Through her resiliency, strength and faith — and the tireless efforts of first responders and medical professionals — Katie McClanahan’s life was saved on April 5. Now, Mrs. McClanahan is using those same qualities and working with those same heroes in the fight to save others.
Mrs. McClanahan was seriously injured earlier this year when a large tree fell on top of her during a severe storm. Little Rock firefighters spent more than three hours working to safely release her from under the tree. During that time, she lost significant amounts of blood. She credits the calm demeanor and quick thinking of emergency responders for the successful rescue efforts. She would not have survived if not for receiving four units of blood on the scene at her home and 32 more units while undergoing treatment at UAMS.
She is now determined to make sure Arkansas residents understand the importance of blood donations, and she is working to change current rules that prohibit ambulance services from carrying blood or providing transfusions.
We joined Mrs. McClanahan, Little Rock firefighters, MEMS paramedics and officials from UAMS at a news conference this morning to hear her story and discuss her remarkable recovery. We also used the opportunity to raise awareness of the critical blood shortage in Arkansas and to pledge to work together to find better ways to serve trauma patients in the State.
It was an honor and privilege to hear again about the heroism and courage of our Little Rock Fire Department team, which steps up each and every day to serve our residents. We know our firefighters do whatever is needed to go above and beyond to save lives. Their work on April 5 is another example of the sacrifice and commitment we should never take for granted.
On that day, a UAMS doctor and nurse took blood from the hospital to Mrs. McClanahan’s home on Normandy Road, breaking protocol to do so. Because blood transfusions can be critical during emergency situations, she recognizes the importance of making sure others, especially those in rural areas, have access to blood when they need it.
Among the reasons why ambulances do not currently carry blood in Arkansas is because there is an insufficient supply in our State. This morning, Mrs. McClanahan encouraged others to give blood, noting that one blood donation can save up to three lives. Learn where and how you can donate here: https://ourbloodinstitute.org/.
We appreciate UAMS for helping share Mrs. McClanahan’s story, and we will continue to work with her to help save lives in Little Rock and across the region. To learn more about the heroic actions of April 5 and Mrs. McClanahan’s efforts to improve the State’s trauma system, read this article from UAMS.
Another annual event to welcome the season is next week — the Bright the Night celebration and tree lighting in Downtown Little Rock. All are welcome to attend this free event on Monday, Nov. 24, as we power on Christmas tree lights, and enjoy live music, activities, hot cocoa and treats in Capitol Plaza, at the intersection of Main Street and Capitol Avenue. Bright the Night is sponsored by the Downtown Little Rock Partnership. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. next Monday.
