German Red Cross urgently calls for blood donations in Berlin

On the Pentecost weekend, the German Red Cross (DRK) once again reminded Berliners of the urgency of blood donations.

At present, the available stocks of blood reserves are only sufficient for just under two days - but five days would be ideal, the DRK Blood Donation Service North-East informed the Deutsche Presse-Agentur. More blood donations are urgently needed to ensure a complete supply for patients in the summer months.

Public holidays have a negative impact on blood donations

The North-East Blood Transfusion Service, which is responsible for the states of Berlin, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein, sees several reasons for the acutely endangered security of supply. For example, the demand from the clinics remains very high, as in addition to the return to normal operations, postponed treatments are also being made up for. A number of public holidays and the fact that people are on the move again also have an effect on the volume of blood donations.

600 blood donations a day needed in Berlin and Brandenburg

In addition, those willing to donate may be temporarily unable to do so because of the Corona infection. The fact that the blood preparations obtained only have a short shelf life of a few days to five weeks makes the situation even more difficult. According to the blood transfusion service, about 600 blood donations are needed every working day in Berlin and Brandenburg alone to guarantee a complete supply. The experts referred to a large number of regular blood donation dates and also special dates in Berlin on Pentecost Monday. In principle, any healthy person over the age of 18 with a minimum weight of 50 kilos can donate.

"Donating blood saves lives"

The Berlin Medical Association also recently supported the DRK appeal and called on Berliners to donate blood. The current blood donation rate in the capital is up to 30 per cent below normal, it said in a statement - although up to three seriously ill or injured people can be helped with one blood donation. "Donating blood saves lives," explained Medical Association President Peter Bobbert. Those who are allowed and able to donate blood should do so.