SOUTH BEND, ind. - south Bend Fire Department announced as of April 3, their EMS unit will be able to administer whole blood in situations that warrant its use.

Fire officials say pre-hospital administration of blood will be done for certain trauma and medical patients that meet specific criteria.

"I am extremely pleased that The South Bend Fire Department is continuing its top notched efforts of saving lives and providing the best care for the citizens in South Bend and surrounding areas," said South Bend Fire Chief Carl R. Buchanon. "Having whole blood when urgently needed in pre-hospital prescribed situations is essential and proven to help those who have sustained significant blood loss."

Officials say this has been an ongoing mission involving South Bend Fire Department Fire Chief Carl R. Buchanon, Assistant Chief of EMS Andrew Myer, Chief of Beacon Trauma Surgery Dr. Scott Thomas, Memorial Hospital EMS Medical Director Dr. Steven Joyce, and South Bend Blood Bank Medical Director Dr. Dan Waxman.

SBFD is now one of three fire departments in Indiana, and the only department in Northern Indiana, with the availability of blood products in the field.

Indianapolis EMS and Crawfordsville Fire Department are the only other two in the state.