Isn’t it too hot to donate blood?

The thermometer showed over 25 °C, when I went to the donor centre in July. Not exactly the ideal conditions for a blood donation, you might say.

Blood donors should always be sure to have plenty to drink and something to eat before their appointment, but this is especially important when it’s hot. Accordingly, I drank a lot of water that afternoon. And as soon as I arrived at the donor centre, they asked me whether I was sure I’d had enough to drink. My answer was yes, of course, but they still pressed a cup of water into my hand.

I filled out the questionnaire and sat down for a talk with a member of the medical staff, during which my blood pressure was taken, and my finger was pricked to collect a drop of blood for the rapid haemoglobin test. Once that was over, I was able to take my place on the recliner right away. The needle was inserted so skilfully and quickly that I barely felt it going in. And I still felt fine, despite the heat: no dizziness, no pain, nothing.

That did not stop the staff from coming by to ask me how I was feeling a few times and twice to bring me another cup of water. Eight minutes, and it was done. Due to the high temperature, I had to remain lying down for a little longer than usual, and then a member of the staff had me walk around a bit so she could be sure there were no ill effects from the donation – and that was it, I sat down with a sandwich from the buffet and drank yet more water.

Thanks to the right preparation and the care provided by the donor centre staff, donating blood is not a problem – even in the hottest weeks of summer.

Would you like to donate blood? Then please use our database (including times and locations, as well as a reminder function) to find a donor centre or blood drive near you: www.blutspende.ch/where-to-donate