With 19 years of experience as a local first responder, Brittni Brockman has seen the in-the-moment impact of blood transfusions. It is not uncommon for her work to require a call for transfusions on the scene or enroute to the hospital. She shares that she has observed improved mental status and vital signs after just a unit of blood.
But Brockman’s experience with the life changing and lifesaving benefits of blood transfusions is not just professional. She has seen the personal impact, too.
In December, Brockman experienced a medical emergency of her own. A blood clot traveled from her leg to her lungs, causing several cardiac arrests. Brockman’s emergency care required prolonged CPR. This resulted in a significant liver injury which caused internal bleeding in her abdomen. Treatment of the bleeding required nearly 50 units of blood and blood products.
A Selfless Act to Save Lives
From donors to volunteers, Brockman is grateful to the people who made it possible for her to receive those lifesaving units. She shares, “Knowing that so many people played a role in saving my life is huge.”
Through professional and personal experience, Brittni Brockman knows the impact of blood transfusions and hopes to encourage more people to consider donating. Only 3% of people who are able to donate blood are donors. Brockman encourages those considering donating for the first time, “Just do it. It’s not as scary as you might think it would be, and the impact that you will make is truly life changing and lifesaving.”
To those who are already part of the donating community, Brockman says, “I would like to say thank you for your selfless act of donating to save my life, so that I could still be here and be a mom and a wife and see my oldest graduate high school.”
Get involved. Give back. Save lives.
Although currently unable to be a blood donor, Brockman gives back by volunteering her time with We Are Blood and advocating for blood donation.
Schedule your next (or first) donation here. Or become a volunteer today!