Genesee County, MI — On Monday afternoon, Genesee County Commissioner Brian Flewelling joined Sheriff Chris Swanson, representatives from the American Red Cross and Hurley Medical Center, and numerous other public safety officials to highlight Genesee County’s new Prehospital Blood Transfusion Program. It is a cutting-edge emergency response initiative that gives paramedics the ability to administer life-saving “whole blood” before a patient reaches the hospital.

The program was approved by the Board of Commissioners in December, thanks in part to the advocacy of Captain Richard Cronkright, officer in charge of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Paramedic Division.

A prehospital whole blood program equips first responders to provide blood transfusions at the scene of an injury or during transport, rather than waiting until a patient arrives at the hospital. By bringing all components of blood directly to the point of injury, these programs can significantly improve survival rates for victims of severe trauma.

In May, Commissioner Flewelling, who also serves as chief of the Davison-Richfield Fire Department, responded to the scene of an accidental shooting. The victim, Paul Morrison, had suffered two gunshot wounds — one to the leg and one to the abdomen. According to Deputy Jordan Welch, the first paramedic on scene, Morrison was an ideal candidate to become Genesee County’s first recipient of a lifesaving whole blood transfusion.

Morrison survived and spoke about his experience during Monday’s event:

Sheriff Swanson said only about 2 percent of EMS units nationwide offer a whole blood program. Genesee County’s program is the first EMS partnership of its kind with the American Red Cross in Michigan.

“We double the odds of survival by giving whole blood,” Swanson said. “What we are giving is battlefield care. No one else in Mid-Michigan is doing what we’re doing at this level, and it’s something we should be thankful for.”

To prepare for this advanced capability, Paramedic Deputies completed specialized training and collaborated closely with physicians and trauma experts to develop the policies, protocols, and safety procedures required to provide transfusions outside the traditional hospital environment.

Commissioner Flewelling said he was proud to vote alongside his fellow commissioners to fund the critical service for Genesee County residents.

“I have no doubt this saved (Paul’s) life,” Flewelling said. “Looking back on my three decades in public safety, I can’t help but wish this program always existed. I can only imagine how many outcomes would have been different, and more families spared unimaginable loss. We cannot change the past, but we can absolutely shape the future. And this program will do that.”

The program represents a major step forward in emergency medical response for Genesee County, giving first responders another powerful tool to save lives when every second matters.