NoBlood

There is no doubt that medical emergencies are a stressful time for both those who have been afflicted and their family members. During such times there is a need for support. This may take the form of a visit by a close family friend, neighbor or one that shares a similar religious belief. Such assistance is similar in nature to what is provided by other support groups that are available for specialized diseases and groups.

There are several religious groups that may have special needs. For instance, those with Jewish backgrounds may not accept heart valves, insulin, or hemoglobin solutions that are produced from pigs. A woman who is a devout Roman Catholic may wish to avoid having a procedure that would be abortive in nature or could destroy her ability to reproduce children.

Jehovah's Witnesses

The most common of groups that has a vested interest in bloodless medicine and surgery is Jehovah's Witnesses. For these individuals it is a non-negotiable position. Much information can be found about this group at their official Web site www.watchtower.org.

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has provided specially trained members within their organization that help the individual members of their faith. The international arm of this arrangement is represented by Hospital Information Services, which is located in Brooklyn, New York. Located in many cities around the world are the agents of Hospital Information Services, which are arranged into groups known as hospital liaison committees, or HLCs. These groups of specially trained individuals work to help doctors and other medical professionals provide bloodless medical care for Jehovah's Witnesses.

For the patient who is one of Jehovah's Witnesses, it is best that they follow the procedure that has been delineated by their organization. They should contact the elders of their local congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. These elders are older men who have put themselves in the position to help the individual members and they are given special instructions on how to contact the members of the hospital liaison committee in emergencies. Patients can rely upon this arrangement when outside their hometown since the hospital liaison committees around the world are all interconnected via the world headquarters, Hospital Information Services.

Research Ahead of Time

This listing is by no means comprehensive. We at NoBlood.org are not in the position to research all of the available resources that exist. We have provided this basic research from published resources; however, you may find through contact with those of your religious affiliation that they might also have certain arrangements to help in emergencies.