I've Saved Over 20 Lives. You Can Too!

I started donating blood when I was 16 through program organised by my school with the Red Cross' Red 25 initiative. From then I've continued to donate blood as much as possible. 

As a university student, financially it's super tricky to donate to charity and I'm sure a lot of non-uni students can relate!

It's for that reason, the fact that you save a whopping 3 lives every time you donate and my major fear of needles that pushes me to keep going back!

I donated plasma on the weekend which was amazing! It also means I'm able to donate fortnightly rather than every 12 weeks. The process is a little different but still super easy!

I've always been massively needle-phobic. There was one time in school, I panicked so much about getting my needles, I made my best friend have a panic-attack just watching me (sorry Ash!)

It was when I was 16 I decided to take the bull by the horns and get over my phobia. That's when I started donating blood. I definitely don't like needles now, but I'm much better than I used to be!

During my donation and directly after. 

Personally, I always feel really lively after a donation! There are HEAPS of  physical and mental benefits to donating blood too!

"How can I start donating blood?" well, I'm glad you asked!

• Unfortunately, not everyone is able to donate blood. However it's highly likely you'll be able to! If you're not sure, you can take the eligibility test HERE  (it takes literally one minute.)

• Once you find out if you're eligible, you'll need to call and book an appointment on 131495 or you can book online HERE (booking online is WAY easier, highly recommend!) 

• On the day of your donation, make sure you drink at LEAST three cups of water and have a savoury meal before-hand.

• When you go into the clinic you fill out a short survey and then have a private interview with one of the nurses. They also check your haemoglobin levels and ensure that you're feeling well (It's important you are feeling healthy so the blood you donate is in prime condition and to ensure you'll be able to handle the donation!) 

• If you're set to go - the nurse will take you to the donation space and link you up to the donation machine. It's super interesting so ask lots of questions! They don't mind answering them!

• The actual donation can take anywhere between 8 (me lol,) to 15 minutes, depending on your blood flow.

• When your done, the nurse will take out the needle and put a compression bandage on. This needs to stay on for 2 to 4 hours post donation. You also need to make sure you don't do any hectic things for about 6 hours after (i.e drink too much alcohol, go running, kiss boys etc. think of it as a rest day.)

• Now comes the best part (aside from the saving lives bit lol,) go and treat yo'self to some of the snacks they offer. My favourite is the cheese and crackers and the chocolates. They have so much to choose from!

IMPORTANT: Make sure you book another appointment as you leave! You're now on the road to being a regular life saver!

Let me know if you start donating blood or if you need a buddy to come along for moral support, flick me a message - I'm always keen to help someone start their life saving journey!

Siobhan

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