Blood on Board is a life-saving initiative led by the Richland Fire & Emergency Services Department to bring blood transfusions directly to patients in the field, when every second matters most.

By equipping ambulances with life-saving blood products and training paramedics to administer transfusions before a patient reaches the hospital, Richland is helping close the critical gap between injury and definitive care. This program represents a major advancement in emergency medical services, improving survival outcomes for trauma patients and reinforcing our commitment to delivering the right care at the right time, where it’s needed most.

Department Contacts:

Battalion Chief, Andy Sabin: 509-975-8912 or asabin@richlandwa.gov

Firefighter/EMT - Medical Training Coordinator: AJ Fandrich: 509-836-1923 or afandrich@richlandwa.gov

Press Release: 

City of Richland Fire & Emergency Services Launches “Blood on Board”, a Pre-Hospital Blood Transfusion Program and Hosts Regional Blood Drive to Support Life-Saving Effort

The City of Richland Fire & Emergency Services is taking a major step forward in emergency medical care by launching a pre-hospital blood transfusion program, an advanced life-saving capability designed to deliver blood products to critically ill patients before they arrive at the hospital.

Medical evidence is clear: the faster a patient receives blood following critical illness or traumatic injury, the greater their chance of survival. Studies show that each minute of delay in access to blood can increase the odds of mortality by as much as five percent. Pre-hospital blood transfusion programs have been endorsed by leading national organizations, including the American College of Surgeons, American College of Emergency Physicians, International Association of EMS Chiefs, and the National Association of EMS Physicians.

With this initiative, the City of Richland aims to become the first fire and EMS agency in Eastern Washington to carry blood onboard emergency response units, placing life-saving care closer to patients when every second matters.

“This program represents a significant advancement in trauma care for our community and region,” said Richland Fire & Emergency Services Chief Randy Aust. “By bringing blood directly to patients in the field, we can stabilize critical injuries sooner and improve outcomes during the most crucial moments of care.”

To support the launch of the program and build regional awareness around the importance of blood donation, the City of Richland Fire & Emergency Services is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a large regional blood drive.

Regional Blood Drive Details

• Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
• Time: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Location: Fire Station 74, 2710 Duportail St., Richland
• Goal: 150 blood donations, with hopes of the largest single-day blood drive turnout in Washington State

Community members who register and donate will receive:

• A $15 Amazon gift card
• A free commemorative t-shirt
• A complimentary A1C test, which can help screen for diabetes

Blood collected through this effort will help strengthen regional blood supplies while supporting the long-term sustainability of pre-hospital blood programs in Washington State.

Pre-hospital blood transfusion programs are expanding statewide, with early adoption by agencies in Western Washington. However, fewer than one percent of EMS agencies nationwide currently carry blood despite its proven ability to prevent deaths from traumatic blood loss. The City of Richland’s initiative reflects a growing commitment to innovation, preparedness, and regional leadership in emergency medical services.

Community members are encouraged to register in advance to secure an appointment.

Register today to donate and help save lives by calling 1-800-733-2767.