The Australian Red Cross Blood Service has issued an urgent appeal for people with O-Negative blood with the nation only having two days’ supply left.
Service Spokesman Shaun Inguanzo has appealed for new donors to come forward and donate.
“O-Negative is the universal type given to patients in emergency situations, when their blood type is unknown,” he told.
“Australian patients need around 500 O-negative donations a day to survive these situations.
“With one in three of us needing donated blood in our lifetime the life you save could be that of friend or family member.”
Mr Inguanzo said maintaining O-Negative supplies was often a challenge in winter.
“Around the country, we are seeing as many as 1,000 people cancel their appointments every day, almost half of them due to illness.”
Anyone affected by cold and flu symptoms can donate blood seven days after they recover.
“We need others – in this case people with O-Negative blood – to take the place of those who have cold or flu symptoms.”
To make an appointment call 13 14 95 or click here.
