(Letts, IN) – Letts Fire and EMS is now the first ambulance service in Southeastern Indiana to carry blood products on a 911 ambulance.
The service stocks O-Positive packed red blood cells and liquid plasma, which enables trauma victims to receive lifesaving transfusions before they reach the hospital.
According to the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, the early administration of blood in the field saves lives, and for severely injured patients suffering from uncontrolled bleeding, every minute counts.
Studies show that pre-hospital blood transfusion significantly increases the likelihood of patients arriving at the hospital alive and stable enough for life-saving surgery.
Blood products will be stored in a Delta blood cooler, a medical-grade unit designed specifically for emergency response. The cooler ensures safe temperature control, reliability, and portability so that blood is always ready when seconds matter.
“This is a game-changer for trauma care in our community,” said Dan Rauh, Operational Medical Director of Letts Fire/EMS. “By carrying blood in the field, we can begin treatment right at the patient’s side. It means we are giving critically injured people a better chance to survive and return home to their families.”
Funding for the program comes in part from money raised through the Letts Fire and EMS fish fry at the Decatur County Fair, along with grants from the Decatur County Community Foundation, the Franklin County Health Department and Hoxworth Blood Center.
The program is set to expand to the Letts paramedic vehicle in Franklin County within the next 14 days.
“This is what community support makes possible,” said Matt Morrow, Letts Fire Chief and Critical Care Paramedic. “From local fundraisers to county and foundation grants, our partners have invested in cutting-edge pre-hospital care that will save lives right here at home. Battalion Chief Calvin Venable has championed this project. From the day he was assigned the task to today, he has worked tirelessly to make this day happen.”
