A Las Vegas woman is expressing gratitude to first responders

A Las Vegas woman is expressing gratitude to first responders who performed a life-saving blood transfusion during an ambulance ride following a violent knife attack.

Theresa Klug suffered 20 stab wounds during the September assault, according to a report from FOX5.

The injuries were widespread, affecting her back, neck, arms, and face. “Just barely missed my spine,” Klug said, noting that she currently experiences numbness in her hand and may require surgery.

Because Klug lost a significant amount of blood during the attack, the rapid intervention of emergency personnel became the deciding factor in her survival. UMC said that bleeding is the most common cause of death in any type of injury.

Woman thanks Las Vegas first responders who gave her blood transfusion after knife attack — FOX5 Las Vegas

The life-saving procedure occurred while Klug was en route to the hospital. She described a scene where a first responder met the ambulance, and the vehicle stopped to pick someone up so the transfusion could be performed while the ambulance continued moving toward the medical center.

“I think my mom was screaming that she was losing me,” Klug told FOX5. “Had it not been for the rapid response of the EMTs and the firemen jumping in the ambulance when it was needed, I wouldn’t be alive.”

This specific medical capability is part of a specialized pilot project managed by the Clark County Fire Department. A dedicated unit at Fire Station 18 maintains blood supplies at a controlled, cool temperature to ensure they are safe for immediate use in the field.

The Clark County Fire Department said that this transfusion unit is the only one of its kind in Nevada. While the project is still in its pilot phase, crews have already successfully performed multiple transfusions for patients in critical condition.

While a suspect has been arrested in connection with the attack, Klug declined to provide specific details regarding the alleged attacker. Instead, she directed her focus toward the medical staff and the necessity of blood supplies.

“I want to say thank you; you saved my life. And I wish I knew the names, which I don’t, but I’m very grateful,” Klug said.

She also extended her thanks to the staff at UMC for the care she received upon arrival and is now urging the public to donate blood to ensure others have access to these critical resources when time is a factor.