An emergency blood shortage has been declared in the US, with people urged to donate now in order to boost supplies.
The American Red Cross said stocks had plummeted 25 percent in July, as extreme heat in much of the country led to fewer people turning up at donation centers.
At the same time, however, it said that demand from hospitals has remained constant — putting a significant strain on the amount of blood available.
The organization is appealing for donations of all blood types. But it is running particularly low on the O blood type, the most common type, with stocks now below ‘comfort’ levels and distributions of this now being reduced.
The shortage has sparked concerns that patients may face delays in receiving blood transfusions, potentially putting their lives at risk.
The US has declared an emergency blood shortage (stock)
Every two seconds someone in the US needs a blood transfusion, with about 4.5million people receiving blood every year.
Dr Baia Lasky, the division chief medical officer for the Red Cross, said: ‘Having type O blood products readily available is vital to providing timely and lifesaving care to patients in need.
‘In fact, for a patient suffering massive blood loss, like an individual in a car accident or a mom experiencing severe postpartum hemorrhage, group O is the most commonly transfused blood type.
‘For trauma patients, each 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 because of the generosity of blood and platelet donors.’
The American Red Cross said the shortage has also been caused by vacation travel and summer activities, which tend to disrupt donations at this time of year.
There are also concerns that fewer people will donate in August, because this marks the start of the peak Atlantic hurricane season — which experts have predicted to be ‘extremely active’ this year.
The organization is also facing its lowest number of blood donors in two decades, with 4.4million donating last year — a drop of about 40 percent in 20 years.
The disruption is affecting nearly every state where donations are collected.
Blood cannot be manufactured or stockpiled, and can only be made available through the kindness of volunteer donors.
Mark Munson, 70, from Maine is among those urging others to donate after a blood transfusion saved his life.
The keen motorcyclist was struck head-on by an SUV just four miles from his home last year, leaving him with multiple broken bones and severe internal bleeding.
He was rushed to hospital where he received seven units of blood — five units of packed red blood cells and two units of fresh frozen plasma.
Mr Munson, who has now fully recovered, said: ‘It undoubtedly saved my life. And if it had not been there, we would not be having this conversation. I know that now firsthand.’
He added: ‘Before my accident, the notion of blood donation was an abstract concept. It’s not abstract anymore. Now, it’s absolute.’
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