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WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Officials with the Red Cross are emphasizing the need for additional blood donations as the summer months hit.
The organization is seeing a decline in scheduled blood donations, which account for the vast majority of all donations. Additionally, we have already entered one of the worst times for serious accidents, between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
“For a person suffering from severe bleeding – and the emergency medical responders caring for them – stopping the bleeding and stabilizing them is a race against an unforgiving clock,” says Red Cross Medical Director Dr. Emily Coberly. “Every minute matters. For each minute that passes without blood transfusion, the risk of death increases by 11% for patients suffering from hemorrhagic shock. That’s why having a readily available blood supply is critical.”
Those eligible to donate must be 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. High school students and other potential donors under 18 must also meet certain height and weight requirements.
Appointments can be made online at redcrossblood.org, and pre-appointment screening questions can now be answered online or via the Red Cross Blood Donor app before you arrive.
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