Julie,
Legal rulings are based on precedents, and rather than being "dated" these precedents are seldom overturned even by higher courts.
Banked blood, after it's cooled and stored, doesn't have the capability of fresh blood to transport oxygen. The body, especially in children, has a large reserve of red blood cells and what is initially needed is a volume expander.

It is ironic, to me at least, that you use the term "gold standard" to refer to blood transfusions:
"We see bloodless medicine and surgery as a "gold standard" in health care. We will be a leader in this field as well as a resource for those seeking treatment, knowledge and an understanding of the principles behind quality medical care without the use of blood or blood products. We will research and utilize every alternative available in our efforts to provide a continuum of care in the transfusion-free setting." http://www.swedish.org/body.cfm?id=133

"Throughout the country, bloodless medicine and surgery programs are discovering that this method is rapidly being regarded the new "gold standard" of patient care. This has been validated by findings that show that patients enrolled in such programs have experienced lower cost per treatment, decreased lengths of stay, and better outcomes." https://labs-sec.uhs-sa.com/clinical_int/dols/tmebt.htm

"Reducing or eliminating the need for blood transfusions is the new gold standard of medicine. While Jehovah’s Witnesses refuse blood for religious reasons, more patients and their doctors now choose to go bloodless by using precise surgical techniques and safe preventive measures." Medicine in a Different Vein: Reducing and Eliminating the Need for Transfusions, University Hospital, Newark, NJ

"Bloodless medicine and surgery may become the gold standard of care not only for safety reasons, but also out of necessity." Bloodless medicine and surgery in the OR and beyond.(operating room) - HighBeam Encyclopedia

"Bloodless surgery has been called the gold standard of health care, said Daniel Friedman, OrNda's director of bloodless medicine programs." Medical centers increase use of 'bloodless' surgical procedures Los Angeles Business Journal - Find Articles

"People are referring to this approach to patient care as the gold standard," she maintains. "That is exactly what we're looking at. It's through education that you begin to view it that way, because you don't learn it in medical school." Jehovah's Witnesses leading education drive as hospitals adjust to No Blood requests

"Bloodless surgery has been cited as becoming the gold standard of patient care.(4) The techniques are advocated and used by bloodless surgery centers across the United States." http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FSL/is_1998_Nov/ai_53268419/pg_2

Julie, did you read the article I cited earlier? Please do.
Bambootiger