Dr. Kosta’s air ambulance story

A Cardiff man who relies on blood donations in his role as a medic for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity is saying a big ‘thank you’ to donors across the country for their ongoing commitment to helping patients in need. 

Dr Kosta Morley and his colleagues at the Charity use over 50 lifesaving blood transfusions each year. The majority of which are given to patients following traumatic injuries.

Kosta, originally from Dubai, said: “Every air ambulance carries lifesaving donations ready to give to those in need during emergency situations. It’s crucial that we can provide blood transfusion quickly to give our team more time when providing specialist treatment.

“I see the difference made by having the Welsh Blood Service; it’s not just the blood recipient that benefit, it extends beyond that, to their family and loved ones who all truly appreciate the gesture that the blood donors make.”

Alan Prosser, Director of the Welsh Blood Service said: “To us, every blood donor is a hero and we want to add our own thanks to them for their unwavering support.

“There are around 90,000 blood donors across Wales who have donated at least once in the past two years. Many of our donors routinely give at every opportunity with some reaching 50, 75 or even 100 donations!

“With one unit of blood potentially able to help up to three patients, these donors are having a major impact on people’s lives. Without blood donors, the world would be a very different place for patients.”

The Welsh Blood Service hosts over 1600 blood donation sessions across Wales each year, collecting almost 100,000 units of blood. Blood collected in Wales is supplied to 20 hospitals across the country.

Anyone interested in giving blood can visit welsh-blood.org or call 0800 252266 to book an appointment at a clinic near them.