Pafford Launches Whole-Blood Program in Western Oklahoma

New initiative aims to improve trauma care in rural areas by equipping EMTs with lifesaving whole-blood transfusions.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:04pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the internal structures of a human arm with a tourniquet applied, conveying the urgency of emergency medical treatment in rural areas.Whole-blood transfusions in the field can dramatically improve survival rates for rural trauma patients, as Pafford Medical Services aims to demonstrate with its new program across western Oklahoma.Oklahoma City Today

Pafford Medical Services has begun offering low-titer O whole-blood transfusions for EMS crews across western Oklahoma, allowing them to start critical care long before patients reach the hospital. The program was developed in partnership with Our Blood Institute and regional health providers, and is designed to improve survival odds for trauma patients in rural areas where transport times to trauma centers can be lengthy.

Why it matters

Whole-blood transfusions in the field can dramatically improve outcomes for severely bleeding patients by controlling hemorrhage and stabilizing them during the critical 'golden hour' before reaching a hospital. This is especially impactful in rural regions where long transport times are common, and the new Pafford program aims to bring this lifesaving capability to underserved communities across western Oklahoma.

The details

Pafford's EMS crews completed required training and protocol development with clinical leaders and trauma specialists before launching the low-titer O whole-blood program. Critically injured patients will be taken to regional trauma centers like Integris Health and OU Health based on need and location. Pafford is also hosting a community blood drive at its Oklahoma City headquarters on May 6 to build local inventories that EMS crews can access during urgent calls.

  • Pafford's whole-blood program launched across western Oklahoma.
  • Pafford is hosting a community blood drive at its Oklahoma City headquarters on May 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The players

Pafford Medical Services

A medical services provider that has launched a new low-titer O whole-blood transfusion program for EMS crews across western Oklahoma.

Our Blood Institute

A partner organization that is working with Pafford to develop the whole-blood program and is urging Type O donors to give regularly to keep the program supplied.

Integris Health

A regional health system that is collaborating with Pafford and serving as a destination for critically injured patients transported by Pafford's EMS crews.

OU Health

A regional health system that is also collaborating with Pafford and serving as a destination for critically injured patients transported by Pafford's EMS crews.

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What’s next

Pafford plans to continue expanding its whole-blood program across western Oklahoma, and the company's May 6 blood drive at its Oklahoma City headquarters will be an important step in building local blood supplies to support the initiative.

The takeaway

Pafford's new whole-blood transfusion program is a critical innovation that will help save lives in rural Oklahoma by equipping EMS crews to provide lifesaving care during the crucial 'golden hour' before patients reach the hospital. By partnering with regional health systems and hosting community blood drives, Pafford is taking a comprehensive approach to improving trauma care outcomes across underserved areas.