AT-TAQADDUM, Iraq — Service members answered the call to donate blood for two severely injured Iraqi policemen during a walking blood bank here, June 16 and in the early hours of June 17.
Nine eligible donors each gave almost a pint of blood during the first drive and 13 donated during the second drive.
The blood reached the operation room 20 to 30 minutes after the blood bank was opened, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Charles H. Casler, 22, from Siren, Wis., a hospital corpsman with Medical Company, 1st Supply Battalion (-) (Reinforced), 1st Marine Logistics Group.
The number of service members and civilian contractors who volunteered to give blood exceeded the amount necessary, so many had to be turned away, added Casler.
Because Camp Taqaddum Surgical does not have the resources to keep patients for extended care, the casualties, who were injured in two separate incidents, were stabilized and transported to a medical facility in Baghdad for further care.
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