How to save a life

by Nilma Dole

This December as we commemorate three years of the tragic tsunami that shattered our world, it is good to give more to our community than those minutes of silence.

As the seconds tick from the clock, many of our sisters and brothers are risking their lives everyday to protect our beloved Motherland. Being at the brink of war for safeguarding our nation, we should always think and pray for them as much as we can to shed some light into their lives.

However, when at a time we would feel helpless by this war situation that has gripped our country in fear and terror, we should think there is much more that we can do for our armed forces. We often ask ourselves, 'How can we save a life?' and wonder in what way can our nation's saviours benefit from us? The answer isn't as far as one thinks because in addition to love and respect, we can save a life by giving the minor gift we can - donating blood.

The National Blood Transfusion Service Center (NBTC) that is situated in Nahrenpita was donated by the kind people of Japan. This Centre is presently the best in South Asia as adjudicated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and donating blood here is an easier and a better experience.

Donating blood should be done only when a person is in the pink of health and has no particular life-threatening diseases as such. It is not advisable for people having multiple sex partners or certain Hepatitis-infected patients to donate blood. You should be at least 50 kilograms or more and be in the age group of 18 to 60 years.

A donor form is given to fill that adheres to strict confidentiality and questions are asked by the doctor regarding your state of health. Even though one may not be honest, rigourous testing is done by the hospital and can be screened to prove its worth.

The blood donating process itself consists of a simple needle prick where a minor piercing of the skin is done where a 'good vein' is sought by the nurse or doctor.

Thereafter, the curved needle is inserted whilst the donor gently presses on a rubber ball. A computerised monitor detects that 450ml of blood is obtained from the donor and once you give blood, your legs are pulled up via the computerised chair to allow blood to flow to the brain.

At the beginning, an euphoric state overpowers you and you feel like you are in a state of trance. However, doing charity that has the power to save a life and is really happiness that goes beyond words. The joy of gifting someone the power of life is the greatest gift you can ever give this Christmas and New Year season. So save a life today!

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