The Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD) has partnered with SunCoast Blood Centers to launch a groundbreaking whole blood transfusion program. This initiative equips SCFD EMS Captains with the ability to administer whole blood transfusions directly at emergency scenes, providing critical care to patients suffering from severe bleeding or traumatic injuries before they reach the hospital.
SCFD has outfitted EMS Captains’ vehicles with the necessary equipment and trained personnel to deliver these life-saving transfusions. The program officially goes live on Monday, Feb. 10, with whole blood available on EMS Captains’ vehicles.
How to Donate
Community members can support this initiative by donating whole blood. The process takes about 15 minutes and can be repeated every 56 days. Donors are encouraged to inform staff that their donation should be directed to the Sarasota County Fire Department.
Those interested in donating can do so by:
- Attending the SCFD Fire Station 8 Open House on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 840 Apex Road, Sarasota.
- Visiting any SCFD Open House in 2025. A full list of dates and locations can be found online.
- Donating at a SunCoast Blood Center location or searching for a nearby blood drive on their website.
- Calling 1-866-97-BLOOD for more information.
For more details on SCFD’s whole blood transfusion program, visit the Sarasota County Fire Department or SunCoast Blood Centers online.