Whole blood program aims to save lives before hospital arrival

El PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- On Wednesday afternoon, the El Paso Fire Department announced, in partnership with University Medical Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, the Border Regional Advisory Council and Vitalant, a regional initiative to provide whole blood capabilities for patients.

El Paso Fire Chief Jonathan Killings was present at the Regional Command Center in Northeast El Paso, alongside representatives from all the partners in the "EPFD Whole Blood Program."

Whole blood provides red blood cells, plasma, and platelets to support oxygen delivery, circulation and the body's ability to control bleeding. The program will treat patients in need before they go to a hospital.

"Our firefighters will have the ability to provide life-saving blood transfusions before the patient ever reaches the hospital," said Chief Killings. "That's huge."

The City of El Paso said blood donors are essential to the program's success.

"Blood cannot be manufactured, and a reliable supply depends on the generosity of volunteer donors. Every donation has the potential to save a life, making community members an essential part of the emergency response system," the city said.