Rio Rancho Paramedics Trained in Finger Thoracostomy, Frozen Plasma to Reduce Transfers

Rio Rancho Fire & Rescue (RRFR) held hospital-level training Jan. 20 to expand paramedic capabilities for major trauma, adding procedures and treatments designed to stabilize patients in the field and reduce transfers to distant trauma centers. The department introduced finger thoracostomy as an escalation when needle decompression fails, gained approval to perform the procedure under paramedic scope, and implemented medication-facilitated airway management (rapid sequence intubation, RSI) for specially trained providers.

RRFR also became one of the few ground services in the country approved to carry and administer frozen plasma, a blood product intended to reduce deaths from major blood loss. Together, these changes allow paramedics to control life-threatening chest injuries, manage airways with medications when necessary, and begin transfusion-level resuscitation before patients leave Sandoval County.

Finger thoracostomy is a rapid, invasive procedure used to release trapped air or blood in the chest that can collapse a lung or compress the heart. It is an escalation from needle decompression when that less invasive technique does not restore normal breathing or circulation. Medication-facilitated airway management, commonly called RSI, enables providers who complete specialized training to sedate and paralyze patients briefly to place an advanced airway in controlled conditions.

Department leaders said the combined package of interventions will increase the chance of stabilizing critically injured patients locally and reduce the number of long ambulance transfers to trauma centers outside Sandoval County. For residents, that could mean quicker critical care on scene, fewer costly and stressful long-distance ambulance rides, and improved odds of survival for severe trauma such as stab wounds, gunshot wounds, or high-impact crashes.

These capabilities come with added responsibilities. Carrying frozen plasma requires refrigeration, protocols for administration, and coordination with receiving hospitals to track transfusion records and outcomes. RSI and finger thoracostomy demand rigorous training, oversight, and ongoing skills assessment to ensure patient safety.

For Rio Rancho and neighboring communities in Sandoval County, the changes mark a significant step in the local trauma care chain. Residents can expect more advanced prehospital care from RRFR crews while the department continues training and works with hospitals to monitor results and refine protocols.