Blood as a strategic resource: Lessons from Iwo Jima for civilian and military transfusion in large‐scale combat operations

Transfusion 2026 Open access

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Authors: Evan Baines, Jamison P Geracci, Eric Kretz, Spencer M. Knierim, Alexander F Bowers, Ricky Michael Ditzel, Christopher Jackson, Noah Taylor, Joshua B. Lowe, Donald Jenkins
DOI: 10.1111/trf.70073
Cited by: 1
References: 9

Abstract

Blood is a national strategic resource and the cornerstone of trauma resuscitation.In combat, the capacity to collect, move, store, and transfuse blood determines not only survival but operational tempo.As US forces prepare for prolonged large-scale combat operations (LSCO), 1,2 planners must anticipate casualty production far exceeding that seen in recent counterinsurgencies.LSCO is expected to take place in a multi-domain operations (MDO) threat environment.In these circumstances, blood logistics will face sustained demand, attrition, supply chain disruption, cyber interference, and extended evacuation timelines.2,3

Fields of Study & Subjects

Trauma Hemostasis Coagulopathy Resuscitation Blood donation and transfusion practices Blood transfusion and management

Publication details

Journal / source
Transfusion
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
66
Issue
S1
Pages
S368–S375
Publication date
26 January 2026
Language
EN