Salisbury, North Carolina, January 22, 2026
Rowan County Emergency Medical Services will now carry whole blood in its emergency vehicles, enhancing their ability to treat patients with severe blood loss before reaching hospitals. In collaboration with Novant Health’s blood bank, this initiative signifies a major advancement in emergency medical care. Whole blood includes essential components like red blood cells and plasma, enabling faster interventions that can significantly improve patient survival rates. This program positions Rowan County as a leader in adopting life-saving medical practices, aligning with a national trend towards earlier blood administration in pre-hospital settings.
Salisbury, North Carolina
Rowan County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will now equip its emergency vehicles with units of whole blood, significantly enhancing life-saving capabilities for patients experiencing severe blood loss before reaching a hospital. This initiative, announced on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, marks a critical advancement in pre-hospital care in the region.
The provision of whole blood by EMS teams allows for faster intervention during critical medical emergencies. Novant Health will supply the whole blood through its blood bank, ensuring accessibility and readiness for emergency responses. This strategic partnership aims to bring hospital-level care closer to patients when every moment is vital.
Enhancing Life-Saving Interventions
Whole blood is a comprehensive blood product containing red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and clotting factors. This composition makes it the most complete option for treating severe bleeding, also known as hemorrhagic shock. The early administration of whole blood in pre-hospital settings has been shown to improve outcomes for trauma patients by initiating resuscitation sooner.
Research underscores the profound impact of this type of early medical intervention. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which oversees the federal EMS division, estimates that approximately 37 percent of trauma patients with severe bleeding could be saved through prehospital blood transfusions. Furthermore, patients who received whole blood in the field were found to be four times more likely to survive compared to those who did not. A 2024 study in JAMA Surgery highlighted that whole blood transfusion was associated with a 60% decrease in mortality at 24 hours in patients who received it early as an adjunct to massive transfusion with component products. Additionally, a 2021 study published in Transfusion indicated that prehospital whole blood use correlated with less intense shock upon arrival at the emergency department and reduced mortality.
A Growing Trend in Emergency Medicine
Rowan County’s decision to implement this program aligns with national best practices and reflects a growing trend across emergency medicine to deliver blood products earlier in patient care. This shift towards pre-hospital blood administration is becoming increasingly common Nationwide. By Fall 2024, 38 US states permitted EMS units to initiate blood use in the field.
North Carolina has been at the forefront of this movement. Rowan County is the 18th county in North Carolina to authorize EMTs to carry and administer blood. Other counties in the state, such as Cabarrus County, also launched prehospital blood programs in late 2025. Cabarrus County became one of 13 North Carolina counties authorized to provide prehospital blood products. This collective effort by various EMS agencies across the state underscores a shared commitment to enhancing critical care access for all residents, regardless of their location.
The introduction of whole blood on emergency vehicles signifies a major stride in addressing the time-sensitive nature of severe trauma. In situations where transport to a trauma center can take significant time, particularly in more rural areas, having immediate access to blood products can make the difference between life and death. This enhancement ensures that patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment as quickly as possible, starting from the moment emergency responders arrive on scene.
Novant Health expressed its continued commitment to collaborating with community partners to further advance emergency services and improve patient outcomes across the region. This ongoing dedication aims to strengthen the entire emergency care system, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care during their most critical moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the latest development in Rowan County EMS?
Rowan County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will now carry units of whole blood on its vehicles, expanding the level of lifesaving care available to patients during medical emergencies. - Who is supplying the whole blood to Rowan County EMS?
Novant Health will supply the whole blood through its blood bank. - What does whole blood contain?
Whole blood contains red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and clotting factors. It is considered the most complete option for treating hemorrhagic shock. - Why is pre-hospital whole blood administration important?
Early administration in pre-hospital settings has been shown to improve outcomes for trauma patients by beginning resuscitation as soon as possible. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 37 percent of trauma patients with severe bleeding could be saved with prehospital blood transfusions. Patients who received whole blood in the field were four times more likely to survive. - Is this a common practice Nationwide?
Yes, this approach aligns with national best practices and reflects a growing movement across emergency medicine. By Fall 2024, 38 US states permitted EMS units to initiate blood use in the field. - How many counties in North Carolina offer this service?
Rowan County is the 18th county in North Carolina to allow EMTs to carry blood.
Key Features of the Rowan County EMS Whole Blood Program
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Initiative | Rowan County EMS will carry units of whole blood on emergency vehicles. | County-level |
| Supplier | Novant Health, through its blood bank, will provide the whole blood. | State-level (Novant Health operates in NC/SC) |
| Composition of Whole Blood | Contains red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and clotting factors. | Nationwide |
| Primary Benefit | Expands life-saving treatment options for patients with severe blood loss before hospital arrival; improves outcomes by beginning resuscitation sooner. | Nationwide |
| Survival Statistics | NHTSA estimates 37 percent of trauma patients with severe bleeding could be saved with prehospital blood transfusions. Patients receiving whole blood in the field were four times more likely to survive. | Nationwide |
| Mortality Reduction | A 2024 study in JAMA Surgery found a 60% decrease in 24-hour mortality for patients receiving early whole blood transfusion. | Nationwide |
| State-Level Adoption | Rowan County is the 18th county in North Carolina to allow EMTs to carry blood. | State-level |
| National Trend | By Fall 2024, 38 US states permitted EMS units to initiate blood use in the field. | Nationwide |
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