Revolutionizing Emergency Care: The Tidewater EMS Whole Blood Initiative by Delta Development Team

Revolutionizing Emergency Care with Whole Blood Initiative

Delta Development Team (DDT) proudly underscores its support for the Tidewater EMS (TEMS) Council’s impactful Whole Blood Initiative, a program designed to enhance prehospital care across Virginia. This collaboration embodies dedication to innovative and effective emergency medical services, saving lives through rapid blood transfusions that are critical in emergencies.

A Testament to Teamwork and Courage

The initiative is an expression of heroism, drawing from the collective efforts of EMS teams in the region who consistently demonstrate teamwork and resolve. The Tidewater EMS Council has successfully built one of the most advanced whole blood initiatives in the United States, extending its services across a vast area of 5,177 square miles, serving approximately 1.8 million residents.

As of January 1, 2026, the TEMS service area now encompasses 26 jurisdictions backed by 91 EMS agencies and 26 hospital and military partners. This extensive network ensures that critical care reaches all corners of the region, significantly improving emergency response and care capabilities.

Life-saving Impact

Since the inception of the TEMS Whole Blood Initiative, EMS agencies have facilitated over 450 whole blood transfusions, boasting an impressive average survival rate of 77%. This statistic is a powerful indicator of the program's necessity and efficacy.

In an exciting development for 2026, the initiative plans to double its operational capacity, increasing available field units from 10 to 20, thanks to the Urban Area Securities Initiative funding. This enhancement will enable TEMS to extend its reach, ensuring that more individuals have immediate access to lifesaving blood products, even in high-pressure situations.

Whole blood is currently utilized by EMS agencies situated in key locations such as Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and York County, with Hampton joining the fold later in the year.

In addition to expanding their reach, TEMS is moving towards achieving AABB accreditation as a Transfusion Administrative Service, ensuring they meet national safety and quality standards essential for patient care.

Technology Meets Commitment

To maintain high levels of preparedness and safety throughout such a sprawling region, the Tidewater EMS Whole Blood Initiative integrates Delta Development's Prehospital Blood Management System as its core logistical support. The Delta ICE 2L system guarantees optimal temperature control and real-time visibility of blood products. Its reliability is trusted by EMS crews nationwide, delivering uncompromised care when it matters most.

Moreover, DDT's BloodCOMM Premium software serves as the central hub for managing blood units and devices, facilitating operational clarity and compliance. This system transforms complex processes into seamless workflows, enabling EMS teams to deliver efficient and safe transfusions.

Dedication Beyond Technology

While technological support is crucial, the program's success deeply roots itself in the commitment of all partners involved—EMS agencies, medical directors, and frontline responders. David Long, Executive Director of the Tidewater EMS Council, noted the significance of this integrated approach, stating, “BloodCOMM Premium provides real-time information regarding blood in the field, allowing us to meet the standards set forth by national bodies and ensuring better management of blood products.”

Together, Delta Development and the Tidewater EMS Council are not just enhancing emergency medical services—they're redefining the standards for prehospital care and ensuring higher survival rates across the communities they serve. The Whole Blood Initiative stands as a beacon of hope and exemplary cooperation in modern healthcare, proving that timely, collaborative action can make a significant difference in patient outcomes.

Conclusion

Delta Development Team's unwavering commitment to the advancement of emergency medical readiness, paired with the innovative spirit of the Tidewater EMS Council, underscores a profound truth: together, they are indeed changing lives and setting new standards in emergency care.