First In. First to Save.
San Diego Blood Bank’s Rapid Response Team is a special group of donors with O-type blood who consistently step up when lives are on the line. These O donors donate whole blood and red blood cells when eligible to support emergency use of blood products in the field and in hospital trauma centers—helping save lives before patients even reach the hospital.
Who Are Rapid Response Team Members?
If you’re an O-positive or O-negative blood donor, you’re already eligible to be recognized as a Rapid Response Team donor.
When you donate, you’re helping to supply:
- Whole blood for use in ambulances and prehospital settings
- O-type red blood cell unit(s) for trauma centers and emergency departments
- Life-saving care across Southern California, where minutes matter most
No extra sign-up is required—just keep donating regularly, especially at blood drives supporting emergency response and whole blood collection.
Why O-Type Blood?
O-type blood, especially O-negative, is critical in trauma care because it can be safely given to patients with an unknown blood type, when their blood type is not readily available. That’s why your blood type is often the first choice—and sometimes the only chance a patient has to survive life-threatening traumatic injuries.
Whether it’s a car crash, a mass casualty event, or a childbirth emergency, your blood donation is a gift that helps ensure blood is not only waiting at the hospital, but available if needed beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign up for the Rapid Response Team separately?
No. If you’re an O-type donor, you’re already eligible. Qualifying blood donors will receive email offers, invitations, and reward notifications based on donation activity.
Can I also be member of Guardians Circle?
Yes, you can be both a Guardians Circle member and part of the Rapid Response Team! Making the pledge to be a Guardians Circle member is easy. Please log into your blood donor portal at sandiegobloodbank.org/login and make the pledge. You may also sign up at any San Diego Blood Bank or Southern California Blood Bank donor center or blood drive, just ask our staff.
How will I know if I qualify for a reward?
All donor communications will be sent to your primary email listed in your donor portal account. Type O blood donors may receive email, phone, or SMS updates with instructions to redeem rewards if you’ve qualified. Please make sure your contact info is up to date in your donor portal, with a current mailing address, primary phone number, and most importantly, a valid, primary email address that you have used to opt in to receive emails from San Diego Blood Bank.
Can I still receive regular donor promotion gifts and Guardians Circle benefits?
Absolutely. Rapid Response Team donors who are also Guardians Circle members will have the opportunity to receive select donor promotions, Guardians Circle rewards*, and RRT-specific appreciation items.
Why are only O Donors eligible for RRT? Is my blood type not important?
All blood types are critically important—and every donation helps save lives. The Rapid Response Team was created specifically to support prehospital and trauma care, where O-type blood is used most often because it can be given to patients without prior blood typing, especially in emergencies when seconds matter.
That said, every donor matters, and Guardians Circle recognizes all who give consistently. We’re also working on additional recognition for other blood types and donation types, like platelet and plasma donors. The Rapid Response Team is just one way we’re building programs around urgent needs—there’s more to come for everyone who supports this life-saving mission.
Questions about Guardians Circle or Rapid Response Team? Contact us at DonorServices@sdbb.org
*Please Note: All donor appreciation items are non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and have no market value.
