Important food for thought for winter riders!

[Sharribee]

Originally Posted by StumpyFingers

I have heard that in bad weather the Hospitals prepare for organ transplant as they know some will turn up soon.

stumpyfingers don't take offence at this comment please

what absolute crap

Of course they don't there is so much involved in matching donors to recipients preparation can only begin when the donor organ is found.

Hospitals have enough to do dealing with the massive increase in admissions because of winter illness to worry about one or maybe two RTC's that may come through the door

[pale rider]

Originally Posted by Sharribee

stumpyfingers don't take offence at this comment please

what absolute crap

Of course they don't there is so much involved in matching donors to recipients preparation can only begin when the donor organ is found.

Hospitals have enough to do dealing with the massive increase in admissions because of winter illness to worry about one or maybe two RTC's that may come through the door

sharrie, you've no idea how good it is to see you shed some sense on this thread as it was beginning to descend into a conspiracy theory fuelled by urban myth and paranoia.

i remember an episode of blackadder where fighter pilots during world war one were referred to as 'twenty-minuters' which was there average life-expectancy. I've no idea if this was based on historical fact or if it was just the humour of the scriptwriters but for a while there this thread was hinting that all of us as motorcyclists were the same and are highly likely to die young.

[Sharribee]

In my opinion those of us who ride through the winter and practice out skills daily are better able to cope with what the roads throw at us. Those who bring their bikes out for a sunny day and then ride it like they have stolen it are those that are more at risk. With helmet laws you are less likely to get a serious head injury and that doesn't mean your not going to get significant injury if you do come off but organ donors for the heart lungs liver kidneys need to be brain stem dead which requires a significant brain injury rather than die from other injuries as it's the only way to keep the organs alive. If anyone is interested in why I can explain further.

[StumpyFingers]

Originally Posted by Sharribee

stumpyfingers don't take offence at this comment please

what absolute crap

Of course they don't there is so much involved in matching donors to recipients preparation can only begin when the donor organ is found.

Hospitals have enough to do dealing with the massive increase in admissions because of winter illness to worry about one or maybe two RTC's that may come through the door

I know the truth, but a little lighthearted humour Helps.
I believe high risk in winter is OAP's not using proper heating to save money.
Plus there are other ailments that the cold aggravates which strain the health services.

[outrunner]

At my age my organs have a tough time just keeping me alive so I don't think they would be of use to anyone else!

I do carry a donor card, just in case.


Andy.

[pdsquire]

Originally Posted by Sharribee

In my opinion those of us who ride through the winter and practice out skills daily are better able to cope with what the roads throw at us.

That's a relief! I thought my throwing two bikes to the ground last Winter and being knocked into a car by a pedestrian were related to my being a numpty. In fact they were evidence of my superior ability!

Hoorah!

I must write to my insurers urgently!

On a serious note, about 6% of us give blood and I think fewer than 15% of us are on the organ donation register. The latter is a scandal and conspiracists who talk about sinister doctors abandoning every professional duty and instinct to get an organ out of a RTA victim should become victims of their own ridiculous conspiracy.

The blood figure is even worse. It's free charity people! Not only that, you actually benefit from it. It costs you nowt, you get regular blood checks, your body is better able to fight disease by the greater cell production which regular donations stimulate.

I don't want to think how much blood Sohoeasy got through when he was on the table earlier this year. My sister will blow a few under the knife in a week's time. A friend of mine would have died in child birth but for 20 donors. And there was my mother... That's four certain deaths avoided because people donated without needing to be asked.

People you know will need blood.

Don't wait until they need it before giving. It'll be too late.

I'm almost tempted to ask for this post to be a sticky...

[Sharribee]

OK just for some extra information

Useful links for those who are interested

The National Blood Service - do something amazing give Blood

NHSBT - Organ Donation -

NHSBT - British Bone Marrow Registry



There you go

[Grendel]

I'm on the Antony Nolan Bone marrow doner list and carry a doner card but must admit haven't given blood in years since believe it or not the blood van doesn't come to the hospital that i work at?

I think if the blood van comes to your place of work there isn't a good excuse not to give blood unless you have medical reasons. Just wish they came to my place of work, 1/2 hours away from work and tea & biscuits.

[pdsquire]

Excellent news, Grendel, really excellent! But are you sure about blood?

I went to www.blood.co.uk, searched for sessions in Southampton (where I believe you live) and 21 venues came up: rural, suburban and in right in the thick of it.

PLEASE everyone, do the same for your area. You may live ten miles from a donation session but if someone you care for is injured like two forum members have been this year then you'll be astounded you ever thought the distance to donate was of any significance.

Ride safe and give.

[Grendel]

I checked out there site after posting and found a few local to me .
Just need to find out if i can still donate with the painkillers I'm on or if it makes me unworthy.