AirLIFE TEXAS set to help combat blood shortage

  First responders spend their workdays saving lives, but now they are doing it while off duty as well. Teams representing fire, police, EMS, and emergency room departments across the South Central region will compete to bring the most blood donors to AirLIFE TEXAS 1’s First Responders Challenge. South Texas Blood and Tissue will have a bloodmobile parked at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in New Braunfels on Feb. 19. Community members are encouraged to sign up, donate, and enjoy an up-close look at the Lockhart-based AirLIFE TEXAS 1 air medical helicopter that serves their area. Donors will also receive a free long-sleeved t-shirt. Sign up for a donation time slot here. 

      With blood donations declining nationwide, the need for this lifesaving resource is growing. The availability of blood is important to AirLIFE TEXAS because its crews carry whole blood on board all their helicopters and can administer it in flight, greatly increasing the chances of survival for those suffering from severe blood loss. In addition to supplying AirLIFE TEXAS, South Texas Blood and Tissue provides blood to over 110 hospitals in 48 counties across South Texas. Blood donors truly save lives in their communities.   

      The First Responders Challenge blood drive will be hosted by AirLIFE TEXAS 1. The public is encouraged to come donate blood, meet some of the first responders and ER staff caring for their communities, and get a close-up look at the AirLIFE TEXAS 1 helicopter (the helicopter may be unavailable if called into service). 

    The event will be held on Thursday, Feb. 19 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  at the Christus Santa Rosa Hospital parking lot located at 600 N. Union, New Braunfels, TX.