Injured worker's family asks for blood donations

A worker pinned between two pieces of machinery at the Agrium potash mine near Vanscoy, Sask. on Monday is still fighting for his life in hospital.
 
Speaking on behalf of the man’s family, United Steelworkers Union local 7552 president Darrin Kruger said the man’s loved ones have been by his bedside since the accident.
 
“He’s a young man with a young family with a bright future in front of him. He’s somebody that’s a strong character, a jokester. People immediately gravitate towards him,” he said.
 
Kruger said the family is thankful for the efforts of doctors, nurses and hospital staff.
 
“He remains in critical condition on life support in hospital. His injuries are such that he has used upwards of 400 units of blood,” he said.
 
 A unit of blood is equivalent to just under half a litre, according to Canadian Blood Services.The average person’s body contains about five litres of blood.
 
Kruger said the family has been overwhelmed with people asking how they can help. He said they instructed him to ask people to give blood, as a way of paying forward the donations which have kept the man alive.
 
“They’re living this right now, they see what people’s generous gifts are doing for their family. For their father, for their brother, for their son. That’s a huge personal impact on people,” Kruger said.   

People wishing to donate blood can contact Canadian Blood Services to set up an appointment either by phone, or online.