Blood on Board: How Corona Fire Department Is Saving Lives

The City of Corona is leading California in emergency medical innovation with its Blood on Board program — a groundbreaking initiative that equips Corona Fire Department units with lifesaving blood for use directly in the field.

This program allows paramedics to administer blood transfusions at the scene of severe trauma, dramatically improving survival for patients experiencing catastrophic blood loss, often before they ever reach a hospital.

A First-in-California Life-Saving Program

In August 2022, Corona Fire Department’s EMS Committee began exploring an idea never before implemented by a California fire agency: carrying whole blood on emergency units.

After more than two years of collaboration, regulatory review, and state-level approval, the Blood on Board program officially launched in November 2024, making Corona Fire Department the first fire agency in California authorized to carry and administer blood in the field.

Excellence Recognized Statewide

The leadership behind the program was recognized with the California EMS Cross Medal, one of the state’s highest honors. The award acknowledged both the clinical innovation and the persistence required to bring this truly life-saving capability to the community.

Partnering With the Community to Save Lives

Blood is a limited resource, and from the start, Corona Fire Department committed to a community-centered solution. The department hosts monthly community blood drives to replenish the blood used in the field, ensuring lives are saved without contributing to regional shortages.

Since the program began:

• More than 60 gallons of blood have been donated
• Contributions have come from firefighters, City staff, and residents
• That amount equals nearly 50 full human blood supplies

A Life Saved on the Freeway

The impact of Blood on Board became personal during the January 21, 2026 City Council meeting, when motorcyclist Vlad Meyer reunited with the crew who responded to his catastrophic freeway collision.

Due to severe blood loss, paramedics administered blood at the scene, a decision Meyer credits with saving his life. Without immediate access to blood, he would not have survived transport to the hospital. His story is one of the program’s first real-world proof points: blood in the field saves lives.

How You Can Help Save the Next Life

The Blood on Board program depends on community participation. Every donation directly supports emergency care in Corona and could mean the difference between life and death.

Residents are encouraged to donate blood, share upcoming drives, and help spread awareness.

👉 Learn more and sign up to donate: https://www.lstream.org/cfd

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