Jackson, MS – February 14, 2025 – Mississippi Blood Services (MBS) is proud to highlight the life-saving impact of its
innovative RESCUE program after a mass casualty incident in Scott County on the evening of February 12, 2025. Six
individuals were injured, two of whom sustained life-threatening injuries. Thanks to the swift actions of first responders
and MBS’s pioneering pre-hospital blood program, these patients received critical blood transfusions in route to the
hospital, giving them the best chance at survival.
According to Dr. Damon Darsey, a member of the MBS Board of Directors and an emergency physician, two of the
victims would not have survived their injuries without the pre-hospital transfusions. However, due to MBS’s initiative to
equip ground ambulances with blood supplies, the injured were able to receive vital blood transfusions in transit,
significantly improving their chances of survival.
The RESCUE Rural Emergency Services Care, blood Utilization, and Survival (RESCUE) program, which MBS launched in
September 2024, is a critical advancement in pre-hospital care. The program enables EMS teams to administer life saving blood transfusions to patients before they arrive at the hospital—often making the difference between life and death.
“This is exactly why we implemented the RESCUE program,” said Dr. Darsey. “It’s truly a game-changer. Thanks to the
availability of blood in the field, we were able to give these patients the best chance to survive, even with severe
trauma.”
The successful response in Scott County is a testament to the power of teamwork among MBS, EMS personnel, and local
healthcare providers. MBS is honored to play an instrumental role in ensuring patients receive the best care possible, no
matter where they are injured.
“We are so proud of the work our team does every day to make this possible,” said Christopher Swafford, Chief
Executive Officer for Mississippi Blood Services. “The RESCUE program is a shining example of how innovation and
collaboration can save lives. Scott County’s response is a reminder of the difference we can make when we work
together toward a common goal: saving lives.”
For more information on Mississippi Blood Services and the RESCUE program, visit msblood.com.
How You Can Help:
1. Donate Blood: Join a local blood drive to help ensure a steady supply of life-saving blood. Find a blood donation
drive near you: https://www.msblood.net/
2. Tax-Deductible Donations: Support our mission through tax-deductible donations or business sponsorships.
Visit: https://msblood.com/donate/contributions/
