World Blood Donor Day

This is not an invitation to vampires…

World Blood Donor Day is celebrated every year in June.  It is an opportunity to show appreciation and thanks to those who give blood – and to raise awareness of the constant need for blood and new donors.

The occasion is celebrated in a different country each year and this year the host city is Barcelona in Spain from 13-14 June. The theme ‘New Blood for the World’ is aimed to attract young people to donate blood.

When you give blood you may save a life, or help someone who really needs it. However, certain people are unable to donate blood for various reasons – perhaps because it would be damaging to the donor, or the recipient.  It could also be as simple as the potential donor being anaemic.

If you don’t know your blood type - then it’s time you found out!

To find out your blood type try contacting your GP in the first instance.  For Backpackers and those setting off on a Gap Year or round-the-world trip it is very important to know your blood type when setting off travelling – especially to undeveloped countries.  If you are one of the minority with a rare blood type you could end up in a bad situation if you are injured or become ill in country where the majority of the population has an incompatible blood type. 

Travellers to developing countries should be wary of accepting a blood transfusion (if they have a choice) because the screening of donated blood may not be up to standard.  In some cases alternative methods may have to be used to avoid a transfusion and stabilise a patient until they can be evacuated to a place (or neighbouring country) with better medical facilities.   This is a perfect example of the need to take out travel insurance – and check to make sure that it covers emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.   To obtain a quote for Backpacker Travel Insurance click here.

Lists of blood donors with rare blood types are kept by blood donor registries and organisations around the world.  If you fall into this category you would be doing a great service if you register yourself as available to donate blood in an emergency. 

It is not easy for a world traveller to arrange to give their own blood to be stored in case it needs to be shipped to them overseas.  However, at the very least, carry a medical card or document indicating blood type, relevant medical history and current medicines taken.

Potential blood donors should be healthy, between the ages of 17 and 65, and weigh at least 7st 12 lb.  A constant supply is needed because of the problems with storing blood (i.e. platelets only last five days, and red cells 35 days).

The four main blood groups in the UK and US are A, B, AB and O.  In the north of the UK the most common type is Group O.  In the south it is more commonly Group A.  Whether or not the Rhesus factor is present determines if you are + or – (O+, etc).  O+ and A+ are the most common blood blood groups.   Many Asian and Chinese fall into Group B.  However, this could all change over time with our multicultural societies and families splitting up and moving around the globe.

Type O is the easiest blood group as it can be given to those with almost any blood type without harmful effects.  Those with Group AB+ are the easiest to treat with a transfusion as they are able to receive blood of almost any other type.

Contrary to popular belief, the British Red Cross no longer oversees blood donations.  To find the closest place to give blood in England and N. Wales visit the National Blood Service.  In Scotland contact the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.   In Northern Ireland contact the Blood Transfusion Service.  Residents of Eire should contact the Irish Blood Transfusion Service.    

For more information about World Blood Donor Day visit wbdd.org.

Flickr cc Image:  jimwolffman  (Give Blood – Make it a Pint)