FORT IRWIN, Calif.  –   Weed Army Community Hospital (WACH) has received cold-stored platelets from the Armed Services Blood Bank Center- Pacific Northwest. This brings the facility into compliance with Defense Health Agency (DHA) standards for mass transfusion protocols. This addition increases the hospital’s available blood products for emergency and trauma response, a critical need for a remote installation like Fort Irwin.

Fort Irwin’s remote location in the Mojave Desert presents unique logistical challenges, especially when severe weather impacts air and ground transport. Dust storms, flash floods, and high winds can temporarily cut off access to medical resupply, requiring the hospital to maintain a level of self-sufficiency. Unlike standard platelet units, which have a shelf life of only a few days, cold-stored platelets can be stored for extended periods, providing a more stable and reliable supply when conditions delay transport.
In addition to cold storage platelets, WACH is in discussions to acquire frozen red blood cells (RBCs) to meet Prolonged Field Care Standards of Public Health Emergency Management and Mass Casualty (MASCAL) response requirements. These RBCs can be frozen and stored for up to 10 years, allowing for a more flexible and sustainable approach to managing blood supplies in an environment where immediate restocking is not always possible.

“The ability to store and use frozen blood products gives us more options when responding to trauma cases,” said CPT Brandy Warner, Chief of Pathology & Laboratory. “We’ve had cases where a single patient quickly depleted our on-hand blood products, requiring urgent resupply. Given the unpredictability of emergency situations, the weather, and our distance from additional blood supplies, it’s clear we need better long-term storage solutions. Having frozen RBCs available would allow us to sustain patient care without immediate resupply, improving our ability to manage high-demand situations.”

While these advancements strengthen WACH’s ability to maintain a steady blood supply, they do not replace the need for ongoing community participation in blood drives. Donated blood remains essential for routine and emergency care. The continued support of our community in donating blood helps ensure that fresh supplies are available when they are needed most.

Those interested in supporting Fort Irwin’s blood drives, please schedule an appointment at https://lstream.org/fort.