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The Caroline Foundation continued its investment in community health through a recent grant to Caroline County Department of Emergency Services, providing vital funding to a life-saving Whole Blood program.
The Department of Emergency Services, which oversees communications, management, and administration of medical services during emergencies, was awarded $25,000 to support an initiative aimed at improving patient outcomes in emergency situations. According to EMS Division Chief KJ Marvel, receiving grants allows the department to pursue these kinds of forward-thinking projects without increasing the burden on taxpayers, considering the Department is primarily funded via state and local governments. Marvel emphasized that these additional funds make it possible “to be progressive and bring quality care to the citizens and visitors of Caroline County.”
The funding is being used to implement a Low Titer O+ Whole Blood (LTOWB) program, a significant advancement in emergency medical care. This initiative will allow first responders to administer whole blood in the field to patients experiencing severe trauma or medical emergencies requiring rapid transfusion. Unlike traditional methods that rely on separate blood components, LTOWB provides a ready-to-use product that can improve survival rates and reduce the effects of shock. “It acts as a ‘universal donor’ product containing red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, reducing logistical complexity while better mitigating shock and decreasing mortality compared to traditional component therapy,” Marvel explained.
Marvel pointed out that having this capability is especially important as Caroline does not have a hospital, and in medical emergencies, seconds matter. By introducing whole blood into pre-hospital care, DES can bring a higher level of emergency treatment directly to patients.
“Receiving this grant has enabled us to bring this life-saving skill to the county. It enabled us to secure the funds to purchase the equipment, so we can better serve our community. We are extremely grateful to the Caroline Foundation Committee for believing in our project and awarding us funds,” Marvel said.
