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Teller County EMS to begin whole‑blood transfusions next week, presenters say
Summary
Council heard a presentation from Teller County medical director Dr. Sean Keenan about planned whole‑blood transfusions by local ambulance services and the fundraising needed to maintain the program.
Woodland Park City Council heard a presentation Thursday about a new whole‑blood resuscitation program that Teller County emergency medical services plan to begin next week.
Dr. Sean Keenan, Teller County EMS medical director and an emergency medicine physician with UCHealth, told council the county expects to use whole blood in the field for patients with severe bleeding and certain medical emergencies. “If we gave whole blood sooner…they actually did much better,” Keenan said, describing evidence derived from military and civilian experience.
Keenan said whole blood has been used increasingly in the civilian prehospital setting but remains uncommon: “Less than 2 percent of all ambulances in the United States currently have whole blood,” he said. He described Colorado Springs’ yearlong experience — nearly 100 units used — and said Teller County’s longer transport times make early transfusion potentially lifesaving. Keenan’s team estimated roughly two EMS patients per month in Teller County would meet criteria for field whole‑blood transfusion.
Nut graf: The council received the briefing to inform residents about the clinical rationale, equipment needs and a continuing funding gap. Presenters said initial costs and ongoing replenishment are being covered by local philanthropy and hospital partners, but long‑term reimbursement depends on federal policy changes.
Keenan outlined operational and financial details: whole blood units typically cost about $700 apiece in current supply conditions; units used in prehospital care expire after about 21 days and require monitored refrigeration and tracking. Memorial Hospital and its foundation committed initial support, the hospital pledged four units for Teller County (two at the hospital and two on a supervisory vehicle), and local fundraising has brought in donations including a reported $30,000 from Bridal Creek and $20,000 from a county EMS re‑tax fund. Keenan emphasized the program will initially rely on philanthropy while national reimbursement mechanisms are pursued in Washington, D.C.
Council members asked no formal questions beyond brief acknowledgment and thanked the presenters. No formal action was taken; the item was presented for information and community awareness.
Ending: Keenan encouraged local blood drives and continued philanthropic support to sustain the program while federal reimbursement is pursued.
