Need for blood urgent
DID you know the Australian Red Cross blood service is currently in need of A and O blood levels?
Or that a single blood donation saves three lives?
Or that from that single trip to the blood bank, your blood can contribute to making up to 22 different products?
Here are some other things about giving blood you may not be aware of.
1. It is important to donate around public holidays.
Long weekends put a strain on the nation's blood supply.
"Cancer patients, road trauma victims, burns victims and even unborn babies will still need blood products both during and immediately after the long weekend," said Gladstone Blood Donor Centre Community Relations Officer Hollie Hall.
2. Only one in 30 Australians donate blood.
Yet we as a nation require over 27,000 blood donations per week.
Hollie Hall said the need for blood was constant and the nation relied on just three percent of the population for its blood.
"Every donation you make can help save up to three lives and only takes an hour of your time," she said.
3. Your blood could save a life as soon as tomorrow.
Whole blood donations are separated into three components -red cells, platelets and plasma. After processing, red cells are refrigerated and can be stored for up to 42 days. Platelets are stored at room temperature and can be stored for up to 5 days. Plasma is frozen and can be stored for up to 12 months. All blood donations are tested and processed and available for use between 24 and 48 hours after collection
To donate call the Blood Service on 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au
