A few months ago, I registered to give blood, and in August I finally donated for the very first time – but I was taken aback but one unexpected part of the experience.
Donating blood saves lives and, according to the NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) service, “the blood you give is a lifeline in an emergency and for people who need long-term treatments.”
I’m 35 and hadn’t ever donated blood before so decided it was high time I finally got round to making a donation. Registering online only takes a few minutes and is soon followed by a telephone consultation. This was to discuss my overall health and lifestyle before my appointment could be scheduled.
When my appointment date rolled around, I felt a little anxious. After arriving at the donation centre, I was all hot and bothered – though this is likely because of my poorly judged parking spot which turned the calm, leisurely stroll I’d anticipated into more of a frantic, slightly sweaty dash to arrive on time – as well as the mounting concern I felt about any potential pain on the horizon.
Upon arrival, you’re handed an extensive checklist of health-related questions requiring ‘yes’ or ‘no’ responses, which a nurse then reviews thoroughly during a consultation at the beginning of the donation procedure.
Your iron levels are checked via a pin-prick to your index finger. Now, call me a wimp, but this did actually pinch a little. Not anything to write home about but it did up my nerves a little.
A drop of my blood was added to a blue solution, where it floated about like a peaceful little blob in a lava lamp. I found this weirdly fascinating and could’ve watched it for far longer than necessary.
After that, it was time to get set up to donate. There’s a row of reclining chairs specifically set up to make the process as seamless and comfortable as possible.
Another nurse placed a cuff around my upper arm and inserted the needle to draw my blood to fill up the donation bags. After she sterilised the crook of my arm and found my vein, hovering the needle above it, I steeled myself for a stinging pain to set in – but it didn’t.
You can barely feel a thing! I was surprised but immediately relieved and felt myself instantly start to relax as my blood made its way out of my body.
They even had The Chase playing with subtitles and, not to brag, but had I been a contestant in that particular round of that particular show, I’d have got £8,000 in my cash builder. Okay, perhaps I am bragging.
You do have to do a few little exercises throughout the process to maintain good blood flow – mine slowed down a little so I had to squeeze a little sponge-type product in my left hand while ensuring I wiggled my feet and kept my legs moving a tad.
Once the donation is complete – it takes around 10 minutes – you’re led through to a rest area where there’s a vast array of biscuits and snacks to choose from and a selection of juices to drink.
I indulged in a few orange-flavoured Clubs and was hit with a wave of nostalgia for my primary school lunchboxes which often contained a Club.
The incredibly lovely staff then sent me on my way and I sauntered off to the cinema to watch a horror film. Clearly, the theme of the day was blood. I’m a massive horror fan and though I wouldn’t recommend the film I watched (Ice Cream Man), I would recommend donating blood.
The entire process took less than an hour and I was stunned by how easy and painless it was. After, I found it my blood type and that my donation had been issued to Worcestershire Royal Hospital. If you’re yet to do it, sign up and give it a go – you could help save some lives.
Who can give blood?
If you’re “generally fit and well”; “aged 17 to 65 if it’s your first donation, or up to 72 if you’ve donated before (or older if you donate regularly)”; and “weigh between 7 stone 12lbs (50kg) and 25 stone (158kg)”, you can donate blood.
You also need to “have suitable veins” but staff will “check this on the day” so it’s not something you need to worry about.
NHSBT states: “We need new blood donors from all backgrounds to ensure there is the right blood available for patients who need it.”
The organisation needs “4,300 blood donations every day on average” to “meet the needs of hospitals”.
It also needs more than “140,000 people to donate blood for the first time this year”, in addition to “12,000 new Black heritage donors, to meet the growing demand for ethnically matched blood for sickle cell patients who need regular transfusions to stay alive”.
NHSBT needs “more young people aged 17-35 to donate” – this is to ensure there’s enough blood for the future.
If you become a blood donor, you could “save up to three lives in one hour.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
