Donating blood

[Juno]

Okay, so this isn't something I imagine people would immediately think of as being "prepping", but it struck me that donating blood is quite a prepper thing to do, albeit prepping for society as a whole rather than the individual or family. So, with that in mind, I hope nobody minds me raising the topic!

I gave blood for the first time recently. Well, actually the second, but the first time was about twelve years ago and that time they only got half a pint out before I nearly passed out. I'm slightly ashamed to say it's taken me that long to get around to trying again. This time, I went better prepared, having eaten and drunk plenty during the day, and did muscle tension exercises throughout to keep my blood pressure up. I'm sure I looked like an overactive child, fidgeting my legs throughout the entire experience, but it certainly did the job!

I'm really pleased that I've been able to do it, and I've already booked my next appointment - it's a really odd but amazing thought that something that came out of my arm will go back into someone else and as a result they won't die. It's a pleasing idea that the body can just produce more of it - like a little factory!

However, having read up on the whole thing in the process, I read that only 3% of the population actually donate blood (http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs279/en/). So I'm curious - do you donate blood? If not, what is it that stops you from doing it - fear of the process, lack of opportunity, lack of knowledge, the assumption that there's already enough people doing it already etc.?

[Brambles]

I can't give blood because the medication I am on taints it. I imagine it's the same for a lot of people. Blardy anoying as I would happily give an armful(or two) if I could.

[Jamesey1981]

I donate blood on occasion, I'm a very rare blood type and I have had blood from the system so it's only fair I give some back.
Can't say I enjoy the process though, I'm not great with needles, I'm fine being tattooed but really don't like the medical variety, I see them as a necessary evil and can cope with them if I need to though.
Been a while though, should probably think about going again.
Little hint that makes me feel better afterwards, drink a sugary sports drink that has electrolytes in it when it's done, makes the light headed feeling go away faster, or does for me anyway, I have never worked out if the light headed feeling is due to the missing blood or the fact that I don't like the needles though!

[pseudonym]

Well done you.

A worthwhile endeavour.

I have given on and off since 1986, up to 54 donations, so far. Overseas tours, surgical operations and inoculations courtesy of HM Gov stopped me giving more during that period.

Unfortunately Diabetes and High Blood pressure medication may stop me donating any more. I'll find out at my next session.

[Briggs 2.0]

I am a regular donor. Where I am, it's getting busier and it's not always possible to get a walk-in appointment so I use their phone app to book the next one while I'm having the tea and biccy. Their app is very easy to use.

[featherstick]

I must get back into the habit, it was easier a few years ago, but I must find out where the nearest place is.

[preparedsurrey]

I tried to do the right thing a few years ago but backstreet tattooing and piercing means my blood is unwanted for the following 10 years.
Didn't matter I had recent clear tests for HEP and HIV

[PreppingPingu]

Great topic to raise. I tried to donate when I was a student just over 20 years ago and as my blood floated in the little pre test, I was sent to my doc due to low iron levels so they didnt want my blood. My levels haven't always been great but I would imagine these days I should be fine. It's something i have thought about having another go at. Thanks for the post, it may just prod me into action. Yes it is prepping. In a large scale event, we may need blood. I understand the country used to be low in supplies for certain groups whose blood types tend to be less commom such as those blood tpyes more commonly found in afro-carribeans. Not sure if this is still the case.

[Arzosah]

I agree, it's a good prep for society as a whole, nice one

I used to donate regularly, but when they started testing for iron levels, they refused me - they said that after donation, I'd be 1 point below the minimum recommended

https://www.blood.co.uk/who-can-give-blood/

[Stasher]

I used to give blood, but now donate platelets - it's a far more civilised process!