Here’s How You Can Donate Blood In The Wake Of The Bondi Mass Shooting

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood and politicians have issued urgent calls for people to donate blood following the tragic mass shooting at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, which has left at least 16 people dead and more than 40 others injured.

The attack unfolded at a Hanukkah gathering, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese describing it as “an act of antisemitism” and “an act of terrorism”. NSW Premier Chris Minns said the shooting was “deliberately targeted at the Jewish community” on the first day of Hanukkah.

An initial police statement said 14 people died at the scene, with two more dying in hospital overnight, taking the death toll to 16, including a 10-year-old girl. Police said more than 40 civilians were injured, as well as two police officers.

Authorities have identified the alleged shooters as Naveed Akram, 24, and his 50-year-old father. The older man was shot by police and died at the scene, while the 24-year-old suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.

Lifeblood calls for blood donations nationally – particularly O type

The scale of the injuries placed immediate pressure on blood supplies, prompting Lifeblood to issue emergency calls for donations.

In the immediate aftermath, Lifeblood issued an urgent call for donations, particularly O negative and O positive blood types. A Lifeblood spokesperson said the need was “ongoing”, and noted fewer than 7% of the population are O negative, which makes the situation particularly challenging.

“O negative and O positive blood are always in high demand because they are used in emergency situations when a patient’s blood type is unknown. In the event of a serious trauma event or emergency, up to 100 blood donations may be needed to save just one life.”

Lifeblood said it had issued “several large life-threatening orders” for O negative blood to hospitals in Sydney following the attack, and was transferring blood donations from multiple states to support demand in NSW. Health authorities have noted that blood stocks must also be replenished to maintain capacity for other medical emergencies across the state.

NSW Premier Chris Minns also urged eligible members of the public to donate blood if they were able.

“We saw extraordinary scenes from New South Wales public hospitals last night, emergency departments at the drop of a hat were in the process of saving scores of lives,” said Minns.

“They did an incredible job but they need your help. They need blood and if you’re thinking about doing an act of public service in the coming 24 hours, I urge you to contact the Red Cross and do that piece of public-mindedness.”

How to donate blood in wake of Bondi mass shooting

People wishing to donate blood can book appointments at Lifeblood donor centres across Sydney and New South Wales.

Locations include permanent centres such as Moore Park, as well as temporary and mobile donor centres established in response to increased demand, including sites near Bondi Beach and Bondi Junction.

Lifeblood has advised potential donors to check eligibility requirements before booking.

Blood donations rules have recently changed, allowing more people from the LGBTQIA+ community to be eligible to donate plasma. Whole blood, plasma and platelet donations are being accepted, subject to eligibility.

High interest in donating blood has led to a temporary outages of the Lifeblood website, so the organisation is encouraging potential donors who encounter issues with the website to call 13 14 95 to book an appointment, or to check back on the website later.