DeKalb County Expands Lifesaving Emergency Response Through Whole Blood Transfusion Program

DeKalb County is advancing emergency medical response and trauma care through a collaborative Whole Blood Program that allows specially trained American Medical Response paramedics to administer lifesaving blood transfusions before patients reach the hospital.

The initiative, launched in partnership with American Medical Response (AMR) and The Blood Connection, has already reached a major milestone with the first 100 units of whole blood delivered in the field. The program equips emergency responders with the ability to begin transfusions at the scene of traumatic injuries, bringing hospital-level care directly to residents during their most critical moments.  

“Public safety is about delivering the highest level of care when our residents need it most,” said DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “This program represents the future of emergency response in DeKalb County by placing advanced lifesaving treatment directly into the hands of our first responders.”

The program is specifically designed to improve outcomes for patients experiencing severe blood loss, one of the leading causes of preventable death following traumatic injuries. By administering whole blood minutes earlier than traditional hospital-based treatment, emergency responders can significantly increase a patient’s chance of survival.  

Dr. Esther Hwang, medical director for AMR DeKalb County, emphasized the importance of rapid intervention during traumatic emergencies. “Uncontrolled hemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable death after trauma, and the first minutes are critical,” said Hwang. “If we can start whole blood even a few minutes sooner, we can meaningfully improve a patient’s chance of surviving.”  

Earlier this year, DeKalb Fire Rescue crews and AMR paramedics responded to a serious vehicle crash involving South DeKalb resident Charles Carpenter. Fire crews worked quickly to extricate Carpenter from the wreckage while AMR EMS personnel identified signs of hemorrhagic shock and immediately began a whole blood transfusion on scene. The rapid intervention helped stabilize Carpenter until he could be transported for advanced medical care.  

“This is exactly why we train and invest in innovative emergency response capabilities,” said DeKalb Director of Public Safety Darnell Fullum. “The coordination between DeKalb Fire Rescue, AMR paramedics, and our healthcare partners is helping save lives across this county.”

The Whole Blood Program reflects DeKalb County’s broader commitment to strengthening emergency response infrastructure and ensuring residents have access to the most advanced public safety services available. The initiative required specialized refrigeration systems, advanced paramedic training, continuous blood monitoring, and a coordinated donor network to support operations.  

DeKalb County officials say the program positions the county among a select number of EMS systems nationwide capable of providing whole blood transfusions in the field and establishes a new standard for emergency medical care in Georgia.