Wichita Falls Joins Elite Group Of EMS Agencies With Blood Capability

Critically-injured patients in North Texas will now benefit from whole blood transfusions before arriving at the hospital through the North Texas Regional Prehospital Whole Blood Program. The program officially launched Wednesday, Sept. 9, and is made possible by the North Texas Advisory Council (NTRAC) in partnership with American Medical Response (AMR) and Our Blood Institute (OBI).

The whole blood program will allow specially trained paramedics to administer whole blood at the scene of an emergency or during ambulance transport to patients experiencing life-threatening blood loss. The whole blood transfusion before arriving at the hospital could increase a patient's chances of survival up to four times.

American Medical Response (AMR) Wichita Falls is one of the only EMS agencies able to administer prehospital whole blood.

American Medical Response (AMR) Wichita Falls now joins a nationwide group of less than two percent ground EMS agencies that are able to carry and administer prehospital whole blood. AMR Wichita Falls has also served as the inaugural EMS partner with the NTRAC and has helped establish an operational model that will support future expansion to EMS agencies in North Texas.

"We are proud to bring this lifesaving resource to the Wichita Falls community," said Kenny Hoffman, operations manager for AMR, in a press release. "Our clinicians have committed significant time and preparation to ensure this capability is delivered safely and effectively. We are proud to support a program that strengthens emergency care across the region."

Along with adequate training for professionals, the program also depends on strong partnerships across the healthcare system.

"Delivering whole blood in the prehospital setting requires careful planning, strong partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to blood stewardship," said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO for OBI, in a press release. "We are proud to support a program that expands access to life-saving blood products while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and accountability."

Funding for the prehospital whole blood program was approved by the Texas Legislature.

The prehospital whole blood program for North Texas is part of a statewide initiative funded by the Texas Legislature, which appropriated $10 million through the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act. The funding is administered by the Texas Department of State Health Services through Rider 35, which supports Regional Advisory Councils in establishing prehospital whole blood programs across Texas.

Click here to read the full press release from the North Texas Advisory Council (NTRAC), the American Medical Response (AMR) and Our Blood Institute (OBI).