Trends in Blood Product Utilization at a Military Hospital in the Sahel (2021-2024)

Over the past four years there has been an increase in blood product utilization at HM-CHC. This may reflect both increasing awareness of the importance of blood as part of resuscitation of the wounded, as well as increasing need for blood products due to the volume and acuity of casualties. Further research is required to understand the relationship between supply and demand for blood products at other treatment facilities in the study setting. Operationalization of a separate entity for blood transfusion within the military medical system of Burkina Faso may allow for self-sufficiency in supplying military medical units with blood products. In addition, the introduction of whole blood and freeze-dried plasma to address cold chain constraints, particularly closer to the battlefield, may improve casualty care in the study setting.