Fort Wayne, IN (Feb. 7, 2025) – Three Rivers Ambulance Authority (TRAA) has officially rolled out its innovative new program in partnership with the American Red Cross this week. 

Under the new program, TRAA will safely store blood on a portion of its mobile units, providing emergency responders with critical supply when treating acute blood loss patients in need of life-saving blood transfusions in the field. 

As part of the program, TRAA emergency responders have also completed extensive training to participate in the program, which is the first of its kind from a 911 service in northeast Indiana. The blood is stored in specially designed coolers to keep its temperature at the proper storage requirements at all times.

“Our partnership with the American Red Cross has been vital in making this program a reality,” said Dr. Doug Scott, Medical Director for TRAA. “The American Red Cross has been an amazing partner with TRAA in supporting this life-saving program for the citizens of Fort Wayne and surrounding communities.”

“We are incredibly excited to bring this critical service to our region,” said Joel Benz, Executive Director of TRAA. “Thanks to our partnership with the American Red Cross and additional support from Lutheran Hospital Blood Bank and Trauma Services, our highly trained and experienced first responders will be able to administer blood in critical situations where every second counts.”

The implementation of similar programs in other cities has helped drive dramatic increases in survival rates for patients needing an emergency blood transfusion. Washington, D.C., for example, saw the survival rate for acute blood loss patients in need of life-saving blood transfusions increase to 91.8%.

“The American Red Cross Indiana Region is looking forward to partnering with Three Rivers Ambulance Authority to help ensure blood products are available to those who need them in emergency situations,” said Regional Donor Services Executive Julie Brady. 

Officials from TRAA will celebrate the program’s launch and be available for media interviews at 11:30 a.m. this Monday, February 10, at TRAA headquarters, 525 Hayden St.

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