SAN ANTONIO, TX – (September 13, 2022) This week, the San Antonio Fire Department Whole Blood Program reached a significant milestone.
As of the inception of the program beginning September 1, 2018, our Department has now administered 1000 units of life-giving whole blood.
The San Antonio Fire Department remains the largest metropolitan Fire Department in the country capable of administering whole blood on any call responded to.
San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood says “Each member of the SAFD deserves recognition for this achievement. Whether arriving first on a fire apparatus and working to stabilize a patient or EMS arriving and working with a Medic Officer to administer whole blood, this accomplishment belongs to everyone in our Department.”
The SAFD Whole Blood Program has helped save countless lives and have administered whole blood to residents ages 2 through 97 years of age over the last four years.
Dr. Samantha Ngamsuntikul, Associate Medical Director of South Texas Blood & Tissue, explains “Through our Brothers in Arms program we collect special whole blood units to transfuse trauma patients with specially screened type O-positive whole blood at the scene of an accident, on a medical helicopter, or in an emergency room. Working with San Antonio Fire Department and ensuring a stable blood supply for patients is paramount to save lives from accidents and traumatic events.”
In addition to achieving this incredible milestone, the San Antonio Fire Department has also been instrumental in assisting several agencies around the country with starting a Whole Blood Program, including the Seattle Fire Department, Austin-Travis County EMS, and Oklahoma City. SAFD has also traveled to New York City and presented Whole Blood to FDNY.
