Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Recently Launched Innovative Whole Blood Program for Critical Patient Care

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is proud to announce the implementation of a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing emergency medical care for our community's most critically ill patients. Starting August 6, EMS Supervisors began administering Low Titer O+ Whole Blood to patients experiencing severe trauma or other life-threatening medical emergencies. On the very first day of the program initiation, paramedics responded to a hypotensive patient with a stab wound to the neck. Dr. Dany Westerband, MD, Medical Director of Trauma Services & Chief, Section of Trauma and Emergency Surgery at Suburban Hospital – Johns Hopkins Medicine said, “Montgomery County EMS perfectly initiated, executed and followed the protocol and the transfusion was completed upon arrival to the trauma bay.” 

Whole blood transfusions have been shown to significantly improve outcomes for patients suffering from severe hemorrhage. This initiative marks a pivotal advancement in the ability to provide advanced medical care in the prehospital setting, further solidifying Montgomery County as a leader in emergency medical services.  "The introduction of Low Titer O+ Whole Blood represents a major step forward in our mission to deliver the highest standard of care to the residents and visitors of Montgomery County," said Fire Chief Corey Smedley. "This program underscores our commitment to adopting cutting-edge medical advancements that directly benefit patients during their most vulnerable moments." 
Whole blood transfusions offer several advantages over traditional therapy, including improved clotting function and oxygen delivery, which are crucial for patients experiencing significant blood loss. The administration of Low Titer O+ Whole Blood by highly trained EMS personnel can stabilize patients more effectively before they reach the hospital, thereby increasing their chances of survival and recovery.

The program's launch follows extensive preparation, training, and collaboration with our healthcare partners to ensure seamless integration into our existing protocols. EMS Supervisors have undergone rigorous training to safely administer and monitor whole blood transfusions in accordance with established medical guidelines and best practices.

MCFRS sincerely appreciates the collaboration and support of all stakeholders who made this initiative possible, including Suburban Hospital, Inova Blood Bank, MIEMSS, and Howard County Fire and Rescue.

For more information about the Low Titer O+ Whole Blood program and other initiatives by MCFRS, please contact Assistant Chief Ben Kaufman  at benjamin.kaufman@montgomerycountymd.gov

Contact: Pete Piringer, Public Information Officer, 240-672-4871
 
Note to Editors: Photos and interviews are available upon request.

Tis the season to be … SAFE! Deck the Halls with Safety

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In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it may be tempting to take a few shortcuts. Fire Chief Corey Smedley asks that you make sure that safety isn’t one of them!   

Christmas trees require special attention. When selecting a tree, freshness is important. Check the needles to make sure they are green and difficult to pull back from the branches. If the tree has been freshly cut, the needles should not break. Tap the tree on the ground several times and notice if any needles fall off. If they do, the tree is probably dried out and could be a fire hazard.  Water your tree daily and do not place the tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace, radiator, space heater, or heat vent. Make sure your tree is in a sturdy holder and can't be knocked over by pets or children.

Using extension cords? Overloaded extension cords and outlets can present a serious fire safety hazard. Make sure that the extension cord is suitable for the electrical “load” needed. Do not place cords under furniture or rugs and never plug two extension cords together to increase the total length. Demanding too much power from an extension cord risks overheating and fire. Be sure to read all packaging and instructions carefully when purchasing an extension cord and ensure it is UL listed.

Holiday lights. Indoors or out, only use lights that have been tested by an approved testing laboratory for safety such as UL. All lights should be inspected for frayed wires, bare spots, broken or cracked sockets, or excessive wear before plugging them in, and discard any damaged sets of lights. Avoid stringing more than three light 

strands together.

Firing up the fireplace?  Cool your ashes! Every year “cold” ashes result in house fires. Treat all ashes and coals as HOT ashes, even when you think they have had enough time to cool. Your garage, house, or deck are unsafe locations for ashes to cool and have been the site of many recent and devastating fires both locally and nationally. Take extreme care when disposing ashes and follow these tips: 

• Allow all ashes to cool in place for several days, when possible.
• When it’s time to dispose of ashes, transfer them to a metal container and wet them down. Only
  use an approved metal ash bucket that has a tight-fitting metal lid.
• Store the container outside, away from structures, decks, fences, wood piles, or other combustible materials. 
• Never use a vacuum cleaner to pick up ashes and don’t dispose of ashes outside on a windy day.
• The wind can whip up what may have seemed like cool embers, making them fiery hot, and igniting nearby combustibles. 

Candle fires peak during the holiday season. Most holiday candle fires occur when people leave burning candles unattended or place candles too close to holiday decorations. Keep candles in sight, in a secure holder and on a safe surface away from children and pets. Consider using flameless, battery-operated candles making them much safer.

Give space heaters space and ensure at least a 3-foot clearance from anything that can burn. Do not overload the electrical circuit or use extension cords with space heaters. Always stay in the room while a space heater is operating and turn it off when leaving the room or going to sleep. Follow all manufacturer recommendations and make sure your space heater meets all safety standards.

Cooking is a top cause of holiday fires. Be alert and focused and stay in the kitchen when cooking. Keep things that can catch fire, such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers, and towels away from the cooking area. Make sure kids and pets stay at least three feet away from the stove and oven, hot food, and liquids to avoid serious burns.

Disposing of your tree – never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by having the County’s recycling service pick it up on the designated day(s).

Do you hear what I hear? Having working smoke alarms DOUBLE your chances of surviving a fire however smoke alarms do not last forever. If your alarms are 10 years old or older, they need to be replaced with new alarms. Bottom line: don't wait for a fire to test your smoke alarm.