As part of a statewide initiative, Port Aransas EMS can now deliver life-saving blood transfusions in the field, a first for the Coastal Bend.<\/p>\n
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas \u2014 Port Aransas EMS has become the first ground ambulance service in the Coastal Bend to carry whole blood, marking a major step forward in emergency care.<\/p>\n
RELATED: Sea Scouts Make History in Gulf Coast Regatta Win<\/a><\/p>\n The agency is part of a statewide initiative to ensure whole blood is available in every Texas county. The addition means medics can now perform transfusions directly in the field before a patient ever reaches the hospital.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you have a bleeding trauma situation, every minute matters,\u201d said Corey Survant, CEO of the Coastal Bend Blood Center. \u201cBy having blood on that ambulance, it\u2019s going to help save lives.\u201d<\/p>\n The program uses low-titer Type O whole blood, which can be safely transfused to most patients in critical need. The new equipment and training were made possible through a partnership with the Coastal Bend Blood Center and local donors.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re just one step closer to being able to save your loved one,\u201d said Port Aransas EMS Chief Daniel Johnson. \u201cThis is a big undertaking, but it\u2019s worth every effort.\u201d<\/p>\n Survant emphasized that community participation remains key.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can\u2019t make this happen without our volunteer blood donors,\u201d he said. \u201cThey\u2019re the ones who truly make all of this possible.\u201d<\/p>\n Local officials say Port Aransas is leading the way, and that more Coastal Bend counties could soon follow, expanding a program that gives first responders the tools to save lives when every second counts.<\/p>\n More from 3NEWS on KIIITV.com: \u00a0<\/p>\n