Blood donation after Mumbai stampede: WhatsApp and Twitter help save 30 lives
KEM Hospital and the Mumbai police swung into action and appealed to people to donate blood
When the toll in the Elphinstone tragedy was rising, KEM Hospital and the Mumbai police swung into action and appealed to people to donate blood. This prompt action ensured that there was no shortage of blood
While the hospital circulated messages on its WhatsApp groups, the Mumbai police used its Twitter handle to appeal to people for donation. Within three hours, more than 250 volunteers stepped up, saving lives of at least 30 patients .
Hospital officials said that there was a shortage of A negative, B negative, and AB negative blood groups.
‘A negative, B negative and AB negative blood is required in KEM hospital for those injured in #Elphinstone stampede,’ tweeted the Mumbai police. A similar message was shared on citizens’ groups through the media arm of KEM Hospital.
“Such tragedies always trigger a high demand for blood and a possible shortage can be avoided by taking simple measures. The tweet spread quickly and responsible citizens queued at the blood bank lobby,” said Deepak Devraj, deputy commissioner of police.
After collecting 123 units of blood, the hospital asked the rest volunteers to remain on stand by. “We had people coming from Thane, Kalyan, Dombivli and even Pune to donate blood. We collected enough blood for the patients but donors didn’t stop coming,” said a doctor.
“We requested them that they will be informed in case we need blood,” the doctor added.
“Thank U Mumbai for the response to request for blood. KEM hospital has received enough to treat the injured. Grateful for responding to the call,” the Mumbai police tweeted.