Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services is launching a new pre-hospital blood transfusion program on Valentine's Day, becoming one of the first in Georgia to do so. The program will include packed red blood cells and plasma on select emergency response teams, aiming to improve survival rates for critically injured patients.
According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the launch coincides with National Donor Day on Friday, emphasizing the importance of blood and organ donation. Officials are hopeful that on-site blood transfusions will enhance trauma care for patients in urgent situations, positioning Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services as a leader in pre-hospital emergency care.
EMS Division Chief Nick Adams said, "Every second matters in trauma care, and by administering blood products at the point of injury, we can provide life-saving interventions sooner," in a statement obtained by the Cobb County. The program aims to enhance pre-hospital emergency medicine and demonstrate the commitment to community service.
Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services has partnered with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers for the program, which is based on research showing that early blood product administration can reduce trauma-related mortality. Lori Russell, Lifesouth District Director of Georgia, said in Cobb County release, "We are excited to begin this new partnership with Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services and are grateful for the opportunity to support the vital work they do in our community."
The program's Medical Operations (MedOps) team will be the first to use PRBCs and plasma, with paramedics specially trained to safely administer blood products in the field.
