ELYRIA, Ohio — Elyria paramedics are now able to administer blood transfusions at emergency scenes under a new department program.
The capability took effect Feb. 1, making Elyria one of only two cities in Ohio, alongside Cleveland, with personnel trained and authorized to give blood in the field, WOIO reported.
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Officials said the change aims to speed lifesaving care for trauma patients before they reach the hospital.
“Beginning today, we’re ready to go out. We’re ready to administer blood if needed,” said Lieutenant Michael Eichenlaub, who also works as a tactical paramedic.
University Hospitals will store O-negative blood for Elyria’s new field transfusion program, allowing qualified medics to pick it up and administer it at emergency scenes, officials said.
The blood can be requested in advance for planned operations, including search warrants and other high-risk responses. The program primarily supports the police department’s special response team during those situations.
Elyria’s new field transfusion program eliminates the usual wait for blood until patients reach the hospital, allowing medics to give one to two units in the field to stabilize patients before transport.
The fire department has five medics trained and authorized to administer transfusions, a change officials say will speed care and improve outcomes.
