Red Cross helps FIBA player get rare blood
MANILA, Philippines–On the early morning of 31 August, a FIBA player was having a medical emergency after being injured during a FIBA World Cup game earlier.
He needed an emergency operation that required blood transfusion of a rare blood type.
The Philippine Red Cross, upon receipt of the blood request from the medical doctor accompanying the player’s national team, immediately dispensed two units of the rare blood type A-.
“As the host country of the FIBA World Cup, we are supportive of all the delegates. Every large gathering, such as the FIBA, should have provisions for emergency medical services like pre-hospital treatment, ambulances and standby blood supply including rare blood, because time is of the essence in a medical emergency,” said Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon.
“An adequate supply of safe, quality blood products and a registry of rare blood type donors are essential for the country to be prepared for medical emergencies,” Dr. Gwen Pang, Secretary General of the Philippine Red Cross, said.
According to Philippine Red Cross Blood Services Director, Dr. Christie Monina Nalupta, less than one percent of the Philippine population has the Rh negative factor, and not all of them are blood donors.
During the opening of the FIBA, the Philippine Red Cross was there to provide trained emergency medical services personnel and ambulance units in case of emergencies.
For blood requests, blood donation and inquiries, the Philippine Red Cross may be reached via its Blood Services hotline 1158, landline +632 8790 2300, or email [email protected].
