Military Blood Banking: Blood Transfusion Aboard a Naval Hospital Ship Receiving Multiple Casualties in a Combat Zone, a Controlled Medical Environment

Abstract

The materials, methods, and policies used in the Blood Transfusion Service aboard the USS Sanctuary (AH-17) during military operations off South Vietnam to transfuse multiple casualties are outlined. Materials and methods common to any blood bank were used with some modification to meet specific requirements. During the period 10 April 1967 to 1 May 1971, approximately 32,000 units of blood were recieved, and over 2,890 severely injured patients were transfused. The policies and techniques used enabled efficient and safe management of blood transfusion for these patients. These methods should be applicable in solving some of the problems which arises as a result of combat operations and civil disasters. A controlled medical environment is described.