First responders will now carry life-saving whole blood

Tiffany Wismer
·2 min read

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — A partnership between UCHealth and the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD), plus donations from generous benefactors, has made it possible for first responders to carry whole blood on their rigs and administer life-saving blood transfusions to patients who are hemorrhaging.

Courtesy: Getty Images
Courtesy: Getty Images

“The members of the CSFD are so thankful for the collaborative efforts of UCHealth and the wonderful and supportive nature of the many donors within our community who were so generous,” said Colorado Springs Fire Chief Randy Royal. “These efforts, along with the hard work and dedication of our physicians and staff, have brought this vision to reality. This program is on the cutting edge of trauma and EMS care and will most definitely save lives when time is critical for patients suffering from massive bleeding.”

Hemorrhagic shock (bleeding to death) is the leading cause of death for people 45 and under. 40% of patients could survive if they were given an immediate transfusion in the field, according to CSFD co-chief medical director Dr. Matt Angelidis.

“First responders bringing blood to the scene of an injury will save lives,” said Dr. Angelidis. “I have sat in too many after-action reviews where firefighters and first responders tearfully ask what they could have done differently, knowing if they could have transfused blood the outcome might have been different. I’m proud that UCHealth is empowering first responders with the equipment to now do this.”

Courtesy: Getty Images
Courtesy: Getty Images

High-tech equipment is necessary to properly store, transport, reheat, and transfuse blood in the field. Generous gifts from philanthropic people in the Colorado Springs community have made the purchase and maintenance of this equipment possible. More than $275,000 was donated to support the first three years of the program, paying for equipment, blood, and training.

Whole blood is blood that has none of its components missing. Currently, first responders use IV fluids to treat patients en route to the hospital, but whole blood increases the chance of survival. Whole blood is safe to use for any blood type.

The program is expected to roll out in May 2024, CSFD said.

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