Saving Lives Starts at the Scene: EMS Week 2026
When you donate blood, you may think it goes straight to a hospital, but that’s not always the case. EMS professionals are often the first line of defense in preventing fatalities after a traumatic injury, and the ability to administer blood before arriving at the hospital can mean the difference between life and death. Because of this, prehospital blood transfusion programs have rapidly expanded across the country.
EMS Week, taking place May 17–23, recognizes the dedication of first responders and the critical role they play in our communities every day. This year, the NHTSA’s Office of EMS is highlighting the importance of prehospital blood transfusions. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, prehospital blood transfusions could save up to 37% of trauma patients experiencing severe bleeding, with the risk of death increasing by 11% for every minute without blood.
Providing advanced medical care before a patient reaches the hospital is becoming an essential part of trauma response, and Gulf Coast Blood is honored to support EMS agency partners with the blood products needed to make that care possible.
This year’s EMS Week theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” reflects exactly what Gulf Coast Blood strives to do through partnerships with local EMS agencies. Recently, Gulf Coast Blood partnered with Harris County ESD 11 to supply paramedics not only with blood, but also with plasma. This advancement allows patients experiencing severe blood loss to receive critical treatment immediately. In the past, many patients would have just received IV fluids until arriving at the hospital. The ability to administer both whole blood and plasma in the field represents an important advancement in emergency trauma care.
Currently, Gulf Coast Blood partners with 14 EMS agencies across the region to help ensure patients can receive blood products as quickly as possible:
- Harris County ESD 11
- Harris County #6 (North Channel Freeport)
- Harris County #48
- Crosby ESD #5 Crosby
- Fort Bend EMS
- Brazoria County EMS #3
- Alief Community FD
- Cy-Fair EMS
- Harris County #50
- Harris County Emergency Corp
- League City EMS
- Pearland Fire Department EMS
- Robertson County EMS
- Sugar Land Fire Department
Every prehospital transfusion begins with a blood donor. By donating blood, you are helping ensure EMS professionals have the tools they need to save lives before patients ever reach the hospital.