Lincoln Fire and Rescue can now give blood to patients with severe bleeding before they reach a hospital. The department announced the program Tuesday, saying an EMS supervisor will respond alongside an ambulance when a patient may need a transfusion.
The supervisor vehicle will carry two units of blood in a temperature-controlled cooler. LFR says its EMS supervisors have received additional training and will follow strict criteria, with a physician overseeing every transfusion and reviewing each case afterward.
LFR expects to give blood to about two patients a month. For now, the blood will be carried in one vehicle; officials say they will monitor demand before deciding whether to expand the program…