- June 19, 2026
Volusia County is advancing emergency trauma care after the County Council approved agreements that will enable Volusia County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to provide prehospital blood transfusions to qualifying patients with traumatic injuries.
The addition of blood to prehospital care will enhance treatment for patients who have experienced significant blood loss. This new initiative will provide first responders with another tool to help care for patients and increase the likelihood of survival.
Studies indicate that earlier access to blood transfusions greatly improves outcomes for certain trauma patients. The approach has gained support from organizations including the American College of Emergency Physicians, the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, the Florida Trauma System Advisory Council, and the National EMS Advisory Council. Local trauma centers also support the initiation of prehospital blood transfusions as part of a coordinated trauma care system.
The agreements with Halifax Health and OneBlood establish the partnerships needed for Volusia County EMS to implement the prehospital whole blood program under the oversight of the Volusia County medical director. Through the agreements, Halifax Health will support blood handling and logistics, while OneBlood will provide the blood products.
Volusia County EMS has already begun training to provide this service and will continue to prepare for the program’s implementation through additional training, coordination, operational planning, and deployment procedures with its partners.
