03/07/2026
Healthcare leaders from across Macomb County gathered Friday to recognize a milestone in emergency medical care: the first successful prehospital whole blood transfusion delivered by EMS in Macomb County. The recognition honored the Medstar clinicians whose actions on February 16 helped stabilize a critically ill patient before arrival at the hospital and highlighted a program nearly three years in the making.
Medstar paramedic Joe McHardy, paramedic supervisor Frank Simone, and EMT LeAnn Berlin were recognized for their care of a patient suffering from acute abdominal bleeding. When EMS arrived, the patient was pale, cool, and clammy with vital signs indicating severe shock. After quickly assessing the patient, paramedic McHardy requested a whole blood response. Paramedic supervisor Simone arrived on scene minutes later carrying the blood supply and immediately initiated a transfusion.
When the patient arrived at the hospital, her condition had improved significantly. Her vital signs had stabilized, her shock index had decreased by 50 percent, and her level of consciousness had returned to normal.
“We have been supportive of Medstar’s whole blood initiative and the protocol development from the outset, recognizing the impact it will have for patients in severe shock,” Dr. Anthony Colucci, Medical Director for the Henry Ford Macomb Emergency Department, said. “This administration of whole blood demonstrates how critical that capability is, not only for trauma patients but for medical patients with blood loss. It is an honor to be part of such an important advancement in Macomb County and to know we are among a small but growing number of EMS systems in the country bringing this level of care directly to patients.”
Debbie Condino, Executive Director of the Macomb County EMS Medical Control Authority, said the moment reflects years of work and commitment to advancing patient care in the county.
“I’m proud to recognize the EMS team who provided this groundbreaking care for the first patient,” Condino said. “I’m equally proud to have worked alongside Medstar to bring this three-year project through the planning stages, the investment, the training, and now into real patient care in our county. Seeing their commitment and dedication to delivering leading-edge treatment is truly inspiring.”
Medstar presented plaques to paramedics McHardy and Simone in recognition of their clinical leadership during the response.
Condino also presented certificates of recognition from the Medical Control Authority to the EMTs and paramedics involved in the response, recognizing their clinical judgment, rapid coordination, and the successful delivery of the first prehospital whole blood transfusion in Macomb County.
Recognition pins were also presented to EMT LeAnn Berlin, Medstar Whole Blood Coordinator Lori Peterson and Clinical Quality Manager Tom Barry, and Henry Ford Macomb Director of Emergency Services and Macomb County Medical Control Authority Board Member Kristin Slatkin for their roles in developing and implementing the program.
