Does prehospital whole blood improve outcomes compared with blood components in traumatic haemorrhage? We critically appraise the SWiFT randomised trial, including its findings on death or massive transfusion within 24 hours and the limits of testing a prehospital-only intervention.
A London Air Ambulance cohort study explores partial REBOA for trauma patients with life-threatening bleeding and recent or imminent cardiac arrest. This appraisal considers feasibility, survival and patient selection, alongside the limits of a small observational study and the training and systems needed to deliver the technique.
A 2022 appraisal of RePHILL, comparing prehospital packed red cells and freeze-dried plasma with saline for traumatic haemorrhagic shock. It examines the neutral trial result, composite outcomes and patient selection, and asks what questions remain about prehospital transfusion.
What is actually in a bag of packed red blood cells? This appraisal revisits a 2001 laboratory study of stored blood, exploring acid–base and electrolyte changes while distinguishing measurements in the bag from evidence of their effects on patients.
JC: The metabolic and biochemical characteristics of packed red cell transfusions. Read More
Why return to whole blood in major trauma? Zaf Qasim reviews the military experience, early civilian studies and practical challenges of introducing a whole-blood programme. This 2018 overview considers compatibility, storage and transfusion risks while acknowledging the limits of the evidence for civilian patients.
Whole Blood in Major Trauma – Everything old is new again Read More
How strong was the evidence behind major transfusion protocols in trauma? This 2013 journal club examines a systematic review and meta-analysis, exploring before-and-after study bias, variation between protocols and why a statistically inconclusive pooled result may leave an important clinical question unresolved.
JC: Major Transfusion Protocols – evidence or lack of? St.Emlyn’s Read More
