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County to launch whole‑blood program for EMS after securing $155,500 grant
Summary
Queen Anne's County will enter a Rural Health Transformation Program agreement worth $155,500 to start a whole blood program in EMS; grant funds cover staffing, equipment and supply logistics for an initial rollout on a supervisor unit, with expected 6–8 administrations a year and a five‑year grant term.
The commissioners authorized the Department of Emergency Services on June 9 to accept a $155,500 Rural Health Transformation Program grant through the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems to start a Queen Anne's County whole blood program for prehospital transfusions.
County EMS staff described the program as a multi‑year pilot that places whole blood on a supervisor unit initially (with two units available in the rollout). The grant covers equipment (temperature‑controlled coolers and administration kits), an added staff position to support the program, and logistics with a blood bank (discussed as likely located in Delaware) to rotate supplies so the county maintains fresh whole blood within viability windows. Whole blood is typically used in trauma, major GI bleeds and postpartum hemorrhage; staff said they expect roughly six to eight administrations per year but that each use could be lifesaving given sometimes‑lengthy ground transport times to trauma centers.
The grant originates with CMS funding passed through the Maryland Department of Health and MIEMSS; local staff indicated the county must reapply or otherwise renew participation every five years. Commissioners voted to authorize agreement execution by voice vote.
