Paramedic receives commendation for his work on the RePHILL trial

A research paramedic based at the NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre (SRMRC) has been recognised for his outstanding work on the groundbreaking RePHILL trial.

Jim Hancox has been working for West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) for nearly 15 years and is currently on secondment as a full-time Research Paramedic at the SRMRC working on a trial set to test the benefits of giving blood on the scene as opposed to salty water.

Dr Nick Crombie, Co-Chief Investigator and Consultant Anaesthetist, said: “Jim has been an incredible ambassador for the trial, the research centre and visibly for WMAS in how he has dealt with issues, demonstrating enormous political awareness and respect for others’ views.

“He has stepped into an area he knew little about and is making it a success by engaging and inspiring others within the region and across the UK.”

Jim Hancox said: “To say I was both surprised and humbled at receiving a Chief Officer’s Commendation was an understatement. However, this award represents the work of the entire RePHILL team, it’s just as much recognition for their work as it is mine”.

RePHILL (Resuscitation with Pre-Hospital Blood Products) is a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of pre-hospital blood product administration versus standard care for traumatic haemorrhage. It tests the hypothesis that pre-hospital blood products resuscitation with up to two units each of packed red blood cells and lyophilised plasma will improve tissue perfusion and reduce mortality in trauma patients with haemorrhagic shock compared to the current standard practice of normal saline resuscitation.

Also receiving a commendation was Transfusion Laboratory Manager at New Cross Hospital Mike Herbert who has been instrumental to the success of the trial since its inception back in 2016.