Public SafetyWednesday, November 11
Richland firefighters now carry whole blood to patients who are bleeding badly
The Daily Kennewick team
Richland Fire and Emergency Services launched Blood on Board in mid-October, with two units of Type O whole blood in the on-duty battalion chief's vehicle. It's the first fire-based EMS agency in Eastern Washington to bring blood into the field.
Nobody's needed it yet, but the department counted 400 potential cases from June 2024 to June 2026. Battalion chief Andy Sabin said it isn't just for trauma patients: pregnancy-related emergencies count too.
400potential cases for blood before the hospital, June 2024 to June 2026
Richland hasn't had to use the blood yet.
Source: Tri-City Herald
- Cost: $610 a unit; $6,000 to $12,000 projected for year one
- Paying: the department plans to absorb the cost
- Next blood drive: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 23, Station 74
- Register: richlandwa.gov/RFESBloodDrive
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Office of EMS estimates 37% of trauma patients with severe bleeding could be saved by a transfusion before the hospital. We suggest signing up for the Nov. 23 drive.
A federal estimate says 37% of severely bleeding trauma patients could be saved
37%Trauma patients with severe bleeding who could be saved by early blood
Source: Tri-City Herald
View as table
| Value | |
|---|---|
| Trauma patients with severe bleeding who could be saved by early blood | 37% |