BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. — A new emergency medical program in Berkeley County is already making a life-saving impact, with first responders administering multiple blood transfusions in the field just weeks after its launch.
Since early March, Berkeley County EMS has performed four whole blood transfusions through its newly implemented Whole Blood Program, according to officials. The initiative allows paramedics to deliver blood directly to patients before they reach the hospital — a step that can be critical in severe trauma cases.
HCA Healthcare Trident Hospital recently recognized the agency’s efforts, honoring the first responders involved in the program’s first transfusion. In that case, a patient suffered life-threatening injuries after falling onto a drinking glass, causing significant bleeding to the face and head. Paramedics were able to control the bleeding at the scene before administering whole blood en route to the hospital, where the patient received further treatment.
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The program, launched in partnership with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), equips two EMS supervisor vehicles with a unit of O-positive whole blood. These vehicles can respond anywhere in the county when a transfusion is needed.
Whole blood — which contains red blood cells, plasma and platelets — is especially effective in treating patients experiencing hemorrhagic shock, a leading cause of preventable death in trauma situations.
“Carrying whole blood on our vehicles has already proven to be a successful, life-saving decision for at least four people,” said Berkeley County EMS Chief Michael Shirey. “Less than two percent of EMS services across the nation can give blood in the field. We are grateful to be within that small percentage and hope to expand the program in the near future.”
Berkeley County is the first EMS agency in the Tri-County region — and among only a handful in South Carolina — to offer whole blood transfusions in the field.
Local leaders say the early success of the program highlights its importance for public safety.
“We are proud to support innovative tools and strong partnerships that give our first responders every possible advantage when seconds matter most,” said Berkeley County Councilman Marshall West, chair of the council’s Justice and Public Safety Committee. “Berkeley County is already saving more lives through this program and helping set the standard for the region.”
Officials say they hope to expand the program as it continues to demonstrate positive results.
