Phuket - Urgent Call For A- Blood

K2 · #1 21-02-2006, 22:38

PHUKET: Anyone with the rare A-negative blood group is asked to report to Bangkok Hospital Phuket immediately to make a donation to save the life of British national Steve Donnelly, injured in a motorcycle accident in Patong two days ago.

He is in critical condition and on life support with 11 broken ribs, punctured lungs, two broken collar bones and other injuries.

A-negative blood is almost completely unknown among Thais.

Please read onto LivinLOS post ...'Call from last night'

DREW · #2 22-02-2006, 03:07

I saw this story in the Phuket Gazzette today.

Actually that is my blood type- I didn't know it was that rare, I've just checked my Blood Donors Card.

I would like to help the guy if I was there, but I will be sure to go and make a deposit in June so they can put it into their bank.

You never know I might need to withdraw a pint one day.

It's not something you think about when you are travelling- I wonder how many people actually know what their type is and if it easy to get or rare.

Maybe we should all wear Dog Tags.

Regards

Drew

kjo2 · #3 22-02-2006, 04:08

I saw this request from LiL this morning, and as I am due in Patong in 4 days I thought that I might help. But as I don't know my bloodtype I called my GP, and asked. Surprise - the answer was - unless you have been pregnant within the last 6 month - we don't have this information available. I have been going to this GP for 25 years.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DREW

I - I wonder how many people actually know what their type is and if it easy to get or rare.

Maybe we should all wear Dog Tags.

Regards

Drew

LivinLOS · #4 22-02-2006, 09:05

I had no idea how bad the local blood supply situation is.. Speaking to people in the last 24 hours a farang needed 0 neg last month and they only had a tiny amount of that.. He had a burst ulcer and it was a panic.. Rob donates regularly and told me they never stockpile enough..

Also there is no database of people on the island (it was crossing my mind to set one up) where people could be called on in an emergency.

If you come to live on an island community, find out your blood type and if you are a rare type donate (it might be your own life it saves).. This was something I had totally not picked up on but seems a very important thing. A database of emergency donors is so easy to achieve I cant believe they dont have it already !! TiT

DREW · #5 23-02-2006, 03:16

Yeh a great idea.

I donate blood in the Uk and never thought about needing to do so in Phuket.

I will certainaly be donating on my next visit to Phuket, as should other board members.

Lets face it we all drink enough pints, I'm sure we could all spare a pint when we visit.

I think we could stock the band on members alone.

Regards

Drew

syeatman · #6 23-02-2006, 04:29

Went to one of the Phuket hospitals last year just after the tsunami with a couple of friends and they were obviously desparate for farang blood types to donate. Unfortunately none of us could for one reason or another, but I would be very willing to donate on a regular basis as I did back home before.

A database of donors would be a great idea and I'd be happy to be on it. I'd even be willing to help in any way I can to set it up.

In the short term, maybe we can arrange trips to the hospital to donate? and make it a regular thing so maybe there won't be such a panic next time a supply of a particular blood group is needed so urgently?