A recent blood drive in Habersham County is helping ensure that critical, life-saving care can begin even before patients reach the hospital.
Jennifer Davis, a nurse and paramedic with Air Methods, explained that the medical helicopter based at the Habersham County Airport carries packed red blood cells and plasma onboard so crews can begin treatment immediately at emergency scenes.
“We carry life-saving blood on our helicopter,” Davis said. “So we try to participate in blood drives about once a quarter. When people donate here, those units come right back to this area — they could be saving your neighbor’s life, or even someone in your own family.”
Air Methods works with a blood collection group based in Gainesville, ensuring that donations made locally remain available for patients in Northeast Georgia.
Davis emphasized that early access to blood products can make a critical difference for trauma patients. “We give it to patients on scene, before they ever get to the hospital. Sometimes that early treatment is what saves their life,” she said.
The Habersham-based helicopter crew consists of a pilot, a nurse, and a paramedic, operating daily from their hangar at the county airport. While Davis doesn’t fly the helicopter herself, she rides as part of the medical team providing care to patients during emergency transports.
The current blood drive is nearing completion, but Davis said the next drive is expected in April, and she hopes to continue hosting them in high-visibility locations to encourage more community participation.
“This is a great area for us to do it,” she said. “When we’re here, people can see us, ask questions, and learn how their donation helps.”
Davis also noted she plans to share upcoming flyers so the community can stay informed about future opportunities to donate.
Habersham County residents interested in giving blood are encouraged to watch for announcements and consider participating in the next drive — a simple donation that could one day help save a life in their own community.
