On this month’s episode, we explore the life-saving potential of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) in pre-hospital trauma care. Joined by Dr. Erik Vu, we discuss TXA’s benefits, administration methods, and tactical applications, emphasizing how timely intervention can make a critical difference. Don’t miss this essential deep dive into innovative trauma care practices!

Sponsored by: 

Dr. Erik N. Vu S/Cst MSM, MD, FRCPC 

Dr. Erik N. Vu is a specialist in Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine for Vancouver Coastal and the Provincial Health Service’s Authorities and is also a Clinical Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia, where he completed Fellowship training in Prehospital Emergency Care, and has sub-specialty training in Special Operations Medicine, including CBRNE, Disaster and Tactical Medicine. Dr. Vu has completed postgraduate studies in Aviation Medicine and works for British Columbia Emergency Health Service’s Provincial AirEvac and Critical Care Operations as both a Flight Paramedic and Physician as part of his portfolio in private and public sectors of Aeromedical Evacuation.   He has formal academic and operational training in Tactical Medicine from the US Department of Health and Human Services Centre via their Counter Narcotics and Terrorism Operations Medical Certification, as well as acting as the Canadian representation on the Committee for Tactical Emergency Casualty Care and the International Public Safety Association Committee for Tactical EMS.  Dr. Vu currently acts as the Medical Director for Vancouver and Abbotsford Police Departments’ Emergency Response Teams Tactical EMS Programs, as well as a consultant with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, providing training and operational support for E-Division’s Critical Incident Program, the National Tactical Medicine Program, and the National Tactical Training Section.

On This Episode

 

Welcome to the first episode of 2025! This month, we’re diving into the critical role of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) in pre-hospital trauma care. Dr. Erik Vu joins us to discuss the latest insights and applications of TXA, particularly in dynamic and tactical environments.

From its role in stabilizing clots to its use in mass casualty scenarios, we break down everything you need to know about this cost-effective and life-saving medication. Learn about the benefits of intramuscular (IM) administration, the importance of timely intervention, and how TXA fits into modern trauma care systems.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • What TXA is and how it works.
  • The history and research behind its pre-hospital use.
  • Why IM administration is a game-changer in tactical and unpredictable environments.
  • Best practices for dosing and administration.
  • TXA’s role in mitigating hemorrhagic shock and improving patient outcomes.
  • Practical tips for integrating TXA into your trauma care toolkit.

Key Resources:

    • CRASH-2: A landmark trial investigating the effects of tranexamic acid in reducing bleeding and improving outcomes in trauma patients.
    • PAMPer: A study evaluating the use of plasma during prehospital resuscitation for patients with trauma and hemorrhagic shock.
    • PATCH: Research on prehospital tranexamic acid for severe trauma patients, exploring its efficacy and safety.
    • STAAMP: The study examines the effectiveness of prehospital tranexamic acid in trauma care.
    • WOMEN: This trial assesses tranexamic acid’s role in reducing mortality in women with postpartum hemorrhage.
    • CRASH-3: A study focusing on the benefits of tranexamic acid in traumatic brain injury management.