ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. – Onslow County EMS is the first in the state of North Carolina to pioneer a new way to save trauma patients.

• Onslow County EMS is using whole blood
• Whole blood contains components to improve survivability better than saline
• Whole blood is safe for people with all blood types

Onslow County EMS is using whole blood instead of saline for trauma patients.

Whole blood contains components that improve survivability while transporting trauma patients. Whole blood is also safe for people with all blood types.

According to Onslow County EMS Division Head David Grovdahl, this will save lives.

"Right after the car accident, whatever the issue may be, we can give them blood in the moment. The sooner we can get blood to the patient, the better the chances the patient will actually survive," Grovdahl said.

Of the 2,300 emergency calls received in Onslow County each year, about 400 are trauma care patients.