Batoytoy in the City: True Blood (Not A Vampires Story)

If you’re expecting a play by play about the popular foreign series, then you have the wrong page. This is a story about the quest for denizens who volunteered to donate blood that even a vampire will not put any effort of biting. Hence, it will also save the victim from all the trouble of pain and fainting. Imagine the horror if a vampire bit you and his teeth was full of caries and was tetanus prone…aieeeeee!

Waking up early is not my cup of tea. Late is my profession but there are a few exceptions such as the mobile blood donation project of the Department of Health in partnership with the different barangays. I was assigned to join the team to screen potential blood donors. With the sun almost peeking behind the clouds and no traffic jams, I arrived at the site on time. I was told that our program will be at Callawa, Buhangin District. The thought of Buhangin gave me the confidence that the area was just a stone away, but I was wrong, very wrong. Armed with all the gadgets and riding an old Tamarraw FX with a busted air conditioning system (the things we have to do for the Filipino people!) we traversed the rocky roads and went through forests and banana plantations. I do not know what was our elevation but when we arrived at the area it was indeed far from civilization that my phone was on No Service already (calling Globe and Suncellular). I was warmly welcomed with the place already prepared with assigned areas for beds, screening as well as for meals.

Minutes passed and the blood donors arrived. After answering a series of questions and filling up forms, patients were asked to drink plenty of fluids. Their hemoglobin was then checked and was then referred to me for final disposition. With the guidelines in hand (lists of condition deferred for blood donation), I asked several questions about their current health status and past medical history. It turns out that most of them has been donating blood ever since. After my approval they were then sent to the donation area where they are told to lie down as they are extracted with blood. I was looking around the vicinity for unidentified flying objects or blue colored crowd, however they were no show. Patients were then told to relax for several minutes to prevent fainting and were then ushered to the dining area to partake their delicious meals.

In the end, we had a handful of blood bags enough to save hundreds of lives. Kudos to all who donated their precious fluid, your precious! Our efforts were rewarded with a sumptuous lunch. And we then proceeded home after. An arduous journey which I thank God for the trees or else without them I’ll be a sunny side up. Indeed, it was a humbling experience. Below are guidelines from the Philippine Red Cross for those who plan to donate blood.

http://www.redcross.org.ph/nbs

You can donate blood if you…
- Are in good health
- Are between 16 to 65 years old (16 and 17 years old need parents consent);
- Weigh at least 110 pounds;
- Have a blood pressure between: Systolic: 90-160 mmHg, Diastolic: 60-100 mmHg; and
- Pass the physical and health history assessments.

How to donate blood?

Preparation before donating blood
1. Have enough rest and sleep.
2. No alcohol intake 24 hours prior to blood donation.
3. No medications for at least 24 hours prior to blood donation.
4. Have something to eat prior to blood donation, avoid fatty food.
5. Drink plenty of fluid, like water or juice.

Steps in donating blood
1. Have your weight taken.
2. Register and honestly and complete the donor registration form.
3. Have your blood type and hemoglobin checked.
4. A physician will conduct a blood donor examination.
5. Actual donation--the amount of blood to be donated (either 350cc or 450cc) will depend on the donor's weight and blood pressure. It usually takes 10 minutes or less.
6. A 5 to 10 minute rest and plenty of fluid-intake are necessary after donation.

What to do after blood donation?
1. Drink plenty of fluid, like water or juice.
2. Refrain from stooping down after blood donation.
3. Refrain from strenuous activities like:
     a. Lifting heavy objects;
     b. Driving big vehicles such as bus, trucks, etc.; or
     c. Operating big machines.
4. Avoid using the punctured arm in lifting heavy objects.
5. Apply pressure on the punctured site and lift the arm in case the site is still bleeding.
6. If there is discoloration and swelling on the punctured site, you may apply cold compress for 24 hours.
7. If there is dizziness, just lie down with your feet elevated. Drink plenty of juice; and in just a few minutes or so, it will pass.