U.S. Navy, ADF participate in Valkyrie emergency fresh whole blood transfusion training

Navy Corpsmen and U.S. Marines Collaborate in Innovative Emergency Blood Transfusion Training Program

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing life-saving capabilities on the battlefield, U.S. Navy corpsmen and Marines have joined forces to bring emergency fresh whole blood transfusions to the forefront of medical training. The program, known as ‘Valkyrie,’ was inspired by the U.S. Army’s Ranger O Low Titer Whole Blood Program and is now making waves across the military medical community.

Led by U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Russell Wier during his tenure as the battalion surgeon for 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, the Valkyrie program has since been adopted by I Marine Expeditionary Force and II MEF. This innovative training curriculum equips corpsmen with the skills and knowledge needed to administer live blood transfusions in the field, as well as manage multiple casualties with varying injury patterns.

Recently, U.S. Navy corpsmen from Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3 showcased the impact of the Valkyrie program during a three-day training class with Australian Army medical technicians. The collaboration allowed for the exchange of crucial life-saving techniques and paved the way for the ADF to develop a similar emergency fresh whole blood transfusion program.

Participants in the Valkyrie course not only gain valuable hands-on experience but also contribute to the evolution of military medicine. Petty Officer 2nd Class Abm Asim, a hospital corpsman and Valkyrie instructor, emphasized the program’s future goal of standardizing emergency blood transfusion protocols across the Department of Defense.

Through a commitment to innovation and collaboration, the Valkyrie emergency fresh whole blood transfusion training program exemplifies the military’s unwavering dedication to providing the best possible support for those who serve on the front lines.