Calvert County has officially launched its Low-Titer Type O Positive (LTO+) Whole Blood Field Transfusion Program, a significant advancement in emergency medical services. This initiative, a collaboration between the Department of Public Safety’s Career Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division and Calvert Advanced Life Support, comes in the wake of a critical incident involving Deputy James Flynt, who was shot while pursuing a suspect. The deputy’s life was saved thanks to a whole blood transfusion administered upon his arrival at CalvertHealth Medical Center. Without the availability of whole blood, his chances of survival would have been drastically reduced.
Enhancing Trauma Care with Whole Blood
The implementation of this program highlights the vital role that early recognition of the need for transfusions plays in trauma care. It is now recognized that timely administration of blood products can dramatically improve patient outcomes. With this new program, Calvert County becomes the fifth prehospital EMS agency in Maryland and the 270th nationwide to offer whole blood transfusions in the field, providing crucial interventions directly to patients when every second counts.
Whole blood transfusion is widely regarded as the standard of care in military medicine and is increasingly being integrated into civilian EMS systems. Clinical findings indicate that whole blood significantly enhances survival rates for patients suffering from life-threatening hemorrhages, particularly in severe trauma situations. “Delivering whole blood at the point of injury offers a critical advantage over traditional fluids,” said Dave McDowell, director of the Calvert County Department of Public Safety. “This program allows us to provide advanced, lifesaving care when it is needed most.”
The LTO+ whole blood used in this program is safe for patients of all blood types and ages, carrying a minimal risk of adverse effects. Since November 15, 2025, supervisors in Calvert County Career EMS have been equipped with two units of LTO+ whole blood, along with specialized equipment for safe storage and administration. Blood products are supplied by Inova Health System’s Division of Blood Donor Services, with units rotated every 14 days. Any unused units are returned to Inova for hospital use, ensuring that no blood products are wasted.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
“This program represents a major step forward in prehospital emergency care,” stated Dr. Jason Finkelstein, the jurisdictional medical director overseeing the program. “By delivering whole blood at the scene, we significantly improve survival for patients suffering from severe hemorrhage. It’s about bringing hospital-level care directly to the patient when every minute counts.”
Calvert County’s commitment to innovation in emergency medical services is further underscored by this initiative. “The LTO+ Whole Blood Program reflects Calvert County’s continued commitment to advanced training and interagency collaboration,” said Todd Ireland, president of the Calvert County Board of Commissioners. “The county is dedicated to strengthening its ability to provide the highest standard of prehospital care for residents and visitors alike.”
To celebrate the launch of this lifesaving program, the Department of Public Safety will host a blood drive in honor of Deputy James Flynt in partnership with Inova. The event is scheduled for March 11, 2026, from 10:00 to 14:00 at the Department of Public Safety located at 110 Main St., Prince Frederick. For further details about the LTO+ Whole Blood Program or the blood drive, interested parties can reach out to Dr. Jason Finkelstein at [email protected].
This initiative marks a pivotal development in the landscape of emergency medical services, aiming to save lives and improve trauma care within the community.
