Disaster Preparedness: Strategies for the Blood Supply

Abstract

Blood transfusion is a critical element of patient care. Advance planning is needed for disasters and emergencies severely affecting blood supply or demand. This includes procedures for responses, communication, and training. Transfusion needs for mass casualty events have been estimated from published data or virtual injury simulations. Special situations include cyberattacks, large-scale natural disasters, and internal facility disruptions. A US national disaster task force of blood and health care organizations partners with federal agencies to coordinate blood donation needs and blood shipments in large-scale events affecting blood supply or demand.

Keywords: Blood banks; Disaster planning; Disasters; Emergencies; Mass casualty incidents.