January Is National Blood Donor Month
Another Way EMS and 911 Agencies Can Help Save Lives
January is National Blood Donor Month, an opportunity to highlight the role blood donation plays in supporting trauma care and saving lives nationwide. According to the American Red Cross, the United States is experiencing its lowest number of blood donors in 20 years, creating ongoing challenges maintaining an adequate blood supply.
Across the nation, 911 and EMS agencies can play an important role in helping to increase the nation’s donated blood supply. First, 911 and EMS agencies can educate the public about the importance of blood donation and an ample blood supply through local promotional and educational efforts. Second, public safety and emergency communication agencies can host blood drives and encourage public safety personnel to donate blood, directly impacting local supply volumes.
Severe bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death in trauma patients, including those injured in motor vehicle crashes. Timely access to blood transfusions in a prehospital setting could increase the number of trauma patients with severe bleeding who survive by 37%. This underscores the importance of a strong and reliable blood supply whether the patient receives blood from EMS clinicians or at the hospital.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Office of EMS (OEMS) continues to support EMS and 911 agencies nationwide as the number of agencies with prehospital blood transfusion programs grows. These programs rely on sustained blood donation efforts and partnerships with blood centers. Whether or not a community currently has a prehospital blood program, blood donation remains a vital way to strengthen trauma care systems and support emergency response beyond the call.