I try to make it a point to donate blood as often as possible. I’m marrying an ICU nurse, so I get a second row seat to understanding how important it is to have blood in the system. Normally, I donate on my lunch break so that I can spend the afternoon in my climate controlled office building while taking in gallons of water, cookies, juice, and kudos from my coworkers . . .
With a day off on Monday (President’s Day), I decided to go donate and then head to the range. My range trip was bearable, but I certainly wasn’t on top of my game. My brain seemed to be running at half speed and my fine motor skills went to hell. It turns out being down a pint is an excellent training opportunity.
Here’s the rub. People get shot in DGUs. There aren’t many good opportunities for you to experience a little blood loss in a somewhat controlled fashion. You should be making it a practice to donate blood every 8 weeks anyway. Only 3 out of 100 Americans donate. Why not squeeze in a training opportunity while you save 3 lives?
Disclaimer: You should only give blood if you are healthy enough to do so. If it is your first time donating, go home and monitor yourself. Everyone reacts differently to losing a pint. Know your body before you try to shoot while your dipstick is dry. DO NOT do an intense training session. YOU WILL pass out. Take a spotter/training buddy/friend/non blood donor with you. In fact, get on an alternating schedule with your blood buddy. Spot them when they donate and have them do the same for you. It should go without saying, but if you start to feel crappy, pack your gear and head home.
If gun owners can mobilize to buy a crappy cup of coffee, we can do the same to donate blood and make the best of a great training opportunity.