GUIDELINES ON THE MANAGEMENT OF BLOOD LOSS

Massive blood loss is arbitrarily defined as the loss of one blood volume within a 24 hr period (3.1.), the normal adult blood volume being approximately 7% of ideal body weight in adults and 8% to 9% in children. Alternative definitions that may be more helpful in the acute situation include a 50% blood volume loss within 3 hrs or a rate of loss of 150ml per minute (3.2.) or acute transfusion of 4 or more units of blood within one hour with anticipation of ongoing usage. It is imperative to recognize maJor blood loss early and institute effective action promptly if shock and itsconsequences are to be prevented.