Brisbane, Australia: Australia's Red Cross Lifeblood is facing a severe shortage of Type O blood and is issuing an urgent appeal to the public for assistance. Both O positive and O negative blood stocks have reached their lowest point in a year, prompting an immediate call for an additional 500 daily donations of these blood types over the next two weeks.

Lifeblood's Executive Director of Strategy and Growth, Stuart Chesneau, emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating that the demand for O blood types continues to rise, despite record numbers of donors coming forward. This year, the demand for O blood types has surged by more than 3 percent, marking the highest demand in a decade. The organization anticipates this trend to persist in the years ahead.

"To ensure we continue to meet the needs of patients across the country, we need everyone who is eligible – more than 13 million people – to become blood and plasma donors," Chesneau emphasized. He also urged existing donors to consider contributing more frequently, stating that even a single additional donation each year would have a significant impact, particularly on the lives of those who depend on these vital resources.

The urgency of this appeal arises from the fact that O positive and O negative blood types are the most frequently requested by hospitals. O Negative blood, in particular, is considered universal and is used when a patient's blood type is unknown. It is frequently stocked in ambulances and rescue helicopters to treat trauma patients who may require large quantities of blood within a short timeframe. Despite being one of the rarer blood types, with fewer than seven percent of the Australian population having it, O Negative accounts for a substantial 16 percent of the blood ordered by hospitals.

Conversely, O Positive is the most common blood type in the community, with 40 percent of people having this blood type. It is the type most often needed by patients in need of a blood transfusion. Approximately half of Australia's population has Type O blood, so the appeal extends to individuals with these blood types to not only donate but also encourage their family members to do the same.

Stuart Chesneau urged people to take action by reaching out to their family members and friends, emphasizing the vital role they can play in alleviating the current blood shortage. The Lifeblood organization can be reached for donation bookings at 13 14 95, through the website at lifeblood.com.au, or via the Donate Blood app.

In a time of dire need, every donation can make a life-saving difference, and the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood's call for help is an urgent plea to the nation's generosity. It is a reminder that the act of donating blood can have a profound impact on those in need, and your contribution can save lives.