The program allows trained personnel to administer whole blood transfusions on-site during emergencies, with eligible donors contributing every 56 days to help maintain a steady supply, according to the American Red Cross.
Two-minute impact
Because of the city’s lack of a high-level local trauma hospital—both Christas Santa Rosa and Resolute Baptist are level IV trauma hospitals—the whole blood program allows NBFD to administer on-scene whole blood transfusions, according to an Aug. 7 news release.
Since the program began in 2019, NBFD has administered nearly 60 units of blood with a recovery rate of over 70%, according to the release.
It is one of only 120 EMS agencies nationwide that carry whole blood, according to the National Library of Medicine.
The program is supported by partnerships with the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council and the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center, as per the release, which help ensure a steady blood supply and proper utilization of donated blood. Unused blood is rotated to trauma hospitals every 14 days, ensuring all donations are used effectively, according to the release.
What they're saying
Fire Chief Ruy Lozano highlighted the importance of the Whole Blood Program in advancing pre-hospital trauma care, acknowledging the contributions of the NBFD team and community support.
"[NBFD's] whole blood program quite literally saves lives by providing critical care quickly, transforming the standard of care in pre-hospital trauma treatment and positioning New Braunfels as a leader in emergency medical innovation,” Lozano said in the release. "This initiative has saved countless lives and continues to be a vital component of our emergency response capabilities."
Looking ahead
The department plans to further develop the program by incorporating new medical technologies and expanding training for first responders, as per the release, ensuring that the whole blood program continues to enhance the department's ability to respond to emergencies effectively.
