Friday, November 22, Patrick and three of his colleagues from the French Blood Establishment (EFS) were present at the Leucate home for a blood collection, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. At 2:45 p.m., nurses Fathia and Eléa finished their installation in a studious atmosphere, while Didier takes care of the secretarial work, and in pairs with Patrick, the snack. He was taking stock of appointments. “We have 30 donors registered via the site or the mobile application,” he explains.
“We anticipate an increase in needs”
Patrick’s team covers the entire Pyrénées-Orientales department and part of Narbonnais. “We move around. Today there is another team in another village. Sometimes we do large collections, sometimes smaller, depending on weekly needs. Since the Covid episode, we have had difficulty but stocks are increasing. are stabilized before the holidays or vacations, we anticipate an increase in needs, often linked to road accidents.he specifies.
The process for donating blood is precise: donors aged 18 to 70 and in good health must present their identity card. A unique number is assigned to guarantee anonymity. After a health questionnaire and a medical examination (blood pressure, etc.), the sample can be taken if the medical opinion is favorable. Finally, a snack is offered with a mandatory waiting period of 20 minutes and recommendations to be respected in the hours following the donation.
Patrick, employed at the EFS for 20 years, in charge of setting up the collections, is himself a donor. “I started during my military service. My farmer parents came to every blood drive to donate. I followed their example.” According to him, there are several donors who make this decision after having been affected, directly or indirectly, by an event requiring a transfusion.
For those who wish to donate blood, all the information (dates, locations) is available on the site dondesang.efs.fr or on the Blood donation application. “We also spontaneously welcome donors who come after seeing a poster for example,” adds Patrick.
Donation centers, like that of Perpignan, volunteers, local associations, municipalities, also play an essential role. The common goal remains clear: saving lives through solidarity.
**PAA: Identify two different strategies the EFS uses to prepare for increased blood demand during holidays and vacation periods.**
## World Today News: Blood Drive Interview
**Welcome back to World Today News. Today, we’re diving into a crucial topic: blood donation.**
Joining us are Patrick, a seasoned professional with the French Blood Establishment (EFS) who oversees blood drives, and Marie Dubois, a regular blood donor and advocate for blood donation awareness. Welcome to both of you.
**Section 1: The Need for Blood Donation**
**(Interviewer)** Patrick, the article mentions an anticipation of increased need for blood during holidays and vacations. Can you elaborate on what causes this surge in demand and what steps the EFS is taking to prepare?
**(Patrick)**
**(Interviewer)** Marie, what prompted you to become a regular blood donor? How do you think we can encourage more people to understand the critical importance of this act of solidarity?
**(Marie)**
**Section 2: The Donation Process and Donor Profiles**
**(Interviewer)** Patrick, you mentioned that the donation process involves several stages, from health questionnaires to post-donation waiting periods. Can you walk us through these steps and explain their significance in ensuring safety for both donors and recipients?
**(Patrick)**
**(Interviewer)** The article also highlights the significance of donor anonymity. How important is this aspect of the donation process, and how does the EFS ensure its guarantee?
**(Patrick)**
**(Interviewer)** Both of you, what qualities or attributes make for an ideal blood donor? Beyond the age and health requirements, are there specific mindsets or motivations that make a difference?
**(Patrick)**
**(Marie)**
**Section 3: Community Collaboration and Outreach**
**(Interviewer)** The article mentions the crucial role played by donation centers, volunteers, and local associations. Could you shed light on the collaborative efforts involved in organizing and promoting blood drives, particularly in regions like Pyrénées-Orientales?
**(Patrick)**
**(Interviewer)** Marie, how can individuals and communities effectively contribute to raising awareness about blood donation? What kind of outreach initiatives have you found to be particularly impactful?
**(Marie)**
**Section 4: Looking Ahead: Sustainability and Future Challenges**
**(Interviewer)** Patrick, as the EFS looks towards the future, what are some of the biggest challenges and opportunities in ensuring a sustainable blood supply?
**(Patrick)**
**(Interviewer)** What message would you like to leave our audience with today? What is the one thing everyone watching can do to make a difference in the world of blood donation?
**(Patrick/Marie)**
**(Interviewer)** Thank you both for sharing your valuable insights on this important topic.
**We encourage everyone to visit dondesang.efs.fr or download the Blood donation application to learn more about blood donation and find a drive near you. Remember; your donation can save lives. Back to you, Tom. **
