Emergency medical crews in Volusia County, Florida, are preparing to introduce a new lifesaving service that could allow certain critically injured patients to receive blood before reaching a hospital.

The county’s emergency medical service is currently conducting simulation-based training ahead of the planned launch of a prehospital whole-blood program. The initiative is expected to begin within the coming weeks and is designed for trauma patients suffering significant blood loss.

During training exercises, medical personnel are practicing how to identify patients who may qualify for transfusion, safely prepare blood products and administer them during emergency transport. The simulations are intended to ensure crews are comfortable with the procedures before the service becomes operational.

The program could provide an important advantage during severe trauma cases because major blood loss can become life-threatening within a short period. Giving blood during the journey to a hospital could allow treatment to begin earlier rather than waiting until the patient reaches an emergency department.

Volusia County has established partnerships with Halifax Health and OneBlood to support the program. Halifax Health will assist with blood handling and logistics, while OneBlood will provide the blood products needed for the service.

The initiative follows approval of the necessary agreements earlier this year and represents an expansion of the treatment options available to county EMS crews.

Emergency responders will still need to determine which patients meet the medical criteria for receiving blood in the field. The program is intended for qualifying trauma cases where rapid replacement of lost blood could be critical.

If successfully implemented, Volusia County’s system could strengthen emergency care for seriously injured patients by bringing hospital-level treatment closer to the point where an emergency occurs.

For residents, the program adds another potential layer of protection during major accidents, severe injuries and other emergencies involving substantial blood loss.