Australia's reserves of O-type blood have fallen to a dangerously low two-day supply and people with O-Positive and O-Negative blood types are being urged to roll up their sleeves and donate.
Eight thousand people are needed over the next two weeks to donate O-type blood to prevent a nationwide blood shortage, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service says.
"O-Negative is the universal type given to patients in emergency situations," spokesman Shaun Inguanzo said in a statement.
"And O-Positive is the type that 39 per cent of Australians have - and therefore the type most needed - should they require a blood transfusion."
Maintaining blood supplies during winter is a seasonal challenge because those suffering cold and flu symptoms limit the number of people able to donate.
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"With one in three of us needing donated blood in our lifetime, the life you save could be that of a friend or family member."
To donate blood or find out more information call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au.
