Trump’s Transportation Department Hosts Emergency Medical Services Personnel, Spotlights Lifesaving Innovations During ‘Save a Life Day’
NHTSA has invested $80 million to expand blood transfusion capabilities for safety partners
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hosted emergency medical services (EMS) professionals to celebrate Save a Life Day during National EMS Week.
“Emergency medical services professionals are there for people in some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Their knowledge, compassion, and dedication save countless lives every year, and they deserve our gratitude and appreciation,” said NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison. “Innovations like prehospital blood transfusions are helping EMS save even more lives, and we are proud to support investments to bring this incredible treatment to more states and communities nationwide.”
The Department also showcased roadside care innovations, such as prehospital blood transfusions. Research shows this innovation lowers mortality rates by 37% for crash victims, which is why NHTSA invested $80 million to expand blood transfusion capabilities for safety partners.
NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison highlights prehospital blood during Save a Life Day
USDOT personnel rolled up their sleeves to donate life-saving blood to the American Red Cross
Indiana DOT employee Angela Johnson shared her story of how a blood transfusion from her local EMS agency saved her after a life-threatening crash
D.C. Fire and EMS Department and Office of Unified Communications offered blood transfusion demonstrations, Stop the Bleed education, and CPR training
Save a Life Day events included tours of a mobile 911 center
EMS Leaders:
Congressional Fire Services Institute Executive Director Michaela Campbell:
“Firefighters across the United States respond to millions of motor vehicle crashes each year, often serving as the first line of care in some of the most critical and time-sensitive moments. The Congressional Fire Services Institute is grateful for the work of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Department of Transportation to help ensure that our first responders are equipped with the training, tools, and resources they need.”
Howard County Fire and Rescue Chief Medical Officer Dr. Matthew Levy:
“The nation’s more than 370 prehospital blood transfusion programs have an incredible impact on outcomes for patients with severe bleeding due to traumatic injuries and other critical bleeding emergencies. The data show that early access to blood in the prehospital setting helps to improve survival outcomes, particularly for victims of transportation-related incidents where minutes matter. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s commitment to increasing awareness of and funding for these innovative, evidence-based programs nationwide will help drive adoption of this impactful clinical intervention nationwide.”
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians President Christopher Way:
“For more than 50 years, EMS Week has provided an opportunity to honor the dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment of EMS clinicians who deliver lifesaving care on our roadways and in communities across the nation every day. The National Association of EMTs extends our sincere gratitude to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation for hosting this incredible celebration of emergency medical services professionals. This year, EMS agencies across the country join the DOT in hosting blood drives to increase the availability of blood products, helping to advance prehospital blood transfusion programs that are saving lives in the field.”
National Association of State EMS Officials President Jason Rhodes:
“On behalf of the National Association of EMS Officials, we thank the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for hosting this important EMS Week event and recognizing the critical role EMS plays in protecting our communities every day. Every EMS activation is fundamentally a transportation issue, with some of our most vulnerable road users riding in the back of an ambulance during their time of greatest need. This Administration’s commitment to partnering with states and encouraging stronger collaboration between transportation and EMS leaders will help advance shared system goals, improve patient outcomes, and support innovative approaches such as prehospital blood programs that are saving lives across the country.”