10,000 donations are needed every day

Every year, as summer approaches, the French are asked to donate blood. First step: check that you meet the criteria for donating. You must be between 18 and 70 years old and weigh more than 50 kilos. A first questionnaire covers medical history, travel, and lifestyle. You must then make an appointment online. There are 115 donation centers in France.

First essential condition: having had breakfast. You must then complete a new medical questionnaire and drink 500 ml of water. There are certain contraindications: not having had tattoos in the last four months, not having given birth in the last six months, and not having received dental care in the last 24 hours. A maximum of 10% of the overall blood volume is collected from a donor. Ten minutes later, the donation is made. You must then remain under observation for 20 minutes with a new snack to regain your strength.