The City of New Braunfels Fire Department is proud to mark the 5th anniversary of its pioneering Whole Blood Program, which has significantly improved emergency medical services and patient outcomes since its launch in August 2019.
As one of only 120 EMS agencies carrying whole blood (according to the National Library of Medicine), NBFD’s program provides immediate, on-scene whole blood transfusions, a critical advancement over the previously available water-type fluid called crystalloid. This capability is especially crucial for New Braunfels, which lacks a local trauma hospital, with the nearest trauma facilities located in San Antonio and Kyle. Additionally, blood transfusions aren't always about gunshot wounds or other significant trauma. Many patients receive blood due to gastrointestinal bleeds or ruptured internal vessels that aren't traumatic in nature.
To date, NBFD has administered nearly 60 units of blood with an impressive recovery rate of over 70%. The program includes a regional partnership with the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council (STRAC) and the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center (STBTC) to ensure a reliable blood supply, with unused blood being rotated to trauma hospitals every 14 days so that all blood gets used. Information on how to donate blood and become part of the STBTC’s Heroes in Arms program can be found at https://biobridgeglobal.org/donors/blood-donation/heroes-in-arms/.
“The New Braunfels Fire Department’s Whole Blood Program quite literally saves lives by providing critical care quickly, transforming the standard of care in pre-hospital trauma treatment and positioning New Braunfels as a leader in emergency medical innovation,” said New Braunfels Fire Chief Ruy Lozano. “The success of this program is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team and the support of our community. This initiative has saved countless lives and continues to be a vital component of our emergency response capabilities.”
As the City of New Braunfels Fire Department looks ahead, plans are already underway to further enhance the Whole Blood Program, incorporating the latest advancements in medical technology and expanding training programs for first responders. The department remains committed to pioneering innovative solutions that improve emergency medical services and save lives.