If you can find an RN or a Paramedic (someone experienced at starting IV's) that has access to supplies, it is really not that hard to do. Basically what you need is an IV catheter, bag of IV fluids, and IV tubing. The IV catheter needs to be 18 gauge. IF not the blood has a tendency to clot off with the smaller gauge needles and you have to start over. Also it takes FOREVER to drain if you don't use an 18 gauge. You can use a 16 gauge but I have found that this can drain the blood too fast and cause dizziness and lightheadedness.
The bag of IV fluids is first drained, leaving you an empty bag with which to catch the blood that you are going to drain. The IV tubing must NOT contain a one way valve. Many of the IV tubings today have a one way valve and this will prevent the blood from flowing "backwards" into the empty IV bag. The RN or Paramedic knows what this is and can look for one without. IV tubing used for "piggybacks" called secondary tubing usually does not have a one way valve and is a good option.
Then all you have to do is have the person start an IV on you, hook it up to the tubing and bag, and sit back in a recliner and let the blood drain. The bag usually rests on the floor and you can hang your arm off the chair if needed. The empty bag works great because you can keep track of exactly how much blood you are draining. I would recommend that you drain between 500 and 750ml. This amount is totally safe will usually drop your hematocrit around 4 points. I usually go from 19 to mid 15's with 700ml drained.
Increase your hydration for the rest of the day and you should be good to go without restrictions the next day. If you are suffering with the symptoms of high hematocrit you will feel better almost instantly.
There are also some kits that you can buy that you can use to drain blood. But every RN and Paramedic have access to the few supplies that you need to do it, so it should be easy to acquire. I would not recommend trying this with someone who has never started an IV.
