• Background: Mass Casualty Event (MCE) is an overwhelming event, which generates more patients at a time than locally available recourse can manage using routine procedures.

• MCE in London, Las Vegas and most recently in Christchurch as made this an emerging and relevant issue. National Terrorism Treat Advisory System –Australia’s current National Terrorism Treat Level is PROBABLE (as of 30th Jan 2020

• MCE will also place a strain on blood bank’s resources when there is a surge in demand for blood components.

• Locally, blood banks get little training in how to manage MCE

• Greater awareness and training is required so that hospital blood banks are better prepared in the event of a MCE

Aim Statement: Within 9 months, the 80% of the blood bank staff (blood bank and haematologist) will (i) have participated in training exercises on the management of mass casualty event (MCE) and (ii) be better prepared in the management of MCE. Stretch goal: 100% by 12 months

Team membersSponsor :Professor Roger WilsonNSWHP Chief Pathologist, State Pathology Controller ; NSWHP HSFAC (Health Service Functional Area Coordinator)

Project team members: Blood Bank Senior Scientist - Ms Bernadette Blayney and MsLynette AckermanPBM CNC – Mr Mickael Gieules ED/Trauma Doctors – Drs Matt Oliver, Sam Bendell and Roslyn HingNursing Administration with experience in running disaster scenarios – Ms Sue McGradyAustralian Red Cross Blood Service, Lifeblood Representative(s) : Natalie WeinertQuality Advisor: Ms Linda Sorum, Director Quality & Patient Safety, NSWHP

Liane Khoo Position : Haematologist Email: Liane.Khoo@health.nsw.gov.au Phone: 95158482 ECLP Cohort 21

Overall Outcome of Project: • There is greater awareness amongst haematologist/blood bank scientist and the hospital

critical care services/executive about the role of blood bank in MCE• All the blood bank scientist and haematologist (consultants and registrars) have

participated in some part of the training; but not in all aspects ( Achieved goal of having 80% of staff participate in MCE)

• Challenge is ongoing training in all aspects of preparing for a MCE

Improving Blood Bank’s Response to Mass Casualty

Events (MCE)

2. Change : Whatsapp Group rather than SMS for Haematologist

Although Whatsapp group managed to get 100% response; one person took until the next day to respond

Comments from staff:- O Neg vs O Pos

dispensing- Tagging and

Bagging Blood as a group/ individually

- Practice is important

June 2019 : • Inventory : 40 O pos and 30 A pos units• Teleconference with Christchurch (lessons leant)

Increased inventory to: 60 O pos and 45 A pos units

Balance Measure : Waste Data after Increasing Stock

Standard 7: 7.10Availability of Blood : Blood and blood products are managed to minimise wastage and ensure that product is available to meet clinical demand in times of shortage.