I became aware of blood donations as a child when my mother took me with her to donate her blood.
I can’t say I remember the process then, but I remember the nurses were friendly and gave me biscuits. Growing up my family talked openly about being blood donors and how registering as a donor could save lives.
Not long after my 19th birthday there was a local blood drive at our town hall, and I felt that it was my turn to follow my family in becoming a donor. I made the phone call, where they asked me some basic questions and I was given a time slot to come and give my blood.
When it came time for my donation, I felt a little nervous, but was welcomed and reassured by the blood nurses. They weighed me, then I filled in my consent forms and questionnaire. https://www.blood.co.uk/the-donation-process/further-information/donor-consent/
I was then taken over to one of the beds that were set up in the hall, where I laid down while the nurse checked my details and began to prepare me for donation, in a similar way to having a blood test at the doctors. She gently fitted a cannula into my arm, and I don’t recall feeling more than a little scratch. I lay there quietly and felt relaxed, thinking about how my blood was going into the bag beside me and how that bag could save lives.
I know now that one bag of my blood could save up to three lives and that it could be separated into its parts, such as, red cells, plasma, platelets, and various other blood products. It did not take long, less than an hour, before the nurse removed the bag and the cannula, she placed a plaster over the site. Donors are all asked to stay and have tea and biscuits so they could make sure everyone was well. I felt no different, except for a small glow of pride.
A week or so after my first donation I received my donor card in the post. I was thrilled! It was very informative, and it clearly stated my blood group O Rh D positive.
I have donated again since and I am now registered to donate again this November!!
I’m so thankful to my mother and family for being open about donations. I feel it vital that I talk with my husband and children about being a donor and what that involves and how it can help.
It would be great if everyone could talk about donations with their friends and family to promote this small act that can make a big difference. It all starts with a conversation; it may not always be the easiest of conversations, but it is a vital one.
I encourage all reading this to get talking with your friends and family about the possibility of being a donor as it could be your life that is saved today!! https://bit.ly/registerblooddonor
