What is the order of preference for blood products used in resuscitation?

The order of preference for blood products used in resuscitation is critical to ensure that patients receive the best possible care during traumatic situations. The choice of answer emphasizes a strategy that maximizes the effectiveness of resuscitation while minimizing the risks associated with blood transfusions.

Starting with cold-stored low-titer O whole blood, this option is advantageous because it contains a balanced mix of red blood cells (RBCs), plasma, and platelets, which are essential for addressing both volume loss and coagulopathy commonly seen in trauma patients. "Low-titer" refers to a lower concentration of antibodies, reducing the risk of hemolytic reactions when administered to patients with unknown blood types. This is especially important in life-threatening scenarios where immediate transfusion is necessary without the time to cross-match blood typing.

Following that, pre-screened low-titer O fresh whole blood is given priority, maintaining a similar rationale. Fresh blood provides better oxygen-carrying capacity due to higher RBC viability and helps initiate the restoration of hemostasis with functional clotting factors present in the plasma.

Lastly, the mention of administering plasma, RBCs, and platelets in a 1:1:1 ratio aligns with modern resuscitation strategies, which emphasize equal