From Goochland County:
Goochland County Department of Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services Launches EMS Blood Patient Care Protocol
Goochland, VA – On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Goochland County Department of Fire-Rescue & Emergency Services (GCFR) began their new EMS Whole Blood Program, marking a monumental advancement in emergency medical care in the County. Through a partnership with Chesterfield Fire and EMS, Virginia State Police EMS Med-Flight 1, and Inova Blood Donor Services this program allows GCFR to administer up to two units of low titer O+ positive whole blood as part of pre-hospital care.
Goochland first responders train to implement new life saving EMS protocol (Goochland County image)
Goochland County is proud to be among the few EMS agencies in Central Virginia, outside of helicopter EMS programs, to carry blood and is the first rural agency in Central Virginia to implement a program of this type. As part of the implementation of this program, Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services staff have undergone extensive training; including the requirement to receive patient consent to administer blood products and protocols on addressing patients who may decline a blood transfusion due to faith-based beliefs.
Within the last five years, blood has been available on medical helicopters. However, there are times where transport by medical helicopter may not be available, or situational circumstances where the patient could be transported to definitive care by ground ambulance.
The leading cause of death for individuals under the age of 46 is traumatic injury. A person can bleed to death in three to five minutes. Blood is the “gift of life” and having a protocol to administer blood products to a patient bleeding and in shock can be lifesaving. Administering blood pre-hospital environment reduces e mortality and morbidity, and improving patient outcomes and their quality of life.
“We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment that would not have been possible without our member’s exemplary skill and talent, and the tremendous support from our partners at Chesterfield Fire and EMS, Virginia State Police EMS Med-Flight 1, and INOVA Blood Donor Services.”, said Chief Eddie Ferguson. “This is a pivotal moment and a huge leap forward for Goochland County Fire- Rescue. We are truly fortunate and blessed to have been afforded this opportunity to help our patients and serve our community in this way.”
“By equipping our highly trained paramedics with this lifesaving capability, Goochland County Fire-Rescue becomes one of the few EMS systems in the region offering this cutting-edge intervention.”, said Dr. Anderson, Operational Medica Director for Goochland County Fire-Rescue. “We are honored to bring this lifesaving resource to our community and will continue working tirelessly to advance the health and safety of those we serve.”
“This program is a testament to the dedication and leadership of our Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services’ staff.,” said Dr. Raley, County Administrator. “We are proud to be able to provide this life-saving program to our residents through the support of our regional partners.”
Given the geographical makeup of Goochland County, particularly the rural regions and the distance to the nearest trauma centers, this blood program will make a positive difference for patients.
Goochland County would like to extend special appreciation to INOVA Blood Donor Services for making whole blood available for EMS agencies supporting the delivery of life-saving pre-hospital care. To help support their efforts, Goochland County Fire-Rescue will be organizing blood drives to give back to the INOVA Blood Donor Services supply.
For more information on Goochland County Fire – Rescue and Emergency Services, please visit www.goochlandfirerescue.org.
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