This is why Dial-a-Cab is holding it’s own blood donation session and asking all staff and drivers to come and give blood.
The Bloodmobile will be parked at the end of Brunswick Place on East Road on 8 April. The sessions will be open from 10am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 4.30pm. Please come along and give blood.
Virtually anyone can give blood as long as you are over 18, under 60 and in good health. However only 6% of the population who can, do give. All blood groups are needed - especially the most common blood groups: A, B, AB and O.
HOW IS THE BLOOD USED?
Blood is put to many different uses and is usually broken down into its components making one donation even more valuable. For example, whole blood cells are used when there has been acute blood loss such as during an operation and red blood cells are transfused when an illness leads to anaemia. Plasma is separated into coagulation factors (used for treating haemophilia), albumin (needed in the management of burns) and immunoglobulin (sometimes needed by expectant mothers). At least three people can benefit from each donation.
- 30% of blood products are used in accidents and emergencies
- 20% is used in general surgery
- 15% is used in orthopaedic surgery
- 10% is used in maternity
- 25% is used for non-surgical purposes such as cancer treatment
WHAT HAPPENS?
As a first time donor, you will be asked a few questions about your general health. A small drop of blood will be taken from your finger to test for anaemia and then, if all is well, you will be asked to donate. It takes about ten minutes to take one unit - which is just under a pint - of blood. You give blood lying down and will need to rest for about 10-15 minutes after the blood has been taken. You are advised to have a soft drink and a biscuit before you leave - and which are available free of charge! The
Sorry, but it seems the only way to get blood is to break your heart.
whole process takes about 45 minutes. All the staff are fully trained doctors and nurses and ALL the equipment is sterilised and NEVER used again, so there is no risk of infection.
HELPFUL TIPS
- Make sure you eat something and have a soft drink before you come
- Try not to take aspirin or paracetamol in the 7 days before donating. If you do, tell the nurse
- Eat something and drink plenty of soft drinks in the hours after you have donated
- Please come forward if you are from an ethnic minority as your blood is particularly needed
You will not be able to donate if you:
- are unwell
- are pregnant or have given birth in the last year
- have, or have had cancer or heart disease
- have had, or carry, hepatitis
- are HIV positive
- are a diabetic who is controlled by Insulin or tablets
A REGULAR EVENT
We are hoping to make Dial-a-Cab blood donoring sessions a regular occasion, so please lend your support. A person can donate blood every 16 weeks.
REMEMBER
Come and give blood on 8 April 10am till 12.30pm and from 2pm to 4.30pm. See you there!
