Written by Leanne Jones, Senior Medical Scientist
In the chaos and urgency of sudden-onset disasters, conflicts or health emergencies, the provision of safe and timely access to blood transfusion can be a matter of life or death. Recognising the critical importance of this aspect in emergency medical care, the World Health Organization's (WHO) Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Secretariat is taking proactive measures to expand its guidance for Specialised Care Teams (SCT) providing inpatient and surgical care during such crises, with a particular emphasis on blood transfusion.
The purpose of this initiative is twofold: first, to develop evidence-based and practical guidance for the provision and management of blood products during emergencies, and second, to support the quality and safety of transfusion practices amidst the surge of medical demands in crisis situations. This comprehensive undertaking seeks to address critical aspects, such as the transfusion of whole blood versus blood components, prehospital transfusion protocols, and the ethical dimensions surrounding blood transfusion during emergencies.
At the core of this endeavour is the formation of an experienced Technical Working Group (TWG), composed of experts in emergency medical care and blood transfusion management such as retrieval officers, civil military liaison, educators, medical officers and scientists. The composition of the TWG reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Drawing on expertise from around the world including Norway, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Portugal, Canada, Japan, Italy, the United States of America, Senegal and Australia, the group embodies the collaborative spirit necessary for effective emergency response.
Ensuring safe blood supply and blood transfusion is a critical component of the EMTs, particularly within EMT 2 and EMT 3 hospitals. The TWG will enhance the research of the NCCTRC, meeting best practices and improving safety.
The TWG is tasked with expanding existing guidance to cover support services, with a particular focus on blood transfusion. Their objective is clear: to ensure that patients receive safe and timely transfusions.
Crucially, the TWG's work will encompass not only the development of comprehensive guidance but also the provision of practical tools to support its implementation on the ground. By mapping, reviewing and addressing challenges related to the supply chain, testing, processing, storage and transportation of blood products, the group aims to equip and empower responders with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate complex logistical hurdles in the austere environment.
Importantly, the TWG recognises the ethical dimensions inherent in blood transfusion, ensuring that blood transfusion practices uphold the highest standards of patient care and respect for human dignity. Furthermore, the TWG will provide clarity on legislative requirements for establishing blood transfusion programs during emergencies, offering a roadmap for navigating regulatory frameworks in diverse global contexts.
While the endeavour demands a commitment of time and expertise from TWG members and supporting organisations, the potential impact on emergency medical care cannot be overstated. In the coming months, the group aims to deliver a robust guidance document integrated into the broader framework for SCT Surgical, alongside practical tools tailored to the unique challenges of emergency settings.
Ultimately, the collective work of the TWG will represent the power of collaboration in enhancing the preparedness and effectiveness of EMTs worldwide by supporting access to safe blood transfusion practices in the most challenging of circumstances. As the TWG embarks on this collaborative journey, its efforts stand as a testament to the power of collective action in safeguarding public health and resilience in times of crisis.
Leanne Jones
Senior Medical Scientist
Leanne is Senior Medical Scientist with over 20 years’ experience. She has experience in numerous disciplines, including but not limited to: Transfusion, Microbiology, Haematology and Clinical Chemistry. Leanne is responsible for developing the deployable medical laboratory capability within NCCTRC/AUSMAT to ensure ongoing compliance to World Health Organization (WHO) global standards for Emergency Medical Teams.
