Program milestone highlights lifesaving impact of civilian prehospital whole blood in San Antonio and beyond
On Thursday, Jan. 29, South Texas Blood & Tissue celebrated the eighth anniversary of its Heroes in Arms whole blood program, a civilian prehospital initiative transforming emergency medical care in San Antonio and beyond.
The organization also marked a milestone of 40,000 whole blood donations for the Heroes in Arms program during the DreamWeek celebration. The theme was “Revelations: The Unsung Heroes,” to honor donors, first responders and patients interconnected through Heroes in Arms. Many unsung heroes were revealed.
One of the most emotional moments of “Revelations” occurred when blood donor Angela Ramon met Doug Winckler, the man whose life was saved after receiving a Heroes in Arms transfusion. Long before sirens blared and seconds began to slip away, Ramon rolled up her sleeve and made a decision that would save a life. Little did she know what that impact would be.
The chain of heroes was displayed, from Juan Martinez, who saw Winckler’s accident and stopped to help, to volunteer firefighters from Bergheim, who provided medical assistance, to Kendall County EMS arriving at the scene, to meeting Ramon, the person whose blood helped save his life. They hugged, smiled, and shared laughter throughout the reception.
For Winckler, the meeting underscored the critical importance of blood donation.
“It’s living proof that donating blood is worth it,” he said. “No matter what type you are, donate blood. It is just that important.”
From donors to patients to first responders, Heroes in Arms is a community-wide initiative. The Heroes in Arms whole blood program has contributed to a 48% decrease in deaths from traumatic injuries, saving hundreds of lives each year.
Launched in 2018 in partnership with regional EMS agencies, the Heroes in Arms whole blood program provides specially screened type O-positive whole blood directly to first responders. This allows emergency crews to begin lifesaving transfusions at the scene of traumatic injuries or while en route to the hospital, when seconds determine survival.
Reaching 40,000 donations marks a significant milestone for one of the most innovative community blood donation programs in the country.
Laura Burress, one of the first female donors to join Heroes in Arms, said the milestone reflects the strength of the community behind it.
“When this program started, I donated because I believed in the mission,” she said. “Forty thousand donations later, it is incredible to see how our community came together to protect one another. This is what neighbors helping neighbors truly looks like.”
The DreamWeek event also featured a screening of Bloodlines, a 34-minute documentary by filmmaker Bryony Gibley and a production from FOAMfrat Studios.
The film follows the San Antonio Fire Department’s launch of Heroes in Arms and explores the medical training, logistics and coordination required to implement a prehospital whole blood program.
Emergency response vehicles and first responder crews were onsite for “Revelations,” reinforcing the unique partnership between South Texas Blood & Tissue, EMS providers, and volunteer blood donors.
Eight years after its launch, the Heroes in Arms whole blood program stands as a national model for emergency transfusion innovation. It is a powerful reminder that blood donation is urgent, and in the most critical moments, it is the difference between life and death.