Mayor Bowser Highlights Life-Saving Success of DC Fire and EMS Whole Blood Program

(Washington, DC) - The Bowser Administration is proud to highlight the early success of DC Fire and EMS Whole Blood program, a pioneering effort that has transfused life-saving whole blood to over 100 patients in the field since its launch in April 2024. This initiative, the first of its kind in the region, has drastically improved survival rates for patients suffering from hemorrhagic shock.
"This program is such a strong example of how you can improve outcomes when you get people the right care at the right time, and we're grateful for the first responders who are making it a success," said Mayor Muriel Bowser. "The Whole Blood program is successful because we have teams of people, behind the scenes and responding to incidents, who innovate and work together to deliver the best care possible to our community."
Since the program's inception, DC Fire and EMS paramedics have administered 132 units of low-titer whole blood to 127 patients, resulting in a remarkable 91.8% survival rate for those not in cardiac arrest. Even for patients who were in cardiac arrest upon EMS arrival, the program has achieved a 77.2% survival rate, a significant improvement over previous outcomes where death rates from life-threatening hemorrhagic shock often exceeded 65%.
Whole blood transfusions are typically administered in hospital settings, and fewer than 1% of EMS agencies nationwide have adopted this life-saving intervention. DC Fire and EMS is among a group of just 160 agencies in the country to offer this cutting-edge care in the field.
"There have been a few 'game changers' in my 30 years of EMS, and pre-hospital whole blood is one of the most impactful," said Dr. David Vitberg, Interim Medical Director for DC Fire and EMS. "Our paramedics are bringing patients back to life in the field, delivering life-saving transfusions before they even reach the hospital."
Of the 127 patients transfused between April 10 and September 23, 101 suffered from penetrating trauma, while 10 were treated for blunt force trauma, including motor vehicle collisions and falls. The majority of these incidents occurred in Wards 7 and 8. On average, one unit of blood is administered every 30 hours across the District, with transfusions taking just three minutes. Blood is carried in five EMS supervisor vehicles, ensuring it can reach any part of the city in under ten minutes.
"Our paramedic transfusionists are the backbone of this program," said Paramedic Lieutenant Holly O'Byrne, Whole Blood Coordinator. "Their expertise in delivering life-saving transfusions in the field is allowing patients with critical injuries or medical conditions to survive and return home to their families."
Mayor Bowser launched the Whole Blood Program in January 2024, and the first transfusion occurred on April 10, 2024. The program is a collaborative effort involving DC Fire and EMS, the American Red Cross, George Washington University Blood Bank, and all District Emergency Departments and Trauma Centers.
To learn more about the Whole Blood Program and how to donate blood during the national blood shortage, visit fems.dc.gov/page/whole-blood.

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