Philippine Red Cross Bloodletting

By Malou Leslie and Sheene Esquerdo

On the left: The row of blood donors.

Last April 29, 2011 the Philippine Red Cross conducted its bloodletting at Palisades Clubhouse where out of 76 participants only 47 were successful to pass the screening test.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) tightly aims to render life-saving assistance that will armor the life and dignity especially of the indigent Filipinos caught in defenseless situations. Currently, the PRC offers six major services, such as: Blood Services, Disaster Management, Safety Services, Community Health and Nursing, Social Services and the Volunteer Service.

Being a Philippine Red Cross member, a person can avail of the accident assistance benefits. However, SRDC stretches a hand to facilitate with their blood requirements. The blood is free but it has a processing fee which can be reimbursed in case of accidents. More so, to avail of the first aid training, a person must have paid the required registration fees. The plan extends its coverage while the person is in transit, motorcycling except for professional use, during racing or competition and any injury caused by terrorism.

Excluded in the scope of Red Cross are as follows: suicide, self-inflicted injuries, drug addiction, nervous disorders, cosmetic or plastic surgeries, dental diseases, AIDS, pregnancy or childbirth, war, military service, alcoholism and willful participation in any crime. However, in case of medical reimbursement, PhilAm thru Philippine Red Cross shall only pay the expenses that are not paid by insurance companies. They may also opt to choose were to reimburse, from the PRC or from other insurers.

To become an Emergency Response Unit (ERU) Trainee, the following must be met:
- Must be 18 years old and above; college level
- Current holder of Philippine Red Cross Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support (Certificate of Completion)
- Of good moral character as certified by authority
- Physically and mentally fit
- Willing to complete 300 hours of duty as a trainee before being certified as an ERU volunteer
- Can work under minimal supervision and willing to work in a team

As a blood National Center Volunteer:
- Must be any of the following: licensed nurse, medical technologist or licensed physician
- With good interpersonal and communication skills
- Computer literate and can work under minimal supervision*