Geracci JP, Mitchell Z, Carr KW. Ahead of Print. (Case Reports)
Abstract
This case study evaluates a simple, reliable technique for preserving a unit of blood in the field. During a search and rescue exercise in mountainous terrain, a unit of blood was drawn and stored in the rescuer's chest pocket for 13 hours while engaging in rigorous training. Despite temperatures as low as 4°C (40°F), the blood remained liquid and appeared visually viable, suggesting that body heat may help maintain adequate storage temperature. This method offers a low-resource alter-native to expensive or logistically complex storage solutions. A review of historical and modern literature supports the potential effectiveness of this approach, though the absence of laboratory analysis limits definitive conclusions. Given its practicality and historical precedent, this approach warrants further research on biochemical integrity and long-term feasibility to assess its viability for emergency transfusions in combat and wilderness rescue settings.
Keywords: blood; whole blood; blood storage; austere medicine; wilderness medicine; tactical medicine