DELMARVA — As the nation celebrated the 51st annual National EMS Week, Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) teamed up with first responders and medical professionals to host a series of blood drives across three states. The drives honored the lifesaving work of EMS professionals while helping to boost the blood supply during one of the most critical times of the year.
National EMS Week was established in 1974 by President Gerald Ford to recognize the critical role of emergency medical professionals who are often first on the scene of trauma events and first to deliver lifesaving care.
But EMS providers cannot do it alone. In cases of trauma, car accidents, or mass casualty events, blood transfusions are often the difference between life and death, and must be available on the shelves before tragedy strikes.
This is particularly significant in the Delmarva region, as May is the 3-year anniversary of Sussex County and New Castle County, Delaware EMS carrying whole blood on their ground supervisor vehicles and administering transfusions in the field. Blood Bank of Delmarva also has partnerships with Delaware State Police Aviation EMS, Kent County EMS, Southern Chester County EMS, and Cecil County EMS.
Sussex County EMS held a blood drive on May 21, and Cecil County EMS and Southern Chester County EMS both held blood drives on May 22.
The prehospital blood programs in our region have been a huge success. As such, Caroline County, Maryland EMS became the latest agency to partner with BBD, launching their new program on May 18. This state-of-the-art program aims to improve survival rates for trauma patients by providing prehospital blood transfusions.
Warmer months bring an increase in accidents and trauma-related injuries. Known as “trauma season,” late spring and summer see a rise in emergency room visits and transfusion needs. At the same time, blood donations typically decline due to travel, school breaks, and holiday schedules, creating a perfect storm for shortages.
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit delmarvablood.org or call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8.
