Army Master Sergeant Luis Soto, 4th Air Support Operations Group First Sergeant in Wiesbaden, donates blood at the Armed Services Blood Program Europe blood drive in Wiesbaden, March 22 (Photo by Army Sgt. Amanda Baker).

"Research studies have shown that one of the most important factors in saving the life of a bleeding patient is early use of blood," said Corley. "For example, work by Joint Trauma System has shown that blood transfusion should be initiated within 30 minutes of injury to have the greatest impact on patient outcome. This means we need safe and efficacious products readily available to get to our forces as far forward on the battlefield as possible."

Added Nance: "The evolution of military medicine has yielded the highest combat survival rate in history due to the forward surgical capabilities and rapid evacuation of capabilities."

Blood Products

According to ASBP Communications, blood donations are based on the four main components of blood itself: red blood cells, platelets, plasma and white blood cells, and transfusable components derived.

Below, is an explanation of each type of donation and product:

• Whole blood donation, or all the blood components, is what most people are familiar with and considered a "typical" blood donation product. It is frequently given to trauma patients, children, and adults fighting cancer, blood disorders, traumatic injuries, and to people undergoing surgery.
• Platelet donation is also done by apheresis. Platelets are tiny cells in our blood that form clots to stop bleeding. An apheresis machine collects your platelets and returns remaining blood products safely and comfortably back to the donor. A single donation of platelets can yield several transfusion units, whereas it takes about five whole blood donations to make up a single platelet transfusion unit. Platelets are most often designated to cancer patients, organ transplant procedures, anemia, and other blood disorders.
• Plasma donation is also collected using the same apheresis process as platelets and red cells. It separates plasma from blood and safely and comfortably returns these other blood components to the donor. Plasma has clotting factors that stop patients from bleeding. Trauma patients, burn patients, and transplant patients are often recipients of plasma. During COVID-19, convalescent plasma was collected to help provide research components and treatment to those with the disease.

The COVID-19 Pandemic

ASBP Communications explained the COVID-19 pandemic hampered the ASBP's collection efforts while the need for blood continued. The safety restrictions and protective measures established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic made scheduling blood drives and collecting blood difficult.

"Donors stayed home," said Corley. "Unit commanders cancelled blood drives to prevent COVID-19 spread."

But within a month, the ASBP pivoted to continue its mission. It established protective COVID-19 measures following Food and Drug Administration guidelines and mirroring American Association of Blood Banks recommendations, said Corley.

"Via marketing, communications, and command channels, ASBP promoted the need for blood and urged donors to come out and donate," he said. "Gradually, we weathered the storm of initial closures and shutdowns and were able to continue in our collection goals and welcome back donors."

"A safe and viable blood supply continued for our service members, their families, and retirees throughout the pandemic," added Taylor.