Alachua County Fire Rescue is proud to announce the launch of a new program, in partnership with UF Health, to provide whole-blood transfusions at emergency scenes to help save lives.
The initiative is designed to improve survival rates for patients suffering traumatic injuries, particularly those experiencing severe blood loss. Trauma is the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of death for people ages 1 to 44.
Uncontrolled bleeding is the most common cause of preventable death in trauma cases. While first responders work to stop bleeding, emergency blood transfusions are among the most effective life-saving treatments. However, only about 1% of emergency medical service agencies nationwide currently carry blood products.