A couple of months ago I donated blood for the first time, but it was at a NJ UBS facility. This was the first time for Las Vegas. The two places look the same and are run similarly, except that I think I waited a bit longer to be taken here.
The intake interviewer did a great job taking blood from my finger; normally I'd rather have gallons of blood taken from my arm before submitting to one little finger prick, but this time it was painless. On the other hand, the arm puncture HURT! I think both were due to the skills, or lack thereof, of the phlebotomists.
The room is very cold, but I was given a cozy blanket, and the procedure didn't take very long. What did impress was what happened afterwards: I thought I was fine, went outside to make a phone call, and nearly fainted. Came back in and put my head down on the table, and the next thing I know people were throwing me onto the floor, head on a cushion, ice packs under my neck and other places that wouldn't be unmentionable, except that I can't remember where they shoved that ice! After I felt better, I was led back to one of the "donation" chairs, fed juice and pretzels, and they had me rest for a while longer. Kudos to the quick action and excellent care.
Despite the scary experience, I will go back. Glutton for punishment?