ESF crews provide lifesaving blood to critical patient after serious crash on Territorial Hwy

Eugene, OR – Eugene Springfield Fire crews responded to a serious crash on Territorial Highway near Lawrence Road and provided lifesaving medical assistance to a critically injured patient.

The crash occurred shortly after 7 p.m. when ESF responded to support Lane Fire Authority at the scene.

ESF deployed four advanced life support ambulances, two chiefs and EMS 1 to assist with the emergency response.

During the incident, EMS 1 was able to provide blood in the field to one patient who was in critical condition. The department said the response marked the 12th time ESF had provided blood at the scene of an emergency since launching its field blood program the previous month.

The ability to provide blood products before a patient reaches a hospital is intended to help critically injured patients who have suffered significant blood loss, allowing emergency medical crews to begin potentially lifesaving treatment at the scene or while transporting the patient.

An off-duty ESF engineer also happened to come upon the crash and immediately provided care before assisting with the emergency operation.

ESF did not release additional information about the patient’s condition or the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The department highlighted the response as an example of how its field blood program and coordinated emergency response can provide critical treatment to seriously injured patients before they reach a hospital.