1. Inconsistent Temperature Control

• The Mistake: Allowing blood to drift outside the required 1–6 °C range during storage or transport.
• The Risk: Even short temperature excursions reduce viability, cause product waste, and compromise patient safety.
• The Fix: Utilize validated, actively monitored storage devices that provide real-time alerts and logging.

2. Lack of Continuous Monitoring & Documentation

• The Mistake: Relying on manual checks, paper logs, or occasional data downloads.
• The Risk: Gaps in data make it impossible to prove chain-of-custody compliance, especially in audits or adverse events.
• The Fix: Deploy automated systems (e.g., BloodCOMM) that provide uninterrupted monitoring, alerts, and digital traceability.

3. Improper Handling During Transfers

• The Mistake: Repeatedly moving units between unvalidated coolers or using ice packs without controls.
• The Risk: Increases risk of freezing, overheating, or undetected excursions.
• The Fix: Minimize transfers; when necessary, use validated devices for each handoff, with tracking continuity.

4. Using Equipment Not Designed for EMS Conditions

• The Mistake: Repurposing hospital coolers or commercial ice chests in rugged, high-heat, or extreme cold field conditions.
• The Risk: Devices fail under vibration, shock, or prolonged environmental stress, leading to spoilage.
• The Fix: Choose equipment tested and validated for EMS and military environments (ruggedized, EMI safe, battery powered).

5. Failure to Train and Standardize Protocols

• The Mistake: Leaving handling practices up to individual crews without formal SOPs.
• The Risk: Inconsistent practices lead to preventable waste, regulatory risk, and patient harm.
• The Fix: Standardize training and SOPs for packing, monitoring, and transfusion workflows across all crews.

 Key Takeaway

Blood is a life-saving therapy, but in the prehospital environment, it’s only as effective as the system that protects it. Eliminating these 5 mistakes ensures readiness, compliance, and lives saved.