JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The American Red Cross has declared a severe blood shortage across the nation, and the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department is showing how a single donation can travel from a donor’s arm straight into the hands of a paramedic.
Every day, JFRD responds to emergencies around Jacksonville where seconds can mean the difference between life and death.
When a patient is being transported to the hospital, paramedics have a critical tool at their disposal — and it isn’t medication or equipment. It’s blood.
Blood stored, ready for the field
Lt. Brian Neilson, a JFRD paramedic, says temperature control is key to keeping blood viable in the field.
“We store the blood in this cooler right here. So we actually, it’s all temperature controlled. So one of the main reasons we keep it in a cooler like this is that we can keep it at temperature,” Neilson said. “When we store it, it’s at like 4 degrees. But we keep it in here, that way we can keep control of the temperature.”
Dr. Brad Elias, JFRD’s medical director, says administering blood before a patient reaches the hospital can be critical to survival.
“Getting these products before they arrive, and that could be another 10-15 minutes where the resuscitation is ongoing before they get there,” Elias said.
Elias says that by the time a patient arrives at the hospital, they are in better condition to be treated properly.
He said pre-hospital blood transfusions could “absolutely” mean the difference between life and death for patients.
Summer brings a drop in donations
Summer is traditionally one of the toughest seasons for blood donations, according to LifeSouth Community Blood Centers.
James Skahn, a representative with LifeSouth, says travel and the approaching hurricane season make the need even more urgent.
“You could even make this part of your like hurricane prep routine,” Skahn suggested. “You know, if you’re gonna go get a generator, you’re gonna go get water, go donate blood.”
Skahn says the need is ongoing — and certain blood types are especially critical.
“We’re often in emergency need. We’re currently in emergency needs. We are often looking for O donors. We have a center in Julington, Fleming, and nearby here, Baymeadows. You can just walk on, or you could set up an appointment,” Skahn said.
Residents looking to donate blood at a LifeSouth Community Blood Center in Jacksonville can visit Lifesouth Community Blood Centers to schedule an appointment or view walk-in hours.