Blood bank preparedness for mass casualty incidents and disasters: a pilot study in the Piedmont region, Italy

A Scoping Review of the Essential Components of Emergency Medical Response Systems for Mass Casualty Incidents

OBJECTIVE

Emergency medical (EM) response systems require extensive coordination, particularly during mass casualty incidents (MCIs). The recognition of preparedness gaps and contextual priorities to MCI response capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) can be better understood through the components of EM reponse systems. This study aims to delineate essential components and provide a framework for effective emergency medical response to MCIs.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted using 4 databases. Title and abstract screening was followed by full-text review. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes pertaining to the essential components and integration of EM response systems.

RESULTS

Of 20,456 screened citations, 181 articles were included in the analysis. Seven major and 40 sub-themes emerged from the content analysis as the essential components and supportive elements of MCI medical response. The essential components of MCI response were integrated into a framework demonstrating interrelated connections between essential and supportive elements.

CONCLUSIONS

Definitions of essential components of EM response to MCIs vary considerably. Most literature pertaining to MCI response originates from high income countries with far fewer reports from LMICs. Integration of essential components is needed in different geopolitical and economic contexts to ensure an effective MCI emergency medical response.

COVID-19 impact on Nigeria's national blood service commission - Lessons for Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)

Background

In February 2020, Nigeria officially announced its first case of COVID-19. As numbers rose, government-led non-pharmaceutical interventions such as lockdowns, curfews, restrictions on mass gatherings and other physical distancing measures ensued, negatively affecting blood donor mobilisation activities.

Objectives

We aimed to assess the blood service activities across 17 National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) centres in Nigeria, including number of blood donations, mobile blood drives, blood units screened, screening outcomes, number of hospitals NBSC provided services to and number of blood units discarded over the study period.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood services in 17 NBSC centres in Nigeria, comparing from January-December 2019 (pre-COVID-19) to January-December 2020 (peri-COVID-19).

Results

Mobile blood donation drives declined by 100% in the first 2 months following government-imposed lockdowns, the number of all blood donations and voluntary blood donations declined by 9.8%. The number of blood units screened declined by 11.9%, while the number of blood units that screened positive for transfusion-transmissible infections reduced by 28.6%. Discarded blood units reduced by 3.1%, while a 32.6% increase was observed in the number of hospitals that NBSC issued blood for transfusion.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic affected NBSC operations in Nigeria. However, by strengthening hospital linkages and employing innovative strategies, NBSC ensured continuity of operations, thereby significantly managing the challenges of COVID-19 to voluntary blood donor recruitment and the availability of safe blood for transfusion.

Impact of COVID 19 pandemic on blood transfusion services at a rural based district Hospital Blood-Bank, India

The timely availability of safe and quality blood is a lifesaving decisive factor. Maintaining a stable and adequate blood supply has become a huge challenge amidst COVID 19 pandemic, especially in developing countries like India. Impact of this pandemic on blood transfusion services and potential challenges faced are discussed in the present study which helps planning acute blood shortage even in future pandemics.

1. To know the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Blood bank service; 2. To suggest strategy to tackle acute crisis of blood in future disasters.

: In the present study six month’s data pertaining to blood bank following, COVID 19 outbreak in district was compared with that of pre-COVID19 state. Donor attendance register, blood issue register, blood stock-component register, Voluntary blood donation camps, reagents and consumables stock inventory records are analyzed statistically. Mitigative measures adopted are discussed for smooth functioning of Blood bank services.

: During COVID-19 outbreak there was drastic reduction in total number of voluntary blood donors visiting blood bank, cancellation of Voluntary blood camps, decreased number of blood components and discard rate of blood components was increased. Disruption of inventory stock maintenance was also seen.

: COVID 19 pandemic had a negative impact on Blood transfusion services. A multi-centric approach with evidence based emergency preparedness plan helps to overcome acute crisis of blood supply and in future disasters.

Potential challenges faced by blood bank services during COVID-19 pandemic and their mitigative measures: The Indian scenario

The current pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus is going to be a prolonged melee. Identifying crucial areas, proactive planning, coordinated strategies and their timely implication is essential for smooth functioning of any system during a crunch. Addressing the impact of COVID-19 on transfusion services, there are 4 potential challenges viz. blood/ component shortage, donor/ staff safety, consumable supply/ logistics and catering to the convalescent plasma need. In this review article, we will be discussing about these potential challenges in detail along with the necessary mitigative steps to be adopted to tide over the COVID-19 crisis in an Indian set up.