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United Blood Services Say Blood Supply Is Drastically Low In The Permian Basin 6/28/12
Felicia Bolton
fbolton@cbs7.com
CBS 7 News Reporter
6/28/12
Midland, TX - With the increase in deadly accidents in the Permian Basin, having a large supply of blood is all the more important to saving the lives of west Texans. The United Blood Services, one of the main providers of blood in west Texas, stated there is now a low supply of blood in west Texas.
"I think there's no blood for those guys [victims in accidents]. They've got no options. So, it's extremely ... it's a life or death situation," said blood donor Jerry Cavitt.
Cavitt has an 0 negative blood type, which can be donated to anyone and is in a higher demand than normal. The United Blood Services said they are at critical levels of the 0 negative blood supply in west Texas.
"Ideally we'll like to have 45 - 50 units of 0 negative blood type on our shelves in case hospitals call. Currently, as of this morning we have I think like 6 combined between Midland, Odessa, San Angelo and Lubbock,” stated Brandon Baker.
They say other blood types are very low as well. The need for blood donations continues to grow at local hospitals as the number of traumas increase.
"Trauma we have an actual number of about 80 cases a month so that actually averages out to 2 or 3 a day. A significant number are orthopedic, bone fractures, and most likely from falls or vehicle accidents. So it is important to have a blood supply," said Dr. Bruce Becker with the Medical Center Hospital.
The small step to donate blood that Jerry Cavitt and other donors are taking is making them unseen heroes in life or death situations.
"It's a selfless act. I mean it's one of the only selfless acts you can really do," said Cavitt.
The United Blood Services said that they are in great need of blood of all types. If you would like to donate contact them at 432-561-5539.