THOR Network Foundation

Battlefield resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock are constrained by many limitations in combat settings. Resuscitation strategy is changing towards early use of blood components and hemostatic agents. Dr. Geir Strandenes was employed as a medical director on unit level in the Norwegian Navy in 2010. He has since devoted much of his time to further develop this strategy together with Dr. Philip Spinella, Prof. Tor Hervig and CM Håkon Eliassen. The project was named Blood Far Forward and in order to consolidate and gather knowledge throughout the world we have formed a network: THOR – The Hemostasis and Oxygenation Research Network The Traumatic Hemostasis and Oxygenation Research (THOR) Network is a international multidisciplinary group of investigators with a common interest in performing research that aims to improve outcomes and safety in patients with severe traumatic injury through improved monitoring and resuscitation techniques. The Network’s focus on the optimal methods to identify and treat traumatic shock and coagulopathy are evidenced by its current work on advancing the measurement of tissue oxygenation, cellular shock, clot strength, and fibrinolysis as well as determining the optimal fluid and blood products that are needed for these patients. The research the Network performs includes both pre-hospital and hospital phases of care with attention to both military and civilian applications. Vision: To improve outcomes from traumatic hemorrhagic shock by optimizing the acute phase of resuscitation. Mission: To develop and implement best practices for prehospital care through to the completion of the acute phase of hemorrhagic shock resuscitation. The THOR Network will execute this mission through a multidisciplinary collaborative approach to research, education, training, and advocacy. The THOR Network Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit based in the United States.