Australians are being urged to donate blood in the wake of the Bondi terror attack targeting Sydney’s Jewish community, in which 15 people were killed and 40 people were injured.
“If you want to help, if you want to do something practical to help, please give blood,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.
Lifeblood Australia is calling for eligible people across Australia, particularly those with O negative blood, to donate.
“We’ve transferred blood from multiple states to support the need in Sydney,” a statement on Instagram read. “In particular, we need O type donors to donate now.”
O negative blood is rare, with between just six and seven per cent of Australians having it. However, in can be given to anyone in emergencies when blood type is unknown, making it the universal blood donor type.
“On Sunday evening Lifeblood issued several life-threatening orders for O negative blood, in the wake of the incident at Bondi Beach,” the Lifeblood statement continued. “Please make an appointment for the coming days and weeks if you can.”
Dozens of people have already lined up at blood donation centres around Australia, with the line at Sydney’s Town Hall snaking around the building as of 9.30am.
“Firstly, our thoughts are with the injured, their families and those who have lost loved ones because of this tragedy,” Cath Stone, Executive Director of Donor Experience at Lifeblood, told PEDESTRIAN.TV.
“We’ve seen an overwhelming response from the community, and we’d like to thank everyone who has visited our centres or made an appointment to donate today, and in the days ahead.”
She said additional blood donations will continue to be needed through to the beginning of 2026, due to the severity of the attack.
“When tragic events occur, donating blood is one way to help people,” she said.
“The need for more blood donors is ongoing. In the event of a serious trauma event or emergency, up to 100 blood donations may be needed to save just one life. With the festive season approaching, we’re encouraging people to look at making an appointment over the coming weeks, as blood donations will continue to be needed between now and January 2.”
How to donate blood
Even if you cannot donate blood immediately, there will still be a need for additional blood in the coming days and weeks. Donated blood is used for surgeries, cancer treatment or lifelong medical conditions, and with the additional supply of blood sent to Sydney in response to this attack, extra blood donations will be needed worldwide.
You can choose to donate blood, plasma or platelets. Donating blood takes around 10 minutes, with an appointment time of an hour. Plasma takes around 45 minutes with an appointment time of 90 minutes, while donating platelets takes an hour, with an appointment time of two hours.
You’ll need to check your eligibility, with some restrictions based on health, recent vaccinations or travel, or recent sexual activity. However, most people can donate blood.
“If you’re aged between 18-75, healthy and well, there’s a good chance you’ll be eligible to donate,” Stone said.
The next step will be to make an appointment with your nearest donation centre.
Lifeblood Australia’s website, app and call centre are experiencing much higher numbers than usual, meaning it can be tricky to book an appointment right this moment.
“Our website, app and call centre are experiencing much higher numbers than usual,” Stone said. We thank people for their patience, and if you can’t get through, please check back again later.”
You can make an appointment by calling 13 14 95, downloading the app, or by booking here.
Lead photo: Lifeblood / Getty.
The post How To Donate Blood In The Wake Of The Bondi Terror Attack appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
