When seconds matter, blood saves lives. Join the Department of Public Safety, in partnership with Innova, for a blood drive and be part of a lifesaving effort that directly supports emergency care in our community.
This drive is held in honor of Deputy James Flynt, recognizing the rapid, critical care that saved a Calvert County sheriff’s deputy and helping ensure EMS clinicians have access to blood when it’s needed most.
Date and time: Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: 110 Main St., Prince Frederick
Walk-ins welcome
Every donation strengthens our ability to respond when our community needs it most. For additional information about the LTO+ Whole Blood Program or the blood drive, contact Dr. Jason Finkelstein at Jason.Finkelstein@calvertcountymd.gov.
Calvert County launches Whole Blood Field Transfusion Program
The Department of Public Safety’s Career Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division and Calvert Advanced Life Support has launched a Low-Titer Type O Positive (LTO+) Whole Blood Field Transfusion Program.
With this initiative, Calvert County becomes the fifth prehospital EMS agency in Maryland and the 270th nationwide authorized to administer whole blood in the prehospital setting—bringing a lifesaving, hospital-level intervention directly to patients when every second matters.
Bringing hospital-level care to the scene
Whole blood transfusion has long been the standard of care in military medicine and is increasingly being adopted by civilian EMS systems. Clinical evidence shows whole blood can significantly improve survival outcomes for patients experiencing life-threatening hemorrhage, particularly in cases of severe trauma.
The LTO+ Whole Blood Program allows specially trained EMS clinicians to administer FDA-approved, low-titer Type O positive whole blood to critically injured or ill patients before they arrive at the hospital. Early administration can provide valuable time for patients to reach definitive surgical care—dramatically improving survival rates.
“Delivering whole blood at the point of injury offers a critical advantage over traditional fluids. This program allows us to provide advanced, lifesaving care when it is needed most. We are proud to be the first EMS system in Southern Maryland to bring this capability to our community.” — Dave McDowell, Director, Calvert County Department of Public Safety
Since Nov. 15, 2025, Calvert County Career EMS supervisors have been equipped with two units of LTO+ whole blood, along with specialized equipment required for safe storage and administration. Blood products are supplied by Inova Health System’s Division of Blood Donor Services and rotated every 14 days. Any unused units are returned to Inova for hospital use—ensuring no blood products are wasted.
Why whole blood matters
Unlike standard IV fluids, whole blood contains all essential blood components—red blood cells, plasma, and platelets—providing oxygen-carrying capacity, volume expansion, and clotting factors simultaneously. The LTO+ whole blood used in the program is considered safe for patients of all blood types and ages, with minimal risk of adverse effects.
A program inspired by real-world need
Development of the program was accelerated following a critical incident in which a Calvert County Sheriff’s deputy sustained a gunshot wound while pursuing a suspect. The deputy survived due to the rapid recognition of the need for blood transfusion by EMS clinicians and staff at CalvertHealth Medical Center, underscoring the importance of early blood administration.
“This program represents a major step forward in prehospital emergency care. 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.” — Dr. Jason Finkelstein, EMS Medical Director, Career EMS
“This LTO+ Whole Blood Program reflects Calvert County’s continued commitment to innovation, advanced training and interagency collaboration. The county continues to strengthen its ability to provide the highest standard of prehospital care for residents and visitors alike.” — Todd Ireland, President, Calvert County Board of County Commissioners
Contact & more information
For additional information about the LTO+ Whole Blood Program, please contact: