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More sophisticated than a drink cooler or an old sphygmomanometer but still not adequate for prehospital blood: A market review of commercially available equipment for prehospital blood transport and administration
Author(s) -
Martin Silver M.,
Fisher Andrew D.,
Meledeo Michael A.,
Wampler David,
Nicholson Susannah E.,
Raczek Katherine,
April Michael D.,
Weymouth Wells L.,
Bynum James,
Schauer Steven G.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1111/trf.16461
Subject(s) - medicine , medical emergency , emergency medical services , limiting , transfusion medicine , intensive care medicine , prehospital emergency care , blood transfusion , emergency medicine , surgery , engineering , mechanical engineering
Background Hemorrhage is the leading cause of death in trauma patients with most fatalities occurring before reaching a higher level of care—this applies to both the civilian setting and the military combat setting. Hemostatic resuscitation with increased emphasis on blood transfusion while limiting use of crystalloids has become routine in trauma care. However, the prehospital setting—especially in combat—presents unique challenges with regard to storage, transport, and administration. We sought to evaluate available technology on the market for storage and administration technology that is relevant to the prehospital setting. Study design and methods We conducted a market review of available technology through subject–matter expert inquiry, reviews of published literature, reviews of Federal Drug Administration databases, internal military publications, and searches of Google. Results We reviewed and described a total of 103 blood transporters, 22 infusers, and 6 warmers. Conclusions The risk of on‐scene fatality in trauma patients and recent developments in trauma care demonstrate the need for prehospital transfusion. These transfusions have been logistically prohibited in many operations. We have reviewed the current commercially available equipment and recommended pursuit of equipment that improves accessibility to field transfusion. Current technology has limited applicability for the prehospital setting and is further limited for the military setting.