Which major world event increased the need for blood transfusions, leading to advancements in blood storage methods?

The major world event that significantly increased the need for blood transfusions and subsequently advanced blood storage methods was World War I. During the war, medical practices rapidly evolved to address the high number of injuries and casualties. The nature of warfare necessitated the development of effective treatment for battlefield wounds, including severe blood loss that often required transfusions.

Because of the large number of injured soldiers, there was an urgent demand for safe and efficient methods of storing blood, which led to critical innovations in blood banking and the preservation of blood for longer periods. Techniques such as the use of anticoagulants and refrigerated storage were developed to ensure that blood could be collected ahead of time and utilized effectively in medical emergencies.

While World War II continued these advancements due to an even greater scale of conflict and the ongoing need for medical supplies, it was World War I that initially catalyzed the necessity for these improvements in blood transfusion practices. The impact of the war on medical science thus laid the groundwork for further development in the ensuing years.