Athens, Ga (May 19, 2025)– Piedmont Athens Regional is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Region 10 Regional Trauma Advisory Committee (RTAC) to provide life-saving blood products during pre-hospital care. Elbert County and Madison County Emergency Medical Services administered their first transfusions in April 2025. This collaboration aims to improve patient outcomes by administering liquid plasma en route to the hospital, ensuring this critical intervention is delivered as quickly as possible.

According to the American College of Surgeons, bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death after an injury. Providing EMS crews with the ability to give liquid plasma transfusions before the patient reaches the hospital Emergency Department increases the chance of survival for severe trauma patients. Currently, approximately 1% of ambulance services in the U.S. are equipped to administer blood products in the field.

Under this new initiative, prehospital care providers from Elbert County and Madison County will be equipped with the necessary resources and training to administer blood products to patients experiencing severe trauma or blood loss.

"We are very excited to partner with Elbert County and Madison County EMS to bring this vital service to our communities," said Heather Morgan, RN, Piedmont Athens Regional manager of trauma services. "By providing blood products during transport, EMS can offer immediate and potentially lifesaving care, which is crucial for patients in critical condition."

The partnership underscores Piedmont Athens Regional's commitment to creating real change in the delivery of healthcare in Northeast Georgia and improving patient outcomes through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts with EMS and RTAC.

Piedmont Athens Regional is a Level II Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons.