For the past two years, Caldwell County EMS has been searching for a way to provide lifesaving blood transfusions to patients before they reach a medical center. Now, thanks to an innovative collaboration with UNC Health Blue Ridge, Caldwell EMS is able to carry blood on all supervisor trucks. CaFEMS staff have received specialized training on how and when to administer blood, and supervisors carry O negative blood on their trucks. To ensure the precious blood is not wasted, the temperature is constantly monitored using coolers donated by UNC Health Blue Ridge and the blood is changed out with the hospital every 21 days. Caldwell County isn’t the only area receiving help from UNC Health Blue Ridge. The hospital also collaborates with Burke and McDowell counties to provide blood products to their EMS departments. These three departments are among only a few in the state to carry blood on ambulances, potentially saving countless lives.
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