Every call we run, every patient we treat — blood makes the difference

 

WHY BLOOD MATTERS IN EMS

When seconds count, blood is one of the most critical tools we have.

• Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion
• 4.2 million Americans will need a transfusion this year
• Trauma, accident, and emergency patients often can't wait — donated blood is what keeps them alive

 

 HOW YOUR DONATION IS USED

When you donate blood, it can be used in several ways depending on what patients need most:

🔴 Red Blood Cells — Carry oxygen to organs. Can be used for trauma, surgery, and cancer patients. 

🟡 Plasma — The liquid portion of blood. Can be used for burn and trauma victims to replace fluid loss.

🔵 Platelets — Aid in clotting and help stop bleeding. 

🩸 Whole Blood — All three components together, used as donated without separation.

In EMS, We Most Often Use Whole Blood

When someone is seriously injured or experiencing a medical emergency, they lose whole blood. Replacing it with whole blood is often exactly what the body needs. Robertson County EMS carries whole blood so we can begin treatment before a patient ever reaches the hospital.

Plasma: A Growing Tool in Emergency Care

Plasma use is rising — not just for trauma and blood loss, but for treating a widening range of medical conditions. It contains proteins and clotting factors that help stabilize critically ill patients, making it one of the most versatile components in both emergency and hospital care.

THE NUMBERS DON'T LIE

 

All donors in the U.S. are unpaid volunteers. Every donation is a gift.

 

COULD YOU BE A DONOR?

You may be eligible even if you think you can't donate:

✅ High blood pressure?  You can donate if it's controlled.

✅ Diabetes?  You can donate if you're feeling wel, regardless of blood sugar level.

✅ Thyroid condition?  You can donate if managed with medication.

✅ Recent tattoo or piercing?  Wait just 1 week (licensed facility).

✅ Finished antibiotics?  Wait 48 hours after completing your course.

✅ Recent surgery?  You can still donate (1-year wait if you received a transfusion).

✅ Recent pregnancy?  You can donate 6 weeks after.

✅ Had cancer?  There is a 1-year waiting period after completing treatment for melanoma and internal cancers, except lymphoma and leukemia, which are permanent deferrals. For minor external skin cancers, such as basal or squamous cell, you are eligible to donate 2 weeks after the cancer is removed.

✅ Traveled outside the United States?  Please bring dates and locations for everywhere you have been if you have traveled outside the United States or Canada within the last 12 months, or if you have lived outside the United States or Canada during the last three years.

Questions about eligibility? Call Gulf Coast Blood Donor Services: 713-791-6608

 

 HOW TO DONATE

It takes about 1 hour from start to finish.

1. Register — Bring your photo ID
2. Health History — Brief, confidential questionnaire
3. Mini Health Exam — Have your temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and hematocrit level checked
4. Donate 
5. Snack & Rest — Sodium-rich snacks, a drink, and 15 minutes before you go

Before you go: Eat a good meal, drink water, and get a good night's sleep. After you go: No heavy lifting or strenuous activity the rest of the day.

 

 WHO CAN DONATE (Age & Weight)

 

*16-year-olds require a signed consent form.

Most donors can give every 56 days.

 

Robertson County — We respond when you need us. Help us have what we need when it matters most.

📞 Schedule your donation: 1(888) 482-5663 🌐 giveblood.org