During World War Two, the Army Blood Transfusion Service developed life-saving techniques that continue to benefit us today. This service efficiently delivered blood to the wounded on the frontlines, saving countless lives.
Volunteers generously donated blood, leading to significant advancements in preserving donated blood. Roderick Bailey’s new book, “The Lifesavers,” honors the team behind the success of the Army Blood Transfusion Service (ABTS), which became renowned worldwide.
Roderick, a historian from Thame, Oxfordshire, describes the ABTS as an exceptional service that saved thousands of lives. The service started with 5,000 donors in 1939, growing to half a million by the war’s end, including men, women, and civilians from all backgrounds.
Lionel Whitby, a World War One amputee turned doctor, played a vital role in the ABTS during World War Two. With his wife Ethel, a doctor responsible for donor bleeding, they operated efficiently at Bristol’s Southmead Hospital, realizing the benefits of using plasma over whole blood on battlefields.
Plasma, a clear fluid carrying blood cells, proved to be more efficient and longer-lasting as red blood cells were stripped to prevent rapid decay. This innovation allowed for quick administration without blood typing and freeze-drying for easy transport and storage without refrigeration.
Today, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the NHS have revived these techniques, re-establishing dried plasma production in Cambridge. This dried plasma is now a crucial resource, especially in conflict zones like Ukraine, aiding in the treatment of hard-to-reach wounded individuals.
Under Whitby’s leadership, the ABTS supplied blood and plasma to troops across various regions, processing up to 25,000 pints of blood per month by 1943. This service was instrumental in saving lives on the frontlines and in prisoner of war camps.
The legacy of the ABTS lives on through stories like Wing Commander Guy Gibson’s contribution to blood donation campaigns during the war. These campaigns, led by Lionel and Ethel, aimed to mobilize donors for critical medical support ahead of major military operations.
The foresight and dedication of individuals like Major Gladwin Buttle and Marten Reed ensured that blood transfusions were available where needed, even in challenging circumstances like prisoner of war camps. Their resourcefulness and adaptability saved countless lives.
Roderick’s book sheds light on the importance of preparedness in the face of global conflicts today. The MOD and the NHS are aware of the challenges posed by large-scale conflicts and the need for adequate blood supplies. The lessons learned from the ABTS serve as a reminder of the impact of dedicated individuals in times of crisis.