FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, July 19, 2005 – A blood substitute that might save lives on the battlefield will be tested in San Antonio through a research protocol already underway in 22 communities across the nation. Brooke Army Medical Center and University Hospital are participating in a groundbreaking national clinical trial to evaluate the safety and usefulness of PolyHeme, an oxygen-carrying blood substitute, in increasing survival of critically injured and bleeding patients. Under the study protocol, treatment would begin before arrival at the hospital, either at the scene of the injury or in the air ambulance, and continue during a...