Thursday’s blood drive for two firefighters critically injured in the Silverado Fire was so successful that organizers will hold another one Monday.
“The blood drive went very well, better than expected,” said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Paul Holaday said.
The goal was to collect 120 units of blood. One unit is good for three adult patients or eight children, Holaday said.
“We met our goal for sure,” Holaday said. “I don’t know if they exceeded it yet, but we filled every slot. They were turning away appointments today.”
Those would-be donors were told to come back Monday when another blood drive will be held at OC Global Medical Center, which organized Thursday’s blood drive in honor of the firefighters, Dylan Van Iwaarden and Phi Le, who continue to recuperate there and remain in critical condition.
“It was an absolute success,” Holaday said. “The family is very appreciative and the hospital’s blood bank (staff) were so excited.”
Monday’s blood drive will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the hospital at 1001 N. Tustin Ave.
Appointments are encouraged to better comply with COVID-19 guidelines. An appointment can be made at lstream.org.
“Both Dylan and Phi continue to improve,” Holaday said. “Every day they’re making slow improvement.”