We are pleased to announce the publication of the Major Haemorrhage (MH) Simulation Toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to support safer transfusion practice and strengthen readiness when managing major haemorrhage across UK healthcare settings.
Major haemorrhage remains one of the highest‑risk clinical emergencies, and recent years have seen an increase in reported transfusion delays and patient deaths, alongside a national patient safety alert issued in 2022. These events have underlined the need for improved simulation training and more dependable systems to ensure timely access to blood components.
Click here to access the Major Haemorrhage simulation toolkitA Collaborative UK-Wide Initiative
The development of this toolkit represents a significant collaborative effort between:
- SHOT (Serious Hazards of Transfusion)
- Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) Transfusion Specialty Advisory Committee
- Clinical and laboratory representatives from across the UK, including adult and paediatric services
- Input and feedback from national transfusion committees: National Blood Transfusion Committee (NBTC), Northern Ireland Transfusion Committee (NITC), Blood Health National Oversight Group (BHNOG), and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Committee (SNBTC).
We extend our thanks to all contributors for their expertise, commitment, and shared dedication to patient safety.
What the Toolkit Provides
The MH Simulation Toolkit offers:
- Guidance on a range of simulation formats, from traditional scenario‑based sessions to digital, virtual, and augmented reality options
- Practical tools for planning, facilitating, and debriefing simulations
- Recommendations for inclusive training involving clinical, laboratory, transfusion, and support teams
- Resources that promote structured practice, team communication, and continuous improvement through audits and action plans
The goal is to support organisations in standardising MH response pathways, reducing errors, minimising delays, and improving outcomes for patients experiencing major haemorrhage. It also helps organisations demonstrate compliance with key SHOT Transfusion Safety Standards.
The toolkit is available here:
Major haemorrhage (MH) simulation toolkit – Serious Hazards of Transfusion
