West Virginia has become the first state in the United States to implement statewide protocols for administering whole blood on ambulances. The Department of Health announced that Cabell County EMS began offering this service in November 2023, followed by Harrison County in March 2024.
Cabinet Secretary Sherri Young expressed her satisfaction with the initiative, stating, “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.”
Joseph Ratliff, Director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services at the Department of Health, highlighted the educational efforts across EMS regions to facilitate mutual aid for patients needing blood products. He stated, “Bleeding is often an early cause of death when it comes to trauma patients, but it doesn’t have to be.” Ratliff commended Cabell and Harrison counties for providing this critical service.
Ratliff further explained that paramedics in these counties are trained specifically for administering whole blood transfusions. He noted that delivering whole blood within the “golden hour” can significantly enhance survival chances by restoring blood volume and clotting function more rapidly than traditional therapies.
The program’s expansion relies on blood donations. Prospective donors can schedule appointments through various means including the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by visiting RedCrossBlood.org.
