Photo: Cappi Thompson / Moment / Getty Images
(Des Moines, IA) -- A blood drive to re-supply MercyOne's medical helicopters with needed blood products is scheduled for Friday in Downtown Des Moines.
MercyOne AirMed operates four medical transport helicopters throughout the state, each of which carries blood products in the event a patient needs an emergency transfusion. Ryan Gochoel (GOH-shull), Regional Director of Emergency Transport with MercyOne, says:
"A lot of your traumatic injuries are blood loss-related, so refilling that tank with blood products that we offer our patients is essential to getting them to the hospital in a timely manner in the golden hour."
Friday's blood drive is a partnership between MercyOne and Life Serve Blood Center and will take place in two locations, both at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. Those locations include:
- LifeServe Bloodmobile located near the ground helipad
- Conference Room 7 in the East Tower conference center
The blood drive is scheduled from 9am-4pm on Friday, May 22nd. Those who would like to schedule their donation in advance can do so through the LifeServe Blood Center website.