Every 8 minutes the American Red Cross responds to an emergency, and every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. This Tuesday, they held an event here at PHS, giving students the chance to support them by taking blood and power red volunteer donations in the library.
Donating blood can seem intimidating, but it’s an easy process that can help save someone’s life. Blood is used in various ways across the country and is essential in treating illness and performing surgery. One unit of blood can save up to 3 lives, and the Red Cross is always looking for people who are generous and willing to share their blood with others; every blood type is helpful.
You can book an appointment online by visiting their website or downloading the blood donor app and entering your zip code for locations near you, or stick around next year for events here at PHS. The American Red Cross will be back again next fall and spring for donations here in the school library.
The blood donation process typically involves 4 simple steps:
Step 1: Donors check in with a form of ID and complete a health history questionnaire.
Step 2: They need to have vitals checked (temperature, pulse, hemoglobin level, blood pressure), and if 18 years old or younger, weighed to see if they meet weight requirements. If any of these requirements fail to be met, donors will be turned away.
These requirements are to ensure donor safety for minors, as blood volume is proportional to body weight, AABB regulations dictate that a donation should not exceed 10-15% of a donor’s total blood volume. Taking a standard blood donation from someone too small can remove too much blood, increasing the risks of adverse reactions like dizziness, nausea, or fainting.
Step 3: Donors are seated comfortably; a trained phlebotomist cleans the arm and uses a new, sterile needle for the blood draw. They will take a whole pint of blood (the equivalent of 2 cups), which only takes 10-12 minutes. When the pint has been collected, the needle will be removed and a staff member will bandage your arm.
Donors are given the option to have a bed buddy, a volunteer that stands by during the donation to help them stay calm and support them. Feel free to get comfortable, you can listen to music or chat with other donors.
Step 4: After the donation, donors spend 15 minutes enjoying a snack and drink to help replenish fluids before resuming their day. The full process takes about an hour.
When asked what the biggest challenge that comes with blood donations is, Stephanie, a volunteer at the recovery station, shared about possible side effects.
“The affects can be dangerous, some people get hot, some people get dizzy, some people get nauseous and vomit or faint,” she said.
If this happens, it should only last a few minutes; these effects are mild and temporary. You can lie down or stay seated until you feel better. It’s important to take care of yourself before and after a donation for these reasons, to ensure overall safety.
You must be in good health, not feeling sick. Donors should drink an extra 2 cups of water before a donation, as well as getting adequate sleep and eat healthily before giving blood. Water helps improve your blood flow, and makes your veins easier to access which can speed up your donation. In addition, you’ll need to keep the bandage on for the next several hours; to avoid a skin rash, clean the area with soap and water when removed. Refrain from any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for the rest of the day. After your donation you’ll need to wait a period of 8 weeks before your next appointment.
When asked about their experience, donors spoke highly of the opportunity to give back.
“It’s a cool experience to be able to donate and to be someone’s bed buddy,” Damian, a blood donor and volunteer, replied.
“It was pretty good, I had some bed buddies to stand next to me and talk with me which made the process easier,” another donor, Izabella, responded.
Here in Pasco, we’re fortunate to have as many nearby blood drives as we do. Donating blood is a way to make a real difference in the world, one donation at a time. Many individuals have spoken out in appreciation to donors who’ve helped to give them a chance, to see their children grow up, and have healthy and fulfilling lives.
If you’re ready to help have a life, schedule an appointment to donate today.
