What to Know About Blood Transfusions

Transfusions are often a necessary medical intervention following serious injuries such as from car crashes and work injuries. National Blood Donor Month, occurring every January, is a timely reminder of the critical role blood transfusions play in medical care and how they enable vital operations, restore oxygen flow, and offer life-saving support for your loved one after an injury.

Read on to learn when and why you or a family member may need a blood transfusion and how becoming a blood donor can help save the lives of personal injury accident victims in South Carolina.

When Is a Blood Transfusion Needed After an Injury?

Many types of personal injury accidents, like car accidents and work-related injuries, can necessitate a blood transfusion. The following are medical reasons your loved one may need a blood transfusion after their accident:

• Addressing severe blood loss. After a workplace accident or car crash that causes limb damage or internal organ trauma, blood transfusions help quickly restore the body’s blood volume, preventing blood loss and stabilizing the patient’s vital signs.
• Emergency surgery and blood restoration. After accidents or severe physical trauma, transfusions replace blood loss during necessary surgical procedures, ensuring the body maintains enough blood to support vital organ function and aid in healing post-surgery.
• Managing internal bleeding. Blood transfusions help manage internal bleeding after personal injury incidents like falls or surgical malpractice. They address low blood count due to internal bleeding, stabilizing the patient.
• Stabilizing patients in shock. In traumatic injuries causing shock, such as severe falls or car collisions, where blood flow to organs is critically low, transfusions restore proper blood circulation and support organ function.
• Controlling hemorrhagic conditions. When injuries worsen conditions like hemophilia or affect patients on blood thinners, transfusions help control bleeding and prevent complications.

How is a Blood Transfusion Performed?

A blood transfusion is a medical process where a patient receives blood or blood components like platelets, red cells, or plasma through an intravenous (IV) line. It’s generally considered safe, with only about .001% of transfusions resulting in bacterial contamination and .00034% in transferred diseases.

Here is an overview of the transfusion process:

• Preparation and verification. Healthcare professionals start by rigorously verifying the patient’s medical history and conducting compatibility tests to match blood types accurately.
• Blood collection and processing. Blood is sourced from donors who undergo comprehensive screening to guarantee their health at the time of donation and the safety of the blood supply. Then, it is separated into essential components—red blood cells, plasma, and platelets—based on the recipient’s specific needs.
• Transfusion process. The actual transfusion takes place in a hospital environment. A sterile needle is carefully inserted into a vein, commonly in the arm, and connected to a blood bag containing the required components. The transfusion rate is closely monitored throughout the procedure to prevent complications.
• Monitoring and aftercare. Medical professionals continuously monitor the recipient’s vital signs during and after the transfusion. They promptly address any adverse reactions and provide post-transfusion care as needed.

Importance of Being a Blood Donor for Accident Victims

Being a blood donor is a selfless act that contributes to the well-being of accident victims throughout South Carolina and the U.S. According to the Red Cross, one patient injured in a car accident can require as much as 100 units of blood.

• Immediate availability. Blood donations ensure a readily available and sufficient blood supply, especially in emergencies. This quick access is crucial for accident victims who may require immediate transfusions. In the U.S., someone needs blood or platelets as much as every 2 seconds.
• Diverse blood types. Different victims may require different blood types: A, B, AB, or O. Regular blood donations contribute to maintaining a diverse and well-stocked blood supply, catering to various patient needs.
• Continuous supply. Blood has a limited shelf life, about 42 days for blood and 5 days for platelets when stored properly. Regular donations are necessary to maintain a consistent and reliable supply, considering the perishable nature of blood products.
• Community support. Blood donation is a communal effort that fosters a sense of support and unity. Knowing that their community stands ready to assist in times of need can provide solace to accident victims and their families.
• Life-saving impact. Donating blood has a tangible, life-saving impact on those in critical need. The Red Cross notes that just one donation can save multiple lives. This reaffirms the value of blood donors in emergency medical care.

Advocating for Your Rights After Injury

Accidents can bring unforeseen challenges, and blood transfusions can be crucial to recovery. If you or a loved one has experienced an injury requiring a blood transfusion through no fault of their own, our legal team at Joye Law Firm can offer support and guidance. We want to ensure you can recover from your injury without having to worry about going into debt from medical expenses and lost wages.

Contact our South Carolina personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation. With over 55 years of dedicated service, we are committed to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.