editorial
Haemostasis in Lunar Emergency Medicine: Blood Product Shelf Life and Trauma Protocol Adaptations: Emerging Concepts
Dr. R. Novak
· Lunar Medical Research Cooperative
Lunar Emergency Medicine · Vol. 5, No. 4 · May 29, 2024
Abstract
Follow-up investigation building on prior work. Trauma management in lunar habitats is constrained by blood product shelf life and resupply intervals. This review evaluates blood product storage, tranexamic acid as a first-line agent, whole blood protocols, and the evidence base for damage control resuscitation adapted to remote austere environme...
Extended analysis and updated findings. Blood product availability is the most critical constraint in lunar trauma management. Packed red blood cells expire in 42 days. Fresh frozen plasma expires in 12 months (frozen) but must be thawed within 24 hours of use. Platelets expire in 5–7 days and cannot be practically maintained at a lunar habitat with current logistics.
Our approach: tranexamic acid (TXA) 1g IV as universal early adjunct for suspected significant hemorrhage — a low-cost, long shelf-life intervention with strong evidence in damage control resuscitation. All lunar medical officers are trained in wilderness trauma protocols: wound packing, tourniquet application, and improvised pressure dressings from available materials.
Whole blood from pre-typed walking blood bank donors — universal donors among the habitat popu...
Our approach: tranexamic acid (TXA) 1g IV as universal early adjunct for suspected significant hemorrhage — a low-cost, long shelf-life intervention with strong evidence in damage control resuscitation. All lunar medical officers are trained in wilderness trauma protocols: wound packing, tourniquet application, and improvised pressure dressings from available materials.
Whole blood from pre-typed walking blood bank donors — universal donors among the habitat popu...
Keywords
trauma, haemostasis, blood products, TXA, tranexamic acid, damage control, emergency medicine