Blood is a highly valuable medical resource that necessitates strict adherence to guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of the recipient. Since the onset of the Russian-Ukrainian War, there has been an increased need for training in Emergency Fresh Whole Blood Transfusion (EFWBT) to improve patient outcomes. To meet this need, we developed and evaluated a training program aimed at enhancing Ukrainian health professionals’ proficiency in EFWBT. Our research team trained eight Ukrainian medical providers, including six physicians and two medics, in EFWBT protocols and evaluated their perceived confidence and ability to administer and teach EFWBTs in austere environments. The training was derived from the Joint Trauma System Clinical Practice Guidelines, the 75th Ranger Regiment Ranger O-Low Titer (ROLO) program, and the Marine Corps Valkyrie program. Participants were assessed on the practical application of EFWBT, knowledge of associated administrative oversight requirements, and self-evaluated confidence in EFWBT administration. A cross-comparison was conducted to determine the statistical significance between a larger dataset of 3rd-year medical students and the Ukrainian medical providers. These findings suggest that the accuracy of testing conditions was statistically similar between the two groups, and the level of proficiency and confidence in the pre-assessment questionnaire was less for Ukrainian providers than for 3rd-year medical students. A Joint United States Military and Ukrainian EFWBT program could drastically improve transfusion safety, reduce preventable death on the battlefield, and promote a full-scale evaluation of EFWBT practices in a near-peer threat environment. The administration of such a program will require strict administrative oversight and close collaboration with medical professionals, experts in transfusion medicine, and regulatory authorities. Furthermore, effective integration of EFWBT training into the foundational medical curriculum for frontline Ukrainian medical providers could serve as a potent force multiplier, increasing proficiency in EFWBT practices and reducing preventable deaths from hemorrhagic hypovolemic shock.
Attendees will understand the disparity between medical training and the application of Emergency Fresh Whole Blood Transfusions on the battlefield among Ukrainian frontline medical providers. This issue highlights the need for standardized and consistent training protocols, improved access to resources, and enhanced coordination within the Ukrainian healthcare system and the U.S. military when considering austere medical training requirements for a near-peer threat environment.
Learning Outcome #2:
Attendees will be able to evaluate the medical training outlined in the presentation to assist Ukrainian medical providers in the application of Emergency Fresh Whole Blood Transfusions and the administrative oversight towards ensuring the safety, efficacy, and standardization of this life-saving procedure. Understanding the training program enables attendees to assess the availability of continuous education and skill development opportunities for Ukrainian medical providers, identify any gaps or discrepancies that may exist between different training institutions on a global scale, and identify potential areas for enhancement – such as incorporating simulation-based training, promoting interprofessional collaboration, or integrating innovative teaching techniques, regardless of their geographical location or affiliation.
Learning Outcome #3:
Attendees will understand how the limitations in EFWBT training in Ukraine serve as a valuable opportunity for the U.S. military to collaborate with experts in the field and improve their own medical preparedness for a near-peer threat environment. This collaboration can lead to refined protocols, enhanced interoperability, and, ultimately, improved patient outcomes on the battlefield.
Learning Outcome #4:
Attendees will be able to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative cross-comparison analysis of Ukrainian medical providers and 3rd-year USUHS medical students' self-evaluation of proficiency in the application of Emergency Fresh Whole Blood Transfusions and administrative oversight. This analysis allows for valuable insights into the similarities, differences, and potential areas for improvement in training or educational interventions globally.
Learning Outcome #5:
The presentation outcomes aim to inspire attendees to continue research in the respective evaluation of the Emergency Fresh Whole Blood Transfusions (EFWBT) training programs for frontline Ukrainian medical providers. Continued research provides an opportunity to refine and improve training programs, identify areas for enhancement and collaboration, and promote the development of evidence-based protocols and guidelines to enhance the safety and efficacy of EFWBT.