Photo By Senior Airman Violette Hosack | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Telena Martinez, 379th Expeditionary Medical Squadron...... read more read more
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U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY -- U.S. Airmen assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Medical Squadron have conducted four pre-screen blood drives, increasing the available blood supply in the AOR by over 75%.
These drives enhance the ability to respond to mass casualty incidents, providing critical support in emergencies. During a recent exercise, the Airmen of the 379th EMDS were evaluated on their response to high-pressure medical scenarios conducting a real donor-to-patient transfusion.
“We exercised our mass casualty capabilities and challenged four of our internal disaster teams’ responses and skills,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jefonda Smith, 379th Expeditionary Medical Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge of clinical laboratory. “We learned where our pitfalls are in emergency situations, instead of waiting for an emergency to happen, because every minute counts when saving a life.”
A key aspect of this readiness is the collection, storage, and use of cold storage platelets, a type of blood cell that helps stop bleeding. Cold storage platelets are collected from donors to be used for trauma patients and have a longer shelf life than room-temperature platelets. They are critical in preventing excessive bleeding and ensuring better survival rates.
“Our platelets last for up to two weeks,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Shannon Ford, 379th EMDS noncommissioned officer in charge of apheresis. “They are created almost exclusively for patients who are bleeding or have endured some kind of trauma and need to have clotting factors that are already partially activated to prevent further bleeding.”
Maintaining uninterrupted blood services is a top priority for medical teams to provide support within the AOR. The ability to collect, store, and distribute blood efficiently is crucial for emergency situations.
“Donating blood saves lives,” said Smith. “Military personnel, especially those on the front lines, are often the first to step forward [to donate]. The process takes only 20 minutes, but its impact can be life changing.”
Blood drives remain a fundamental part of emergency preparedness. Having readiness at the forefront and encouraging ongoing blood donation efforts, the 379th EMDS ensures its ability to respond swiftly and effectively to crises, safeguarding lives on and off the battlefield.
“We have members here who are fighting for freedom but also willing to get stuck and donate a pint of blood to still help save a life, no matter where they are in the world,” said Smith. “It truly makes a difference.”
| Date Taken: | 02.07.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.02.2025 03:14 |
| Story ID: | 494330 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Web Views: | 22 |
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