Originally Posted by
bike2math
I also keep my Blood donor card next to my drivers license; I figure quickly identifying my blood type is a plus, and I've heard that in some states blood donors are considered first in line in the event of a shortage.
I consider it the ohio version of high altitude training for the next week.
You would never be given blood based on anything but a type and screen test; if there weren't time for that you might be given O blood. The risk of a fatal reaction to the wrong type blood is too high to give blood based on a wallet card, or medic alert ID or your memory or even on medical records.
Yep, flat lander altitude training - that's how I do it in Central Indiana, too: Go for a bike ride within a day or two of donating.