[Rational blood component therapy in patients with life-threatening hemorrhage].

We present the results of the Joint Task Force on Rational Management of Life Threatening Haemorrhage (LTH) at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital. A standardised treatment algorithm for LTH due to trauma, surgery, or birth is presented. The key feature is balanced transfusion therapy with an "emergency transfusion package" (5 units of red blood cells plus 5 units of fresh-frozen plasma plus 2 units of platelets). The Blood Bank services, guides, monitors and delivers the emergency transfusion packages in accordance with the algorithm.