HOUSTON (December 9, 2022) –LyondellBasell, Channelview Fire Department and Memorial Hermann Life Flight recently gathered to celebrate the launch of a new pre-hospital Whole Blood Program to address severe blood loss in emergency settings.
Funded by a $10,000 grant from LyondellBasell and modeled after Memorial Hermann Life Flight’s Pre-hospital Blood Product Administration Program, Channelview Fire Department now carries one unit of O positive Whole Blood for patients that experience any medical or trauma-related condition that results in uncontrolled hemorrhage.
“Our emergency responders are critical to our communities, and vital within our operations at LyondellBasell,” said Tony Wood, Site Manager for the LyondellBasell Channelview Complex. “We are honored to support Channelview Fire Department’s Whole Blood Program and grateful for the sacrifices and relentless efforts that our first responders make everyday; they are true heroes to our community.”
Patients can receive the first unit of whole blood from the Channelview Fire Department and in conjunction with Memorial Hermann Life Flight, can be transported to the Texas Medical Center via helicopter in preparation for a higher level of care if needed.
“It’s been a great privilege to help Channelview Fire Department launch their Whole Blood Program,” said Rudy Cabrera, Chief Flight Nurse of Memorial Hermann Life Flight. “Not only does the program benefit patients tremendously in the pre-hospital setting, but it furthers Dr. Red Duke’s legacy to serve the community and those in need.”
According to Steve Adams, EMS assistant chief for Channelview Fire Department, one patient has already benefited.
“We successfully administered the first unit of blood to a trauma patient in late November,” said Assistant Chief Adams. “Having the capability to carry and provide blood to patients on the ground in Channelview will significantly improve the level of care we are able to provide patients and we couldn’t have done it without the generosity or foresight of LyondellBasell.”
Channelview Fire Department is first fire department on the east side of Houston to launch a Whole Blood Program.