An Australian Red Cross campaign for O-negative blood has resulted in 500 appointments in just 24 hours across Australia.
Jennifer Campbell Case from the Australian Red Cross Blood Service said the appeal had seen great success in the past day.
"We saw a 50 per cent increase in usual call levels yesterday," she said.
Prior to the appeal, there was only a day's worth of rare O-negative blood left in Australian Red Cross reserves because of a prolonged and severe flu season.
"What we're seeing in 3,000 appointments cancelled every week across the country and that obviously puts our blood supply under real pressure," Ms Case said.
An additional 2,500 O-negative donors are needed over the next fortnight to meet patient needs across the country.
"It's not very often we reach critical blood levels like this," Ms Case said.
"On the few occasions we have, stock levels have balanced themselves out again very rapidly because Australian blood donors are so generous."
Roland Frankmoore saw the Red Cross' appeal on social media and decided to come into a Brisbane centre to donate.
"I saw the Facebook post and knowing that I'm O-negative I thought I better come in," he said.
Mr Frankmoore has donated more than 60 times, knowing he has got a universal blood type.
"I know that they can use it for all blood types so that does motivate me," he said.
"It can help child cancer patients and people who've been in accidents. I suppose in an altruistic sense it makes you feel good."
According to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, O-negative blood can be given to patients in emergency situations when their blood type is known and is always in demand.
It is only present in 9 per cent of the population.
If you would like to make an appointment call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au.
