By Alexa Nogueira | Observer Contributor
Photo courtesy of The American Red Cross
Travis James is a Mobile Unit Assistant who has worked with the Red Cross for seven years, assisting at mobile blood drives. Most of his job consists of handling blood by putting it on ice so that it stays fresh and transporting it to labs so that it can be tested.
On a typical day at the blood drive, James expects to see about 30 people, although that number can fluctuate based on weather conditions or the common fear of needles and donating blood.
When asked what advice to give to people who are afraid to donate, James said, “Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.” He suspects that the most common reasons people don’t donate blood are because they’re anemic, afraid of the needle, or afraid of how it will make them feel afterwards.
Coincidentally, James himself has never donated blood, afraid of how he will feel after the process. “I guess I have to take my own advice,” he said. “I won’t know how it affects me until I try it.”
When asked what symptoms to look for after a successful blood draw, James said, “You just have to pay attention to the details. Watch for dizziness, color changing, getting hot, and passing out.” If you experience any of the above symptoms, James says that the best thing you can do is lay down until you feel well again.
If you plan on donating, James recommends that you eat a full and balanced meal beforehand and eat again afterwards. Eating beforehand isn’t mandatory, although it does make a positive difference in how one feels after. While eating before donating blood is not required, there are some criteria that are.
To have your blood drawn, a valid ID is necessary, as well as meeting height and weight requirements. In addition, people who come from certain countries such as Mexico or the Dominican Republic may not donate blood, due to the potential spread of diseases like malaria.
You do not need to know your blood type to donate, and most first-time donors don’t. After James transports donated blood to the lab and it gets tested, the donor will receive a donor card in the mail that will have their blood type on it, which can be used in future blood drives.
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