DGTI warns: Blood donations are indispensable – even in crisis situations

11.09.2025 18:05

In military operations, terrorist attacks, or natural disasters, a timely blood transfusion can mean the difference between life and death. The German Society for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology (DGTI) is highlighting the crucial role of blood transfusion in crises at its annual conference.

Without sufficient donations, medical rescue efforts quickly reach their limits – both in everyday situations and in civilian or military crises. The German Society for Blood and Blood Technology (DGTI) therefore urgently calls for regular blood donations.

Injuries resulting in severe blood loss are among the most common causes of death in crisis situations with large numbers of casualties—whether in military operations or major civilian disasters. "In cases of so-called penetrating injuries, such as those caused by shrapnel, sharp objects, or weapons in military conflicts, we have an increased need for blood products. Rapid blood delivery is particularly crucial in such cases. If the transfusion is delayed, the risk of death increases by two to three percent with every minute," says Dr. Diana Sauer, senior field physician and director of the Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy at the Bundeswehr Central Hospital in Koblenz.

This demonstrates how medical insights from military emergency care can also help in the civilian sector: "We now know that early administration of whole blood—donated directly from a vein—is more effective in cases of severe bleeding than infusion solutions or later treatment with individual blood components," explains Sauer. The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) are permitted to use whole blood as a last resort during military operations abroad based on a procedural directive; whole blood is not yet permitted in Germany.

Blood donations save lives every day – not just in crises

The blood supply always depends on the willingness to donate. "Every person who donates blood contributes to the security of the supply. Not only, but of course especially, in crisis situations," emphasizes Sauer. There are already phases in which supplies become scarce – especially for blood types that are universally usable or receptive. "Regular donors whose blood type is known and for whom we know whether they carry blood-borne pathogens are particularly valuable. This is a crucial advantage when diagnostics are limited in a crisis situation."

Challenge: Blood supply in an emergency

Crisis situations pose particular challenges for the blood supply. Destroyed or blocked transport routes, the failure of IT and communication systems, a shortage of medical personnel and donors, or shortages of universally used blood products can significantly exacerbate the situation. Damaged infrastructure, such as at blood donation centers or storage facilities, can also hamper the provision of vital blood supplies. In addition, there are possible supply bottlenecks for essential materials such as blood bag systems or laboratory equipment. "Coronavirus has shown us that supply chains quickly reach their limits. We must learn from this," says Sauer.

National and international cooperation is crucial

To meet these challenges, a multitude of questions must be addressed now: How can people be mobilized to donate blood at short notice? How can sufficient supplies be ensured? How can blood products be distributed across borders without red tape?

This requires comprehensive crisis plans: "Solutions are currently being developed at the national and international levels. To meet the challenges in the field of blood supply in crisis situations, experts from medicine, politics, law, and business must work together," says Sauer. "The goal is to ensure patient care as safely as in everyday life, even in exceptional situations – for both donors and recipients," Sauer summarizes.