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Clay County EMS to begin field blood transfusions next week, director says
Summary
Dr. Justin Deaton, Clay County EMS medical director, told commissioners the county will start performing blood transfusions in the field next week and described other advances in prehospital care, including portable CT collaboration, community paramedicine and AED/Narcan distribution.
Dr. Justin Deaton, medical director for Clay County EMS, told the Board of County Commissioners on May 12 that the county is expanding prehospital capabilities and will begin performing blood transfusions in the field "starting next week." He described the county's ambulances as "rolling emergency departments," noting they now carry advanced airway equipment, portable ultrasound and, through a collaboration with UF Health, have access to on-scene imaging resources.
Deaton said the county's community paramedicine program targets vulnerable patients and reduces avoidable hospital use. He credited Chief Jairo Herrera—who Deaton said arranged distribution of more than 500 AEDs and Narcan—and Lieutenant Christopher Carney for operational leadership. "With the team that is behind me, we will continue to provide excellent pre-hospital care, and stay at the forefront of pre-hospital medicine," Deaton said.
Why it matters: Field transfusions are an escalation in prehospital capability that may reduce time to definitive treatment in life-threatening hemorrhage. Deaton framed the change as a patient-survival measure: "If you or one of your loved ones are suffering from a life-threatening blood hemorrhage, we are able to not only control the bleeding, but give you blood in the field instead of delaying that time until you get to the hospital." He said the capability will be supported by county distribution systems and training.
Additional context: Deaton outlined training and simulation partnerships that include high-fidelity simulation centers and quarterly critical-care classes that bring paramedics from across Florida to Clay County for hands-on practice. He also described community-focused programs that arrange for hospital beds to be delivered to patients' homes and assist people with substance-use disorders and homelessness to access care.
Next steps: Deaton asked for continued board support to maintain training and program funding; commissioners thanked EMS staff and recognized recent awards in the department.
