| WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD (November 17 , 2025) – The Washington County Division of Emergency Services (DES) is proud to announce the launch of a Whole Blood Program, a life-saving advancement in prehospital care for critically injured patients experiencing severe blood loss (hemorrhagic shock).
Meritus Medical Center, the region’s Level III Trauma Center, is the first hospital in Western Maryland to stock low-titer O whole blood (LTOWB), a battlefield innovation now transforming civilian medicine. Patients in hemorrhagic shock have a much higher chance of survival when whole blood is administered to them as soon as possible after an injury. Through a new partnership with Meritus Health, first responders in Washington County can now deliver this life-saving treatment in the field, bringing hospital-level care directly to patients before they reach the hospital.
Specialized coolers have been purchased to store and monitor whole blood and will be deployed in two (2) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) supervisor vehicles: one (1) with a DES supervisor in Clear Spring; and, one (1) with the Community Rescue Service EMS supervisor in Hagerstown.
R. David Hays, Director of Washington County Division of Emergency Services, added:
“This program represents a tremendous advancement in the level of care we can provide to our community. By placing whole blood directly in the hands of our EMS supervisors, we’re ensuring that critical, life-saving interventions can begin immediately. This partnership with Meritus Health strengthens our mission to protect and preserve life in Washington County.”
By combining battlefield-proven whole blood care with rapid prehospital delivery, Washington County’s Whole Blood Program ensures critically injured patients have the best possible chance for survival before even reaching the hospital. This innovative program strengthens the County’s mission to protect and preserve life, demonstrating the dedication of Washington County first responders and Meritus Medical Center to bringing the highest level of care directly to the community.
For more information, please contact the Washington County Public Relations & Marketing Department at [email protected].
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