New initiative brings lifesaving blood directly to emergency scenes through partnership with Omaha Fire Department and Nebraska Medicine
OMAHA, NE – Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) is proud to support the launch of Nebraska’s first ground-based prehospital blood transfusion program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to bring lifesaving care directly to patients in critical emergencies.
In partnership with the Omaha Fire Department (OFD) and Nebraska Medicine, NCBB is now supplying whole blood to four OFD medic units, enabling paramedics to begin transfusions at the scene or during transport, a first for any ground-based EMS unit in the state.
“This program is a powerful example of what’s possible when medical innovation, emergency response, and community support come together to save lives,” said Cheryl Warholoski, Executive Director of Nebraska Community Blood Bank. “We are honored to help make this a reality in partnership with the Omaha Fire Department and Nebraska Medicine, and proud to serve as the blood provider for this next level of care.”
As of June 30, two medic units (M21 and M31) began carrying transfusable blood, with two additional units (M42 and M61) joining the program on July 7. These four strategically placed vehicles will provide citywide coverage across Omaha, ensuring that blood can reach trauma patients faster than ever before.
Previously, the only EMS units in Nebraska and Iowa equipped for pre-hospital blood transfusions were LifeNet helicopter ambulances, which operate from five locations across the state with limited blood inventory. With this new initiative, ground-based EMS providers can now initiate transfusions directly at the scene or during transport, providing critically needed care to patients suffering from life-threatening blood loss due to trauma or medical emergencies.
“Having a blood supply in emergency vehicles that enables paramedics to begin transfusions at the scene could have prevented over 150 deaths in the past five years in the Omaha area,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Reynold Henry, MD, Nebraska Medicine trauma surgeon and lead on the project. “Going forward, this initiative could save more than 30 lives each year.”
Leadership at the Omaha Fire Department emphasized the program’s potential to transform prehospital emergency care. “This program represents a significant breakthrough in how we respond to trauma and critical emergencies,” said Fire Chief Kathy Bossman of the Omaha Fire Department. “By equipping our medic units with lifesaving blood, we are enhancing our ability to deliver immediate, advanced care in the field. This program has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and sets a new standard for prehospital emergency care in our community.”
This lifesaving advancement is made possible thanks to local blood donors, who continue to provide the critical inventory needed to support both hospital patients and emergency response programs. NCBB encourages all eligible donors to schedule a donation and be part of this lifesaving effort.
To learn more or make an appointment, visit ncbb.org or call 402.486.9414
