There were 260 donations of blood made at the Australian Red Cross Blood Service’s Blood Bus last week – a stellar effort for the four days it was in town.

Each time the blood bus visits community members are there, lined up and ready to give.

Sometimes the response is so strong donors can be waiting up to an hour – or more.

But wait they do.

For many people, blood donors are their lifeline.

Only one in 30 people give blood, but one in three people will need blood in their lifetime.

Modern processing techniques mean that a single blood donation, when separated into its components, can help at least three different patients and contribute to making up to 22 different products, including potentially life-saving immunisations for chicken pox, hepatitis B and tetanus.

The majority of donated blood goes to people with cancer, as well as people who have suffered traumatic accidents, burns or those undergoing surgery.

About 34 per cent is used to treat patients with cancer and blood diseases, 19 per cent other causes of anaemia, 18 per cent surgical patients including open heart surgery and burns, 13 per cent other medical problems including stomach and kidney disease, 10 per cent orthopaedic patients, including fractures and joint replacements, 4 per cent obstetrics, including pregnant women, new mothers and young children, and 2 per cent trauma, including road accidents.

All blood components have a short shelf life, creating the need for a constant blood supply, with Australia needing more than 27,000 blood donations every week.

All those who donated blood last week should give themselves a big pat on the back, while those yet to donate should seriously consider rolling up their sleeve.

It takes no time at all, hurts very little, costs nothing and can help save three people’s lives.