Washington County Emergency Services Introduces Groundbreaking Whole Blood Program for Trauma Patients

The Washington County Division of Emergency Services (DES) has initiated a significant advancement in prehospital emergency medical care with the launch of its Whole Blood Program. This new initiative aims to improve survival rates for critically injured patients suffering from severe blood loss by allowing first responders to administer a life-saving treatment in the field, prior to hospital arrival.

This program represents a critical step forward, bringing hospital-level care directly to the scene of an emergency. Through a new collaboration with Meritus Medical Center, the region’s designated Level III Trauma Center, first responders in Washington County will now be able to provide low-titer O whole blood (LTOWB). Meritus Medical Center is the first hospital in Western Maryland to stock this specialized blood product, which has been successfully utilized in battlefield medicine and is now proving transformative in civilian emergency care. The administration of whole blood to patients in hemorrhagic shock as quickly as possible after an injury can substantially increase their chances of survival.

To facilitate this new capability, specialized coolers have been acquired. These coolers are designed to store and continuously monitor the temperature of the whole blood. They will be strategically deployed in two Emergency Medical Services (EMS) supervisor vehicles. One cooler will be stationed with a DES supervisor in Clear Spring, and the other will be assigned to the Community Rescue Service EMS supervisor based in Hagerstown. This distribution ensures rapid access to the life-saving blood product across different areas of the county.

The implementation of this Whole Blood Program underscores Washington County’s commitment to enhancing the safety and well-being of its residents. By equipping EMS supervisors with the ability to deliver whole blood in the critical initial moments following a severe injury, the program aims to bridge the gap in care between the incident scene and the hospital. This approach is expected to yield better patient outcomes by initiating resuscitation and stabilizing patients more effectively in the field.

This innovative program strengthens the County’s overarching mission to protect and preserve life, showcasing the dedication of both Washington County first responders and Meritus Medical Center in delivering the highest standard of care directly to the community. Residents can be assured that enhanced medical interventions are now available in emergencies involving significant blood loss.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from a press release by Washington County Division of Emergency Services

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