Paper for the Workshop on
‘Disaster Management for the Health Sector in Indonesia’,
Bali Padma Hotel, Kuta, 11-13 Juni 2003
VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE AT SANGLAH HOSPITAL
AFTER THE KUTA BLAST (12-10-2002)
Sita T. van Bemmelen1
Blood Donations
For many concerned foreigners, the first direct appeal
for help came through their personal network: an appeal
to donate resus negative blood. As this bloodtype is rare
amongst Indonesians and a large number of injured victims
were foreign, the need for blood donors was (presented
as) pressing. As it was, many people came forward who
did not have a blood type that was needed (the bloodbank
at Sanglah is usually well-stocked), thus clogging the
procedure.
Recommendations:
Have a supply of all blood types available at
the bloodbank.
Make a list of resus negative persons
in the area who can be contacted immediately in
case of emergency (this is also in the interest
of that individual in case something happens to
him/her).
Provide the blood bank facility with a broadcast
sms facility to contact registered donors
of specific needs.
If only certain blood types are needed, broadcast
this through local media and put up a sign in
front of the blood bank.
