MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Monday, March 2, 2026) – Through a partnership with MUSC, Berkeley County EMS is now the first EMS agency in the Tri-County to carry prehospital whole blood to enhance trauma care in the field. Two EMS Supervisor vehicles will each continually be stocked with one unit of O-positive whole blood.
Whole blood contains red cells, plasma, and platelets in one unit for balanced resuscitation, especially in cases of hemorrhagic shock. This Supervisor vehicle will be able to respond to any emergency in the County where whole blood is needed for a life-saving transfusion.
“Berkeley County EMS is transforming the way we deliver care in the field. This simple addition allows us to start life-saving treatment sooner and give patients a stronger chance of recovery. Our mission is simple and unwavering: saving lives and providing excellence through care; carrying whole blood on our vehicles and partnering with MUSC helps us do both.” -Chief Michael Shirey, Berkeley County EMS
“Providing low‑titer group O whole blood to our EMS partners represents a powerful extension of our mission to deliver lifesaving care when every second matters. Early transfusion is one of the most effective interventions for patients experiencing severe blood loss, and making this resource available in the field helps bridge the critical gap between injury and definitive care. We are proud to support Berkeley County EMS in this advancement and remain committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety, readiness, and patient‑centered care across our community.”-Dr. Jerry Squires, M.D., Ph.D. Interim Chair for the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Medical Director for Transfusion Medicine, MUSC Medical Center
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-Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office-
