ATCEMS Reaches New Milestone in Whole Blood Program

Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) last week reached a considerable milestone with their Whole Blood Program when ATCEMS Medics administered the 200th unit of whole blood for the system.

Launched in late 2021, the ATCEMS Whole Blood Program is a collaboration between ATCEMS and We Are Blood, with the goal of making blood available to patients as close to the time of injury as possible.

“When a patient experiences a life-threatening hemorrhage, we are working against the clock. Rapid intervention on the scene can mean the difference between life and death,” said Deputy Medical Director Dr. Heidi Abraham. “With the ability to administer blood to patients near the time of injury, we are giving them the best possible chance of survival.”

ATCEMS continues to see the benefit of this resource as the program expands, and more patients are receiving transfusions in the field. While the program has been active for nearly two years, the last six months have seen it more than double- both in terms of available blood and the number of units that carry it. ATCEMS now carries blood on all seven district command units in the system, up from three just six months ago.

“The expansion of this program over the summer has absolutely been a game changer for us and has increased the survivability for our patients,” said ATCEMS Commander Paul Mallon, who oversees the Blood Program. “Thanks to our partners at We Are Blood, we’ve not only been able to increase our daily deployment of blood, but we’ve added the ability to increase our stocking levels when we anticipate an increase in demand, like major holidays or during festival seasons.”

According to the most recent available data, trauma patients account for about 56% of blood administrations, and a remarkable 89% of patients who receive blood and are transported to the hospital survive to discharge.

The ATCEMS blood program would not be possible without the support of the Austin City Council, who approved funding for the program, as well as the valuable partnership of We Are Blood, the nonprofit blood center serving Central Texas and the only provider of blood products in the region.

“200 transfusions is momentous and highlights the importance of the partnership between ATCEMS and We Are Blood,” said Marian Garrard, We Are Blood President and CEO. “Donating at our donor centers and mobile drives makes this lifesaving care possible.”

ATCEMS relies solely on blood supplies from We Are Blood, which relies on donors throughout the community. If you’re interested in donating, please visit WeAreBlood.org to make an appointment.