Volusia County EMS Launches Prehospital Whole Blood Program to Bring Lifesaving Trauma Care to Patients Sooner
Posted On: October 1, 2026
Volusia County Emergency Medical Administration has officially launched its new prehospital whole blood program, giving EMS crews across all of Volusia County the ability to provide blood transfusions to qualifying trauma patients experiencing severe blood loss before they reach the hospital.
Severe bleeding is a leading cause of preventable trauma deaths. For patients experiencing significant blood loss, delays in replacing lost blood can increase the risk of death. By making whole blood available during prehospital care, EMS crews can begin blood resuscitation sooner for qualifying patients, providing an important treatment during the critical period between the initial emergency response and hospital arrival.
EMS personnel have completed simulation-based training to prepare for the program. The training included simulated trauma scenarios in which crews practiced identifying eligible patients, preparing blood products and administering transfusions.
The program was made possible through agreements approved earlier this year by the Volusia County Council with Halifax Health and OneBlood. Halifax Health is assisting with blood handling and logistics, while OneBlood is providing the blood products used by the program.
The program operates under the oversight of Volusia County EMS medical director Jessica Daly, MD and deputy EMS medical director Justin Beyer, MD and is being integrated into the county's existing emergency response and trauma care system. The new capability strengthens coordination among EMS, hospitals and the regional blood supply and gives paramedics another resource when caring for patients with severe traumatic bleeding.
The availability of whole blood in the field is only possible because of a reliable blood supply. Residents who are eligible to donate blood can play a direct role in helping ensure lifesaving blood products are available when emergencies happen. With the launch of the prehospital whole blood program and community support, Volusia County is bringing an important new trauma-care capability closer to patients and strengthening response when every minute matters.
