KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Fire Department has become the first fire-based EMS service in the state to equip its ambulances with whole blood, WTMJ reported.
Through its new pre-hospital blood administration program, paramedics can now deliver life-saving transfusions at the scene, according to WTMJ.
“We can give blood 20 to 30 minutes faster than if we were to transport to a hospital and wait for the transfusion there,” Fire Chief William Glass said. “Blood is the only thing that carries oxygen to your brain and to your organs and it’s important that we get that replenished as soon as possible.”
Kenosha’s ambulances are now equipped with O-negative packed red blood cells, the universal donor type, making them ready to treat anyone experiencing severe blood loss.
To support the new initiative, the department will host a community blood drive on April 25.
