Chesterfield County has implemented a Whole Blood Program that is changing how emergency medical services respond to trauma patients. The program, formally named in 2023, builds on decades of collaboration between Chesterfield Fire and EMS, the Virginia State Police, and regional hospitals.
The Whole Blood Program was recognized with a 2025 National Association of Counties Award for its role in advancing pre-hospital care. Lt. Greg Jones of Chesterfield Fire and EMS described the initiative as a significant step forward: “This is the best thing we’ve ever been able to give trauma patients.”
Previously, medics relied on saline IV fluids for trauma care. However, research showed that while saline can temporarily stabilize patients by maintaining blood pressure, it does not carry oxygen or help with clotting—key factors in treating severe bleeding. “Saline fills the tank… but it doesn’t carry oxygen, and it doesn’t help you clot,” Jones explained. “If someone is bleeding out, saline is just buying minutes.”
The move toward whole blood transfusions in the field was driven by clinical evidence and the leadership of Dr. Allen Yee, operational medical director for Chesterfield Fire and EMS. According to Jones, “Having a full-time operational medical director has been a godsend. Trends come and go in EMS. Whole blood isn’t a trend; it is a proven lifesaver.”
To make the program work, Chesterfield coordinated with Inova Blood Donor Services for supply and invested in hospital-grade coolers used by trauma centers and the military to ensure proper storage of blood products. Medics received training on identifying appropriate patients and administering whole blood safely under pressure.
“This isn’t about being first or being flashy,” Jones said. “It’s about doing what’s best for the patient.” He emphasized careful planning: “We didn’t want to rush it, and we wanted it done right. Blood is a specially assigned program, but everyone’s trained on exactly how to do it.”
Initially available only through Medflight helicopter crews—which can reach any part of Chesterfield within six minutes—the program expanded to ground units as well. Two ground units now carry whole blood supplies, including one stationed at Station 16 where transport times are longer.
“Distance shouldn’t dictate survival. If transport is 25 to 30 minutes, those minutes matter,” Jones said. “People in the west end deserve the same shot as someone five minutes from the hospital.”
Medflight crews have already used whole blood transfusions during critical incidents such as rescue missions on the Appalachian Trail. Firefighter Nikolas Ronesi reflected on one case: “Not quite sure how that person would have fared if they didn’t get blood early on.”
Jones cited data showing that using whole blood can reduce mortality among severely hypotensive trauma patients by up to 50 percent.
Since launching in July 2023, more than 100 units of whole blood have been administered through this program in Chesterfield County.
“This is the single most advanced form of care I’ll ever give in my career,” Jones said.
As neighboring localities consider similar programs, Chesterfield continues to share its experience and model for field-based whole blood administration.
