Want to donate blood after Bondi attacks? Here’s what you need to know

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s website and call centre have been inundated with people responding to calls for blood donations since Sunday night’s terrorist attack at Bondi Beach.

At least 16 people are dead and 38 others are in hospital in Sydney after two gunmen opened fire on crowds celebrating the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

On Sunday evening, Lifeblood issued several large life-threatening orders for type O blood to hospitals in Sydney and urged people – especially those with type O-negative blood – to donate.

On Monday morning, New South Wales premier Chris Minns encouraged those wanting to help to contact Lifeblood. By 1pm on Monday, more than 20,000 people had contacted Lifeblood to donate blood – a response not seen since the Black Saturday bushfires.

But the surge of interest can put a strain on services, especially when people turn up with no appointment or without checking eligibility.

There will continue to be an urgent need for blood in the days and weeks ahead. If you want to donate, here’s what to know.

Why do hospitals in NSW need blood right now?

Serious incidents such as the mass shooting in Bondi yesterday can, and do, place sudden and intense pressure on hospital systems.

Patients with major injuries may require multiple units of blood within hours – particularly red blood cells, plasma and platelets – to manage blood loss, support surgery, and stabilise trauma patients.

Unlike many medical supplies, blood cannot be manufactured. It can only come from people who donate their blood.

Blood has a limited shelf life. Red blood cells last around six weeks and platelets only seven days. This means donations must be continuous to keep the system functioning safely.

While hospitals plan carefully and maintain reserves, events like this can rapidly draw down existing stocks.

Blood is also needed not just in the immediate aftermath, but in the days and weeks that follow, as patients undergo further surgeries, recover from complications, or require ongoing treatment.

Beyond crises, every day across Australia, blood transfusions are essential for people undergoing cancer treatment, complex surgeries, childbirth complications, chronic blood disorders, and medical emergencies.

So hospitals rely on a steady, predictable supply so clinicians can act immediately when lives are at risk.

Why are they asking for type O blood?

Some blood types are incompatible with others. But type O-negative blood is known as the “universal donor” type. This means it can be given safely to patients of any blood group. This type is critical in emergencies, when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type.

In the event of a serious trauma event or emergency, up to 100 blood donations may be needed to save just one life.

Fewer than 7% of Australians are O-negative. But a supply is reserved for certain groups in emergencies, so this makes it challenging to maintain enough of this blood type overall, both for hospitals and Lifeblood.

How do I donate?

Following major incidents, many people understandably want to donate at the same time, which can overwhelm centres if donors arrive without appointments or without checking eligibility.

The most effective way to help is to book an appointment and attend only if you are eligible.

To book, visit lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95 or download the free Lifeblood app.

If appointments are full, or you can’t get through on the phone or website, don’t give up. Wait and book for the coming days or weeks, when your donation will still play a critical role.

But first, check – are you eligible?

Recent research shows 57% of Australians aged 18 and over are currently eligible to donate blood. Eligibility criteria are used to make sure donors and patients stay safe and minimise the risk of infections entering the blood supply.

Those excluded from donating include people who are pregnant and are low in iron.

You can check your eligibility using this quiz.

Some blood types are more in demand than others, but people with any type can donate. Lifeblood will determine your type the first time you donate, and keep a record for future donations.

Can only people in NSW donate?

No, we need blood donations from all over Australia.

In response to the additional demand in Sydney, Lifeblood is transferring blood donations from multiple states to support hospitals in NSW. So we need to keep the supply steady across the country.

The Bondi atrocity is a stark reminder of our reliance on Australia’s excellent system of blood collection, storage and distribution. While the need now is acute and urgent, there is rarely a time when Lifeblood does not need more donors.

The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of Nina Dhondy (Lifeblood), Veronica Hoad (Lifeblood), James Daly (Lifeblood), John Kaldor (The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney), Jessica Willet (Lifeblood), Jemma Falkenmere (Lifeblood), Skye McGregor (The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney) and Bridget Haire (The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney).