UT Health East Texas EMS expands equipment for access to lifesaving blood in the field
Published 4:59 am Saturday, August 22, 2026
UT Health East Texas Emergency Medical Services (EMS) expanded its prehospital blood program by equipping supervisor vehicles with new blood coolers on Wednesday.
The expanded equipment will increase the availability of whole blood for patients experiencing life-threatening medical emergencies and traumatic injuries. The addition of the blood coolers allows specifically trained EMS personnel to transport and administer whole blood more quickly in the field, improving access to a critical intervention.
“Early access to whole blood can be lifesaving for critically injured patients,” said Yagnesh Desai, EMS and AIR 1 medical director at UT Health East Texas. “Equipping supervisor vehicles with whole blood will allow us to reach critical patients sooner and begin advanced treatment before they arrive at the hospital.”
Desai said for patients suffering from severe blood loss, whole blood can help restore circulation, improve oxygen delivery throughout the body and increase the chances of survival during the most critical moments of care.
The blood coolers were made possible through funding provided by the Piney Woods Regional Advisory Council (RAC), whose support is helping expand access to lifesaving treatment throughout the region.
“We are grateful to the Piney Woods RAC for its partnership and investment in the health of our communities,” said John Smith, EMS CEO at UT Health East Texas. “Their support allows us to bridge the critical gap between the scene of an emergency and definitive hospital care, helping ensure patients receive the treatment they need as quickly as possible.”
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For more information about UT Health East Texas EMS and AIR 1, visit uthealtheasttexas.com.