This year the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD), in partnership with Vitalant, will host quarterly blood drives beginning Wednesday, Feb. 26, at Fire Station 19, (2490 Research Pkwy.) from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CSFD is turning to the community to step up to donate blood to help save lives in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region. All blood types are welcomed and encouraged to donate.
In October 2024 CSFD held its first blood drive in partnership with Vitalant. 53 donors showed up, 23 of which were first time donors. 56 units of blood were donated which equites to 168 lives saved.
Last year CSFD Medical lieutenants, with help from UCHealth and the UCHealth Memoria Foundation, became the first in the state to carry whole blood (type O) in their rigs to give life-saving blood transfusions in the field before the patient gets to the hospital. Medical lieutenants have given blood to more than 58 patients with a survival rate of 60%. Pre-hospital blood transfusions give patients suffering from hemorrhagic shock a greater chance at surviving. Hemorrhagic shock is considered the leading cause of preventable death for patients under the age of 46. This program has shown great success and has decreased blood product waste that otherwise would have expired at blood banks in local hospitals.
The following dates have been set aside for 2025 blood drives: Feb. 26, May 7, Aug. 11, Nov. 4. All blood drives will be held at Fire Station 19 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Donors must have an appointment to give blood. Community members can sign up at the link below or through CSFD social media platforms.