Whole Blood Program

Life-Saving Whole Blood Program Launches in Pierce County: First Responders Now Equipped to Provide Immediate Blood Transfusions

On January 24^th, 2025, Central Pierce Fire & Rescue (CPFR) partnered with Tacoma Fire Department (TFD), MultiCare, MultiCare Health Foundation, and Bloodworks Northwest to launch a whole blood program in Pierce County.

CPFR and TFD are the first in the County to implement this life-saving initiative, joining roughly 180 fire departments nationwide. This program enables Medical Service Officers (MSOs) to carry whole blood in temperature-controlled coolers, allowing immediate transfusions at emergency scenes —before patients reach the hospital. MSOs are highly trained paramedics specializing in critical care, providing both emergency response and clinical oversight.

Rapid intervention is crucial in trauma cases, where severe blood loss is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths. Trauma is the #1 cause of death for individuals under 45, and studies show that up to 40% of these fatalities could be prevented with immediate blood transfusions in the field.

Dr. Keith Gates with TFD emphasizes the programs impact, “bleeding remains the leading cause of preventable death among trauma victims, with nearly half dying before reaching a hospital. Prehospital blood resuscitation is a vital intervention not only for trauma patients but also for individuals suffering from severe hemorrhage due to medical conditions such as postpartum hemorrhage and abdominal bleeding. Administering blood within 13 minutes of EMS arrival can increase survival rates by six-fold, reinforcing the need for rapid access to life-saving blood products.”

Whole blood transfusions reduce complications compared to using separate blood components. Research shows they are most effective when given within the first hour of injury, with the highest survival benefit occurring within the first 13 minutes of EMS arrival.

Blood for this program is collected and processed through Bloodworks Northwest, following strict safety protocols. Type O blood —universally compatible—is used to ensure immediate treatment, even before a patient’s blood type is known. Special coolers maintain the blood at the correct temperature, ensuring it is ready when needed.

Funding for the program’s specialized equipment comes from the MultiCare Health Foundation, while operational costs are covered by existing fire department budgets.

“This initiative marks a historic moment in prehospital care,” says CPFR EMS Lieutenant Brett Martinson. “The impact of Low-Titer O-Whole Blood (LTOWB) in treating hemorrhagic shock is comparable to the introduction of defibrillators in the 1970s, which revolutionized cardiac arrest survival rates. This will become the standard of care for patients experiencing severe blood loss.”

Since launching, CPFR and TFD have already administered whole blood transfusions in the field 8 times, demonstrating the program’s immediate effectiveness.

How You Can Help: Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Your blood donation could save a life right here in our community. Support this program by donating at our upcoming event.

Blood Drive Event:

• Station 72, 3809 5^th St SE, Puyallup, WA 98374
• Saturday, March 15, 2025
• 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Sign up to donate today!

If you can’t make it to our March 15th event, visit www.bloodworksnw.org to find a blood drive near you.

Together, we can ensure lifesaving blood is available when it’s needed most.