CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — A Cherokee County first responder is receiving national recognition for helping develop a program that allows paramedics to provide blood transfusions to critically injured patients before they reach a hospital.
Chad Huff, EMS Division Director for Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services, received a Leadership Award from the First Responders Children’s Foundation during an event in New York City’s Times Square.
Huff is among 19 first responders nationwide recognized by the foundation this year.
During the ceremony, host Jon Stewart highlighted Huff’s nearly 20 years of experience in emergency medical services and his efforts to bring blood transfusions directly to patients in the field.
“After nearly 20 years in medical emergency services, Chad Huff began asking a different question. What if the blood could reach the patient first?” Stewart said.
Huff worked with medical professionals and organizations to develop a system that would allow paramedics to administer blood before patients arrive at a hospital.
“Chad brought together physicians, hospitals, and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, and led the development of new medical protocols, specialized training and systems to safely store and transport the blood,” Stewart said.
The program launched in December 2025, making it possible for Cherokee County paramedics to provide blood transfusions to critically injured patients at the scene.
Since its launch, 16 patients have received blood transfusions through the program.
Stewart praised Huff’s leadership and the impact of his work.
“Sometimes the most important thing a leader can do isn’t to be the one who saves a life. It’s to make it possible for others to save countless more,” Stewart said.
WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Veronica Waters contributed to this story.