SARASOTA, Fla. — Sarasota Fire and EMS crews will carry whole blood on emergency calls starting Feb. 10, a potentially life-saving measure to stabilize trauma victims with pre-hospital transfusions, increasing their chances of survival.
For Sarasota Fire Department Assistant EMS Chief Brian Nadler, this launch comes nearly two decades after a family tragedy that impacted his life. The loss of his sister-in-law, Kerri Baker, is a trauma that has stayed with him for years, WTSP reported.
“Kerri was always helping others, full of life, and passionate about horses,” Nadler said.
In October 2005, Baker, a devoted mother and teacher, suffered a tragic fall while volunteering at a Halloween event. A family friend called Nadler, assuring him she seemed fine. By the time he arrived at the hospital, she had gone into cardiac arrest. Multiple fractures, including a punctured artery, proved fatal.
“After Kerri got to Orlando Regional, they did infuse the blood in the hospital, but it was already too late. Once the blood is out, it’s out there. There’s no just putting it back in,” Nadler explained.
The nearest trauma hospital was 45 minutes away, too far to save Baker. Nadler believes whole blood in the ambulance could have saved her.
County data shows about six patients a month need pre-hospital transfusions, with paramedics transporting over 100 patients daily. Nadler urges community support through whole blood donations to SunCoast Blood Center, designated for Sarasota County Fire’s program.
