In order of preference, which resuscitation fluid is the most preferred?

The most preferred resuscitation fluid in tactical combat casualty care is whole blood. Whole blood provides the advantage of delivering not only red blood cells but also plasma, platelets, and other components in a single unit. This comprehensive approach supports not just the replenishment of red blood cells to address anemia but also includes necessary clotting factors and volume expansion properties, thereby facilitating hemostatic resuscitation.

In trauma situations, especially in a combat setting, the rapid availability of whole blood can be critical in managing severe hemorrhagic shock. It helps in restoring circulating volume and improving tissue oxygenation effectively. Whole blood allows for a more balanced replacement of what has been lost during trauma, unlike other resuscitation fluids that may lack essential components.

Other fluid options, such as crystalloids or plasma alone, can certainly play a role in resuscitation but may not provide the same comprehensive benefits as whole blood. While crystalloids are often the first-line treatment in many cases due to their availability and ease of administration, they do not contain clotting factors. Plasma and RBCs alone can supplement treatment but do not offer the complete benefits of whole blood. Hextend, while useful for volume expansion, is not as effective in managing the needs that arise