Injured patients with traumatic hemorrhagic shock often require resuscitation with transfusion of red blood cells, plasma and platelets. Resuscitation with whole blood (WB) has been used in military settings, and its use is increasingly common in civilian practice. This presentation provides an overview of the benefits and challenges, guidelines, and unanswered questions related to the use of WB as well as permissive hypotension in the treatment of civilian trauma-related hemorrhage. Implications for advanced practice nurses, nursing staff, and front-line transport personnel are also discussed.
