Road Traumas Put Strain
on Blood System

Brampton - In anticipation of the Victoria Day long weekend, Canadian Blood Services is urging area residents to help 'top-up' the blood supply at their local blood donor clinic before heading off on their travels.  For those residents who will not be traveling, there will be two long weekend blood donor clinics in Brampton to help ensure the stability of the blood supply.   Donors can book appointments for the clinics being held on Saturday, May 17 at the Chinguacousy Wellness Centre, 995 Peter Robertson Blvd from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and on Monday, May 19 at the South Fletcher Sportsplex, 500 Ray Lawson Blvd from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm by calling 1-888-2-DONATE.

Long weekend travel has its own unique risks, and according to the Canada Safety Council website, almost half of all road fatalities and about 40 percent of serious injuries occur on undivided rural roads.  Transport Canada reports that road traffic injuries are the second leading cause of death for young people aged 5-25 years.  A single trauma victim may require 30-50 units of blood and blood products to survive injuries.

Canadian Blood Services and hospitals across the country know the effect an increase in trauma can have on the blood supply over long weekends.  Beginning with the first holiday in May and lasting throughout the summer months, a combination of factors comes into play.  Blood donors are busy with summer activities, while at the same time, increased traffic can result in more trauma cases.  In Central Ontario last year during May and June, almost one of every five appointments to give blood was not kept.  This results in increased hospital demand on the blood system at the same time as supply is decreasing.

"We need 900,000 units of blood needed this year, and patients are counting on more people to become blood donors," says Caryna Wilding, Clinic Development Coordinator.  "If you've never donated blood, or haven't in the last 12 months, this spring is a great time to make an appointment."

This May, in conjunction with urging residents to 'top-up' the blood supply before traveling, Canadian Blood Services is also offering drivers safe driving tips.

1.  Always wear your seat-belt.Insure children are properly buckled into correctly installed and approved child restraint seats.  According to the Canada Safety Council, more than half of all drivers killed in single-vehicle crashes on rural roads are unbelted.

2.  Do not drink and drive.Canada Safety Council data from 2001 shows that 38 percent of fatally injured drivers had been drinking alcohol.

3.  Do not speed.Speeding greatly increases your risk of accident, especially at intersections and on rural roads.

4.  Do not drive aggressively.  The stress of congested roadways during holiday weekends can lead to frustration and aggression, resulting in poor driving practices.  Relax and be a courteous driver.

5.  Concentrate on driving.  Don't become distracted using your cell phone or eating and drinking.

6.  Don't drive when you are drowsy.Alert and well rested drivers are safer.  Take breaks to stretch your legs on long trips.

7.  Have your vehicle serviced and tires checked for safety before starting out.  Top up fluid levels.

8.  Give yourself plenty of time, accommodating for the increase in traffic and unfamiliar roadways.

9.  Be prepared for weather conditions and unexpected delays.

10.  Report unsafe drivers, helping to keep everyone safe.

Residents are urged to call 1-888-2-DONATE to make an appointment to give blood or to learn more about other clinic locations and eligibility requirements.