The Torrance Fire Department Wednesday appealed for public help for a plasma donor for a firefighter recovering from COVID-19.
The firefighter, who was not identified, "needs plasma donated from a fully recovered COVID patient so their antibodies may help boost his ability to fight back,'' the department's statement said.
"Time is of the essence. Even if you aren't a match for our brother, you could be for another patient who needs this therapy.''
Potential donors must have had COVID-19 as confirmed by a positive test, and must be recovered and have one of the following criteria:
- Symptoms resolved at least 28 days prior to donation
- Symptoms resolved 14 days prior to donation and a repeat COVID-19 test is negative
Also, the donors must be one of the following:
- A male donor
- A female donor who has never been pregnant
- A female donor who has been tested since their most recent pregnancy and results interpreted as negative for HLA antibodies
If you think you or someone you know fits the criteria, you may contact Dr. Marc Cohen at emsdoc911@hotmail.com or use the this link to contact the American Red Cross.
