Memorial Blood Centers has declared a blood emergency as supplies fall below safe levels ahead of summer trauma season. Right now, the region has less than a two-day blood supply overall and under one day for type O blood, the blood type most often used in emergencies.
Trauma centers depend on blood every day to care for patients involved in car crashes, emergency surgeries, cancer treatment, and other life-threatening situations. A single trauma patient may require dozens of blood units within minutes.