The Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services (FCDFRS) has proudly launched its groundbreaking Whole Blood Program. This program ensures the availability of blood products directly at the scene of emergencies. Equipped with state-of-the-art warming and transfusion technology, FCDFRS’s highly trained paramedics can administer life-saving care within minutes to critically ill or injured patients.
"The launch of our Whole Blood Program marks a major milestone in our mission to provide the highest level of emergency medical care to the people of Frederick County,” said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “By joining regional leaders in this program, we are ensuring that our community benefits from the most advanced care available before reaching the hospital."
In partnership with Inova Blood Donor Services (IBDS) in Sterling, VA, the Whole Blood Program places FCDFRS among the elite 1% of EMS agencies nationwide utilizing prehospital blood transfusion capabilities, a program already demonstrating its lifesaving potential in neighboring jurisdictions such as Washington D.C. Fire and EMS, Loudoun County, VA, Montgomery and Howard Counties in Maryland, and the Maryland State Police Aviation.
“Whole blood transfusions give our paramedics the tools to stabilize patients faster, reduce complications, and provide comprehensive resuscitation when seconds count,” said Fire Chief Tom Coe. “This is a game-changer for prehospital emergency medicine in Frederick County, and I am incredibly proud of the dedication and coordination that made this possible."
FCDFRS is already in the planning stages for their first blood drive to help support this initiative and will have more details in the very near future.
For further information contact Sarah Campbell via e-mail at SCampbell@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
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Contact: Sarah Campbell
Division of Fire/Rescue Services