RESCUE Program Brings Life-Saving PreHospital Blood to the Area

RIDGELAND, MS — Beginning on July 15, residents of Ridgeland and surrounding communities will benefit from faster access to life-saving blood transfusions through the Rural Emergency Services Care, Blood Utilization for Survival (RESCUE) Program.

The RESCUE Program is a collaborative initiative between Mississippi Blood Services, local emergency responders, and the community. The program provides whole blood for patients suffering severe traumatic injuries before they arrive at the hospital, bringing an advanced level of emergency care to communities with improved trauma care augmenting care available by Pafford Ambulance.

Until now, medical helicopters were the only providers of blood products at emergency scenes in Mississippi. Through the RESCUE Program, qualified emergency responders will be able to administer whole blood in the field during the critical minutes following a traumatic injury.

Recently appointed Ridgeland Fire and Police Department Medical Director Dr. Damon Darsey, provides the medical oversight that allows Ridgeland firefighters to administer blood in the field.

“Early blood transfusions can dramatically improve survival for critically injured patients,” said Dr. Darsey. “Providing blood before a patient reaches the hospital gives first responders another critical tool to save lives.”

Ridgeland Fire Department is among a very small number of agencies in Mississippi with this capability. Only about 4 percent of ambulances statewide carry blood products, and even fewer fire departments are equipped to administer them. Ridgeland Fire Department will be the only fire department in Mississippi carrying whole blood and the second fire department in the state to operate a field transfusion program.

“Dr. Darsey and I have been working together for quite some time to bring this service to the citizens of Ridgeland because we believe they deserve access to the highest quality care,” stated Jonathan Posey, Ridgeland Fire Chief.

These services can reduce the time it takes for critically injured patients to receive blood by nearly an hour. Research has shown that administering blood within approximately 35 minutes of a severe injury significantly improves survival.

Through generous financial support from Haskell Construction and Community Bank, this program is made possible in Ridgeland.

The success of the RESCUE Program also depends on continued community involvement. Mississippi Blood Services and local partners encourage residents to donate blood and participate in community blood drives to maintain an adequate supply for emergency response.

Residents, businesses, and civic organizations interested in supporting the RESCUE Program through blood drives, blood donations, or financial contributions are encouraged to contact Mississippi Blood Services or the Ridgeland Fire Department for more information.