Trauma patient receives Cobb County's first pre-hospital blood transfusion

Emergency blood transfusion saves woman's life

A Cobb County trauma patient was the recipient of the county's first-ever pre-hospital blood transfusion.

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - A Cobb County trauma patient was the recipient of the county's first-ever pre-hospital blood transfusion.

What we know:

Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services (CCFES) successfully administered red blood cells and fresh plasma to a critical trauma patient in a Puckett EMS ambulance before they arrived at the level one trauma center.

Just four days earlier, they had learned how to do it through a partnership with Life South Community Blood Centers.

The backstory:

Cobb County Fire's Medical Operations team just began carrying blood products on Feb.14. They are the first non-transport fire-based agency in Georgia to be able to give transfusions in the field. "They are carrying the blood products, and they respond to any trauma incident where there is the potential to replenish blood that is lost. This gives our patients the largest chance of survival for any blood loss incident," said Nick Danz with Cobb County Fire. 

Fire officials implemented the program believing it would help save lives and just four days later, that's exactly what happened. "Total game changer. I've been in this business 30 years, most of these trauma patients without blood, it never turns out right. Five days ago she might not have made it to the hospital alive," said Kleiman.  

What we know:

Cobb County officials say the woman was ejected during a crash on Veterans Memorial Highway in Mableton on Feb. 18.

The Cobb County Police Department had applied a tourniquet on her near amputated limb to try and control the amount of blood she was losing. "I grabbed my blood cooler that carries two units of packed red blood cells and two units of fresh frozen plasma and the equipment I needed to administer it," said David Kleiman with Cobb County Fire. 

To save her life, paramedics had to think quickly. They put their newfound knowledge to work, initiating the blood transfusion on the way to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.

"As I'm administering the blood product, she wakes up. Total Lazarus moment," said David Kleiman from CCFES.

It was a success.

What we don't know:

The woman's current condition was not known.

What they're saying:

"The quick and coordinated efforts between our police officers and paramedics exemplify the highest standard of emergency response," said Nick Adams, EMS Division Chief of CCFES. "This successful administration of blood products in the field significantly improves the patient's chances of survival."

"I've been in this business 30 years. Most of these trauma patients without blood, it never turns out right," said Kleiman. "Five days ago, she might not have made it to the hospital alive."

"Total game changer."