Donate blood and save lives in summer

Donate blood, save lives 

Only around 3.5% of people in Austria who are able to donate also donate blood. Around 1,000 units of blood are used every day (source: Rotes Kreuz). We therefore need many more donors, especially young ones. Blood reserves are emergency medicines that cannot be produced artificially. Without blood transfusions, some vital operations would not be possible. Donors therefore also make a fundamental contribution to the healthcare system. You can find all the information for a first donation here.

Blood shortages in summer

There are always appeals for blood donations, especially in summer, such as the Austrian Red Cross's Save the Summer campaign. The Red Cross needs 15,000 units of blood to ensure the best possible supply in summer.

But why do shortages occur during the vacation season? People travel in July and August and don't think about things like blood donations. On the other hand, there are more accidents due to the increased vacation traffic, including motorcycle and bicycle accidents, which mainly happen in summer. In addition, many people who travel to certain high-risk areas during the summer months are temporarily excluded from donating blood, which further reduces the number of volunteers. 

Blood donation requirements 

A number of requirements must be met in order to donate blood. In principle, anyone between the ages of 18 and 70 who is fit and healthy is eligible to donate. How often can you donate? Women may donate three times a year and men four times a year, with an interval of 8 weeks between each donation. 

In addition to the right age, other factors such as medication, recent tattoos or piercings also play a role. There is also a waiting period in the event of a tick bite, as you can find out in our article Recognizing Lyme disease after a tick bite: migratory redness, skin rashes & more. There are also some health criteria that exclude blood donation.

Reasons for exclusion from blood donation: 

• During pregnancy & breastfeeding
• In case of infection with the HI virus
• In the case of other infections, such as type C liver inflammation (hepatitis C)
• In the case of autoimmune diseases (depending on the medication you are taking)
  
  

Or simply find out online in advance about the Red Cross donation check!

Procedure for donating blood 

You must always bring a photo ID with you to a blood donation appointment. The entire process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, but the donation itself only takes 6 to 7 minutes. First, a questionnaire is filled out, followed by a medical check and a medical interview to ensure that the volunteer is fit enough to donate. This is followed by the donation, during which blood is taken from the arm vein. After the successful collection, the donor should take a break - if in doubt, wait longer! 

The blood sample is sent to a laboratory, thoroughly tested and only then released for use in patients.

Donating blood during summer 

Shortages occur particularly in summer, as many people do not trust their circulatory system to take blood at high temperatures. This is a common misconception; if you follow the tips below, you need not worry:

• Increase the amount you drink each day to three liters
• Provide your body with carbohydrates, avoid fatty foods
• Avoid direct sunlight before & after a donation
• Avoid sport and alcohol
• Take a rest break of at least 30 minutes after donating
  
  

Very important: you must always feel physically well and fit to donate blood. If you experience dizziness, circulatory problems or similar on the day of or during the donation, it is better not to donate or to speak directly to a member of staff at the donation center. 

If you have any questions about preparing for a blood donation or about possible reactions afterwards, you can seek advice from your doctor or get information from pharmacies in your area. On APO24 you will find the opening hours and on-call services of Austrian pharmacies.

Your APO24 team