Organ & Tissue Donation Resources for EMS
Welcome to the WEMSA Organ & Tissue Donation Promotion Resource Center! Our goal is to provide EMS departments with the tools and resources needed to effectively promote organ, eye, and tissue donation within their communities. Explore more about the education, toolkits, and information below!
Donation Contacts Quick Reference
Scanned from your badge buddy card? These are the numbers your ME/coroner or hospital partners may need to make referrals. EMS does not call OPOs directly during active patient care; these are listed in case they are needed.
| Organization | Phone | Who calls & when |
| Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin Tissue donation — statewide |
888-278-0556 | ME/coroner calls after scene death to refer tissue. EMS reminds ME donation may be possible. |
| American Tissue Services Foundation (ATSF) Tissue donation — statewide |
866-497-7878 | ME/coroner calls after scene death to refer tissue. EMS reminds ME donation may be possible. |
| Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin (LEBW) Eye/cornea donation — statewide |
877-233-2354 | ME/coroner calls after scene death. Hospital calls if patient reaches the hospital. |
| UW Organ & Tissue Donation Organ donation — most of Wisconsin |
608-263-0568 | Hospital calls after patient arrival. EMS role: get the patient there with thorough documentation. |
| Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin Organ donation — southeast Wisconsin |
800-432-5405 | Hospital calls after patient arrival. EMS role: get the patient there with thorough documentation. |
| LifeSource Organ donation — Douglas, St. Croix & Pierce counties only |
888-536-6283 | Hospital calls after patient arrival. MN-based OPO serving three Northwest WI counties. |
"Someone from the care team will guide that process and contact the right people."
Do not initiate donation conversations with family. Defer to trained OPO staff.
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Watch Emreigh's Story
Emreigh's journey is a testament to the life-saving impact of organ donation. In March 2020, at just a young age, she received a liver transplant that granted her a renewed chance at life. Their story underscores the profound impact of organ donation and the importance of saying "yes" to being a donor.
Even though you’re not involved in the organ and tissue recovery and transplantation process, YOU do play a vital role when someone with a neurological injury is able to be an organ, tissue and eye donor. As first responders, your goal is to save lives and make things better. Supporting the option of organ donation with your actions in the field is just another way to accomplish this goal of keeping hope alive.
For any questions or feedback regarding the the Rescue to Recovery Program & Resources, please contact us at wemsa@wisconsinems.com.
This content is FREE and available to ANY Wisconsin EMS Department thanks to grant funds provided by
Donate Life Wisconsin.
