Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services Administers First Blood Transfusion, Saving Trauma Patient’s Life

Cobb County, GA – February 19, 2025 – In a groundbreaking medical intervention, Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) successfully administered packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma to a critical trauma patient while on board a Puckett EMS ambulance en route to a Level 1 trauma center. Just four days after launching a partnership with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, CCFES performed the first pre-hospital blood transfusion in Cobb County, Georgia.

The incident occurred on February 18, 2025, on Veterans Memorial Highway in Mableton, Georgia. CCFES firefighters and Puckett EMS responded to a motor vehicle accident where one passenger had been ejected. Upon arrival, officers from the Cobb County Police Department had already applied a tourniquet to a nearly amputated limb, taking the first step in controlling severe bleeding.

CCFES paramedics then administered life-saving blood products en route to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital as part of their new pre-hospital transfusion program.

“The quick and coordinated efforts between our police officers and paramedics exemplify the highest standard of emergency response,” said Nick Adams, EMS Division Chief of CCFES. “This successful administration of blood products in the field significantly improves the patient’s chances of survival.”

Launched on February 14 to coincide with National Donor Day, this pioneering program equips select emergency response units with packed red blood cells and plasma, enabling first responders to deliver critical care before hospital arrival. CCFES is the first non-transport, fire-based agency in Georgia to implement such a program.

Check out a news report on the incident