Visit to the Bloodbank

On 15 August, 18 Red Cross Links from Fengshan Primary School set off to the Bloodbank@HSA to learn more about the process of blood donation. Upon reaching the Bloodbank at 2pm, they were promptly ushered into the auditorium for a short briefing by Ms Kathy on the constituents of blood, why blood donation is crucial as well as a short description of the blood donation process.

Following the briefing session was a guided tour around the Bloodbank. The Links observed the flow of procedure from registration counter to the filling of forms, to the consultation with the doctor. They went to the hemoglobin level test area and learnt that this process had to be done in order to ensure adequate amounts of iron in the blood before the blood donation process can take place. Some of the Links cringed with the sight of blood at that point in time, but their enthusiasm was sustained though.

Next, they physically witnessed how blood donation was carried out and realized that it was actually a painless process as the donor had already been injected with anesthetic. Behind the scenes of blood donation, there was much to learn as well, as the Links saw how blood was then separated into individual components, how blood was stored in a cold room before dispatch, as well as how platelets are stored under very low temperatures for storage.

Last but not least, the Links visited the Apheresis suite where they were taught by Ms Kathy that blood donation is a voluntary decision, and the process can be rather tedious. The Links were more greatly encouraged by the visit to the Bloodbank, with almost all of them wanting to sign up as donors once they could. However, being aware that they are still under 16 and not eligible for donor status, they resolved to spread the news of ‘The Gift of Life’ to family and friends who are eligible. Truly, it had been a wonderful learning journey that created much awareness and a positive impact to being more effective Links.

Reported by: Rebecca Seow (Fengshan Primary School)