Final answer:
In large volume replacement therapy with trauma, medics administer a saline solution intravenously to replace some of the lost blood volume. Research is being done to develop artificial blood that can carry oxygen without red blood cells, enabling safe transfusions in the field.
Step-by-step explanation:
In large volume replacement therapy with trauma, medics administer a saline solution intravenously to replace some of the lost blood volume. This solution provides fluids and electrolytes similar to those found in normal blood plasma. The goal is to stabilize the patient's condition until type O blood or an artificial blood substitute becomes available.
Research is being done to develop artificial blood that can carry oxygen without red blood cells. These blood substitutes contain hemoglobin or perfluorocarbon-based oxygen carriers. The use of artificial blood can potentially enable safe transfusions in the field without worrying about compatibility issues.