Take the edge off: Alick’s Journey from needle-nervous to regular plasma donor

For Alick, a swimming teacher and psychology student at Deakin University, that first trip at 18 was a bit of a rocky start.

“My biggest worry was the needle,” Alick admits. “I was so nervous I ended up dropping blood pressure and couldn't even finish the donation!”

Now, Alick has 18+ donations up his sleeve since turning 18. He’s proving that even if your first time doesn't go to plan, you can still become a life-saving pro. 

The reality of the ‘pinch’

If you’re terrified of needles, Alick has some news for you: it’s less painful than stubbing your toe. “You feel a pinch for half a second and even then, you barely feel it. Once it’s in, you don’t notice it at all,” he says. 

For Alick, donating plasma is now an hour of me-time. A chance to catch up on a book or chuckle along to a comedy podcast. Hamish and Andy is a fave.

Nervous? Try these tips

Alick’s journey from a low-blood-pressure faint to a confident donor came down to a few clever distractions. If you're feeling the edge, try these:

• The wiggle: A tip from Alick’s mum, who’s a nurse, is to wiggle your toes while the needle goes in. It’s a simple distraction that works for him, every time.
• The tooth count: Use your tongue to count your teeth. It sounds silly, but it keeps your brain busy while the team gets you set up.
• Look away: It’s okay to look away! Focus on your book, your phone, or the friendly team member.
• Master the art of AMT: Applied Muscle Tension (AMT) is a simple routine of muscle squeezes that keep your blood pressure steady and help you stay relaxed. Here’s a handy video that shows you exactly how it’s done.

If you’re new to donating, check out our Donation 101 guide to see exactly what to expect.

Calling all students, teachers and tertiary Lifeblood Teams

Alick isn’t the only one balancing university life with saving lives. If you’re a student or work at a uni or TAFE, now is the perfect time to start your donor journey. 

You can make an even bigger difference by donating with others as part of a Lifeblood Team. Our Tertiary Blood Drive kicks off on February 14 and runs until May 14, bringing together university and TAFE Lifeblood Teams around Australia to donate as much as possible during this time. It’s the ultimate way to represent your campus and see who can save the most lives. 

Whether you're at Deakin, like Alick, or anywhere else across the country, join your tertiary Lifeblood Team to have your donation automatically counts toward your team’s total.

The best part? The vibe (and the snacks)

Why keep coming back? For Alick, it’s the community. “Everyone at Lifeblood is genuinely looking to help. You sit for an hour, talk to lovely people and save lives.”

And let’s not forget the legendary post-donation spread. Alick’s winning combo is a chilled choccy milk paired with biccies. 
Whether you’re listening to an upbeat Gracie Abrams track like Alick’s donation go-to tune or just enjoying the quiet, the feeling of walking out those doors knowing you’ve made a difference is the ultimate vibe.

Ready to begin your own journey? Book a donation today and you might just find your own donation ritual.