As businesses close and regular donors go on vacation, hospitals’ blood needs tend to increase. 40,000 mobile blood drives, in addition to fixed locations, are organized throughout France throughout the year. This summer is no exception since there are collection points on vacation spots, beaches, market places … The French Blood Establishment (EFS) is calling for the French to donate blood even on their vacation spot. “The difficulty for us, particularly during this second wave of departures on vacation at the end of July at the beginning of August, is to find new donors,” notes Dr Ahmed Slimani, in charge of samples for the EFS Ile-de-France North activity center. so try to address people who do not go on vacation and try to go to places where regular donors are.
In Paris, a poster campaign is being carried out in the RATP transport network, in metro stations and on buses. For holidaymakers who would like to know the nearest collection point, the EFS website allows you to find these collection points by geolocating your search. For smartphone enthusiasts, a “Blood donation” application also provides access to this service.
How to donate blood?
You have plenty of time, why not go with some friends to donate blood? The process is simple: you just need to be between 18 and 70 years old, be in good health, that is to say not be on medication, and weigh at least 50 kilos. Remember to hydrate yourself well beforehand and not to be fasting. To find out more, the EFS website has posted the list of contraindications.
Once there, you must show your ID if this is the first time you donate blood. A simple formality, rest assured, since the process is completely anonymous. You are then asked to complete a questionnaire about your health and your privacy. This questionnaire is followed by an interview with a doctor who can ask you questions about your medical situation. At the end of this interview, if you are eligible for a blood donation, a nurse will take a blood sample. “The volume taken during a whole blood donation takes into account the sex, height and weight of the donor, and varies between 450ml to 500ml at most,” explains Dr Slimani. The sample, lasting 8 to 10 minutes, is followed by a snack, to reward you for your generosity.
Thanks to Dr Ahmed Slimani, Sampling Manager of the EFS Ile-de-France Nord business unit.
