On Saturday morning, emergency responders performed a whole blood transfusion on a patient in the back of an ambulance, the first life-saving procedure in Massachusetts.

Canton Fire Department responded to a car accident Saturday by administering a blood transfusion to the victim until he could be treated at Boston Medical Center.

Braintree Fire Department and Brewster Ambulance paramedics responded to a car accident on Saturday, July 29, where a 35-year-old man was critically injured and suffering from low blood pressure, shock and internal bleeding. Braintree officials decided to request a whole blood transfusion from the Canton Paramedic Program.

Transfusion Paramedic Michael White of the Canton Fire Field and Paramedic Jonathan Buckley performed the transfusion aboard an ambulance en route to Boston Medical Center. The patient's vital signs subsequently improved and he underwent surgery upon arrival.

“This groundbreaking program represents a significant advancement in prehospital care and has already proven itself in its first deployment,” Chief Wendell Robery said in a press release. “The successful administration of whole blood in the field is a testament to the training, preparation and dedication of our paramedics and EMTs. We are grateful for the partnership with Boston Medical Center and the support of our neighboring communities.”

The Canton Fire Department launched its new Field Transfusion Paramedic Program in partnership with Boston Medical Center in March. The pilot program involved the 25 communities surrounding Canton, including Braintree.