RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) — A new law was passed which allows Virginians the option to display their blood type on government issued IDs in order to help first responders in emergencies.
Sen. George L. Barker (Va. D) introduced Senate Bill 345. It directs the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, or DMV, to establish a method for an applicant to disclose their blood type on their driver’s license or ID.
Virginians will now see this option when they renew or replace their driver’s license or ID at dmv.virginia.gov, or in person at any Virginia DMV customer service center. Customers who are applying for an ID for the first time must visit a customer service center in person.
It’s not required for an applicant to prove their blood type, and relies on the individual to provide the correct information. The bill states the DMV is not liable for the accuracy of the data.
“The law was intended to aid individuals and first responders when every second counts in an
emergency,” said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey in a news release.
WAVY learned however, the new law however will not really change the way Virginia Beach EMS operates.
“If we wind up having a driver’s license with that information I could see us doing that as part of our radio reports to the hospital,” said Virginia Beach EMS Interim Chief Bruce Nedelka.
Nedelka said they only carry type ‘O’ blood which is the universal donor (safe for people of all blood types to receive) and that would not change.
He also said that even if EMS relays the message to the hospital the staff would still double check the blood type on arrival.
So, 10 On Your Side asked Nedelka, does the new law actually save time in an emergency as intended?
“I think in some areas of the state where it may be more rural, where they don’t have the benefit of all the hospitals and level one trauma center that we pretty much take for granted around here,” Nedelka said, “where we have a few minutes of a transport time and out there they could have 45 minutes or more of a transport time, I think there could be some benefit there.”
That way he said the hospital could have the blood type ready to go upon arrival to use after double checking the person’s blood type.
Getting the wrong type of blood can cause a severe and possibly life threatening reaction which is why healthcare workers will double check what’s on your license.
If you want to include it but don’t know your blood type just ask you doctor for the simple blood test at your next visit.
