Timmins, ON – Ornge, Ontario’s provider of air ambulance and critical care transport services, is proud to announce the expansion of its ‘Blood on Board’ program to Timmins, marking the first program in northeastern Ontario. This initiative will enable Ornge paramedics to carry blood products on board aircraft, allowing crews to launch without delay and administer transfusions en route to patients in remote and rural communities.

The collaboration between Ornge and Timmins and District Hospital (TDH) is scheduled to launch in November 2025. The blood bank at TDH will supply Ornge with blood products in specialized coolers designed for the storage and transport of blood. Blood temperatures are monitored carefully during storage and on board the aircraft up to the time of transfusion, ensuring the highest safety standards are met.

“We are pleased to bring this life-saving therapy to northeastern Ontario,” says Dr. Homer Tien, President and CEO of Ornge. “This program ensures trauma patients receive blood products quickly, at a time when every minute counts. It significantly enhances pre-hospital care capabilities in communities where access to emergency services can be limited.”

Hemorrhage remains a leading cause of death in traumatically injured patients. Research shows that early blood transfusion improves outcomes, especially for patients facing long transport times to definitive care.

“When someone needs blood, there isn’t a moment to spare. This collaboration will save lives in our region, and we are proud to partner with Ornge to improve outcomes for patients in our region,” says Joan Ludwig, Chief Nursing Executive and VP Clinical. “Because we serve so many remote communities, this partnership is vital. It will buy time for patients who need blood, and give patients in harder-to-reach communities a fighting chance during transport.” 

Ornge’s Blood on Board program operates in Thunder Bay, London and Toronto. Since April 1, 2025, more than 70 patients have received blood products. Last fiscal year, more than 150 units of blood have been administered to more than 100 patients. Commons conditions for patients receiving blood products on Ornge aircraft include trauma, gastrointestinal and/or obstetrical bleeding. 

This initiative is part of Ornge’s broader commitment to improving health equity in northern Ontario. Other recent efforts include the launch of a specialized mental health transport team and the renewal and expansion of Ornge’s northern-based fixed wing aircraft fleet.

About Ornge
Ornge, a not-for-profit organization, co-ordinates all aspects of Ontario’s air ambulance system, the critical care land transport program and the authorisation of air and land ambulance transfers between hospitals.

For more information please contact:
Ornge Media Relations
media@ornge.ca
1-888-229-8115 (toll free)

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