Ohio Paramedics Begin Administering Whole Blood in the Field

Elyria is one of only two Ohio cities authorized to give prehospital blood transfusions.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Elyria, Ohio paramedics are now able to administer blood transfusions at emergency scenes under a new department program. The capability took effect on February 1, making Elyria one of only two cities in Ohio, alongside Cleveland, with personnel trained and authorized to give blood in the field. The change aims to speed lifesaving care for trauma patients before they reach the hospital.

Why it matters

Providing blood transfusions in the field can help stabilize critically injured patients more quickly, potentially improving their chances of survival before reaching the hospital. This program gives Elyria's first responders an important new tool to provide advanced emergency care.

The details

Under the new program, University Hospitals will store O-negative blood for Elyria's paramedics to pick up and administer at emergency scenes. The blood can be requested in advance for planned high-risk operations. Elyria's fire department has trained and authorized five medics to perform the transfusions, which allow them to give one to two units of blood in the field to stabilize patients before transport.

  • The new field transfusion program took effect on February 1, 2026.
  • Elyria is now one of only two cities in Ohio authorized to provide prehospital blood transfusions, alongside Cleveland.

The players

Elyria Fire Department

The fire department in Elyria, Ohio that has implemented a new program to allow its paramedics to administer blood transfusions in the field.

University Hospitals

The healthcare system that will store the O-negative blood used in Elyria's new field transfusion program, allowing paramedics to pick it up and administer it at emergency scenes.

Lieutenant Michael Eichenlaub

An Elyria paramedic and tactical paramedic who stated the department is "ready to administer blood if needed" under the new program.

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What they’re saying

“Beginning today, we're ready to go out. We're ready to administer blood if needed.”

— Lieutenant Michael Eichenlaub, Paramedic and Tactical Paramedic (WOIO)

What’s next

The fire department plans to continue training additional medics to be authorized to perform the prehospital blood transfusions, expanding the program's capabilities over time.

The takeaway

Elyria's new field transfusion program gives its first responders a critical new tool to provide lifesaving care for trauma patients, potentially improving outcomes by stabilizing them more quickly before reaching the hospital. This innovative approach to prehospital care could serve as a model for other communities looking to enhance their emergency medical services.