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Dallas Fire Rescue says prehospital blood program has transfused 18 patients; council recognizes responders
Summary
City officials recognized Dallas Fire Rescue paramedics and partners after staff described a prehospital blood program launched in February that has enabled on‑route transfusions and, officials say, saved lives including one patient who addressed council.
Dallas City Council on Wednesday recognized Dallas Fire Rescue personnel and partner organizations for a prehospital blood transfusion program that staff said began in February and has allowed emergency medical teams to transfuse blood to patients before arrival at hospital emergency rooms.
Why it matters: Staff and the program’s medical lead said early, on‑scene transfusion can be lifesaving for patients with severe hemorrhage. Officials described collaboration with Parkland Health and Parkland BioTel, the American Red Cross and Dallas Fire Rescue (DFR) as central to the effort.
Program details and recognition: - Chief Medical Director Dr. Marshall Isaacs told the council, “So far, 18 patients have received potentially life saving blood transfusions.” Isaacs and DFR leadership said the program pairs blood units with specially trained EMS personnel and equipment carried on rescue units. - The council and city manager presented a certificate of exemplary performance to Rescue 11, Engine 11 and EMS supervisor 786 and named responders Marcus Tu, Eric Bernal, Josh Mahali, Justin Laborn, John Bronson, Brian Elliott and Jack Barr. - A patient who received a prehospital transfusion, Dr. Kate Kraus, addressed the council. Kraus, an emergency physician who said she had postpartum hemorrhage on March 30, 2025, told the council she was “in and out of consciousness when paramedics arrived” and that she received two units of blood "just outside of my house on the way to the hospital." She said, “I very nearly died that day.”
Officials’ framing and next steps: DFR interim assistant chief Scott Paco and Chief Medical Director Isaacs described the program as part of the department’s strategy to improve prehospital trauma care. City staff said the program’s partners include Parkland Biotech (BioTel), the American Red Cross and Parkland Hospital, and that the city will continue to support training and equipment needs as the program grows.
Ending: The council’s public recognition included a photo opportunity with the team and a formal certificate presented for the March 30, 2025 incident cited by staff.
