Who qualifies for the Whole Blood Brigade? 

We specifically need Type O+ (positive) whole blood that has low levels of certain antibodies and O- (negative) blood are both transfusable in patients of any blood type in emergencies, but any whole blood donor can join our whole blood brigade and receive a free challenge coin. In the United States, O- (negative) blood donors are only about 7% of the population, but O+ (positive) is about 38%. When you combine these two, this gives a potential of about 45% of the population that may be eligible based on the levels of certain antibodies in the blood. 

Type O+ (positive) blood donors who donate at an Inova Blood Donor Services drive or center will be tested for specific antibody levels. Those below a certain threshold will be identified as potential donors for the EMS Blood program. Your whole blood may be placed on an EMS response vehicle in our region for immediate use in a life saving emergency.

Men tend to have lower levels of antibodies in their blood than women, which helps prevent reactions in patients who receive a transfusion. This low-titer blood can be received by almost any patient, which is critical in emergency situations when there is no time to test a patient’s blood type.

Why is the initiative so critical for medical traumas? 

This initiative has transformed the way trauma care is delivered at trauma scenes in Northern Virginia. 

According to national trauma studies, survival for a trauma patient who requires massive blood transfusions (10 units or more in a day) is only 25 percent. 

Recent military research has focused on whole blood transfusions earlier, even prior to arrival at a trauma center, and is showing improvement in survival. Whole blood is being shown to be better for the patient as it is what they are losing through massive bleeding. 

These military studies showed that by adding whole blood to early transfusion protocols,  the death rate decreased from 60 percent when patients received only red blood cells instead of whole blood to 20 percent for patients receiving whole blood. The patients receiving whole blood also required fewer overall blood transfusions to keep them stabilized, thus decreasing the inherent complications that come along with any blood transfusion. 

Where will this blood be used? 

Whole Blood Brigade blood is being forward-deployed onto EMS ambulance/transport units in Northern Virginia and at regional trauma centers. 

What are the advantages of this program? 

As stated, transfusing stored whole blood for trauma victims has been shown to be more effective in the treatment of traumatic injuries since it contains all the major blood components needed by the injured patient: red blood cells which carry oxygen to the body; platelets which help to seal breaks in blood vessels; and plasma which boosts blood volume and helps with clotting to stop bleeding. 

Stored whole blood is especially significant for trauma treatments because under current guidelines, platelets by themselves are usable for only three to five days. When refrigerated, whole blood can be stored up to 35 days. 

This program has also expanded the pool of products available for emergency use, since O-positive is the single largest blood type in the United States. It will help alleviate chronic shortages of O-negative blood, which has been used for emergency transfusions for many years but is found in just 7 percent of the population. 

Is this a new idea? 

No, a similar program was used during the latter stages of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War for battlefield transfusions. The concept was revived by studies conducted by the Mayo Clinic and the U.S. Army over the last 10 years. 

South Texas implemented the first program of this type in the nation, known as the Brothers-in Arms program. Northern Virginia is the second program of this type in the nation.

Will this change the donation process? 

No. Whole blood donation will be exactly the same as it is now. Whole Blood Brigade donors are asked to give blood at least three times a year. 

Are there other eligibility requirements? 

Just one. Donors cannot be on an aspirin regimen, since that affects the functioning of platelets in the donated blood. 

Donors who would like to see if they qualify to be in the Whole Blood Brigade are encouraged to call 1-866-256-6372 to schedule an appointment for testing or contact Eddie Hicks at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 571-220-1227 (call or text) for further information, eligibility information/questions, and scheduling.