Blood Program Saves Lives: South Florida Woman’s Story
A Hero’s Help Saved Aaliyah’s Life
Last year, the death of a fire captain in a Broward Sheriff’s Office helicopter crash hit home for a South Florida woman who’d only met him once. He saved her life with the help of a new BSO program, which is now helping save even more lives.
Aaliyah’s Accident and Rescue
Aaliyah Murray spent five months in the hospital after her car crashed into a tree late one night. "I broke a lot, head to toe. I ended up breaking both of my feet. Both of my knees, both my femurs, my right leg, my pelvis. Evidently, I lost a lot of blood." Paramedics with BSO’s Air Rescue 85 gave her blood on the way to the hospital. "Without that, I would have had no chance of survival."
The BSO Blood Program
Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue was the first agency in Florida to carry and administer blood to trauma victims. Dr. James Roach, medical director for Broward Sheriff’s Office and chief of emergency medicine for Broward Health, came up with the idea after a family member was involved in a bus accident and didn’t survive. "We think of all of this. We think about how can we impact our community so we could save these people and they could have a chance."
The Program’s Success
The agency says the program is keeping critical patients like Aaliyah alive long enough to make it to the emergency room. Aaliyah was one of the first patients to benefit from the program. "I’m fortunate because I know the BSO whole blood program was new right at the time of my accident. Had my accident been any sooner, I might not have made it."
A Captain’s Sacrifice
A few months after Aaliyah’s accident, one of the people who saved her life, Capt. Terryson Jackson, was killed when a BSO helicopter crashed on the way to another emergency. Aaliyah was stunned when she made the connection. "When I heard about Terryson, it was definitely a lot to process… I really hate that I can never thank him in person."
Gratitude and Mouning
Last month, Aaliyah was able to thank the other paramedic who saved her life. "It’s amazing to meet you," she said, fighting back tears. "Thank you for saving my life." "I remember the call like it was yesterday. We gave you a unit of whole blood, which is what saved your life, or at least got you to the hospital for the trauma surgeons to work on it."
Conclusion
The BSO blood program has already saved countless lives, including Aaliyah’s. The program uses blood from people who donate to an organization called OneBlood. It’s kept just above freezing until it’s ready to be used. Then, it’s packed up and rushed out to an emergency.
FAQs
Q: How does the BSO blood program work?
A: The program uses whole blood donated to OneBlood, which is stored at a temperature just above freezing. When needed, it’s rushed out to an emergency.
Q: Who can donate to the program?
A: Anyone can donate blood to OneBlood to help support the BSO blood program.
Q: How can I support the program?
A: You can donate blood to OneBlood or spread the word about the program to help others.
Q: Is the BSO blood program available in other areas?
A: Not yet, but BSO hopes to expand the program to other agencies in the future.
