Management of hemorrhagic shock when blood is not an option.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an alternative approach to management of severe life- threatening hemorrhagic shock and the outcome when blood was not a treatment option. DESIGN: Case Report of the use of a Hemoglobin Based Oxygen Carrier (HBOC-201)when control of hemorrhage and intravenous crystalloids were unsuccessful in reversal of hemorrhagic shock and progressive ischemia. SETTING: Trauma Center. PATIENTS: Jehovah's Witness. OUTCOME: Hospital discharge and 6 month follow-up uneventful.