HCEMS launches whole blood program to bring lifesaving transfusions directly to trauma scenes

1 hour ago

Timbrel Williams,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) At the Blood Assurance Warehouse in Chattanooga, community leaders and emergency officials unveiled a new program they say could change the future of trauma care in Hamilton County.

The initiative places whole blood directly into the hands of Hamilton County EMS crews, allowing paramedics to begin transfusions in the field for critically injured patients before they ever reach the hospital.

Officials say the program gives trauma victims a better chance at survival during the critical first minutes after an injury.

“We know blood saves lives,” said Liz Culler. “Having it available sooner can make all the difference for patients experiencing severe blood loss.”

HCEMS Director Wade Batson says the new system is especially important in situations where air medical transport may not be available.

“Depending on the weather, you’re not always able to fly someone,” Batson said. “Having this capability on the ground where it doesn’t delay you 30 minutes getting into a trauma center if you’re unable to fly someone because of thunderstorms or winter weather—that’s a tremendous benefit.”

With the rollout, Hamilton County EMS joins a small group of agencies in Tennessee bringing hospital-level intervention directly to the roadside.

EMS officials also demonstrated the warming device used during transfusions. Chris Harper explained that blood is quickly warmed to body temperature before being administered to the patient.

“This device would run the blood through tubing into here and then straight to the patient,” Harper said. “From the moment it reaches here, it’ll be at body temperature. Administering blood is very quick.”

Officials say the launch also comes at a critical time, as summer months often bring an increase in trauma cases while blood donations decline.

HCEMS, Blood Assurance, and Erlanger are urging the community to continue donating blood throughout the summer to help support trauma and emergency patients.