Walking Blood Bank Saves Lives

A lifesaving medical program is in full effect aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), which is at sea conducting work-ups and flight operations, Aug. 31.

The walking blood bank program provides Sailors an opportunity to save a shipmate's life in the event of a mass casualty or during medical emergencies when a blood transfusion becomes necessary.

Throughout the year, Sailors are encouraged to volunteer for the program. Before volunteers are accepted to take part, they are screened for a number of disqualifying factors, including blood-borne illnesses. Once they have passed the screening, they're on-call and ready to assist if necessary.

"This program is extremely important," said Lt. Cmdr. Sondra M. Santana, the ship's nurse and walking blood bank coordinator. "If a patient is in dire need for blood and we don't have enough on the ship, we can pick a donor right out of our database."

When Enterprise deploys, its medical department will keep 10 units of blood on hand for emergencies. When those units are exhausted, the blood of the Sailors in the walking blood bank will be the only blood available.

During a mass causality event, one patient or accident victim can use up to 50 units of blood during lifesaving treatment. Without the walking blood bank, that patient may die.

Medical doesn't keep a mass quantity of blood on standby because of the relatively short shelf life of blood kept in refrigeration.

"Keeping a lot of blood just isn't practical," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SW/AW) Sarah J. Coleman, the medical department's leading lab technician. "Blood can only be kept for 60 days. After that, it is swapped out for new blood. If we didn't use it, it is wasted.

With the shortage of blood we wouldn't want to waste any more than we have to."

More than 400 Sailors of all different blood types make up Enterprise's walking blood bank.

"The Sailors who raise their hand and say 'I am willing to donate when blood is needed are wonderful people," said Santana. "I don't think people realize how important giving blood really is. They are saving their shipmates' lives."

USS Enterprise (CVN 65) is conducting work-ups and flight deck operations in preparation for its upcoming deployment.