A life-saving change is coming to the Ozaukee Central Fire Department
GRAFTON, Wis. (CBS 58) - Soon, lifesaving blood transfusions could begin before patients ever make it to the hospital.
Starting April 14, Ozaukee Central Fire Department ambulances will carry blood on board bringing a critical level of care directly to emergency scenes.
The idea for the program came after a call where crews didn’t have immediate access to blood.
Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Karpinski
“We had a call where it was very evident that we needed blood product and it wasn’t available to us,” said Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Karpinski.
That moment led the department to rethink how they respond to severe trauma cases.
Soon, ambulances will be equipped with specialized coolers designed to safely store blood in the field. Karpinski said maintaining the right temperature is key.
“The blood has to be maintained between two and six degrees Celsius. We have special coolers that do that and monitor it very closely,” he said.
When it comes to trauma, time can make the difference between life and death.
“Our chances of survival are increasing substantially for someone that needs blood. The sooner they get it their chances of survival are increasing 11% to 13%,” Karpinski said.
Now, the department is among the few in the state bringing that level of care directly to patients before they reach the hospital.
“The data shows that this is life changing and that it will save lives so it’s exciting to be able to have that,” he said.
The blood supply is on rotation with their blood bank, so nothing goes to waste.
To kick off the program, the Ozaukee Central Fire Department will hold a blood drive April 14 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Grafton Fire Station. People can sign up online here.
