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How do blood transfusions work? - Bill Schutt

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TEDEd Animation

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In 1881, doctor William Halsted rushed to help his sister Minnie, who was hemorrhaging after childbirth. He quickly inserted a needle into his arm, withdrew his own blood, and transferred it to her. After a few uncertain minutes, she began to recover. What made this blood transfusion successful? Bill Schutt explains the history of the life-saving procedure.

Why were the first successful transfusions limited to real time procedures between donor and recipient?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Bill Schutt
  • Director Luísa Holanda
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
  • Art Director Luísa Holanda
  • Storyboard Artist Luísa Holanda
  • Animator Felipe Urbanetto, Luísa Holanda
  • Hype Executive Producer Gabriel Garcia
  • Sound Designer Gabriel Maia
  • Music Gabriel Maia
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Associate Editorial Producer Elizabeth Cox
  • Script Editor Emma Bryce
  • Fact-Checker Eden Girma

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