MoD Medics Get Latest Blood Transfusion Technology on Operations

Armed Forces medical staff on operations in Afghanistan and Iraq are being equipped with new blood supply kit which means badly injured troops can be treated more effectively.

The new equipment means combat medics can quickly call on an improved supply of “platelets” - a key part of human blood vital in generating blood clots which is used to help stop massive loss of blood caused by injuries.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Baroness Taylor said:

“Our medics on operations are saving more lives than ever before and it is thanks to advances in technology and research which makes this possible. I am delighted that this hi-tech, life saving machine has been accepted into service by our medical teams serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is already proving its worth.”

Previously the method of providing platelets in an emergency was to take whole blood from previously screened volunteers. However four donors are needed to produce one adult dose and once a donor has donated they cannot donate again for at least 12 weeks. The new Apheresis procedure produces an adult dose of platelets, from a single donor, in approximately 45mins. As the process only takes platelets, the donor has no ill effects and can donate again within 14 days.

Unveiling the hi tech machine at DVD, DE&S Chief of Defence Materiel Land, Lt General Dick Applegate said

“Medical care on operations is rightly recognized as being second to none. Blood is an essential part of the military supply chain and the demand for platelets has increased as we are using a more aggressive approach in the treatment of massive blood loss. Using the new machine will give our medics increased flexibility during urgent requirements.”

Staff Sgt Paul Lund who is the SNCO on the blood supply team added

“It is the generosity of the volunteer donors who willingly donate platelets linked with the skills of the Apheresis teams that ensure Platelet Apheresis is an effective and versatile tool that the clinicians can out to good use by providing appropriate blood component therapy when needed. This has been demonstrated on at least 3 occasions since its introduction in February when injured troops have received platelets donated by volunteers on operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq.”

The machines are made by Glasgow based Haemonetics UK Ltd. They are widely used in the National Blood Service and by the US Military Medical Services.

Source: MoD

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