Another tick on the 40before40 ish list. Today, I donated blood for the first time ever. Prior to doing so, I was asked if I was nervous. I wasn’t. Don’t get me wrong, I do not like needles. But I’ve had enough blood tests done that they don’t worry me. What I was most surprised about, and what turned out to be the least pleasant thing about donating blood, had nothing to do with the blood taking process. It was actually a finger prick test they do prior to check haemoglobin levels. This is done at every blood donation (eek!). My levels were good, as was my blood pressure so I was off to a good start!

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service people are all really lovely and make you feel extremely comfortable with the process. Once the formal part is done, form checking, signatures, pre checks etc, it’s off to the lovely and comfortable chair, which reclines. I was given a blanket (I get cold quite easily), and after an alcohol rip was wiped over my veins, the needle was inserted and off we went. The needle insertion of course stings a bit and obviously not the most comfortable thing, but in comparison to other things (finger prick test, anyone?!), was easy and quickly done. Not that I watched that bit! Clearly Yvonne, my blood nurse, is an expert. Once the needle was comfortably settled, I squeezed a foam thing every five seconds or so to help the blood move. It was kinda cool seeing my blood filling the bag. I later found out it’s a pint of blood that I give, just less than 500ml, or two cups.

Then 15 or so minutes later, it’s done. Quick, easy and basically pain free. Jess is clearly also an expert; I hardly even felt the removal! After a quick bandage was applied, it’s off to the kitchen area to have water, a nibble and 15 minutes to rest.

According to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, 1 in 3 people will require blood in their lifetime in Australia, yet only 1 in 30 donate blood each year. It only took an hour of my time, next time it’ll be less, yet gives back so much more. I’ll be back to donate again (even with the finger prick test!) and would like to give my thanks to the people that I saw today – they were all amazing. I encourage you, if you’re able to donate blood, please do so. For more information, click here.

The best part about donating blood? Apart from the lovely little snack at the end (of which there are a plethora of snacks to choose from, salty and sweet, so generous), it’s knowing that maybe, in some small way, I may have helped to save a life today. 

Until next time xx