Des Moines Paramedics Perform Life-Saving Blood Transfusions in the Field

A new pilot program equips ambulances with blood and tools to do transfusions on scene, increasing survival rates by 30%.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:42am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image of a human arm with an intravenous line inserted, glowing against a dark background, conceptually representing the life-saving power of the paramedic blood transfusion program.Paramedics in Des Moines are using cutting-edge technology to provide critical blood transfusions in the field, dramatically improving trauma survival rates.Des Moines Today

A pilot program in Des Moines, Iowa is allowing paramedics to perform blood transfusions in the field, dramatically improving survival rates for trauma patients. The mobile blood transfusion unit, launched in November, provides paramedics with the necessary equipment and training to start critical treatment immediately after an injury, rather than waiting to reach the hospital.

Why it matters

Providing blood transfusions in the crucial first minutes after a traumatic injury can be the difference between life and death. This program is changing the trajectory of trauma care by empowering paramedics to take action on the scene and start treatment sooner.

The details

The mobile blood transfusion unit equips Des Moines ambulances with blood supplies and the tools needed to perform transfusions. Paramedics like Coby Klocko have already used the new capabilities to save lives, including a security guard who was stabbed at the Polk County Life Services Center in February. Doctors say the program has increased survival rates by 30% by allowing paramedics to start treatment immediately.

  • The mobile blood transfusion unit launched in Des Moines in November 2025.
  • On February 19, 2026, paramedic Coby Klocko used the new equipment to perform a life-saving transfusion on a stabbing victim.

The players

Dr. Carlos Pelaez

Trauma medical director at Iowa Methodist Medical Center.

Coby Klocko

A paramedic in Des Moines who used the new blood transfusion equipment to save a patient's life.

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What they’re saying

“By treating patients early, we can automatically decrease the risk.”

— Dr. Carlos Pelaez, Trauma medical director at Iowa Methodist Medical Center

“If I didn't have the blood, I don't think it would be the outcome that we had today.”

— Coby Klocko, Paramedic

“Coming to work every day, you just never know what you're going to get yourself into. But having the tools that we have in our ambulances, knowing that I can make a difference in somebody else's life, and also make an impact on their family, is definitely a huge reward, not just for myself, but for our entire department.”

— Coby Klocko, Paramedic

What’s next

The Des Moines Fire Department plans to expand the mobile blood transfusion program to all of its ambulances by the end of 2026, ensuring more trauma patients can receive life-saving treatment in the critical first minutes after an injury.

The takeaway

This innovative program in Des Moines is revolutionizing trauma care by empowering paramedics to act quickly and provide critical blood transfusions on the scene. By starting treatment sooner, they are able to dramatically improve survival rates and give patients a better chance at recovery.