SALISBURY, N.C. - Rowan County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will now carry units of whole blood on its vehicles, expanding the level of lifesaving care available to patients during medical emergencies. The whole blood will be supplied by Novant Health, supporting faster intervention for patients experiencing severe blood loss before they arrive at the hospital.
Whole blood contains red blood cells, plasma, platelets and clotting factors and is considered the most complete option for treating hemorrhagic shock. Early administration in the pre-hospital setting has been shown to improve outcomes for trauma patients by beginning resuscitation as soon as possible.
“This advancement brings hospital level care closer to the patient when time is critical,” said Gary Blabon, president of Novant Health Rowan Medical Center. “Novant Health’s partnership with Rowan County EMS, is strengthening the emergency care system and helping ensure patients receive the right care at the right time.”
Through coordination with Novant Health’s blood bank, Rowan County EMS teams will have access to whole blood during emergency responses. This approach aligns with national best practices and reflects a growing movement across emergency medicine to deliver blood products earlier in the course of care.
Novant Health continues to work with community partners to advance emergency services, enhance clinical capabilities and improve outcomes for patients across the region.
About Novant Health
Novant Health is an integrated network of nearly 900 locations, including 19 hospitals, more than 750 physician clinics and urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and imaging and pharmacy services. This network supports a seamless and personalized healthcare experience for communities in North Carolina and South Carolina. Novant Health is nationally recognized for our unwavering commitment to safety and the highest quality care, and we serve as a catalyst for healthcare transformation through clinical trials, leading-edge research, innovative care delivery models and robust virtual care networks. The expertise and empathy of our more than 41,000 team members along with more than 8,600 independent and employed clinicians are at the heart of Our Cause as industry leaders caring for communities across the Carolinas. In 2024, Novant Health provided more than $1.6 billion in community benefit, including financial assistance and services.
For more information, visit NovantHealth.org. Follow Novant Health on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
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