Katy Fire-EMS Vehicles Now Carrying Blood Products
Katy, TX (June 30, 2016) Harris County ESD 48 Fire-EMS, in conjunction with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and the Memorial Herman Red Duke Trauma Institute, will now be carrying blood products in the field.
Studies have shown the early intervention of blood products to injured trauma or critically ill patients helps improve their survival chances. Utilizing technology and assistance from air-medical and military medical partners, this process was adopted for ground based EMS.
Currently HCESD 48 Fire-EMS, carries A-negative low titer liquid plasma and O-negative red blood cells. Through active medical direction with EMS Practice Guidelines, these products are carried on the EMS Supervisor’s vehicle and are available 24/7 for patient administration in the field.
To date, four infusions of blood products have been completed and HCESD 48 Fire-EMS was on a mutual aid response with the Westlake Volunteer Fire Department was prepared to transfuse blood products at the scene of an Active Shooter Event.
The HCESD 48 Fire-EMS is also holding a blood drive on Saturday at their location on 1773 West Green Boulevard in Katy. The drive will run from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. and donors can make an appointment at giveblood.org or show up and take the next available time on the day of the event.
Harris County ESD 48 Fire-EMS is a combination Fire Department and EMS serving the citizens of Harris County ESD- 48 and Fort Bend County ESD-1, in Western Harris County and North Eastern Fort Bend County. The department staffs three engines, one tower, three paramedic ambulances, EMS Supervisor and Battalion Chief 24/7, adding a 12-hour paramedic ambulance during the day. EMS, Pre-Hospital Medicine Guidelines are approved through Dr. David W. Reininger, MD Medical Director and Dr. Mark E. Escott, MD, MPH Associate Medical Director.
The Blood Center is the primary supplier of blood components to more than 170 hospitals and health care facilities in a 26-county Texas Gulf Coast region. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is asking its donors to Commit for Life. It takes three simple steps: 1) Know how your type matters; 2) Donate what matters today; and 3) Commit to your next donation. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is an independent, nonprofit blood center that is not affiliated with the American Red Cross.
Courtesy of HCESD 48
