The Bondi Junction tragedy has exposed Sydney’s low blood supply levels, with NSW Health Minister Ryan Park rolling up his sleeve amid calls for more people to donate blood in the state, which often relies on interstate donations.
The need for blood in NSW is at its highest level in a decade, and the demand for plasma, a component of blood, is at its highest level ever, with about 2500 blood bags and medications issued to hospitals in NSW every day.
And while NSW uses about a third of Australia’s blood supply, it contributes about a quarter of collections and uses about 35 per cent of the nation’s plasma medications, which is more than any other state, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood says.
“NSW often relies on interstate donations because donation rates in Sydney are lower than needed to meet local demand,” a Lifeblood spokesperson said.
Saturday’s Bondi Junction attack, in which six people were stabbed to death by Joel Cauchi at Westfield shopping centre in Sydney’s east, served as a reminder of this, with Lifeblood confirming it brought in blood supplies from other states in the aftermath of the incident.
“Lifeblood issued several urgent and life-threatening orders in the wake of the incident at
Bondi Junction,” a Lifeblood spokesperson said.
“Due to the additional blood needs in Sydney, we brought in blood products from other
states to support the need in NSW.”
A spokesperson said while Lifeblood did not anticipate supply issues because of the tragedy, the need for blood donors remained ongoing, particularly for O negative and O positive blood, which are used in emergency situations when a patient’s blood type is unknown.
“In the event of a serious trauma event or emergency, up to 100 blood donations may be needed to save just one life,” the spokesperson said.
On Wednesday, Mr Park encouraged others to donate blood.
“I’ve heard from a lot of people feeling overwhelmingly grateful for the work of our frontline workers during this tragedy and are eager to make a personal difference any way they can,” he said.
“I met with the incredible team at Lifeblood who have already noticed a massive increase in appointments since the event, which is truly a testament to the resilience and generosity of our community.
“It doesn’t cost anything to give blood and one donation can save up to three people, so it’s unreal to imagine the impact this could have in assisting health professionals save lives.”
Lifeblood said while Saturday’s tragedy was a “hideous event”, the people responding to the requests for more blood at its donor centres showed “the very best of humanity”.
“Every day, people across the country take time to donate blood and plasma for people they will never meet or know,” the spokesperson said.
For more information about donating blood or plasma, visit lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95 or download the free Donate Blood app.