Devoun Cetoute
Miami Herald
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — Miami-Dade Fire Rescue is asking people to donate plasma to help a firefighter suffering from pneumonia after contracting the novel coronavirus.
Lieutenant Germarlon Broadnax is fighting for his life at Aventura Medical Center, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said. He is suffering from persistent pneumonia due to COVID-19.
Broadnax has been intubated after his health got worse, MDFR said. Fire Rescue says he needs plasma to help save his life, but only from those with a specific blood type.
Anyone with blood type O+ and has recovered from COVID-19 is asked to donate. But anyone can donate who has recovered to help others in need.
“We are asking for your assistance for one of our brothers, but your plasma donation may possibly help so many other families who are desperately looking for a glimmer of hope by receiving plasma donations,” fire rescue said.
Fire rescue says convalescent plasma with antibodies is needed to help those who are currently fighting COVID-19 at the hospitals. Convalescent plasma is the liquid part of the blood that is collected from patients who have recovered from the virus.
Anyone who wants to donate can call OneBlood at 888-936-6283 or visit https://www.oneblood.org/lp/covid-19-convalescent-plasma.stml using reference number EIND # 142862 and identify your donation is for Lieutenant Germarlon Broadnax at Aventura Medical Center.
Plasma can be donated from anywhere in the country.
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