Cherokee County
Fire & Emergency Services
Fire & Emergency Services
Every second counts when a life is on the line. For patients suffering from severe trauma and blood loss, the difference between survival and tragedy can come down to how quickly blood can be replaced. Recognizing that urgency, Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) has launched a groundbreaking prehospital blood administration program—bringing one of the most advanced emergency medical capabilities in the nation directly to the citizens of Cherokee County.
“We often say seconds count in an emergency. This program gives those seconds back to the patient,” said Fire Chief Eddie Robinson. “When someone is critically injured, time is the difference between life and death. Now, our paramedics can bring next-level care right to the patient’s side.”
The new initiative, developed in partnership with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, allows paramedics to administer blood products in the field long before a patient ever reaches a trauma center. This means that lifesaving interventions once limited to hospital settings are now available where they’re needed most: at the point of injury.
According to The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery (2024), each minute of delay in blood administration increases mortality by 11%. Locally, CCFES estimates that more than 50 trauma patients in 2025 could have benefitted from this level of early intervention.
“This initiative allows our crews to treat hemorrhagic shock at the earliest possible point - before transport, before hospital arrival, and before it’s too late. It’s a true game changer for prehospital medicine,” said Chad Huff, Division Director of EMS for CCFES. “By placing blood products in the field, we’re giving our paramedics the tools to save lives that might otherwise be lost to preventable bleeding.”
The program launched December 15, 2025, using an intercept model. Initially, Medical Control officers (Med-Con 1 and 2) will carry packed red blood cells (PRBCs) and plasma, responding countywide to calls where blood transfusion may be required. All CCFES paramedics have undergone specialized training in the administration of blood products, ensuring safe and effective delivery of care in the field.
To sustain the initiative, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers will host 4 local blood drives in Cherokee County annually. CCFES encourages citizens to donate, as community blood donors directly support this program and help save lives close to home.
“Our focus is simple: give our citizens every possible chance to survive,” added Chief Robinson. “By carrying blood in the field, we’re closing the gap between the scene and the trauma center.”
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ABOUT CHEROKEE COUNTY FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES
Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services is a full-service, county-run organization providing firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical services to residents across Cherokee County. The agency holds an Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating of 2 and maintains international accreditationthrough the Center for Public Safety Excellence. CCFES operates 28 stations, covering 434 square miles and serving a population of nearly 300,000 residents.
To learn more about CCFES or how to join the team, visit www.cherokeecountyfire.com.
