In 2022, 18-year-old Shawn Smith nearly died after a crash on Route 51. Trapped for over 90 minutes and bleeding internally, his life was saved when first responders were able to transfuse whole blood right at the scene.

Now, Pittsburgh EMS has expanded that lifesaving ability — both of its rescue trucks are equipped with whole blood at all times, stored safely using Delta APRU 6L refrigeration units. These military-grade systems ensure blood stays ready even during power loss, closing the gap between trauma and hospital care.

The pilot program already showed impact: 13 of 15 patients who received blood in the field survived. With the new setup, responders can bring critical transfusions to trauma victims, crash patients, and others experiencing severe bleeding — right when it’s needed most.

🔗 Read the full article here: Pittsburgh EMS Puts Whole Blood on Rescue Trucks — EMS1

Check out their Facebook post as well!

👉 Head over to learn more about how the Delta APRU 6L is helping EMS transform prehospital care.

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