09/15/2026
We are excited to announce that today the STJFD has launched a Prehospital Whole Blood Program, giving specially trained paramedics the ability to administer low-titer O-positive whole blood to critically injured or ill patients in the field, before they reach a hospital.
STJFD is an Advanced Life Support (ALS) non-transport department, meaning its personnel are often first on scene and provide advanced medical care while a separate transport unit is en route.
St. John’s Fire District is the first fire based non-transport
department to carry whole blood in the state of South Carolina.
Under the program, specially trained STJFD personnel carry and administer low-titer O-positive whole blood, which is compatible with patients of any blood type and can be given without delay in an emergency. The department developed the program in coordination with its medical director and regional blood supply partners. STJFD providers completed dedicated training in blood product handling, transfusion procedures, and patient monitoring prior to launch.
“As an ALS non-transport department, our crews are frequently the first care a patient receives for several critical minutes before a transport unit arrives,’ said Fire Chief Ryan Kunitzer. “This program isn't about doing more for the sake of it — it's about closing the gap between injury and treatment and giving our community the best possible chance of survival during their worst moment.”
Severe hemorrhage remains one of the leading causes of preventable death following traumatic injury, and research shows that early transfusion — started in the field rather than after hospital arrival — significantly improves a patient's chance of survival.
The whole blood program reflects STJFD's continued investment in advanced, evidence-based patient care and its commitment to strengthening emergency medical outcomes for the residents and visitors of the sea islands and the surrounding community.
