The Importance of Donating Blood

The Importance of Donating Blood Picture this: John’s significant other ask him if he could go to the store and pickup some milk. John said: “sure, he grabs his wallet and keys then head for his car. On his way to the store he was stopped at a traffic light. He is waiting to make a left turn at the intersection. The light turns green and he begins to go through the intersection, out of nowhere “BAM” he was just hit by a speeding truck in the driver side door. His car is smashed into a tree, the force of the impact knocked him unconscious. John started to wake-up and notice that he is bleeding profusely and is in severe pain. In the distance he can hear sirens coming to rescue him. Police officers, Firefighters, and Paramedics arrive at the scene and extracted him from the mangled car. He is rushed to a local trauma center. On his way to the trauma center he falls into a state of shock and unconscious. After a quick examination at the trauma center he is rushed into emergency surgery with life treating injuries. As a result of the injuries sustained, during surgery John receive over one hundred units of blood and blood products. Due to the amazing surgeons and the blood and blood products John’s life has been spared. There is something very important that everyone can do to help save lives. What is it one may ask his or herself ? Donating what is called the gift of life. What is that? It is donating blood and blood products. There are a few qualifications a potential donor must meet to donate blood. A donor must; “weight at least 110 pounds, be at least 17 years of age, have been feeling well for at least 3 days, be well hydrated, and have eaten something prior to donating”(Armed Services Blood Program, 2013). These general rules are in place for the safety of the donor. Whenever someone donates blood they can save up to “three lives with a single blood donation” (American Red Cross, 2013). This is an amazing fact that many people may not know. With