. 2022
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to characterize if prehospital transfer origin from the scene of injury (SCENE) or from a referral emergency department (REF) alters the survival benefit attributable to prehospital plasma resuscitation in patients at risk of hemorrhagic shock. METHODS We performed a secondary analysis of data from a recently completed prehospital plasma clinical trial. All of the enrolled patients from either the SCENE or REF groups were included. The demographics, injury characteristics, shock severity and resuscitation needs were compared. The primary outcome was a 30-day mortality. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox-hazard regression were used to characterize the independent survival benefits of prehospital plasma for transport origin groups. RESULTS Of the 501 enrolled patients, the REF group patients (n = 111) accounted for 22% with the remaining (n = 390) originating from the scene. The SCENE group patients had higher injury severity and were more likely intubated prehospital. The REF group patients had longer prehospital times and received greater prehospital crystalloid and blood products. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a significant 30-day survival benefit associated with prehospital plasma in the SCENE group (P < .01) with no difference found in the REF group patients (P = .36). The Cox-regression verified after controlling for relevant confounders that prehospital plasma was independently associated with a 30-day survival in the SCENE group patients (hazard ratio 0.59; 95% confidence interval 0.39-0.89; P = .01) with no significant relationship found in the REF group patients (hazard ratio 1.03, 95% confidence interval 0.4-3.0). CONCLUSION Important differences across the SCENE and REF cohorts exist that are essential to understand when planning prehospital studies. Prehospital plasma is associated with a survival benefit primarily in SCENE group patients. The results are exploratory but suggest transfer origin may be an important determinant of prehospital plasma benefit.
PICO Summary
Population
Severely injured trauma patients enrolled in the PAMPer trial (n= 501).
Intervention
Thawed plasma (n= 230).
Comparison
Standard pre-hospital air medical care (n= 271).
Outcome
For this secondary analysis of the PAMPer trial, the study population was composed of 390 (78%) patients with an air medical transfer origin from the scene of injury (SCENE) and 111 (22%) patients transferred from an outside referral emergency department (REF). Randomization to plasma or standard of care was equally distributed across each transfer origin group. The SCENE group had higher injury severity and were more likely intubated pre-hospital. The REF group had longer pre-hospital times and received greater pre-hospital crystalloid and blood products. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a significant 30-day survival benefit associated with pre-hospital plasma in the SCENE group with no difference found in the REF group. The Cox-regression verified after controlling for relevant confounders that pre-hospital plasma was independently associated with a 30-day survival in the SCENE group with no significant relationship found in the REF group.
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Fresh frozen plasma transfusion in the neonatal population: A systematic review
Sokou R, Parastatidou S, Konstantinidi A, Tsantes AG, Iacovidou N, Doxani C, Piovani D, Bonovas S, Stefanidis I, Zintzaras E, et al
Blood reviews. 2022;:100951
Abstract
Although fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusions are common practice in neonatology, robust evidence on their use is lacking. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature for data on the practice of FFP transfusions in neonates and their association with neonatal morbidity and mortality. The authors identified 40 studies, which met the inclusion criteria for this review. It was demonstrated that the practice of FFP transfusions significantly varies throughout the world. The majority of FFP transfusions are administered "prophylactically", without evidence of active bleeding. Although FFP transfusions may restore coagulation tests results, they do not alter the clinical outcome of the neonates. Reactions following transfusions are probably underestimated in neonates, often undiagnosed and thus, underreported. High quality RCTs aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of FFP in specific clinical conditions are urgently needed, as they could change long-standing FFP transfusion practices, and help reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality.
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Post-injury Complement C4 Activation is Associated with Adverse Outcomes and is Potentially Influenced by Plasma Resuscitation
Schaid TR Jr, Hansen KC, Sauaia A, Moore EE, DeBot M, Cralley AL, Erickson C, Silliman CC, Banerjee A, Ghasabyan A, et al
The journal of trauma and acute care surgery. 2022
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Complement activation after trauma promotes hemostasis but is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, the specific pathways and downstream mediators remain unclear. Recently the anaphylatoxin C4a has been shown to bind to thrombin receptors. While plasma-based resuscitation has been shown to modify the endotheliopathy of trauma, it may provide complement zymogens that fuel ongoing inflammatory cascades. We sought to characterize the activation of complement after injury and the effect of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) on this inflammatory response. We hypothesized that trauma induces C4 activation, which is associated with worse outcomes and influenced by FFP resuscitation. METHODS Blood was collected from injured patients at a single Level I Trauma Center enrolled in the COMBAT randomized clinical trial. Proteomic analyses were performed through targeted liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. For the present observational study, concentrations of complement proteins were analyzed at multiple time points, compared between treatment groups, and correlated with outcomes. RESULTS C4 activation occurred over the first six hours post-injury with peak activation 6-24 hours. Tissue hypoperfusion, defined as base deficit >10 mEq/L, and requirement for massive transfusion were associated with greater C4 activation. C4 activation was associated with mortality, multiple organ failure, and longer ventilator requirement. Additionally, temporal trends of C1q, factor B, and C3 by outcome groups support the prevailing theory of primary classical pathway activation with alternative pathway amplification. Resuscitation with FFP over the first six hours was associated with increased C4 activation at 12 and 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS C4 activation has an important inflammatory role post-injury, and FFP has the potential to augment this complement activation during resuscitation. EVIDENCE Level III, Prognostic/Epidemiological.
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Prehospital Lyophilized Plasma Transfusion for Trauma-Induced Coagulopathy in Patients at Risk for Hemorrhagic Shock: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Jost, D., Lemoine, S., Lemoine, F., Derkenne, C., Beaume, S., Lanoë, V., Maurin, O., Louis-Delaurière, E., Delacote, M., Dang-Minh, P., et al
JAMA network open. 2022;5(7):e2223619
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Blood transfusion is a mainstay of therapy for trauma-induced coagulopathy, but the optimal modalities for plasma transfusion in the prehospital setting remain to be defined. OBJECTIVE To determine whether lyophilized plasma transfusion can reduce the incidence of trauma-induced coagulopathy compared with standard care consisting of normal saline infusion. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This randomized clinical trial was performed at multiple centers in France involving prehospital medical teams. Participants included 150 adults with trauma who were at risk for hemorrhagic shock and associated coagulopathy between April 1, 2016, and September 30, 2019, with a 28-day follow-up. Data were analyzed from November 1, 2019, to July 1, 2020. INTERVENTION Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either plasma or standard care with normal saline infusion (control). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was the international normalized ratio (INR) on arrival at the hospital. Secondary outcomes included the need for massive transfusion and 30-day survival. As a safety outcome, prespecified adverse events included thrombosis, transfusion-related acute lung injury, and transfusion-associated circulatory overload. RESULTS Among 150 randomized patients, 134 were included in the analysis (median age, 34 [IQR, 26-49] years; 110 men [82.1%]), with 68 in the plasma group and 66 in the control group. Median INR values were 1.21 (IQR, 1.12-1.49) in the plasma group and 1.20 (IQR, 1.10-1.39) in the control group (median difference, -0.01 [IQR, -0.09 to 0.08]; P = .88). The groups did not differ significantly in the need for massive transfusion (7 [10.3%] vs 4 [6.1%]; relative risk, 1.78 [95% CI, 0.42-8.68]; P = .37) or 30-day survival (hazard ratio for death, 1.07 [95% CI, 0.44-2.61]; P = .89). In the full intention-to-treat population (n = 150), the groups did not differ in the rates of any of the prespecified adverse events. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this randomized clinical trial including severely injured patients at risk for hemorrhagic shock and associated coagulopathy, prehospital transfusion of lyophilized plasma was not associated with significant differences in INR values vs standard care with normal saline infusion. Nevertheless, these findings show that lyophilized plasma transfusion is a feasible and safe procedure for this patient population. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02736812.
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Lactate as a mediator of prehospital plasma mortality reduction in hemorrhagic shock
Canton, S. P., Lutfi, W., Daley, B. J., Miller, R. S., Harbrecht, B. G., Claridge, J. A., Phelan, H. A., Guyette, F. X., Sperry, J. L., Brown, J. B.
The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery. 2021;91(1):186-191
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prehospital plasma transfusion in trauma reduces mortality. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Reduction in shock severity may play a role. Lactate correlates with physiologic shock severity and mortality after injury. Our objective was to determine if prehospital plasma reduces lactate and if this contributes to the mortality benefit of plasma. METHODS Patients in the Prehospital Air Medical Plasma trial in the upper quartile of injury severity (Injury Severity Score, >30) were included to capture severe shock. Trial patients were randomized to prehospital plasma or standard care resuscitation (crystalloid ± packed red blood cells). Regression determined the associations between admission lactate, 30-day mortality, and plasma while adjusting for demographics, prehospital crystalloid, time, mechanism, and injury characteristics. Causal mediation analysis determined what proportion of the effect of plasma on mortality is mediated by lactate reduction. RESULTS A total of 125 patients were included. The plasma group had a lower adjusted admission lactate than standard of care group (coefficient, -1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.96 to -0.31; p = 0.02). Plasma was associated with lower odds of 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.27; 95% CI, 0.08-0.90; p = 0.03). When adding lactate to this model, the effect of plasma on 30-day mortality was no longer significant (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.07-1.88; p = 0.23), while lactate was associated with mortality (OR, 1.74 per 1 mmol/L increase; 95% CI, 1.10-2.73; p = 0.01). Causal mediation demonstrated 35.1% of the total effect of plasma on 30-day mortality was mediated by the reduction in lactate among plasma patients. CONCLUSION Prehospital plasma is associated with reduced 30-day mortality and lactate in severely injured patients. More than one third of the effect of plasma on mortality is mediated by a reduction in lactate. Thus, reducing the severity of hemorrhagic shock appears to be one mechanism of prehospital plasma benefit. Further study should elucidate other mechanisms and if a dose response exists. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, level II.
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Association of Prehospital Plasma With Survival in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Secondary Analysis of the PAMPer Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial
Gruen, D. S., Guyette, F. X., Brown, J. B., Okonkwo, D. O., Puccio, A. M., Campwala, I. K., Tessmer, M. T., Daley, B. J., Miller, R. S., Harbrecht, B. G., et al
JAMA network open. 2020;3(10):e2016869
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Prehospital plasma administration improves survival in injured patients at risk for hemorrhagic shock and transported by air ambulance. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death following trauma, but few early interventions improve outcomes. OBJECTIVE To assess the association between prehospital plasma and survival in patients with TBI. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The Prehospital Air Medical Plasma (PAMPer) trial was a pragmatic, multicenter, phase 3, cluster randomized clinical trial involving injured patients who were at risk for hemorrhagic shock during air medical transport to a trauma center. The trial was conducted at 6 US sites with 9 level-I trauma centers (comprising 27 helicopter emergency services bases). The original trial analyzed 501 patients, including 230 patients who were randomized to receive plasma and 271 randomized to standard care resuscitation. This secondary analysis of a predefined subgroup included patients with TBI. Data analysis was performed from October 2019 to February 2020. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized to receive standard care fluid resuscitation or 2 units of thawed plasma. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was mortality at 30 days. Patients with TBI were prespecified as a subgroup for secondary analysis and for measurement of markers of brain injury. The 30-day survival benefit of prehospital plasma in subgroups with and without TBI as diagnosed by computed tomography was characterized using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression. RESULTS In total, 166 patients had TBI (median [interquartile range] age, 43.00 [25.00-59.75] years; 125 men [75.3%]). When compared with the 92 patients who received standard care, the 74 patients with TBI who received prehospital plasma had improved 30-day survival even after adjustment for multiple confounders and assessment of the degree of brain injury with clinical variables and biomarkers (hazard ratio [HR], 0.55; 95% CI, 0.33-0.94; P = .03). Receipt of prehospital plasma was associated with improved survival among patients with TBI with a prehospital Glasgow Coma Scale score of less than 8 (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35-0.91) and those with polytrauma (HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.28-0.89). Patients with TBI transported from the scene of injury had improved survival following prehospital plasma administration (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.26-0.80; P = .005), whereas patients who were transferred from an outside hospital showed no difference in survival for the plasma intervention (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.33-3.00; P = .99). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings are exploratory, but they suggest that receipt of prehospital plasma is associated with improved survival in patients with computed tomography-positive TBI. The prehospital setting may be a critical period to intervene in the care of patients with TBI. Future studies are needed to confirm the clinical benefits of early plasma resuscitation following TBI and concomitant polytrauma. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01818427.
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CHARACTERIZATION OF UNEXPECTED SURVIVORS FOLLOWING A PREHOSPITAL PLASMA RANDOMIZED TRIAL
Gruen DS, Guyette FX, Brown JB, Daley BJ, Miller RS, Harbrecht BG, Claridge JA, Phelan HA, Yazer MH, Neal MD, et al
J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2020
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prehospital plasma improves survival for severely injured trauma patients transported by air ambulance. We sought to characterize the unexpected survivors, patients who survived despite having high predicted mortality following traumatic injury. METHODS The Prehospital Air Medical Plasma (PAMPer) trial randomized severely injured patients (n=501) to receive either standard care (crystalloid) or two units of prehospital plasma followed by standard care fluid resuscitation. We built a generalized linear model to estimate patient mortality. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate model performance. We defined unexpected survivors as patients who had a predicted mortality >50% and survived to 30 days. We characterized patient demographics, clinical features, and outcomes of the unexpected survivors. Observed to expected (O/E) ratios and Z-statistics were calculated using model-estimated mortality for each cohort. RESULTS Our model predicted mortality better than ISS or RTS parameters and identified 36 unexpected survivors. Compared to expected survivors, unexpected survivors were younger (33 [24, 52] vs. 47 [32, 59] years, P=0.013), were more severely injured (ISS 34 [22, 50] vs. 18 [10, 27], P<0.001), had worse organ dysfunction and hospital resource outcomes (MOF, ICU and hospital length of stay, and ventilator days), and were more likely to receive prehospital plasma (67 vs. 46%, P=0.031). Nonsurvivors with high predicted mortality were more likely to receive standard care resuscitation (P<0.001). Unexpected survivors who received prehospital plasma had a lower observed to expected mortality than those that received standard care resuscitation (O/E 0.56 [0.33-0.84] vs. 1.0 [0.73-1.32]). The number of prehospital plasma survivors (24) exceeded the number of predicted survivors (n=10) estimated by our model (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Prehospital plasma is associated with an increase in the number of unexpected survivors following severe traumatic injury. Prehospital interventions may improve the probability of survival for injured patients with high predicted mortality based on early injury characteristics, vital signs, and resuscitation measures.Secondary Analysis LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II.
PICO Summary
Population
Severely injured patients enrolled in the Prehospital Air Medical Plasma (PAMPer) trial (n=501).
Intervention
Two units of prehospital plasma followed by standard care fluid resuscitation (n=230).
Comparison
Standard care (crystalloid) (n=271).
Outcome
The generalized linear model to estimate patient mortality predicted mortality better than ISS or RTS parameters and identified 36 unexpected survivors. Compared to expected survivors, unexpected survivors were younger, were more severely injured, had worse organ dysfunction and hospital resource outcomes, and were more likely to receive prehospital plasma (67 vs. 46%). Non-survivors with high predicted mortality were more likely to receive standard care resuscitation. Unexpected survivors who received prehospital plasma had a lower observed to expected mortality than those that received standard care resuscitation. The number of prehospital plasma survivors (24) exceeded the number of predicted survivors (10) estimated by the model.
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French lyophilized plasma versus normal saline for post-traumatic coagulopathy prevention and correction: PREHO-PLYO protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial
Jost D, Lemoine S, Lemoine F, Lanoe V, Maurin O, Derkenne C, Franchin Frattini M, Delacote M, Seguineau E, Godefroy A, et al
Trials. 2020;21(1):106
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-trauma bleeding induces an acute deficiency in clotting factors, which promotes bleeding and hemorrhagic shock. However, early plasma administration may reduce the severity of trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC). Unlike fresh frozen plasma, which requires specific hospital logistics, French lyophilized plasma (FLYP) is storable at room temperature and compatible with all blood types, supporting its use in prehospital emergency care. We aim to test the hypothesis that by attenuating TIC, FLYP administered by prehospital emergency physicians would benefit the severely injured civilian patient at risk for hemorrhagic shock. METHODS/DESIGN This multicenter randomized clinical trial will include adults severely injured and at risk for hemorrhagic shock, with a systolic blood pressure < 70 mmHg or a Shock Index > 1.1. Two parallel groups of 70 patients will receive either FLYP or normal saline in addition to usual treatment. The primary endpoint is the International Normalized Ratio (INR) at hospital admission. Secondary endpoints are transfusion requirement, length of stay in the intensive care unit, survival rate at day 30, usability and safety related to FLYP use, and other biological coagulation parameters. CONCLUSION With this trial, we aim to confirm the efficacy of FLYP in TIC and its safety in civilian prehospital care. The study results will contribute to optimizing guidelines for treating hemorrhagic shock in civilian settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02736812. Registered on 13 April 2016. The trial protocol has been approved by the French ethics committee (CPP 3342) and the French Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (IDRCB 2015-A00866-43).