Richland Fire and Emergency Services is preparing to launch a first‑of‑its‑kind initiative in eastern Washington: carrying blood directly on emergency vehicles using a new Autonomous Portable Refrigeration Unit (APRU). This technology marks a major advancement in pre‑hospital trauma care, allowing responders to bring lifesaving blood to patients much sooner.
Deputy Chief Sabin emphasizes the urgency behind the effort. Every minute matters when a patient is suffering from severe trauma or significant blood loss. According to Sabin, a patient’s odds of survival drop by roughly 2% for every minute they go without blood. For someone facing just a ten‑minute transport, that delay could mean a 20% reduction in their likelihood of survival—an outcome the department is determined to improve.
The APRU is central to the new program. This autonomous refrigeration system allows crews to safely store and transport two units of blood on a command vehicle, maintaining strict temperature control throughout a response. Richland Fire is currently finalizing agreements with either the American Red Cross or Kadlec to supply blood for the initiative.
Each unit of blood will cost about $600, while the specialized APRU and its supporting software represent a roughly $26,000 investment. To avoid waste, the department has arranged a 17‑day cycle: if the blood hasn’t been used within that timeframe, it will be returned to the hospital where it’s more likely to be needed quickly.
When the program launches this summer, Richland will become the first fire-based EMS system in eastern Washington to deliver on‑scene blood support. The department plans to track how often and where the blood is used to shape future decisions—such as whether the APRU should remain on the command vehicle or transition to a dedicated station or ambulance.
Ultimately, this project aims to save lives while laying the groundwork for other agencies hoping to adopt similar capabilities. Richland Fire hopes to share its lessons learned, helping future departments implement the technology more efficiently.
To support the launch and highlight the ongoing need for blood donors, Richland Fire and Emergency Services is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a regional blood drive.
Read the full story here: https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/richland-fire-department-to-carry-life-saving-blood-on-emergency-vehicles-this-summer/video_2f308f82-26a1-51e3-8130-5e40e3446929.html