Gettin’ my blood ready

[Handy Don 12,217]

1 hour ago, Pullstart said:

My SIL went through roughly 30 units of blood a few years back after hemorrhaging after childbirth.  That’s 3 people’s worth of total blood!  She used the platelet supply of two hospitals.  Similarly, I’m glad there are enough people willing to give what they have to make a difference!  

This is a PSA for blood donating!

 

Not widely understood is that for MANY years, the US imported donated blood from the UK and other euro countries to meed demand here. Most of that has stopped, in part due to stricter criteria but also due to lower donation rates. In the U.S, donation rates have risen but not enough to truly meet demand, especially when there is a significant situation like @Pullstart's SIL or a mass casualty incident. It is now common for persons anticipating surgery to be asked to "bank" their own blood in advance and recruit other donors to help.

 

Also critical to understand is that in the U.S. no reputable blood center pays for your donation (it is the same for other organs). The cost of blood to the patient is the cost of collection, storage, testing, preparation, and delivery. In some places third-party sponsors do offer incentives like dining coupons and such to encourage donors. (Here you get Lorna Doones, Oreos, juice, and a hot beverage!)

 

I cannot overemphasize how important it is for heathy persons to donate regularly. It's easy to call your local hospital or medical center to ask how to contact a convenient donation coordinator. Many places have their own donation facility and will gladly accommodate your schedule.

 

Thanks for reading

Edited July 13, 2022 by Handy Don

[Pullstart 62,856]

The young lady taking my blood explained that patients who suffer mass trauma like a gut wound can demand up to 100 units.  At the church I visited, we gave about that collectively in one setting yesterday.

[Monstrosity 1,128]

I give when I can most of the time I can't make it to the center before they close. I'm the universal O+. The blood center is worse than a bill collector.. I should now I am one 🤪....it's everyday..... Usually when my firedeparment hosts one I do a double sitting.

[dcrage 628]

My blood type is O neg.(universal donor). I used to get calls from the Red Cross for me specifically to donate. Then I had heart surgery 25 years ago and am now on loads of blood thinners and several other heart meds, so no more donations. And then I had some surgical complications 5 years ago and was the recipient of one of those big “usage events” ( I heard something about 25 units). Thank you to anybody and everyone who donates!!