The County of Los Angeles Fire Department’s Los Angeles Development and Rapid Operationalization of Prehospital Blood (LA-DROP) program delivers life-saving whole blood transfusions to patients before they reach the hospital, reducing the time to treatment for severe hemorrhage by approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
Launched on April 1, 2025, through a partnership among public safety, healthcare, and blood bank organizations, LA-DROP was established to improve survival for patients experiencing traumatic injuries, postpartum hemorrhage, and other life-threatening bleeding emergencies, especially those in low-income communities and communities of color.
To date, the program has transfused 81 patients, achieved a 69 percent survival-to-hospital-discharge rate, maintained a blood discard rate of less than 1 percent, and now serves approximately 500,000 residents.
To assist in building our blood supply for the LA-DROP Program, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) is partnering with the San Diego Blood Bank to increase blood donation appointments and save lives.
On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the San Diego Blood Bank collected donations at the East County Administrative Office in Diamond Bar, where donors received a limited-edition Marvel Spider-Man t-shirt.
A second donation opportunity is scheduled for Friday, August 21, 2026, at LACoFD Fire Station 89 in Agoura Hills. To register for an appointment, please click here. Walk-ins are also welcome.
These events secure the essential blood supply units required to treat regional trauma patients. The LACoFD thanks all past and future donors for their life-saving contributions!
