Donating blood before BCT?

EngineerFQ

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Joined
May 1, 2016
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I live in FL and in light of everything going on wanted to join my friends and donate blood this week. I was wondering though if this would be a bad idea before going up to I day. I've never donated before, but does this sound like it would be a problem? I know I give some blood during I day but is it a lot?
 
You won't be giving blood per se on I day; but yes the medical's will take some blood.

That being said...realize when you donate a pint of blood you're then restricted from donating again for something like 56 days. Personally...while I applaud your interest, this close to I Day...I don't think I'd do it. It takes time to replace that pint in your blood stream. The Red Cross says the body takes 4-6 weeks to replace the red blood cells you donated. Okay...you're going to be short a BUNCH due to the altitude issues you'll have...I don't think I'd make it worse.

Once you're accepted into the Wing...if you still would like to be a donor (I was for years, its a great way to give back) then see if there are any restrictions and if not: go for it! It's a life saving item that too many people won't do.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
You won't be giving blood per se on I day; but yes the medical's will take some blood.

That being said...realize when you donate a pint of blood you're then restricted from donating again for something like 56 days. Personally...while I applaud your interest, this close to I Day...I don't think I'd do it. It takes time to replace that pint in your blood stream. The Red Cross says the body takes 4-6 weeks to replace the red blood cells you donated. Okay...you're going to be short a BUNCH due to the altitude issues you'll have...I don't think I'd make it worse.

Once you're accepted into the Wing...if you still would like to be a donor (I was for years, its a great way to give back) then see if there are any restrictions and if not: go for it! It's a life saving item that too many people won't do.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
I agree with Steve. Your body is going to put under a lot of stress in just a couple of short weeks. You will need to be as strong physically as you can be. There will be many future blood drives at the Academy that you can participate in.
 
Especially when moving from Florida to that higher altitude, wait. You'll have plenty of chances later on. I'm sure there are other things you can do to help the folks of your sunshiny state.
 
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