Sunshine Coast locals are being encouraged to roll up their sleeves and get their “buns” into a blood donation chair to make a difference this Easter long weekend.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood says it needs 50 more buns on seats in its Maroochydore and Nambour blood donor centres to ensure there is enough supply for hospital patients.
The need for blood is 3 per cent higher than the same time last year, while demand for platelets is at a record high.
Lifeblood spokesperson Belinda Smetioukh said donation booking numbers needed a boost, with many donors travelling or taking a break from their routine over the holidays.
“Blood is complex and cannot be synthetically produced, so we rely on the generosity of donors to ensure patients have access to the blood they need when they need it,” Ms Smetioukh said.
“We are urging Sunshine Coast residents to step up, keep our donor centre chairs full and help maintain blood supplies at a critical time.”
She said blood and blood products would be needed every 18 seconds this weekend and throughout the school holidays by trauma and emergency patients, mums delivering babies, people with blood conditions and cancer patients.
One trauma patient could require up to 100 bags of blood to survive, depending on their injuries, while platelets are also vital to combat life-threatening bleeding in emergency situations.
Platelets are taken from blood donations and act like tiny Band-Aids to clot blood, but only have a shelf life of seven days.
“You never know when you or someone you love may need blood,” Ms Smetioukh said.
“A blood donation only takes one hour, with just five to 10 minutes on the couch, while a plasma donation takes 90 minutes.
“Our friendly team on the Sunshine Coast are waiting to welcome donors and ease any nerves.
“You can enjoy some delicious snacks afterwards and leave knowing your life-giving donation will have a life-changing outcome.”
To book an appointment call 13 14 95, book online at lifeblood.com.au or download the DonateBlood app.
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