GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Corewell Health Aero Med is becoming one of the first in the state to offer whole blood for trauma patients on the helicopter heading to the hospital.

Seconds matter in an emergency situation and for Aero Med first responders, that time in the helicopter is crucial.

First responders often refer to the first hour after a patient experiences trauma as the "golden hour," which can be a critical time for their chance of survival.

"Within the first hour after a traumatic injury, you can either do things that increase their chance of survival or decrease so its a really critical piece of time," Corewell Aero Med's Medical Director Aaron Ziegler told News 8.

Now, with the addition of whole blood to their helicopters, these first responders can act even quicker. Wh

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