National Health Service chiefs say there are only three days’ worth of O negative – the most commonly used blood in emergencies.
And with some rarer blood types also scarce, an urgent call has gone out to personnel across defence to lead the charge to top up supplies.
Commanders are also being asked to show flexibility and give soldiers time off to donate during duty hours. The rallying call comes from the Defence Medical Services, who have organised donor events at MoD sites over the coming weeks.
The first in the programme, at MoD Main Building in London (shown), was attended by Chief of the General Staff, Gen Sir Roly Walker. It saw 15 litres given by troops – enough to treat 100 adults or 200 children. Further events are planned at Whittington and Corsham on July 17 and 22.
Campaign organiser Lt Col Alasdair Hempenstall (Scots) – military assistant to DMS Director General Air Marshal Clare Walton – praised the willingness to help.
He told Soldier: “It’s important we get behind the drive. It’s easy to forget that blood is a precious commodity that we should not take for granted – particularly as those of us serving could easily become customers.”
Who can give blood?
Anyone aged 17-66 who is fit and healthy and weighs 50-160kg. You must not have had a tattoo or body piercing for four months or received a blood transfusion since 1980.
How do I do it?
Visit blood.co.uk
