How to donate blood?

Preparation before donating blood

1. Have enough rest and sleep.
2. No alcohol intake 24 hours prior to blood donation.
3. No medications for at least 24 hours prior to blood donation.
4. Have something to eat prior to blood donation, avoid fatty foods.
5. Drink plenty of fluid like water or juice.

Steps in donating blood

1. Have your weight taken.
2. Register honestly and completely the donor registration form.
3. Have your blood type and hemoglobin checked.
4. A physician will examine the blood donor.
5. Actual donation. The amount of blood to be donated will depend on the donor's weight and blood
pressure. Either 350cc or 450cc and would usually take 10 minutes or less.
6. A 5 to 10 minute rest and plenty of fluid intake is necessary after donation.

What to do after blood donation?

1. Drink plenty of fluids like water or juice.
2. Refrain from stooping down after blood donation.
3. Refrain from strenuous activities like:
1. Lifting heavy objects
2. Driving big vehicles such as bus, trucks, etc.
3. Operating big machines
4. Avoid using the punctured arm in lifting heavy objects.
5. Apply pressure on the punctured site and lift the arm in case the site is still bleeding.
6. If there is discoloration and swelling on the punctured site, you may apply cold compress for 24
hours and then hot compress for the next 24 hours.
7. If there is dizziness, just lie down feet elevated. Drink plenty of juice, in just a few minutes or so it
will pass.

Blood donation: Basic Requirements

Blood donation helps save lives. Find out if you're eligible to donate blood and what to expect if you
decide to donate.

The need for blood is great. On any given day, more than two thousand of blood units are transfused to
patients in our country. Some may need blood during surgery. Others depend on it after an accident or
because they have a disease that requires blood components. The Philippine Red Cross approximately
supplies one-fourth of the country's national blood requirements.

If you're in good health, you can probably donate. Find out about blood donation and what to expect if
you decide to give.

Who can donate blood?

You can donate blood if you:
- Are in good health
- Between 16 to 65 years old (16 and 17 years old need parents consent)
- Weigh at least 110 pounds
- With a blood pressure between: Systolic: 90-160 mmHg, Diastolic: 60-100 mmHg
- Pass the physical and health history assessments

PRC Blood Service Facilities carefully screen potential donors. The screening guidelines are necessary
to ensure that blood donation is safe for you and that it's safe for the person who receives your blood.

During the screening process, you fill out a blood donation questionnaire form that includes direct
questions about behaviors known to carry a higher risk of blood-borne infections — infections that are
transmitted through the blood. These behaviors include prostitution, intravenous drug use and others.
A trained physician asks you about your medical/ health history and conducts a physical examination,
which includes checking your blood pressure, pulse and temperature. All of the information from this
evaluation is kept strictly confidential.

During your blood donation screening procedure, a small sample of blood taken from a finger prick is
used to check your hemoglobin level, the oxygen-carrying component of your blood. If your hemoglobin
concentration is normal and you've met all the other screening requirements, you can donate blood.

Where can I donate blood?

Use the PRC Blood Service Facility Directory (menu) to find the blood donation center nearest you, and
then contact the blood center and find out what they require.

VOLUNTEER FAQ'S

How do I start volunteering?

To become a PRC volunteer, you need to fill out the application form, submit to NHQ or at our local
chapter nearest you.

You can inquire thru our website, call us at 02-5270862 or send us an email at
volunteer@redcross.org.ph.

What are the requirements?

After a brief interview and filling out of the application form you will be required to attend the Red
Cross orientation course. Other requirements include:

a. PRC membership
b. Photocopy of government-issued ID
Do you give allowance to your volunteers?
No. We don't give allowances as it will defeat the spirit of volunteerism.

Does Red Cross issue certificates?

Certificates are given to volunteers who have passed regular Red Cross trainings (e.g. first aid). A
Certificate of Volunteering can also be issued upon request and based on performance and attendance.

Where exactly are you located?

NHQ is located at Bonifacio Drive, Port Area Manila. You may call the Volunteer Service at (02) 527-
0862. We can also refer you to our Chapters nearest you.

Does the PRC send volunteers overseas during disasters?

No. The PRC does not send volunteers to work overseas.

Is there any age requirements?

We have youth programs involving school-based Red Cross Youth volunteers in the elementary, high
school and college and others from the community. We do not have a maximum age limit in place. As
long as you are physically and mentally healthy, and willing to serve , you are welcome.

Is there a time commitment required to volunteer? Do I have to volunteer for a specific number of
hours?
Time commitment depends on your availability or the requirements of Red Cross services of your
interest. Most of our volunteers at the Chapter level work on a regular basis weekly or monthly.
Further information will be discussed during the orientation.

I am a foreigner and I want to visit the Philippines and do volunteering work in Red Cross, what will
I do?
E-mail us at volunteer@redcross.org.ph at least a month before your target date of arrival so we can
prepare a program for you. Also include your interest, your budget for your stay, curriculum vitae and
flight itinerary.

If you are a Red Cross volunteer in your own country, we require you to have an endorsement or
certification from your local Red Cross chapter or branch.

Do I need immunizations?
As far as PRC is concern we advice you to have such. Consult your travel physician before coming here.
Please check www.who.int.

Do I have to book my own plane ticket?

Yes.

Is Philippines safe?
Yes. Philippines is generally peaceful and considered as one of the friendliest countries to visit.
However, there are isolated cases of violent incidents in some parts of the country. We do not advise,
allow and deploy international volunteers to these areas. You have to be responsible for your
whereabouts.

Do you accept OJT or internships?

Yes. Please contact the Human Resource Department at (02) 527-6219.

 
VOLUNTEER

Volunteer Service Office

2/F PRC Bldg. Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila
Phone: 527-0862
E-mail Address: volunteer@redcross.org.ph
 

Volunteering Opportunities

Updated as of October 14, 2010

1. Referees and Scorers

- Volunteer applicants must be knowledgeable in the technicalities of basketball, volleyball and
badminton.
- Committed to be part of the Red Cross Youth Olympics-Technical Team on October 26-29, 2010.
- Interested applicants may send their application forms to the Program Committee of RCY Olympics on
or before October 20, 2010.

For confirmation, please contact Vanessa Alcantar at (02) 524-2101 or send an e-mail to
rcy@redcross.org.ph.

2. International Humanitarian Law Office Volunteer

- Preferably Communication graduate or law student
- Willing to start immediately and willing to commit at least until November 30, 2010 in preparation for
2010 Moot Court Competition.
- Willing to do field work with snacks and allowance

3. Emergency Response Unit Trainee

- 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.

4. National Blood 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