Transfusion. 2018 Aug;58(8):1821-1823

# Get ready: whole blood is back and it’s good for patients.

Holcomb J, Jenkins D

The ongoing war has convinced a new generation of clinicians that whole blood (WB) benefits bleeding patients. As with many changes in civilian trauma care, the use of WB has transitioned from a wartime practice to the civilian world, becoming routine at many centers.

At last count, 19 leading trauma centers are using this approved product as their first line transfusion, with some starting prehospital (both ground and air ambulance) and continuing into the Emergency Department (ED) and Operating Room. Seheult and colleagues have been leaders in this civilian effort, along with a multinational group of collaborators.

The ongoing war has convinced a new generation of clinicians that whole blood (WB) benefits bleeding patients. As with many changes in civilian trauma care, the use of WB has transitioned from a wartime practice to the civilian world, becoming routine at many centers.5 At last count, 19 leading trauma centers are using this approved product as their first line transfusion, with some starting prehospital (both ground and air ambulance) and continuing into the Emergency Department (ED) and Operating Room.