A blood shortage emergency has been declared in the United States and people are urged to donate now to increase supplies.
The American Red Cross said supplies had fallen 25 percent in July as extreme heat across much of the country caused fewer people to flock to donation centers.
At the same time, however, he said hospital demand has remained constant, putting significant pressure on the amount of blood available.
The organization is asking for donations of all blood types, but is in particular short supply of the most common type O, as supplies are below “normal” levels and distributions of this blood type are being cut back.
The shortage has raised fears that patients could be left waiting for blood transfusions, which could put their lives at risk.
The United States has declared a blood shortage emergency
Dr. Baia Lasky, divisional medical director for the Red Cross, said: ‘Having type O blood products readily available is vital to providing timely, life-saving care to patients who need them.
‘In fact, for a patient suffering massive blood loss, such as an individual in a car accident or a mother suffering severe postpartum hemorrhage, type O is the blood type most frequently transfused.
‘For trauma patients, every minute of delay can increase the chance of death by five percent.
‘More than a quarter of all blood products each year are used in critical care and emergency room situations; those transfusions are only available thanks to the generosity of blood and platelet donors.’
The American Red Cross said the shortage has been further exacerbated by holiday travel and summer activities, which tend to disrupt donations this time of year.
The disruption is affecting nearly every state where
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