The hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier, HBOC-201, as a resuscitation fluid for traumatic hemorrhagic shock: The naval medical research center experience

Abstract

In response to the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001 and the subsequent advent of conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC, Silver Spring, MD) initiated a search for an oxygen-carrying resuscitation fluid that could be used for combat trauma and in situations with wide-spread civilian casualties. The ability to supply blood to mass casualties or far-forward combat trauma victims in austere environments with long evacuation times is wrought with logistical complications.