The American Red Cross has a critical shortage of type O blood and urges type O donors to give now to ensure blood is available for patients facing trauma and other life-threatening situations.
Right now, the Red Cross has less than a two-day supply of type O blood available for emergency rooms – where it can be most critical. Type O blood is being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.
The Red Cross strives to keep a five-day supply on hand at all times to meet the needs of patients every day and be prepared for emergencies that would require significant volumes of donated blood products.
Just six units of type O blood are available for every 100,000 people, but at least 14 are needed every day. Type O blood is the most needed blood group by hospitals but is often in short supply.
Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there’s not time to determine a patient’s blood type in the most serious situations.
Type O positive blood can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type and is also critical in trauma situations. o May is Trauma Awareness Month, and blood donors help ensure hospitals are ready the moment an injured patient arrives.
All those who come to give blood or platelets will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, through June 10. While type O is critically needed, platelet and blood donors of all types are urged to give now to help trauma patients and others who depend on lifesaving blood products.
