According to a 2023 study published in the National Library of Medicine, trauma is the number one cause of death among Americans between the ages of 1 and 46 years, costing more than $670 billion a year. Unfortunately in these traumatic cases, hemorrhaging accounts for the second most traumatic fatalities, behind central nervous system failure. The good news is the use of whole blood is giving patients much-needed time in these life or death situations.
Dr. Laura Harwood, Trauma Program Manager at St. Anthony's Hospital, joined Claudia to help highlight whole blood and the hope it's giving to trauma patients.
What is whole blood?
When most people need blood, what they typically get is just a transfusion of red blood cells. Whole blood is blood that includes everything that is flowing through your body -- that includes the red blood cells but also includes things like clotting factors needed to stop the body from bleeding as well as delivering much need oxygen.
Why is it used?
Generally speaking, whole blood is typically used with trauma patients, especially in military situations. More recently, the clotting benefits of whole blood are now being used to treat civilian patients suffering traumatic blood loss.
In Colorado, we have many trauma desserts and whole blood offers patients more time to get to the larger medical facilities in the metro areas.
Where can I get treated with whole blood?
Outside of your major trauma centers, whole blood is not a common. However, here in Colorado, Flight of Life carries whole blood in their helicopters.
Where can I find out more about whole blood or support the effort to get whole blood to more patients?
The Colorado Whole Blood Coalition has more information on whole blood as well as gives people information on how to financially support the organization and its mission. CommonSpirit's St. Anthony's Hospital has been a major partner in the establishment of this coalition.
How can I help?
People can get involved by donating blood or making a financial contribution to help increase the awareness and use of whole blood to save lives. You should always check with your doctor before donating as there will be some special cases who cannot donate.
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