[The impact of the World War I (1914-1918) on evolution of transfusion medicine].

The knowledge of transfusion therapy that existed in medicine by the beginning of the First World War formed the foundation of transfusion medicine in the 19th century. These knowledges were further expanded in the early years of the 20th century with immunological characteristics of blood groups. The war brought about a harsh necessity and also provided an immense opportunity for widespread implementation and further refinement of previous discoveries. The key achievements of military surgeons between 1914 and 1918 included establishment of the first blood banks and specialized intensive care units adapted for blood transfusion.