Segment 1 Members of the public are interviewed on the street about whether they have ever considered donating blood. Most say no, and give various reasons why not. A man is brought into Accident and Emergency and given a blood transfusion as the narrator explains that blood is needed all the time all over the country. He lists different uses, including accidents, medical procedures, surgeries, treatment of cancer and burns and liver transplants. The narrator explains what blood is; the components are shown in an animation. The film then deals with people's objections to giving blood. The first is, 'I heard you get AIDS from giving blood'. The narrator explains this is not the case; a blood donation session is seen. The next reason is, 'I couldn't give up a whole afternoon'. However, giving blood takes only an hour. Then a factory that organises donation sessions for its staff is seen; a female employee gives blood for the first time. Time start: 00:00:00:00 Time end: 00:05:25:19 Length: 00:05:25:19
Segment 2 The factory worker goes back to work after giving blood saying that it was painless. The blood is taken to a regional centre for testing and processing, which is seen. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the components. The blood stores are seen as the narrator explains how long the different components are kept for. The blood tests are seen, testing for blood type, rhesus type, antibodies and infections. Next, a plasma donation session in Newcastle is seen and the benefits of plasma donations are explained. Time start: 00:05:25:19 Time end: 00:09:58:21 Length: 00:04:33:02
Segment 3 The narrator explains how the plasma donation machine works and one of the plasma donors explains why he does it. The plasma is seen being processed at a blood products lab in Elstree and the different proteins, antibodies and clotting substances explained. More doubting members of the public are seen saying that 'I don't think I'd qualify' and 'Why would I give it away when I've never needed it'. The narrator explains that any fit person between 18-60 may give blood and that anyone may need it at any time. A mother explains that her 5-year-old daughter was saved by 5 units of blood after a road accident. The film ends with many members of the public being interviewed about donating blood and they all agree to donate. End credits. Time start: 00:09:58:21 Time end: 00:15:35:02 Length: 00:05:36:06