(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD), in partnership with Vitalant, hosted the final quarterly blood drive of the year on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Fire Station 19.

The first blood drive happened in October 2024. 53 donors showed up, 23 of whom were first-time donors. 56 units of blood were donated, which equates to 168 lives saved.

In 2024, CSFD Medical Lieutenants, with help from UCHealth and the UCHealth Memorial Foundation, became the first in the state to carry whole blood (type O) in their rigs to give life-saving blood transfusions in the field before the patient gets to the hospital.

“We have this whole blood program going on now in our community, something we needed for years. It is making such an impact on our community, saving lives. Last number I had, I think there was 70 or 80 people walking around today that a year ago wouldn’t have without the blood. So it’s really making an impact,” said Chief Randy Royal, Colorado Springs Fire Department.

CSFD said between September 2024 and August 2025, they have collected 152 units of blood, which can help save about 456 lives.