How does the Milwaukee blood transfusion program work?

Ambulances are stocked with whole blood, and paramedics are trained to administer transfusions to trauma patients en route to the hospital.

How many patients has the Milwaukee program helped?

In its first year, the program provided life-saving transfusions to 38 patients, including children.

What is the goal of Milwaukee's mobile blood program?

The program aims to prevent severely injured trauma patients from dying from blood loss before they can reach a hospital.

Home / Health / Milwaukee Saves Lives with Mobile Blood Transfusions

Milwaukee Saves Lives with Mobile Blood Transfusions

19 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Ambulances in Milwaukee County are equipped with whole blood for transfusions.
The program has provided transfusions to 38 patients, including children.
This initiative aims to prevent trauma patients from dying before reaching the hospital.

Milwaukee Saves Lives with Mobile Blood Transfusions

Milwaukee County's first responders are enhancing trauma care by equipping ambulances with units of whole blood. Launched last year, this program enables paramedics to perform life-saving transfusions on severely injured patients during transport to the hospital, preventing fatalities from excessive blood loss.

In its inaugural year, the initiative successfully provided transfusions to 38 patients, encompassing both adults and children. These interventions were crucial for individuals suffering from critical injuries sustained in car accidents, gun violence, and other traumatic events, as well as for medical emergencies like postpartum hemorrhage.

This pioneering effort by Milwaukee County's fire departments, among a select few nationwide, aims to significantly improve survival rates for trauma patients. Officials are focused on refining protocols to ensure this vital blood supply reaches as many critically injured individuals as possible.