Medical Inventions from War: Vietnam War

The Vietnam War, lasting from 1954 to 1975, involved North Vietnam and its allies against South Vietnam and the U.S. It was the first war to use frozen blood preservation, a technique developed by Charles Drew, allowing blood to be stored longer. This innovation led to the creation of the first frozen blood bank in a war zone in 1966, significantly aiding medical efforts and later benefiting civilian hospitals.

What was the primary cause of the Vietnam War?

• Communist and anti-communist tensions

• Territorial expansion

• Religious differences

• Economic disputes

What was a significant challenge in maintaining blood supplies during the Vietnam War?

• Limited donor availability

• High cost of blood collection

• Short shelf life of fresh blood

• Lack of refrigeration

Who discovered the technique to safely store blood plasma for two months?

• Louis Pasteur

• Charles Drew

• Alexander Fleming

• Joseph Lister

What was the purpose of using glycerol in blood preservation during the Vietnam War?

• To extend the storage life of red blood cells

• To improve oxygen delivery

• To prevent blood clotting

• To enhance blood flow

What was the impact of the frozen blood bank established in South Vietnam in 1966?

• It improved battlefield communication

• It reduced the cost of medical supplies

• It increased the number of medical personnel

• It saved lives both in combat and civilian hospitals