Botetourt County Fire & EMS to Launch Life-Saving Prehospital Whole Blood Program

Botetourt County Fire & EMS is preparing to launch its Prehospital Whole Blood Program, becoming one of only an estimated 1–2% of EMS agencies nationwide to carry low-titer O-positive whole blood for emergency treatment before patients arrive at the hospital.

The program is expected to begin service following the department's initial delivery of whole blood in the coming days. Once operational, specially trained EMS Supervisors will be able to administer whole blood to critically ill or injured patients at the scene of an emergency or while en route to the hospital, dramatically reducing the time to one of the most important life-saving interventions available for severe blood loss.

Severe hemorrhage remains one of the leading causes of preventable death following traumatic injury. Until now, most patients requiring a blood transfusion had to wait until reaching a hospital to receive blood products. The new program will allow Botetourt County Fire & EMS to begin replacing lost blood in the field, improving a patient's chances of survival during the most critical moments of care.

While whole blood has traditionally been associated with traumatic injuries, its use has expanded significantly as research continues to demonstrate its effectiveness in treating a variety of life-threatening medical emergencies. Patients experiencing severe gastrointestinal bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage, and other forms of catastrophic blood loss can also benefit from rapid blood replacement before arriving at a hospital.

"We have invested significant time and effort into developing this program and bringing innovative, evidence-based patient care practices to our community," said Dr. Carol Bernier, Medical Director for Botetourt County Fire & EMS. "It is well established that early blood transfusion is the preferred treatment for patients experiencing catastrophic hemorrhage, but providing blood products in the prehospital environment has historically been challenging. Through advancements in technology, strong partnerships, and dedicated training, we are now able to offer whole blood as another critical tool for our providers and another advancement in our continued commitment to improving patient care."

The program is the result of years of planning, collaboration, and training involving the Operational Medical Directors, regional healthcare partners, and Fire & EMS personnel. It reflects Botetourt County Fire & EMS' ongoing commitment to providing advanced emergency medical care and continually expanding the services available to residents and visitors.

At launch, whole blood will be carried on one of the department's EMS Supervisor vehicles, staffed by a paramedic trained to the Critical Care level, who responds throughout Botetourt County to patients experiencing life-threatening hemorrhage and other major medical emergencies. The blood will be stored in a specialized temperature-controlled cooler and will be available for rapid administration at the scene or during transport. As additional funding becomes available, Botetourt County Fire & EMS plans to expand the program to its second EMS Supervisor vehicle, further increasing access to this life-saving intervention throughout the county.  

Once operational, the Prehospital Whole Blood Program will place Botetourt County Fire & EMS among a small group of EMS agencies nationwide offering this advanced level of prehospital care. More importantly, it will ensure that residents and visitors in Botetourt County have access to one of the most significant advancements in EMS in recent decades.

Over the past decade, Botetourt County Fire & EMS has continued to elevate the level of care provided to the community through investments in training, technology, equipment, and clinical capabilities. The Prehospital Whole Blood Program represents the next step in that ongoing commitment to innovation and clinical excellence. While this program is a significant milestone, it is one part of a continued effort to ensure patients in Botetourt County receive the highest level of emergency medical care possible.

As emergency medicine continues to evolve, Botetourt County Fire & EMS remains committed to investing in innovative treatments, advanced training, and evidence-based practices that improve patient outcomes, strengthen regional partnerships, and enhance the health and safety of the community. The department also envisions this program serving as the foundation for a broader regional approach to prehospital blood administration, expanding access to this life-saving treatment for patients throughout western Virginia.

Additional information regarding the program's official launch date will be announced following the department's receipt of its initial supply of whole blood.

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