Share this @internewscast.com
Australians have broken two national blood donation records in the wake of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, after an unprecedented surge in people answering an urgent call to donate.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood issued an emergency appeal for blood donations following the attack, particularly for O-negative blood — which can be used in life-saving emergency situations.
The response was immediate and overwhelming.
“In the wake of the Bondi shooting, the Australian community has broken two new national donation records,” a Lifeblood spokesperson told SBS News.
“Close to 50,000 appointments were booked — more than double the previous record,” meaning a new daily record was set on Monday.

In a remarkable display of generosity, 7,810 donations of blood, plasma, and platelets were collected nationwide within a single day, marking a new achievement on Monday.

“We wanted to contribute to saving lives by donating blood,” a donor shared with SBS’ The Feed. “This is my first time donating blood here in Australia.”

Some Sydneysiders lined up for hours to donate blood, as donation centres have been inundated with support.
At Sydney’s Town Hall donor centre, international student Soniya Lamichhane waited for hours to donate blood after hearing about the attack.

She added, “Even a small gesture like mine can have a significant impact. Many people are currently fighting for their lives, and perhaps our donation can make a difference.”

She said it was heartwarming to see how many people were lining up to donate, adding she was willing to wait the entire day if needed.
“I feel very proud of myself that I’m able to stand up here and donate some blood to victims.

Determined to make a contribution, Soniya was prepared to spend the entire day at the donation center to give blood. Source: SBS News / The Feed

A woman wearing a striped shirt being interviewed.

Isabeau Adamek, 27, who possesses the rare O-negative blood type, felt compelled to act. “I was immediately motivated to book an appointment after feeling appalled by the recent attack,” she explained.

Isabeau Adamek, 27, who has the O-negative blood type, said she immediately booked an appointment after being “appalled” by the attack.

“I’ve donated before … I feel like such a hero when I do it,” Adamek told SBS’ The Feed.
“[Lifeblood] send you a little text message and they’ll say where your blood’s gone. To do it on a day like today, where obviously the supplies have been used up and they need to refill, it feels really good.”
She said it was “amazing” to see how many people had turned up to donate.
“I took a photo outside of all the people lined up … I don’t know if they’re all going to be able to make it in.”

“It would be good to encourage people to come in the following weeks as well, because they’re going to need more blood later on.”

Bookings full, queues for hours

Many donor centres across Sydney have since been inundated with bookings.
Sydney’s Town Hall donor centre is booked until 23 December. The pop-up donor centre at Bondi Junction has no available appointments until the second week of January, while the Bondi Beach mobile donor centre is fully booked until the end of January.
Despite the surge, Lifeblood is urging people to keep booking appointments in the weeks ahead.

“When tragic events occur, donating blood and plasma is one way to help,” a Lifeblood spokesperson said.

“If people cannot find appointments this week, we encourage them to book through the festive season as patients will continue to rely on blood and plasma on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.”
The organisation said it is particularly encouraging people with O-negative blood to donate, as it is the universal blood type and the only one that can safely be given to all patients in an emergency.

Only 7 per cent of Australians have O-negative blood.

Mourners pay their respects at a vigil of flowers and candles in Bondi Beach

Mourners attend a vigil at a memorial in Bondi Beach, Sydney. Source: AAP / Bianca de Marchi

‘Blood cannot be stockpiled’

However, Lifeblood stressed that donations of all blood types are needed, and that support must continue well beyond the immediate response.
“Blood cannot be stockpiled,” the Lifeblood spokesperson said.
“Along with having a shelf life, Lifeblood needs 33,000 donations a week to keep up with Australia’s demand for blood and blood products.”
In the event of a serious trauma event or emergency, up to 100 donations may be needed to save a single life.

Blood products are also being transferred from multiple states to help support demand in NSW.

People can donate even if they don’t know their blood type, and those who are ineligible for whole blood donation may still be able to donate plasma.
“Blood and plasma are both incredibly important in emergency situations,” Lifeblood said.
“We wouldn’t know exactly how it is being used in this event, but hospitals use blood and plasma in helping people in surgery, or after major trauma.”
With additional reporting by Elfy Scott and The Feed.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Could the Bab al-Mandab Strait Become a Key Battleground in the Global Energy Struggle?

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has introduced a new player…
petrol has been used to torch three electric cars in Parramatta in a suspected arson attack

Suspected Arson Blaze Destroys Trio of Vehicles at Sydney Tesla Dealership

Authorities are meticulously reviewing CCTV footage in an effort to identify the…
Trump blasts allies for not helping his war effort

Trump Criticizes Allies Over Lack of Support for His Military Campaign

US President Donald Trump recently vented his frustrations toward allies who have…
Golfer Tiger Woods stands by his overturned vehicle in Jupiter Island.

Tiger Woods Found with Prescription Painkillers and Failed Sobriety Tests Following Crash, Police Report Reveals

Tiger Woods‘ eyes were bloodshot and glassy, his pupils dilated and he…

Beloved Rhoda Roberts’ Legacy Lives on in Country’s Embrace Forever

With respect to Indigenous cultural protocols, SBS/NITV has been granted permission to…

Australian Court Reignites Adrina Rivas Extradition Battle: Latest Developments Unveiled

Highlights: Rivas’s defence argued that, if extradited, she could be tried for…
People move about in Sydney CBD retail areas, Thursday October 27, 2022.

Landmark Ruling Secures Pay Boost for Hundreds of Thousands of Australian Workers

Young Australian workers are in line for a pay rise after the…

Unanswered Questions Emerge in the Aftermath of Dezi Freeman’s Shooting

In brief Dezi Freeman was shot dead by police on Monday after…
Thologolong property where Dezi Freeman was killed.

Intensive Police Surveillance Uncovers Fatal Patterns Before Dezi Freeman Shootout

Police were led to double police killer Dezi Freeman by tracking a…

Iran Deems US Peace Proposals ‘Unrealistic’ Amid Trump’s Threat to ‘Obliterate’ Oil Island

In Brief Iran said it had received US peace proposals via intermediaries.…

Unveiling the Crisis: How Australia’s Neighbors are Grappling with Emerging Challenges

The escalating conflict in the Middle East has prompted calls for Australia…
Donald Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of ending the war in Iran.

Trump’s Solo Struggles: Why Ending the Iran Conflict Requires More Than Just Presidential Power

In the past few weeks, just about every positive swing on the…