DELAWARE — In recognition of National First Responders Day, Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) and EMS agencies across Delaware are celebrating the lifesaving impact of the state’s prehospital whole blood transfusion programs, an innovative effort that has already resulted in more than 450 blood products transfused since the initiative began in May 2023.
“Transfusion of whole blood by paramedics is a treatment provided by fewer than ten percent of paramedic agencies nationwide,” said Robert A. Rosenbaum, MD, State EMS and Preparedness Section Medical Director. “Delaware’s statewide whole blood program is now a standard for all of our already high-performing paramedic agencies who have utilized this lifesaving intervention and administered whole blood to patients in nearly every zip code in Delaware.”
By equipping paramedics with whole blood in the field, Delaware EMS teams are giving trauma patients a fighting chance before reaching the hospital. Since 2023, the following EMS agencies have participated:
- Sussex County EMS – Launched May 23, 2023; 111 units transfused to date
- New Castle County EMS – Launched May 24, 2023; 275 units transfused to date
- Kent County EMS – Launched November 12, 2024; 20 units transfused to date
- Delaware State Police – Launched February 14, 2025; 15 units transfused to date
Together with Southern Chester County, Pennsylvania EMS, these programs have collectively transfused more than 450 units of blood in the field.
“The Delaware State Police saw this as a chance to improve patient outcomes, and we have witnessed the impact firsthand,” said Captain Jeff Whitmarsh, Delaware State Police Aviation Unit Commander. “Whole blood treatment bridges the gap between time, distance, and care, increasing survivability. We are grateful to BBD for giving our flight crews this vital resource.”
“Placing whole blood in the hands of our paramedics closes a critical time gap for patients with life-threatening hemorrhage,” said Chief John A. Tinger, Director of Public Safety / Chief, Kent County EMS. “This program reflects the best of regional collaboration: blood donors, hospital partners, aviation support, and ground EMS all aligning to give residents and visitors a better chance on their worst day.”
“Field administration of whole blood has truly changed outcomes for our most critical trauma patients,” said Robert Murray, Director, Sussex County Department of Public Safety. “The partnership between Delaware’s Trauma System, our emergency response agencies, and the Blood Bank of Delmarva stands as a powerful example of how teamwork saves lives.”
Among the patients who have benefited is Peyton Harter, 18, who was trapped in her car for two hours after a collision with a school bus in Bear this past April. New Castle County Paramedics and Delaware State Police administered three units of blood at the accident scene.
“My daughter, Peyton, is alive today because of the quick actions of New Castle County paramedics, Delaware State troopers and local firefighters following a devastating car crash,” said Amy Harter, Peyton’s mother. “While she was trapped in her vehicle for more than two hours, she received rapid transfusions of lifesaving whole blood, right on scene. This critical intervention made all the difference.”
National First Responders Day, observed annually on October 28, honors the bravery and dedication of police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. Delaware’s statewide prehospital transfusion programs exemplify that commitment, uniting first responders, hospitals, and blood donors in this lifesaving effort.
“These programs are only possible because of Delaware’s first responders and generous blood donors,” said Kristin Frederick, Executive Director, Blood Manufacturing Operations, BBD. “Each unit of blood represents hope in someone’s worst moment. This First Responders Day, we’re proud to honor those on the front lines and encourage the community to donate so blood is always available when it’s needed most.”
“In celebration of First Responders’ Day, I want to emphasize how important it is to have blood available before patients reach the hospital,” said Amy. “Please consider donating blood to Blood Bank of Delmarva. Your donation is vital, and could save someone else’s daughter, son, parent, or friend.”
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit delmarvablood.org or call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8.
FOR MEDIA: Representatives from Blood Bank of Delmarva and participating EMS agencies, as well as blood recipient Peyton and her mother, Amy Harter, are available for interviews. B-roll of blood donations and ground ambulances equipped for prehospital transfusions can be arranged by request.
