Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is calling on people with type O and A blood to donate this Easter as reserves face significant pressure.
Fuel supply disruptions are affecting travel in some regional areas. Lifeblood is urging donors to book now and give as close to home as possible to maintain blood supply.
More than 13,000 blood donations are needed between 31 March and 10 April, including at least 800 in SA. These donations are crucial for people injured in accidents, as well as for patients with serious illnesses.
Lifeblood Executive Director Donor Experience Cath Stone said appointments have dropped in the lead-up to Easter despite a surge in donations after the Bondi attack.
“We saw an extraordinary response from people across Australia in December, with record numbers of donations from the community during a time of need,” Cath said.
“The need for blood continues well beyond any single event. Blood is needed every day, and demand can spike around Easter due to increased road accidents and ongoing cancer treatment needs, at a time when many regular donors take a break.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who continues to attend their appointment. If you can donate, please book ahead and keep your appointment – it could make all the difference for a patient.
“Most people who donated after Bondi are now eligible to donate again, and we’re asking them – and anyone else who can – to book a donation in the next fortnight.
“Right now, we need more type O and A donors, and we know 23,000 of the first-time donors who gave after the attack were type O or A donors.”
Cath said O‑negative blood is vital in emergencies because it can be given when a patient’s blood type is unknown. O‑positive is increasingly used as a critical back-up.
“O‑positive blood can’t be given to all patients, but with positive blood types becoming more common, it has become essential in emergency care, saving doctors and nurses precious time when a transfusion is needed.”
Plasma donations are also in demand, making up around half of all donations needed this Easter long weekend.
“Transfusions of fresh frozen plasma are often used to help save the lives of emergency department patients by replacing vital clotting factors needed to control severe bleeding,” Cath said.
“Many Australians don’t know their blood type – but that shouldn’t stop them from donating as all types are needed to donate plasma this Easter.”
Donations are especially needed on Good Friday, with donor centres open nationwide throughout the long weekend.
To book a donation visit lifeblood.com.au, use the Lifeblood app, or call 13 14 95.
