Arlington EMS Launches Lifesaving Program to Deliver Blood Transfusions at the Scene of Emergencies
10.14.2025
A new partnership between AMR, Arlington Fire Department, and Medical City Arlington Hospital allows advanced medical services to be provided outside of a hospital setting, placing them among fewer than 2% of EMS providers nationwide able to offer these capabilities.
More than 200 million Americans experience traumatic injuries each year, including nearly 130,000 in Texas alone. For those suffering significant blood loss, early transfusion can be the deciding factor between life and death. Yet fewer than 2% of ground emergency medical services (EMS) agencies nationwide have the capability to administer blood in the field.
That changes this month in Arlington. American Medical Response (AMR), in partnership with the Arlington Fire Department (AFD) and Medical City Arlington hospital, will begin carrying whole blood, red blood cells, and plasma on select quick response and supervisor vehicles. The program allows trained paramedics to begin lifesaving transfusions minutes after arriving on-scene.
“In critical emergencies—whether trauma, postpartum, or gastrointestinal hemorrhage—rapid blood replacement is key to survival,” said Dr. Bradley Keegan, medical director for the Arlington EMS system. “Getting whole blood to the patient before they reach the hospital can prevent irreversible shock and dramatically improve recovery.”
A New Standard in Pre-Hospital Care
Uncontrolled bleeding remains one of the leading causes of preventable death after injury. Studies show that when blood is given within the first 15 minutes of an emergency, survival rates rise sharply. By deploying whole blood in the field, Arlington’s EMS teams can stabilize patients earlier, reduce complications, and extend the window for definitive care.
“Both AMR and AFD responders have completed advanced training to administer blood safely and effectively in the field,” said Will Hendon, regional director for GMR. “This effort enhances our ability to respond to serious medical emergencies across the city—on streets, in homes, or anywhere time matters most.”
Hospital Partnership Maximizes Every Drop
Medical City Arlington hospital will supply and monitor all blood products used by AMR and AFD units, ensuring blood products do not expire and are used efficiently. “We are proud to partner with AMR and the Arlington Fire Department to bring hospital-level care to patients before they arrive at our doors,” said Medical City Arlington CEO Lasharndra “Sharn” Barbarin. “Every unit of blood represents a community donation that has the power to save lives, and this partnership is yet another example of our support for the Arlington community.”
Arlington Fire Chief Bret Stidham added, “Our collaboration ensures residents receive the highest level of emergency care possible. This program strengthens the chain of survival and exemplifies what can be achieved through coordination between EMS and hospital partners.”
Community Partnership in Action
AMR, the Arlington Fire Department, and Medical City Arlington encourage residents to help sustain this effort by donating blood. “Every transfusion begins with a volunteer donor,” added Dr. Keegan said. “These community contributions make lifesaving moments possible every day."
That changes this month in Arlington. American Medical Response (AMR), in partnership with the Arlington Fire Department (AFD) and Medical City Arlington hospital, will begin carrying whole blood, red blood cells, and plasma on select quick response and supervisor vehicles. The program allows trained paramedics to begin lifesaving transfusions minutes after arriving on-scene.
“In critical emergencies—whether trauma, postpartum, or gastrointestinal hemorrhage—rapid blood replacement is key to survival,” said Dr. Bradley Keegan, medical director for the Arlington EMS system. “Getting whole blood to the patient before they reach the hospital can prevent irreversible shock and dramatically improve recovery.”
A New Standard in Pre-Hospital Care
Uncontrolled bleeding remains one of the leading causes of preventable death after injury. Studies show that when blood is given within the first 15 minutes of an emergency, survival rates rise sharply. By deploying whole blood in the field, Arlington’s EMS teams can stabilize patients earlier, reduce complications, and extend the window for definitive care.
“Both AMR and AFD responders have completed advanced training to administer blood safely and effectively in the field,” said Will Hendon, regional director for GMR. “This effort enhances our ability to respond to serious medical emergencies across the city—on streets, in homes, or anywhere time matters most.”
Hospital Partnership Maximizes Every Drop
Medical City Arlington hospital will supply and monitor all blood products used by AMR and AFD units, ensuring blood products do not expire and are used efficiently. “We are proud to partner with AMR and the Arlington Fire Department to bring hospital-level care to patients before they arrive at our doors,” said Medical City Arlington CEO Lasharndra “Sharn” Barbarin. “Every unit of blood represents a community donation that has the power to save lives, and this partnership is yet another example of our support for the Arlington community.”
Arlington Fire Chief Bret Stidham added, “Our collaboration ensures residents receive the highest level of emergency care possible. This program strengthens the chain of survival and exemplifies what can be achieved through coordination between EMS and hospital partners.”
Community Partnership in Action
AMR, the Arlington Fire Department, and Medical City Arlington encourage residents to help sustain this effort by donating blood. “Every transfusion begins with a volunteer donor,” added Dr. Keegan said. “These community contributions make lifesaving moments possible every day."
