Ottawa, ON — The Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association (EORLA), The Ottawa Hospital and Ornge, Ontario’s air ambulance service, collaborate to launch the Blood on Board Program at Ornge’s Ottawa base, a transformative initiative to bring lifesaving blood transfusions directly to trauma patients in Ontario.

Hemorrhage remains the leading cause of death in trauma cases. By reducing the time from injury to transfusion, the program significantly lowers mortality rates and improves patient outcomes. Ornge’s Ottawa base joins its Toronto, London, Timmins and Thunder Bay bases with validated coolers containing group O-negative red blood cells, maintained at strict temperatures and ready for deployment at a moment’s notice.

“The expansion of our Blood on Board program in Ottawa reflects the power of partnership and our commitment to advancing critical care,” says Dr. Homer Tien, President and Chief Executive Officer at Ornge. “By delivering lifesaving blood products directly to patients at the scene or in transport, we are closing the gap between injury and treatment and giving more patients the chance to survive and recover. This program exemplifies our commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care across Ontario.”

Geography has long shaped health outcomes in Ontario, with 40 per cent of patients lacking access to a trauma centre within 60 minutes by land, and 15 per cent not reachable within an hour by air. The Blood on Board program bridges these gaps, ensuring that rural and remote patients receive the same rapid, equitable care as those near major hospitals. “In a crisis, no one should be disadvantaged by geography. This program gives every patient the fighting chance they deserve,” says Melanie Tokessy, Regional Discipline Manager, Transfusion Medicine, EORLA.

“Blood on Board reflects what strong partnerships can achieve when we align clinical care, transport, and laboratory medicine to accelerate impact for patients. At EORLA, our focus is on ensuring safe, reliable access to blood products wherever they are needed—and this program extends that capability directly to the point of care. Together with Ornge and The Ottawa Hospital, we are helping close critical gaps in time to treatment and improve outcomes across the region,” says Dennis Garvin, Chief Executive Office at EORLA.

“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to equitable, high-quality care across Eastern Ontario, ensuring patients in rural and remote communities have access to the same timely treatment as those in urban centres. We’re proud to partner with Ornge and EORLA to deliver innovative solutions that make a real difference for patients and their families,” says Cameron Love, President and CEO at The Ottawa Hospital.

The program meets rigorous standards, including Health Canada’s Blood Regulations, CSA Z902-20, and IQMH/Accreditation Canada requirements. Every step—from storage and transport to transfusion protocols and staff training—has been meticulously designed to ensure safety, traceability, and compliance.

Ornge’s Blood on Board program has delivered blood transfusion to more than 400 patients and continues to expand in collaboration with partner transfusion labs.

For further information, please contact:
Ornge Media Relations media@ornge.ca
EORLA: lfarant@eorla.ca
The Ottawa Hospital: rabelson@toh.ca