(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County residents needing blood will be able to get it from paramedics, if necessary, before they arrive at the hospital.

La Porte County Emergency Service and the American Red Cross are partnering to launch the prehospital transfusion program.  The American Red Cross will supply the blood for paramedics to give to patients before they get to the hospital to improve their chances of survival.

According to EMS, having blood immediately available is ideal for treating severe bleeding especially during the first 24 hours for patients requiring massive transfusion.

La Porte County EMS paramedics completed the regulatory training needed to implement the program, which is part of a growing nationwide trend.

People wanting to donate blood can schedule an appointment at redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.