[紅十字會Red Cross] 生命有救 由您做起 血液需求回顧 Start Saving Lives Review of Blood Demand

　　陳先生因交通意外受傷昏迷入院，首天的手術已使用了36包血液，才能挽回性命；他隨後接受多次手術，先後共耗血97包。

　　以上並不是單一事例，足以反映香港醫療技術雖然達國際水平，具優秀醫護人員、嶄新技術、先進儀器，然而，許多療程仍需依賴輸血才能救治病人。

　　不過， 本港人口在過去30 年來嚴重老化，令血液需求近年明顯急升，血液收集工作亦備受考驗。

　　單在過去四年間，全血及紅血球製品供應量已上升17.24%（從2008年超過196,800單位增至2012年的逾230,700單位），這數字反映在短短數年間，病人對血液需求增幅驚人。如果捐血人數維持不變，意味着輸血服務中心收集的血量沒有相應增長，後果不堪設想。

　　本港一向倚賴無償捐血者維持充足的血液供應，輸血服務中心多年來，亦致力增闢渠道、增大力度推廣捐血，尤其透過學校及青少年網絡，培育年輕人成為定期捐血者。不過，血液供應能追上需求，實非必然，我們自己或親友亦隨時可能因傷病需要輸血。

　　因此，誠邀各位「熱血」市民相約三五知己，加入捐血者行列，共同體驗攜手捐血救人的喜悅！

　　Mr Chan was in a coma when he was admitted to hospital after a car accident. Multiple transfusions of 36 bags of blood given to him during surgery saved his life. Afterwards, he had many surgeries, receiving transfusions of another 97 bags of blood.

　　Mr Chan is not alone. Though Hong Kong offers international standard of medical care, with outstanding medical professionals, new technologies and advanced equipment, many medical procedures still require blood transfusions to save lives.

　　However, due to a serious ageing population over the past three decades (see table below), blood demand in Hong Kong has been climbing rapidly over the past few years. This poses tough challenge to blood supply.

　　Over the past four years, the supply of whole blood and red blood cell products recorded a 17.24% increase, rising from over 196,800 blood units in 2008 to over 230,700 units in 2012. The figures show an alarming increase in blood demand in just over a few years. If the number of donors remains unchanged, meaning no increase in blood collection by the Blood Transfusion Service (BTS), it can cause serious consequences.

　　Thanks to numerous non-remunerated blood donors, Hong Kong has been able to maintain adequate blood supply. But we should never take it for granted. BTS has been working hard to increase channels of promoting blood donation. We also hope to nurture regular donors among younger generations via promotion in schools and various youth networks. Yet, we also count on you to play a part in maintaining adequate blood supply. In fact, anyone of us or our loved ones might need blood transfusions at any time. We sincerely invite you to become blood donors with your friends and family to share the joy of saving lives.