HOW CAN
WE HELP?
BLOOD CARE
SERVICES.
It is a common misconception that the medical facilities and expertise we enjoy in the UK are replicated around the world. Whilst there are many countries which offer similar (or some may argue superior) facilities there are many many more which struggle to meet the high standards we take for granted.
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The Foundation has been called on regularly to provide blood for emergency surgical requirements around the world when local supplies have been unavailable; the following are some examples of when the Foundation has been able to assist.
WALKING BLOOD BANK.
In countries where adequate supplies of blood are not available, or the quality is unreliable, arrangements have to be made to provide blood cover in an emergency. Historically, one option has been to set up a ‘walking blood bank’; a donor panel of people prepared to be called on in an emergency. This has always been viewed as a stop-gap solution.
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The American Association of Blood Banks now considers this practice, "a relic of less sophisticated times". In its technical manual, it is mentioned only to identify the hazards. Although, in those rare situations where no other solution is available, such a panel might still be set up, it should always be viewed as a solution of last resort. Even in this situation, no shortcuts may be taken, and all the internationally agreed standards must be maintained.
