Timing of First Whole Blood Transfusion Associated with Improved Survival in Trauma Patients

Earlier timing of whole blood transfusion as an adjunct to a massive transfusion protocol (MTP) is associated with improved survival at 24 hours and 30 days for trauma patients with severe hemorrhage. A retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 1394 adult trauma patients and found that receiving whole blood transfusion earlier within the first 24 hours of emergency department arrival was associated with a significant survival benefit. This suggests that earlier administration of whole blood may offer a survival advantage for actively hemorrhaging patients requiring MTP.