Description: Segment 1 Opening credits. Scrolling text explains the history of mankind's research into blood. The narrator then explains what blood is with the aid of animations. He then talks about the 'modern discovery' of blood transfusion, beginning with the discovery of blood groups in 1901. The work of Karl Land Steiner in identifying the four blood groups is described with the aid of animations. His experiments are shown using animations, and the four groups are explained also with the aid of animations. The narrator explains that blood groups need to be considered when transfusing blood from one person to another. Time start: 00:00:00:00 Time end: 00:04:18:10 Length: 00:04:18:10 Segment 2 Research into anti-coagulants to stop blood clotting is described, resulting in the use of sodium citrate. Researchers are seen working on this in laboratories. The use of blood transfusion in WWI is described, and the apparatus is shown. A re-enactment of a phone call from Kings College Hospital to the British Red Cross asking for blood is shown to explain the setting up of a civilian blood transfusion programme in 1921. This led to a scheme being set up, with similar schemes following nationwide and worldwide. This is shown using animations. Next, research into blood storage is described with a Russian accented voiceover. Researchers in Moscow particularly researched this area, Russia being such a large country and needing adequate storage of blood supplies, and their work is shown. An American voiceover describes the blood bank system in the United States, with accompanying animated footage. A Spanish-accented voiceover describes the Spanish system, and how it was used in wartime. A refrigerated lorry is shown delivering blood to the front line. Time start: 00:04:18:10 Time end: 00:09:47:13 Length: 00:05:29:03 Segment 3 The blood transfusion services in WWII are described by scrolling intertitles and the narrator. A wartime nurse describes in voiceover how the blood depots worked, and how the nurses collected blood from donors as a blood donation session is seen. Nurses are seen visiting a factory collecting blood samples from volunteers. The nurses also visit a village to collect blood there. Time start: 00:09:47:13 Time end: 00:13:19:21 Length: 00:03:32:08 Segment 4 The work of the Army Blood Transfusion Service is described. A male voiceover describes how they collect blood, also from residents of towns and villages. The special equipment for blood transfusions in the field is also shown. The use of blood derivatives such as plasma and serum is described. The laboratory work done to produce these blood derivatives is shown. A blood donation session in Britain is seen and the narrator explains that the blood supply depends on these donors. The use of blood in the battles of Flanders and Dunkirk as well as the Blitz is described. Transfusions are shown being given to wounded soldiers in the field. The narrator explains that now, the blood service is a national service involving many people, from doctors to donors. He also stresses that this service must not end when the war ends. Time start: 00:13:19:21 Time end: 00:18:21:11 Length: 00:05:01:15