Blood donors necessary in war, peace

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stacia Zachary
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England (AFPN) --  It may seem like blood centers are always asking for more. The fact is, there is a constant need for blood.

Technological advances have a lot to do with this continuous need for blood, said Capt. Christine Murphy, the 48th Medical Group executive officer here. More and more, there have been scientific breakthroughs that allow a person a chance at life where once there was none. And along with these breakthroughs, a steady supply of blood is needed.

“Our job, as a medical community, is to save as many lives as we can,” Captain Murphy said. “Technology has grown so we are now able to help people in ways not possible in the past.”

According to the Armed Services Blood Program Web site, trauma victims may use up to 40 units of blood, and that does not include the number of surgical procedures that require blood transfusions.

“It is always important we have enough (blood) on hand,” said 1st Lt. Adam Minnich of the 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron and a blood drive advocate. “The main purpose of blood drives is to maintain medical readiness. Units of blood are not only used here in the immediate vicinity.”

In the current world climate, there are many ongoing operations in hostile environments that require blood donations, Captain Murphy said.

“We still have several operations our military is involved in, and it’s important to keep those blood stores well stocked,” she said. “We are usually at full capacity, but it’s always smart to never let them deplete or we would end up in a critical situation.”

Although war, and the casualties that result from it, are the most high-profile reasons to give blood, there are several closer-to-home reasons people may need blood.

“We need to take care of our families and civilians, too,” Captain Murphy said. “They are our obligation as well as a large contributor to our blood stores (here). Remember, blood is always needed -- in both war and peace.” (Courtesy of U.S. Air Forces in Europe News Service)