Cabell County EMS started offering the service in November of 2023, and in March of 2024, Harrison County also began carrying whole blood on ambulances. 

“For patients experiencing significant blood loss from a trauma, every second matters. I’m pleased to see West Virginia leading the country in this effort that will undoubtedly save lives,” said Cabinet Secretary Sherri Young, DO, FAAFP, MBA.

The Department of Health’s Director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services, Joseph Ratliff, said the state has orchestrated education throughout the state’s EMS regions that will allow agencies coming to these counties to receive mutual aid for their patients in need of blood products. 

“Bleeding is often an early cause of death when it comes to trauma patients, but it doesn’t have to be,” said Ratliff. “I’m pleased to see these two counties stepping up to answer the call by providing this lifesaving service to residents.”

Ratliff added that paramedics delivering whole blood on ambulances in these two counties are specifically trained to administer the transfusion to those in need. “Administering whole blood to trauma patients within the golden hour of a trauma can significantly improve their chances of survival. Whole blood transfusions will help restore a patient’s blood volume and clotting function much faster than traditional blood component therapy.”