A deadly shooting outside a bar in Lake Ozark last week shows the importance of a local blood provider who can respond quickly to any emergency.
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks says early on Thursday evening, it received an urgent request from Lake Regional Hospital for additional red cells, platelets, and plasma to treat several wounded shooting victims.
CBCO, which is the sole blood provider to 44 healthcare providers in the Ozarks, enlisted the help of the Missouri State Highway Patrol to get the additional blood to Lake Regional quickly.
“It’s called a red-light relay, with troopers running in full emergency mode,” CBCO Senior Director of Distribution Shannon Long said. “They pass the blood from patrol vehicle to vehicle until it reaches the destination. It is not a tactic that is used often, but it is the quickest way to meet emergency blood needs.”
CBCO Executive Director Anthony Roberts says donors did their part in helping make sure the right types of blood were on the shelves. “Our distribution department responded immediately when the request came in, and the Highway Patrol saw to it that the blood arrived quickly,” Roberts said. “I commend and thank everyone for their efforts in helping to meet the challenge.”
The blood center is urging eligible donors to help build blood reserves for the next emergency call.