Red Cross urges blood donation during trauma season [Video]

SALT LAKE CITY — The American Red Cross of Utah is urging blood donation to help reinforce the blood supply during the summer trauma season. 

According to a press release, trauma season is a period during summer when more traumatic injuries are reported. The uptick is attributed to increases in car and ATV accidents, sports injuries and other summer pastimes. 

“I encourage all Utahns to donate blood this summer, ensuring lifesaving supplies are on hand when they are most vital,” said Benjamin Donner, the executive director of Utah’s American Red Cross’s Central and Southern Utah chapter. 

The press release said that around 25% of trauma patients need a blood transfusion. About 3 to 5% of them will need a massive transfusion. Those patients will need 10 or more units of blood within a 24-hour period. 

While blood donation is helpful regardless of the type, the Red Cross said O-negative is …