Regional board authorizes Safe Streets application to pilot whole‑blood, physician‑led ambulance response

The Central Naugatuck Valley COG authorized staff to submit a $3 million Safe Streets and Roads for All grant application to create "PULSE," a regionwide program that would equip ambulances and response hubs with whole blood and physician‑led teams to treat hemorrhagic shock at crash scenes.

Emergency physicians who helped develop the proposal told the board that prompt whole‑blood administration and early advanced‑provider presence are two of the most powerful interventions for trauma. Dr. Kakowski summarized data from 2022–2024 showing about 200 serious crashes annually in the region and roughly 40 fatalities a year, and said delay in whole‑blood administration in hemorrhagic shock increases mortality by about 11% per minute. "Every minute that whole blood administration is delayed ... is every minute you're looking at increased mortality of 11%," he said.

The project concept includes establishing six regional hubs (Bristol, Shelton, Cheshire, Waterbury and two other locations) to distribute whole blood and deploying physician response team members drawn from local hospitals. The full application requests $3 million with a $600,000 local match; staff reported that Trinity Health committed to provide the required 20% match.

Board members praised the evidence and spoke in favor of the application. One member said the program could be among the most effective life‑saving investments the council could support. The motion to authorize submission of resolution 2612, which permits the executive director to sign application documents and accept funds if awarded, carried with strong affirmation.

What happens next: staff will submit the Safe Streets application and, if awarded, work with Trinity Health and local EMS partners to finalize hub locations, training, equipment procurement, and data collection procedures.